MY SECRET "CANDY"

Saying Goodbye to this Blog

2009-06-28T20:20:00.003-05:00

I want to thank those that took the time to read this "rant and ramble" blog of mine. I'll be slowly transferring the important contents here to our family blog and welcome you to visit me there...

Nothing big of a reason, just too busy with life to maintain several blogs...

Goodbye...

http://complicatedsimplicity96.blogspot.com

CoL:Day 26-32

2009-06-07T14:25:00.002-05:00

Now I'm the one who's sick with another one of my children sick also and has a broken pinky. Yikes! So now, instead of eating well and healthy, I haven't had much appetite! Plus, last night, our neighbor, though gave us a warning, partied with loud music from 10PM to 3AM! Oooohhh, my migraine.... plus I had to bring down the fever of my now sick child. Man, why can't they just make these journeys easy? LOL

Though to my credit, we moved a lot! patio cleaning, gardening, sweeping, reorganizing, fridge cleanout and sorting and walking and swimming so at least I'm losing weight that way.

I'm also getting into baking, so I'm using my arms a lot in mixing and keeping things steady and reaching up. (Does that count? I hope so...) ;-)

Til next time... (I hope...)

CoL: Day 17-25

2009-06-01T13:16:00.002-05:00

Still not getting enough time to focus on eating right but then again who can with 2 sick kids?

I'm hopeful though, very hopeful... (can you see my crossed fingers?)

Activity: Walked a lot in doing errands and getting my dinnerware fix. Sometimes, just looking helps so much in getting great ideas!

CoL: Day 6-17

2009-05-24T23:28:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the lack of discipline it would seem but between my graduation, hubby's Apprentice Program graduation, School concerts, trips and last minute errands, eating healthy much less tracking has been difficult.

I should be back on track tomorrow...

Hopefully... It is Memorial Day and we're barbecuing!

Ok, ok... I'll be good!

CoL: Day 5

2009-05-13T20:17:00.002-05:00

Change of Lifestyle adventure continues...

Today was wrought with itinerary printouts, confirming rental car and hotel room, looking at budget and getting just the right clothes. All to just get to my own graduation! I'm so glad I only have to do this once! Whew! ;-)

BREAKFAST:
*** Cheerios Crunch & 2% milk - 1 bowl
*** Water - 2 glasses

LUNCH:
*** Mama's Spaghetti - 1 small bowl
*** Diet Pepsi - 1 can

VITAMIN:
*** Centrum Complete
*** Water- 1 glass

SNACK:
*** Water- 2 glasses

DINNER:
*** Arby's Roasted Burger - 1 (It was FREE!)
*** Rootbeer (I had to buy a drink to get the burger)
*** Ice Water- 2 glasses

ACTIVITY:
*** Got up at 6:15A again!
*** Made sure kids got to school
*** Took care of travel plans
*** Did laundry
*** Washed and dried dishes
*** Blogged future posts

Since we'll be in Phoenix and we've got friends in Mesa, I know I will be doing a lot of walking and talking. That's a lot of calories to be burned, not monumental, but still a lot!

CoL: Day 4

2009-05-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

I had a late Mother's Day Brunch today. I know, I know, excuses...
Let's see how I did today, shall we?

BREAKFAST:
*** Honey wheat with sausage muffins
*** Water - 1 glass

LUNCH:
*** Quiche - 2 small triangles
*** Grapes - 1 cup
*** Decaf Lemon Herb ice tea - 3 glasses

VITAMIN:
*** Centrum Complete
*** Water- 2 glasses

SNACK:
*** Rondnoir chocolate - 2 pieces
*** Water- 2 glasses

DINNER:
*** Hot & Sour soup - 1 medium bowl
*** Ice Water- 3 glasses

ACTIVITY:
*** Got up at 6:15A
*** Baked breakfast fares for Brunch
*** Did a tablescape
*** Took pictures
*** Talked with friend - 3 hours
*** Washed and dried dishes
*** Booked flight for trip
*** Blogged

Man, I need to be more active!

CoL: Day 3

2009-05-11T21:15:00.003-05:00

Day 3 only of my "Change of Lifestyle" journey and I'm already late posting. Yikes!

BREAKFAST:
*** HBoO with almonds & 2% milk

LUNCH:
*** Mama's Spaghetti- 1 small bowl

*** Sonic burger no cheese

*** Ice Water - 3 glasses

VITAMIN:
*** Centrum Complete

*** Water- 2 glasses

SNACK:

*** "Slim Cocoas" cookie -1
*** Water- 2 glasses

DINNER:
*** Fried rice w/ veggies- 1 small bowl
*** Ice Water- 3 glasses

ACTIVITY:
*** Went to Walmart- 1.5 hours

*** Took a shower

*** Took a nap - 1.5 hours

*** Cooked dinner

*** Baked a biscuit tart w/ my fam

*** Talked to my hubby

*** Did a tablescape

*** Took pictures

*** Washed and dried dishes

*** Did Laundry

*** Stretched- 15 mins

*** Blogged

Still too much food, but I got a lot more done so I kind of made up for it. LOL

CoL: Day 2

2009-05-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

The second attempt, I mean day of changing my eating habits by watching what I eat and being more active...

BREAKFAST:

*** Breakfast sandwich (white) & 12 oz. 2% milk

LUNCH:

*** Filipino beef stew with rice- 1 bowl
*** Diet Pepsi

*** "Slim Cocoas" cookie - 1

*** Ice Water - 2 glasses

VITAMIN:

*** Centrum Complete
*** Water- 2 glasses

SNACK:

*** Water- 3 glasses

DINNER:

*** Fried rice w/ veggies

*** Mama's spaghetti - on a small salad plate

*** Ferrero Rondnoir- 1 piece
*** Ice Water- 3 glasses

ACTIVITY:

*** Went to church

*** Took a shower
*** Did a tablescape
*** Took pictures
*** Cooked dinner
*** Stretched
*** Blogged

Ok, so it looks like I overate... Gotta be better tomorrow. LOL

I Can Stand To Lose a Few...

2009-05-09T20:47:00.005-05:00

I guess as Spring comes, it is more apparent that weight loss is at the top of the agenda list for most people. Since I belong to this global conspiracy called human race, I might as jump into the band wagon and lose a few, (ahem) 20 lbs!

Starting today! (Did I really just think that?!)

Oh, well... I can do this right? I took a semester of Food and Nutrition class and I've reaped the benefits in how I feed my children. They would gladly tell you, "We're still alive!" So that must mean I'm doing good right? ;-)

Ok, here I go...

BREAKFAST:
*** Small bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds & milk

LUNCH:
*** Olive oil & Garlic Pasta w/ Broccoli - 1 bowl

*** Corn - 1 cup
*** Ice Water - 2 glasses

VITAMIN:
*** Centrum Complete

*** Water- 2 glasses

SNACK:
*** Apple Slices -3

*** Water- 2 glasses

DINNER:
*** Crab Bread Quiche- 1 slice
*** 1 cup rice with Spam

*** Ice Water- 4 glasses

ACTIVITY:
*** Washed dishes and cleaned stove, again!
*** Did laundry

*** Organized some more

*** Took more pictures

*** Baked two cookie batches

*** Made dinner

***Blogged

Ok, that wasn't so bad... Wish me luck for tomorrow, though, I'll need it!

Room by Room: Freshen Up!

2009-04-23T11:59:00.012-05:00

I know this is late, but a promise is a promise!

Now that it's Spring time again, that means Spring Cleaning!

BIG Disclaimer: I DON'T DO SPRING CLEANING because my kids' schedule are chock full at this time and lately Spring meant finals for me, so there... Instead I do SUMMER CLEANING the first week of summer vacation.

7 Tips to Freshen Up Your Home

1. Open up your all your windows before you dust. Let the fresh air in for about an hour. If you have ceiling fans, turn it on for 20 minutes. This brings in enough oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange that it actually freshens up your lungs and energize!

2. Now sit in the main living area where your biggest couch is. If you can't feel the life-giving exchange of breezes, that space is stagnant. Find a configuration where one has a window facing it or the air reaches the couch. It's a simple concept, you have a sofa for a reason, it holds more people and it's subject to immediate stagnation of air. After you close all the windows, then dust and vacuum to "seal in" the freshness for a little while to help you relax and enjoy the cleaner atmosphere.

3. If your main living and sleeping areas are dark (my MB is fairly dark) because of its normal orientation, then place more light in them. That's it! Nothing induces more happiness than a bright (moderately so) area. You wouldn't sleep in a brightly lit room, right? Why would you read in a dark room? Capish?

4. Dust your corners and bring life to them with either a plant or an inanimate object with movement or a light. Corners tend to be forgotten and so are numerous issues in your life that have been piling up.

Example: in my home, my corners are given a purpose: a cat tree, a shoe cubby, utility shelves, important posters, extra shelves. Corners are useful; do not forget them. It's like using up one part of your brain with important items that can exercise it enough to add to your betterment.

5. Kitchens need pruning too! This is my latest project as I am a self-proclaimed "Stock-Up" Queen. If you don't need it, give it away! I just recently did this by giving away some of my unused and rarely bakeware, doubled up kitchen stuff and using up good pantry items. Remember, kitchens are the best indicators of what you value. And to be honest, mine right now says, "busy woman". But I have a plan and slowly being executed! So pictures soon?

6. Just the mere act of clearing the couch (no, not by tossing things off!) can do a lot of wonders. Perform the 5-minute test: sit for 5 minutes on the cleared couch. If you can't smell the fresher air (not the Febreze only) or be able to have a wider view of your home, you are stagnant!

7. Look at your colors. See if you can freshen it up a bit. Even if you're a fall gal like me, just adding a neutral light or complementary seasonal color combos can bring great change in mood and energy. Try these:

Rust (Browns) and Red- add in muted turquoise or dusty blue. (Spring & Summer)

Browns and Rusty Red- add in taupe to tone down the heaviness.

The above is regular daylight, the two tone pillow broke up the heavy colors of rust red and brown.The photo below is with flash simulating night time and yet the lighter and smaller pillow still served to lighten up the look.

Burgundy and Black- add in minty sage or pale rust to lighten up the mood

Blue and White- infuse in some reds or yellow to transform the feel

Pink and Black- infuse in some pale sages to bring in a complete look and bring in another level of energy

Sage and Red- add in some taupes to complete the sophistication.

Enjoy your Spring Cleaning!

Happy Easter To All!

2009-04-11T15:12:00.003-05:00

JESUS CHRIST,

OUR SAVIOR AND REDEEMER

HAS RISEN

AND

HAVE ATONED FOR OUR SINS!

Only Seven?

2009-03-27T13:48:00.005-05:00

In visiting other blogs who joined SITS, a commenting group of women bloggers (and one man), our featured blogger yesterday had a fun meme about writing out "7 Weird Things About Me"

Here's my list...

"7 Weird Things About Me"

1. I love to stay home; I mean I'm not lazy or anything, just probably the epitome of a homebody. Sure I love to travel, if I can, but between Aruba and my couch with a good book, I say, "Aruba-bye!" and "let me at that book!"

2. Super obsessed with purple! No, not every single thing I own is purple, but to me there is no better color to paint the best things in life with: grapes, eggplants, velvet capes, throws, pillows- you get the idea. If people want your attention, in this day and age, you won't see yellow or red, you'd see purple! You want people to notice something unique, paint it purple. You want a classic elegant look, go deep purple!

3. I can only grow petunias; I guess it's my lack of patience, but c'mon, even my herb pot quit on me, the jasmine plant kept getting munched on by some bug I can't catch, marigolds shrink too quickly, irises take too long to bloom after the first round from the store! Are said "weak" plants still around, sadly yes, but they look so sad- spindly cilantro & parsley, miniature iris leaves, marigolds with tiny blooms... But, petunias, I seem to prune, watch, and bring back to life, making it at least bi-annuals! Does that mean I have "only petunias" thumb?

4. Rather clean the toilet over ironing. Can't handle ironing. Maybe because I'm short and can't handle the insult of that most iron stands, go up to just under the "chest" for me. Hey, if I want to be insulted, I'd rather have my arms free and ache free! At least with toilets, you can fight back with one flush and a brush!

5. I'm the stock up queen! No, not STUCK UP, STOCK UP as in food, necessities, for a rainy day? I have this system down that I've been ridiculed with by reg folks that use their funds for rec stuff they don't even appreciate or end up collecting dust in one corner of their house (their excuse, they have no time- yeah right!) Well anyway, I go major Costco shopping twice a year, refill up the freezer every month or two, and refresh the fridge every two weeks. Why? Why? Didn' t I just say I'm the STOCK UP queen?

6. I am most coherent when I'm upset! So watch out, if you find that I keep making sense during our conversation while I'm pummeling you with accurate aims at the weak points of your character, you know I'm upset! Normally, I like to daydream and think of my darling babies...

7. I don't like solicitors and the stupid ones at that! If you're going to solicit me for something, don't use the "disarm you with warm greetings and small talk" because if you can see me then, you'd see raised eyebrows, going "what does he want and when can I tell him, no thank you?" The stupid ones, where they think they can intimidate you by being covert or mysterious ("Hello, is so and so there?") and not tell you who they are ("Are you so and so?") or who they work for ("I can only speak to so and so, is he/she available?), do they really think I'll keep them on the phone?
As I've said, S-T-U-P-I-D!

And we've reached the end of this segment of how weird I really am. Bye.

Awards Worth Sharing!

2009-03-25T21:31:00.006-05:00

Megan of Infertile Myrtle shared this blog friendship award to those who visit her blog. I was one of the lucky ones that visit her, so... Now, I share it all with you!

If you think or know I'm a true blog friend and you'd like to continue or start becoming one of my true blog friends, please accept this generous award. If not, take it anyway and pass it on to your true blog friends. The point is keep sharing...

I also created an award for all bloggers. Blogging has been very therapeutic for me and am very sure most of you feel the same way, so take this award and also, share with those you deem fabulous enough who also has a blog!

Happy Blogging!

Just A Token...

2009-03-24T22:52:00.010-05:00

Anne, I hope you see this post. My heart couldn't help but be heavy for you losing Britta when she was little. I wished I knew you then and had the opportunity to help comfort you...
All day today, I couldn't stop thinking of you and now, a part of me which loves you and your family can't help but make this little token. As my daughters often point out, "we are heavenly sisters, so we always love each other." So, as my heavenly sister, I offer you a token of my love to help ease a little bit of the pain...

I hope you don't mind... Knowing you, I can almost imagine how beautiful Britta is. She has been appointed to watch out for your family from heaven and fulfill a mission only she can do... I hope that you would take this token and put it in your blog so that as this post becomes old, my memory will be refreshed each time...

Life... what does it really mean?

2009-03-22T22:38:00.013-05:00

I love having a blog and reading my friends' blogs because it helps me put my views into perspective. And through our written stories, we bond and we tackle the most daunting item on the list, we call it, simply, life...

Take me for example, my brief stint in Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona was wrought with misery. Not because it was a bad place where we were, but I found me miserable because as I've previously mentioned, I'm Asian and from a tropical island called the Philippines. I couldn't handle the heat, the dry and the dust. I remember feeling very claustrophobic in our very first apartment in Gilbert, it was dark, we were the bottom apartment and we faced a main road that blasted dust into our patio day in and day out. I went insane! We transferred to an upstairs one and I was happy for a while but our bottom neighbors couldn't handle the noise of small children and constantly told on us at the office and blew smoke upwards through our balconies! We were veritable prisoners!

Then of course, we transferred to the ASU Williams Gateway Housing and each morning was so quiet and deserted that I thought I would crawl out of my skin! I didn't want to be happy anymore... I just wanted to get out!

But life has a way of turning things around... I have met a handful of women that have truly left a lasting impression in my heart and each of them I still care for. The fact that we have found each other through our blogs, show me that we have yet to care for each other. Each one was an example of love, patience and motherhood to me that I can never learn on my own. (I hope they don't mind that I comment on their blog the moment they post, lol) We celebrate each other through different means and find ways to strenghten our bond despite the different directions our lives have lead us. Blogging, I think is purely inspired...

I love my children so much that I am a "Motherhood" student still hoping that someone would be smart enough to compile all successes and give it to me personally! But until then, I continue to be in awe of these few women that have shown me that home is where I make it to be. A handful of them is all that made me feel grateful I am a mother during stressful times, but it is enough.

Their triumphs, joy and pain, I feel... I want to run to them and rescue them from their hurt. And someday, somehow, I can do that for them, even just to say- "Thank you for teaching me to be a better mother."

Right now, we are all mourning with our dear friend, Crystal Eldredge and her husband Spencer , for losing their son, Sage, at 8 months old last Thursday. Each of us have known Crystal in our own special way and along with the entire Eldredge and Reidhead families, express our love and concern. She is one of those examples that shines without anyone's help. She is simply amazing in all that she does and still find time to compliment others. Some of us will come to her side, some will send their love and some, like me, will say goodbye to Sage the same way as Crystal on Wednesday, even though I am two states away. Life, no matter how you define it, is a gift to cherish and when given the chance to flourish, has a way of binding people; and children is the best glue there is...

Sage; meaning healing herb or wisdom

I can tell you that this precious little boy's name was also inspired; he certainly HEALED his parents of any void they were feeling in their lives and WISDOM to know the truthfulness of the gospel when he joined them, though briefly... That is how I feel about all of my children, and on Wednesday morning, they will join me in releasing colorful balloons in honor of

Sage Lawrence Eldredge

Thank you Heavenly Father for granting my desire to be a mother to prepare me to meet these ladies that will always be a part of me...

"I ran over a surfer in my car because I'm a Ninja!"

2009-03-14T13:41:00.003-05:00

I like this meme; it makes you laugh about what's associated with your personality. It may even be true!

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself!

This is so cute! Thanks, Melissa! Make sure to write in the comments what your funny sentence is!

Check out this giveaway dress!

2009-03-10T09:25:00.002-05:00

Kathleen of Grosgrain is doing a great dress giveaway, check it out!

"Candy is like..."

2009-03-08T16:17:00.005-05:00

I found another cute meme from Lara's blog. I did the same for my name, but didn't pan out much, so I used my nickname. (Ok, most don't know this about me, so you will forget about it after reading this meme...) Also, I chose the most PG ones, so I didn't get the first ten results off Google.

1. Candy is like a candy container after an evening of trick-or-treating.

2. Candy is like asking a parent which child is his or her favorite.

3. Candy is like borrowing from your best friend.

4. Candy is like diamonds and how crystal molecules form.

5. Candy is like that seed planted by the sower in the parable spoken by Jesus in Matthew 13.

6. Candy is like your crazy old grandma-who-never-throws-anything-away.

7. Candy is like dipping an apple into caramel and then dipping that into chocolate.

8. Candy is like my enemy too….but i still will die for it!!!

9. Candy is like reaching the next level in a love affair: It's familiar yet filled with passion and surprise.

10. CANDY IS LIKE THE BEST PINK THING EVA!

I love 8 & 10! I think they best describe me, lol!

How did yours turn out? Make sure you Google your first name and "is like" in quotations to get the best results. Try to see what the first 10 results say about it. Have fun!

My First Ever Thankful Thursday

2009-03-05T15:47:00.003-06:00

I found this at Jan's blog, so here goes nothing... I think it's so much fun!

I'm THANKFUL for my internet back after 12 hours.
I'm THANKFUL that my children are safe back home from school.
I'm THANKFUL that I was kept safe walking to and from the store today.
I'm THANKFUL that I have a great next door neighbor, Annette.
I'm THANKFUL that I'm almost done with school.
I'm THANKFUL that we have ice cream to pacify the kiddos.
And lastly, I'm THANKFUL that I get to enjoy my dishes and add more with my uber clearance finds!

What are you THANKFUL for today?

Room by Room Feng Shui- Bring on the good luck!

2009-03-04T14:47:00.014-06:00

This month, we will focus on the top three of the bagua: Wealth, Fame, and Love

Who doesn't want their bleak luck to change? But did you know that in Feng Shui, there are three areas that are intertwined with luck and prosperity that their colors even match or strongly compliment each other?

Again, from your front door, with the bagua, identify these areas. If you have an open area, these areas stop at the very back wall.

Inviting Wealth: Purples, Reds and Blues would be good here. So those that love burgundy or red, you're set. Clean this area and keep it neat and accessible. Dust and place something of value like a jar of coins or a favorite figurine fitting for the room. Add to the coin jar everyday or keep the the figurine clean or a purple plant healthy. In my apartment, this area fell into the bottom of the stairwell. The only thing that could fit in was our shoe cubbies, so by keeping the shoes in pairs, in good condition and neatly tucked in, I am showing off my "wealth" and therefore, inviting more wealth chi that normally would be lost if kept messy!

By doing these little changes in this needed area especially in this economy, you are activating the chi that invites more opportunities to bring in more wealth. (Of course, you can do all of this but if you are lazy and not proactive in helping yourself bring in more wealth and maintaining it, nothing will help you! Just sayin'...)

Establishing Fame & Reputation: Red is the strongest activator for this area- the middle back wall or room. We can all bring in more luck and prosperity by having a reliable reputation and making good friends, so to activate this area, place a prominent red anything on the middle of this area. Do not put a fountain, as it water can drown, it can overwhelm this chi and ruin chances for you.

On my wall, I have great sayings and round candles on wrought iron wall candle holders. The flame activates it and the "climbing" effect of the stairwell gives us opportunities in upward ways.

Improving Love and Relationships: Mine fell in my laundry room which makes it hard to keep clean, but by just doing laundry and tidying things up while I'm in there, I "refresh" my love for my children (especially when I smell their clean clothes!) and I remember more family related things. Activate your with a sweet memento from your family; even the act of placing an family album or your phone contact book here will help activate it. On the wall, a painting of a beautiful home or two people in love or laughing children will strengthen it.

With March as the month to kick off Spring, this new season is perfect for new opportunities and refreshing relationships to reestablishing your loving natures and good reputation.

Take Note: Wealth is best invited when it is shared with those you love because they are the ultimate source of your fame which gives you your best reputation...

A Meme for March

2009-02-22T20:24:00.008-06:00

Ok, I know technically it is still February, but it's fun to do memes (Lara got me hooked!) so we will do another one, starting... Right now!

1. What do you do when you see a penny on the ground?

I pick it up. No penny is safe once they've been spotted. Unless of course it belongs to somebody, then I pick it up and give it back to the (careless, I mean poor) owner.

2. If you picked it up, where does it end up?

In a piggy bank or a jar for pennies. It depends really on who in our family found it first.

3. When you think of a penny, what's the first word you come up with?

"Penny!" (Don't you?)

4. Do you prefer shiny or patina'd pennies?

Patina'd; only because I know that there's a possibility that it may be an older penny. Those are cooler, especially the earlier ones- before the Lincoln Memorial

5. Do you collect them?

Yes, and save them and teach with them. My dh is the more avid fan of penny collecting. I go through them more for the older ones.

6. Do you clean them first?

No, not normally, but I did wash my dh's huge collection while I was bored one day waiting for my classes to start. I washed them all with bleach and proceeded to sort them by decades. Did I mention I was bored? (Yes, I did do some laundry, the dishes, made dinner and checked homeworks in between...)

7. What would you rather get for a lucky charm, a penny or a shamrock?

Honestly, a penny because I know its value and I feel lucky to have that extra ".01" spendable cash in my possession, lol!. A shamrock, what would that do but wilt on me. Who needs that?

Alright, it's your turn... Try it and see how many pennies you'll notice after this meme. What do you think inspired this meme, a penny of course!

A Romantic Meme

2009-02-16T07:40:00.058-06:00

Another brilliant meme from Lara's blog.

1. Where did you and your husband (or boyfriend) meet?
San Jose, CA inside a Taco Bell. His friend and my friend flirted and next thing I know, we were sitting next to them at a booth and then talking at the nearby park!

2. How long before you kissed?
About after our third date; a stolen one. Then, after a month, we went up to Highway 9, and talked about where we're headed with all these dates, since I already have a kid and all, I wasn't comfortable acting like a highschool girl on a date (though I loved it, he was hot!) It turned out we liked each other a lot so we sealed it with a kiss.

3. Who kissed who first?
He stole one from me; I was adamant that we weren't dating and I guess it was his way of telling me otherwise. It was quite flattering. After a month, it was mutual.

4. How long from the time you met until you were engaged?
2 years + 9 months

5. How did he propose?
Actually, if we want to be technical, when we were dating for six months, he knew he wanted to marry me, but my "single mom" adventures kept getting in the way. No, I don't mean Lisa, it's the people around Lisa and I that made our dating difficult.
On July 31, 1996, he calls and offered to take me to work, but we stopped at his house first. He had to look for something which took long enough to threaten my work schedule. Then he asked if he can show me something- we ended up at our favorite park in a nearby city. He parked somewhere that overlooked a beautiful garden setting. He then asked me to help him look for his commuter mug. I found it under my seat; he asked me to open it and the ring box was in it.
When I saw the ring, I was speechless! But I also didn't try to say anything because on our 2-year dating anniversary, he gave me a promise ring and I didn't want to be presumptious. He took out the ring and asked me to marry him by saying my full name (though he won't admit to it) and, of course, I said yes! On our way to work, he treated me to a quick dinner and I was almost an hour late!
I got reprimanded, and then my manager asked why: all I could do was show him the ring. He paused and said, "Do not be late again. Congratulations! Now let me see this ring."

6. Did he pick out the ring or did you?
He did; he designed it for me. I wasn't a "big ring" kind of girl, so he designed this 14K yellow gold solitaire setting for a 1/4 carat diamond with one small diamond each on opposite side, diagonal to each other and the wedding band thinned out at the top with a graceful twist to hug under the diamond. It was perfect!

7. Do you still like the ring?
I do, but I lost it back in Mesa, AZ when I had strepthroat and fainted outside the urgent care after my exam. Someone from the ambulance or hospital staff must have taken it out of my finger just in case, but we couldn't remember who or when. I hoped that it was somewhere in the house.
I still miss it.... I was distraught over it for a long time, but then when we were packing to move to Texas and it still didn't turn up, he said that he'd rather lose the ring than me.
Then, on our eleventh year, on Valentine's Day, he replaced it with this...

It was his Valentine's Day gift for me! A beautiful 1/2 carat solitaire diamond on white gold surrounded by over twenty smaller diamonds. It's just beautiful! HE WENT TO JARED! He took me there to see if I can spot a similar ring to replace the original someday. I went through the whole store but didn't find anything that compared. Given, most were beautiful pieces, but I kept seeing the original wedding ring in my head that I wanted to cry... Then he says, "I know I can't replace that specific one, but what about this one?" and pulls out this gorgeous diamond studded band setting and asked me to choose a diamond for it. I couldn't contain myself; I was so nervous picking out a diamond, it took us another hour just to decide on one. There was a couple who were also upgrading their ring, and she told me, "get the biggest diamond honey and just pay it off slowly." Yeah right, lady! First of all this ring is already twice as thick as my original one, can you imagine it with a 2 carat bauble like the one she chose? (Hers was gaudy by the way, because she chose a big band filled with diamonds, but chose a bigger diamond that covered most of the ring! Ugh!!!)
The lady who set and cleaned my ring, called me about a delay but ended the phonecall with "we are all in awe of how beautiful this ring is! It's one of the most beautiful I've set, and I've been doing this for over twenty years!" It made the ring that much more special...

8. Where was your wedding and reception?
We were married in the Oakland temple, an hour and a half than our appointment because Charlie slept in! His parents wouldn't even wake him up for me. His mom said, "He has an alarm, I'm sure he set it. He'll wake up." This was 15 minutes before we were supposed to be at the temple and we were coming from San Jose- 1 hour away from Oakland! We also wed during one of October 1996's windy days! Charlie wanted my hair down... (you get the picture)
The reception was at our then future church ward. The carpet was perfect for our colors.

9. How many bridesmaids did you have, and who was your maid of honor?
MOH- My BFF Sheila in highschool; two bridesmaids- my SIL and Sis who refused to wear purple then saw the colors and said, "why didn't you just buy me a dress?"

10. What color were your bridesmaids dresses?
Purple

11. What was your bouquet made of?
White stargazer lilies, purple irises, lisianthus and ivy

12. Who gave you away?
No one; temple weddings do not practice such things. But I did seek the approval of my dad in the Philippines and asked my eldest brother to be there at my reception to stand in for him.

13.Did you cry during your wedding?
During the ceremony, yes! The whole time! I barely acknowledged anybody in the room.

14. What style was your dress?
It was something that a tall wide person would look good in; I thought it looked good as an alternate to my dream dress, but even my MIL said, "That looks too big on you, Carolyn!" Let's just say I wouldn't ignore the possibility of offering it in FreeCycle.

15. Was your wedding kiss sweet or sexy?
Honestly, I don't remember if we kissed or not. But if we did, I'm sure it was sweet, Charlie's very appropriate.

16. Who caught your bouquet?
One of my highschool friends; though Lisa was knocked down during that.

17. What flavor was your cake?
German Chocolate with buttercream frosting. It was delish! I insisted on it.

18. Did you smash the cake onto each other's faces or feed it to each other nicely?
Nicely; Charlie wouldn't have done that to me. I think I smeared some on his face though. LOL

19. What was "your song" that you danced to at your wedding?
Last minute, I didn't want to use any of the songs we've exchanged with each other, so I started looking for something different. I heard Mariah Carey's "When I Saw You" and it was perfect!

20. What did you serve your guests to eat?
His mom and some RS ladies took care of the food. All I remember is how much grapes we were able to enjoy on our first night together because they packed a big picnic for us since I was starved at my own wedding reception!

21. What did your friends do to decorate your car?
They trashed it with soap, cookies, lotion and whatever else that we couldn't even see out the windows! We spent our route to the wedding night suite in the car wash three times!

22. What was your favorite wedding gift?
My mom's wedding dress fund for me- $1000! (Too bad, I didn't get to use it on my actual dream dress...) Charlie loved the toaster oven that my work crew from another building pooled money for. I was their favorite Engineering Assistant Tech.

23. What was the worst wedding gift you got?
I don't know, I thought all were so cute and generous at the time...

24. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Disneyland; we spent three nights at this Best Western that overlooked Anaheim from the Honeymoon suite. It was very romantic.

25. Looking back, is there anything you would have changed about your wedding? A lot! Read "Different Is Good". You'll know why... But despite all of the mishaps, once we realized we were married, things just became something to "laugh at".

Read Lara's Blog

2009-02-13T07:55:00.003-06:00

at OVERSTUFFED and get to know one of her friend, Misty's journey with her latest addition. His name was to be Isaac...

Social Metamorphosis

2009-02-13T00:22:00.004-06:00

I still see how hard it is for me to bring more of me out there... This is a rather long missive, but I hope you read it all. It's my way of reintroducing myself to all of you. Enjoy reading; I'd love to hear from you.

Me, Myself and I

It's nice to be able to take something out of my pot, a blog about my tablescape adventures. Thanks, Pink for the challenge...

C is for Charity

2009-02-12T08:30:00.008-06:00

I love reading Lara's blog. Her and her other amazing friends or throngs of followers, come up with the coolest memes that I just had to bring on to my blog. It was fun to read what she came up with (I love the larynx one), so I hope you do it and see what you can come up with.

Man, I don't know how many things I LOVE can come out of the first letter of my name, but I guess I'm off to a good start with Charity since it is also likened to Love in the scriptures! Yay!!!

("Brain", help me out here... You had your fun at Walmart. Now time to earn your keep for something else other than bargains, ok?")

Charity. What can you say that it doesn't already imply? It oozes of kindness, compassion, patience, sacrifice and all things good. How can you not want to have it in your personality file?

Jesus Christ. He invented Charity with Heavenly Father, for us. 'Nuff said.

Charlie. My mahal or beloved in Tagalog (Philippine language). He's everything I asked for from Heavenly Father and more. I love him, love 'im, loooove him! How can you not love a guy who whisks you off to the sky on the first date? Or tells you, he thinks he loves you because he wants to give you the world after only a month of knowing you and proves it?

Chocolate. First it's yummy; the darker the better for this Filipina! Not to mention all the "good" stuff to love like it being labeled an aphrodisiac or happiness booster. Even without all the hype and nutrition goodness, I'd still eat it. Have you smelled one lately? (I seriously agree with "Brain"; she thinks it's the original ambrosia of the gods...)

Centerpiece. This is actually one of the fun aspects of tablescaping that I love! Being on SS Creative to see what could go on the table to enhance the dining adventure, nothing beats that cruise! The sky is the limit, flowers are no longer the only holder of this awesome title. I should know I've made a few in my lifetime.

Children. Just like Lara, I love my children best, but since I was a kid, I felt compassion (hey, another C!) for all the little ones. I think maybe that's why my fave calling of all is Activity Days and Nursery. Love playing and teaching them, though just as nervous about teaching these souls closest to our Lord and Heavenly Father. As for my three little ones, I can't get enough of them, especially when they fall all over themselves trying to sniff me! (apparently, they miss my smell while they're in school. Gotta love that!)

Cars. What a great and inspired invention! Though I love walking, cars certainly help with reaching otherwise far destinations that may just be adored in pictures! I think I was born in the era of cars because there was no way I could've survived without them. Though I don't drive myself, I've funded quite a few, so yes, I have a certain level of love towards these marvels.

Christmas. Remembering the Lord's humble beginnings always make my heart pump faster with gratitude and humility. And that is a good thing, I realize how lucky I am to be here, knowing and studying of His mission, for me and all of us. It is my favorite time of the year, hands down.

Cleanliness. What else is there to say?

Courtship. I love this phase of falling in love. The heart-melting first impressions, the romantic dates, the love notes and the copious amounts of time spent in the bathrooom looking just right for that special someone. I feel like that when Charlie tells me we're going out somewhere nice. I feel courted all over again.

Wow, I came up with 10 C's! Alright! I'm sure I can come up with more, but I don't want Blogger to shut down this blog, lol!

Why don't you try? And if you LOVE shopping at Target, try your luck at my other blog, What Now? Tablescapes. I'm closing the Giveaway at Midnight tomorrow!

(Thanks, "Brain"... I knew you'd come up with some good ones.)

Now, it's your turn to list all of your LOVES... ("Brain said so." :-D)

Room by Room Feng Shui- Master Bedroom

2009-02-07T13:47:00.004-06:00

Feng Shui your Budoir just in time for Valentine's Day!

When it comes to our Master Bedrooms, we need to make sure that it is the room that should envoke tranquility, harmony, love and passion between any MARRIED (man and woman) couple that shares it. So here are some tips you can do to bring some immediate rush of romance into this special place.

1. Box up all those papers cluttering the room. Either get beautiful lidded containers or baskets and stack up nicely in the corner if you can't take them out.

2. Find inexpensive solid colored sheets- red, pink or white. If white, accent with romantic colors or your fave shade.

3. TWO is the color of unity and love, so make sure to place things of two in your room- pictures of two blooms, two hearts, picture of the two of you, or a statue of a couple.

4. Bring out the extra pillows- accent your bed for romance, so fluff up those suckers and place them in the center for a focal point.

5. If you have a mirror facing the bed, find a way to soften it by temporarily covering it. Nothing kills a romantic evening than to start criticizing yourself in front of the mirror. Make the two of you the focus of the bedroom.

6. Candles accentuate romance and strengthen passion, so get them in different sizes and spread them in two's around the room. Of course, be safe about it...

7. Don't forget to air out the room before you start any "redesign", to cycle in the good chi and cycle out the stagnant chi. Dust the shelves and vacuum the floor.

Keep the passion alive by leaving the candles and sheets for about a week. Remembering the passion from the night before can lift up your spirits and spread the love around to the other rooms of your home.

Alright, go and attract love and passion into your Master Suite! That's what that room is for! Go on, go on!!!

Some cards you just can't forget...

2009-02-06T10:18:00.015-06:00

I've always been fascinated with greeting cards...

When I was in 6th grade back in Laguna, Philippines, I found some old Victorian type greeting cards that sparked a business for me to earn some "secret money" for when I was hungry. I started to fold copy papers into four and from one of the corners, start to trace the Victorian print. Soon, I had so much that I had my own designs. Around Christmas time, I sold each card for 10 sentimos (cents) and made about 5 pesos. To most people, it wasn't much, but to a hungry kid like me, it felt like hitting the Lotto! No one knew about the money, not one, only me. Of course, it didn't last because of the Philippine econony as it was, but the mixed emotions stayed with me throughout my life, even now...

Fast forward to a few years ago... I made these cards for the lovely females in my family and no one else- so far. I've tried, but I haven't been able to.

This is my favorite; it was for my Mama Lucing (Lucena) who taught me the beauty of living a simple life, no matter what life throws at you. I miss her so much...
This is the outside and inside (below) of the Thank You card I made for Charlie's mom for her birthday to show her how much we appreciate her.
These two are for my niece in Elk Grove and my sister in San Jose.
This one was for my in-laws' wedding anniversary, February 12th. I made them a matching envelope.

This last one, I made for my own dh (I know... not a female, but he loved it!)

I think I'm addicted to that "Lotto effect" feeling of making a card for someone or something significant- each of these ladies are significant in my life, including my niece Taryn. I made one for her, mostly purple, because we share the love of purple- she the lighter variety, me the darker end of the spectrum. I made her a card out of my shade to show her how much I love her, but in all of that outpouring of love into one card, I completely forgot to take a picture! Maybe next time, I'll take one.

I hope you liked them too...

"Different is Good"

2009-02-05T13:49:00.017-06:00

I subscribe to Netflix, so today I perused through the "instantly watch" and found Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. Have you seen it? Did you like it? I loved it!

I was fixed on the desk chair watching Phil Connors (Bill Murray) live the same day over and over, as well as go through the phases of confusion, defiance, acceptance and self-redemption while winning Rita's (Andie McDowell) heart in the process. It took several weeks of being slapped, conning and undoing all that he did wrong and even became a hero in efforts to bring tomorrow.

By far, in the movie, this is my most favorite line:

"What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?" (Phil to Ralph in a bar)

A fellow blogger, Pink Ink had a similar post about Groundhog Day's phenomenon according to this movie. And I left a comment about how I would change my wedding day. Thinking more about it, I still would change this "what should have been the most special day of my life" event back in 1996.

First the flowers; I chose mine but it really wasn't reflective of anything that would be memorable for me or Charlie. I crammed in too many flowers, got a cascade that was too long. For a moment, I forgot how short I was. I WOULD CHANGE IT TO A NOSEGAY OF WHITE TULIPS WITH A SINGLE DEEP PURPLE BLOOM IN THE MIDDLE. THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOUQUET WOULD BE SURROUNDED BY FREESIA GATHERED BY A DEEP PURPLE RIBBON.

The pictures; there weren't enough! I didn't get a shot with my school friends or any shots of me and Lisa OR more of Charlie and I. When we finally saw the pictures, most of them, I didn't like. I would have loved to see more random shots. I WOULD CHANGE IT TO ONLY FAMILY SHOTS WITH A PRO SHUTTER BUG AND HAVE DISPOSABLES ON EACH TABLE FOR RANDOM BUT DEFINITELY MORE PICTURES!

My hair; I didn't have time to go to a salon, I didn't even have anyone to come and help me with my hair. I didn't even get any sleep! I WOULD CHANGE IT TO ASKING SOME SALON OWNER NEARBY TO COME OVER AND DO MY HAIR- TIGHT FRENCH BRAID WITH WISPS ON THE SIDE. I'D ALSO PAY HER TO SHOW UP AT THE RECEPTION TO DO MAINTENANCE FOR PICTURE TAKING SAKE.

The menu; Charlie and I couldn't decide on the menu and didn't know if I or him took care of it. So glad his mom sought the help of other sisters in RS to bring and maintain the food and table. People asked me if I chose the food, though very delicious and all I had to say was, "that was Charlie's department". I didn't even know if we would have food. The one Filipino food I ordered, came late and it was smaller than I expected. Of course, my family gravitated towards that and it was gone before the other guests arrived. It was embarrassing! Thank goodness his mom took care of it. I WOULD CHANGE IT TO SAVORY FINGER FOODS LIKE TEA SANDWICHES OR CANAPES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR AFTERNOON TO EARLY EVENING RECEPTIONS, BUT START OFF WITH SALAD, END WITH FRUITS AND CAKE.

Bridal lunch; I was the last one to sit at the lunch table after we arrived from the temple to the reception site because I was waiting for Lisa to arrive who rode with my maid of honor who got lost after taking a wrong turn. But our first guest was my boss, so I had to get up and start the reception line while the others ate and was nourished. The worst part, no one, not even my own groom, asked if I was hungry. Mind you this was me awake since 5:00 am, only had one meal, and on my feet until 8:30 pm! I ran to the kitchen as soon as the last guest (that wasn't a Mathews' family friend) left and begged the good ladies in there to please, please give me some food- in tears! I stayed there until someone looked for me. I told them to hide me so I can eat. Oh yeah, I was sooo mad! I WOULD CHANGE IT TO HAVING AN USHER LEAD MY BOSS TO THE BUFFET TABLE, HAVE HIM GET SET UP WITH SOME FOOD, I TAKE MY PLATE OVER TO HIS TABLE, CALL CHARLIE OVER WITH HIS PLATE, AND WE EAT TOGETHER WHILE THE OTHERS ATE AT THEIR OWN TABLE.

My cake; it's one of the few only perfect things that day (the temple and my family there the other). I designed it under constrained budget. I WOULD CHANGE IT TO A BIGGER ONE, MORE ROMANTIC LOOKING, BUT LEAVE THE FLAVOR (GERMAN CHOC) THE WAY IT IS.

My dress; oh, I can't believe, I resorted to that dress! It never suited me, but it was supposed to be the more inexpensive alternative to my $1000 square neckline, 3/4 sleeve with a bow, princess-style bodice beauty that my mother gave me money for. I WOULD BUY MY DREAM DRESS AND NOT LISTEN TO ANYBODY TELLING ME OTHERWISE.

My honeymoon clothes; I ran out of time to do any clothes shopping before and after the wedding. I packed clothes that I normally wore to work (I know, ewww!) and my lingerie. I'm glad that Charlie didn't want anyone using the real camera to take our pictures. (Yeah, no honeymoon pictures, another blooper!)I WOULD CHANGE IT TO SHOPPING FOR BETTER SWEATERS, JEANS, HOT BOOTS, GLOVES, AND BETTER SUPPORT TO LOOK THE WAY I WAS FEELING- IN LOVE AND HAPPY TO BE MARRIED!

Just like Phil said when tomorrow finally came,
"Something is... different... Anything different is good."

Since we can all dream those wonderful what ifs without disturbing the now, it never hurts to examine life and wonder "what if..." because someday, even in the near future, you may just get your chance to change things for the better...

Happy blogging!

5 Things...

2009-02-01T20:18:00.010-06:00

I got this from Melissa Minson's blog

TAG... YOU'RE IT!

5 things on my to-do list for tomorrow:

1. Go pick up our new dining table
2. Help hubby assemble table
3. Do laundry
4. Go get potatoes to bake
5. Go to Marshall's to find some ramekins

5 things I would do with a million dollars:

1. Pay off annoying big bills
2. Buy land and build dream home on land
3. Complete my wedding china and crystal
4. Visit China, Spain, Philippines, Canada, Italy and France
5. Put money in different CDs

5 places I have lived in the U.S.:

1. Sunnyvale, CA
2. San Jose, CA
3. Gilbert, AZ
4. Mesa, AZ
5. Carrollton, TX

5 jobs I have held:

1. Great America amusement park- Cashier / Lead / Restaurant Supervisor
2. Sizzler- Cashier
3. Exxon Mobil- Cashier
4. Komag, Inc.- Manufacturing associate / Mfg. Lead / Prototype Engr'g / Standards Prototype Engr'g Assistant / HR Departmental Hiring Consultant
5. McWhorter's office supplies- Cashier

5 pictures from 5 years ago: (2004)
Christmas at our house in Williamsfield campus
Thanksgiving dinner in campus
Halloween party at Williamsfield Elementary, across from our house
Serena Shores apartment, just before we moved to ASU campus.
Chuck E. Cheese; Jasmine's 5th bday celebration

Ok, your turn!

Unveiling the New

2009-01-29T23:19:00.013-06:00

My family blog has a new name (you may have noticed).

It started like any other day, except it was cold (brrr!!!). We woke up, had lots of things to do (like actually cleaning) and picking up Michelle at the airport. Michelle Branch is one of our great family friends and my "mentally" adopted daughter. We've known her since 2003, and now that we've moved to Texas, the normal thing to do is to send her a ticket every now and then so she can visit and unwind for a few days. This is her third visit- I feel so loved!

Ok, on to what this post is about...

Despite all the stuff we had to do, our day, to me, seemed too calm and too slow- almost like I was watching a typical day (already boring) on a slo-mo screen showing. It was unreal! Needless to say, I had a moment to think about how our life truly is... (Overstuffed and Pink Ink had great posts and got me thinking more- my brain hurts, lol)

My hubby and I do not have many bankable talents outside of his actual job that Southwest Airlines (thanks, Gary Kelly!) is training him for. I am a student- full time, so for now, we enjoy a routine: homework, work, race to see who can nap, eat, shower, race to see who can fall asleep first (he always wins), etc... But our children, boy, our children- they run us! Not take advantage, but run us as in we plan the day according to their schedule! (I'm sure I've posted about this before)

LISA has AP US History & Calc BC; Math UIL,Choir & AC/DEC competitions and practices; a healthy social life and homework load that most college students drop out of college for.
JASMINE has Safety Patrol, Choir and LEAP. She keeps joining in all these extracurriculars and have a swarm of friends who constantly knock on our door asking, "uhm, can, can... Jasmine come out?" Her homework load is almost as daunting as Lisa's while still needing to read about 30-45 minutes a day, plus she loves to watch TV and the Wii!
IAN has LEAP and a constant battle of "sitting still for a stamp" with himself. He's such a bundle of energy that sometimes he finds himself hitting every corner he rounds (hilarious and scary). They are so much fun and they mostly dictate how we end the day- normally with an extra somebody in our house, eating our food, and playing our games. JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT!:-D

Ooppss! Ok, back to the story behind the new name...

I was talking to Charlie about getting ready to pick up Michelle and where to take everyone to lunch after, when the "sticky note" (as Pink Ink called it) from the top of this blog came into my head with the downplay countermove of, "but you complicate it!", and voila! the name "CompliCated s1mpl1c1ty" sprung in my mental bank as if it was a million dollar note waiting to be deposited into the vault I call my brain. I didn't want to forget it so I asked Charlie how he liked it and he did so I had to quickly make a title graphic for it and post about it. If you noticed the C's are both in caps- that represents me and Charlie while the "1's" in simplicity represent our three little "ripple starters" we call our children; Lisa, Jasmine and Ian. With them, our life is beautifully balanced; without them, our lives would be empty.

So, if you ever wonder about this new name, it's because our simple life is complicated with the love, faith and laughter we share with our three other "mahals" or beloved. Charlie and I are simple folks with lots of big dreams, but sometimes simple is just too simple, it needs to be spiced with the miracle of children.

There you have it, "Complicated Simplicity"! I'm sure you noticed...

What's in Your Pot?

2009-01-28T10:50:00.004-06:00

Since I'm Filipino, LDS and a mom, I wanted to find who else in the blog galaxy are in these same boats with me. I found Grumpy Angel and Pink Ink. Both blogs are hilarious and thought provoking! For example, while cruising for updates on the blogs I follow, I saw Pink's new post, "Refilling the Pot" which is about making yourself do other things that make you feel alive and appreciate your life and what else is out there.

Katherine Anne Porter: Our being is subject to all the chances of life. There are so many things we are capable of, that we could be or do. The possibilities are so great that we never, any of us, are more than one-fourth fulfilled.

Leo Buscaglia: Our talents are the gift that God gives to us... What we make of our talents is our gift back to God.

Henry David Thoreau: Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.

After pondering these quotes, I figured out which things I would like to fill my own pot with...

1. Go to Disneyland again, this time with our children
2. Travel more
3. Continue to do tablescapes and maybe have a blog just about it.
4. Teach more people about Feng Shui- be certified
5. Learn to sew and make something
6. Learn to grow orchids (and keep them alive!)
7. Get started on my scrapbooking (again!)
8. Own a house
9. Bake more
10. Walk more
11. Go on a lobster boat and witness lobster harvesting
12. Go clamming on a gorgeous beach
13. Visit Spain, China and Canada
14. Focus time on genealogy
15. Learn how to drive and swim

What would you fill your pots with?

The Name Game

2009-01-25T20:06:00.005-06:00

This is one to try: It's a funny name game I found on one of my friends' blog just a little bit ago. I had to go and copy it. Thanks a bunch Lori for this funny meme!!

1. Your real name: Carolyn Aspiras Mathews

2. Your gangsta name: (first three letters of real name plus izzle) Carizzle

3. Your detective name: (favorite color and animal) Purple Goldfish

4. Your soap opera name: (middle name and current street) Aspiras B. Hollow

5. Your Star Wars name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of your moms maiden name) MatCaAsp

6. Your Super hero name: (2nd favorite color and favorite drink) Green H2O

7. Your witness protection name: (mother's middle name and fathers middle name) Fang Rave

8. Your goth name: (black and a name of one of your pets) Black Cece

Ha, ha... My #7 should be my #8 and vice versa! #6 sounds gross! :D Both of my parents' middle names are long so I shortened it and it worked out funnier!

What did you come up with?

I Miss..., but...

2009-01-25T15:25:00.005-06:00

Now that the kids are old enough to get things done on their own, I find myself with more time to think about different things in between the chaotic wave we call our life. Many times, when I can't easily fall asleep, I reminisce and hope. Here's some of the things I miss but with its accompanying caveats. (Gotta love being alive!)

I miss seeing my children as babies and toddlers still very much dependent on me with voices so cute, I feel like I can fly from sheer giddiness, but... I don't miss the stinky diapers, toilet training and weaning- all three bit me!

I miss being only an hour from the beach, playing in the sand, hoping to see what's beyond the unseen while listening to the screams of the other "sun" patrons, but... I never liked the time when I got knocked down by the wave that collapsed the sand underneath me! Good thing I managed to grab on to my friend's leg! Scary!

I miss being able to come back to my studio, all alone with the quiet and sense of pride that I'm in my own place, but... I don't miss the times that my cousin and her bf (dh now) trashed it while I was away for Christmas!

I miss walking from one place to another and riding the city bus, but... I never liked the uneasy feeling of others' looking at you. Creepy!!

I miss being able to climb trees and eating the juicy, sweet ripe fruits, but... I don't miss the fact that my sense of adventure was driven by my fierce hunger!

I miss going out to lunch with co-workers, but... not the part where I gained weight after only a few weeks! Chinese food and after 10PM, not a good combo!

I miss walking to school until I get to the bus stop, but... I never wanted the windy days that threatened to whisk my thin frame away!

I miss the dating game, being showered with attention and silly tokens, but... not the heartache, confusion and uncertainty!

I miss my wedding day, pledging my eternal commitment to one and dancing as man and wife, but... not being hungry throughout the whole reception because I was told to stay under the canopy! And no one asking me if I needed anything until I ran crying into the kitchen looking for food!

And of course...

I miss a clean house with open windows making the drapes whistle with the wind (I don't have any drapes here); the kind we had in San Jose, California before our second child was born, but... not the emptiness I felt while praying for more siblings for Lisa!

Maybe someday, I can "redo" all these experiences. I know that I don't have to start over to start over!

Me, Myself and I

2009-01-23T14:11:00.008-06:00

Growing up, I had very few friends and mostly boys at that. Even after I came here back in 1987, I tended to befriend boys easier than the girls. I did belong to a group of 12 girls that I still keep up with, but my most meaningful and memorable friendships were with the opposite sex. Of course, after a while, the eventual spread of unsubstanstiated rumors got the best of me. I started to feel uncomfortable about having so many "guy" friends. At my wedding reception, it was very apparent that most of the guys that attended were "of my party". I think it was because I grew up with four older brothers that I got along more with the boys, and having a younger sister and an even younger step-sister made me act more like a second mom to them rather than a friend or mere sibling. Like I've mentioned before, it got to me. I wanted to have some real "spill your guts out without fear" kind of female friends, but I guess it's just not that easy for me. Sure, I have Facebook, but I see that as more a storefront to how many friends (or the friend of a friend of a friend) you could link up with. It's great for genealogy though!

In comes blogging...

In blogs, thru comments bantering, I find my equals, my mentors, my life classmates. It is exhilarating! Just like many, I started just to have a quicker way to log down the day's adventures. I didn't really share it with others in the beginning, but as I found more friends from back in AZ and the comments they get, I was able to see just how many women out there see things the way I do, feel the way I do, about their families, careers (they gave up), relatives and friendships.

In real life, I quake in my boots to talk to many women because gossip and husband bashing eventually becomes the "special of the day". And then there's the jealousy aspect of hearing about and being with other women. I grew up surrounded by all of that and I really try to avoid it, so most women, they don't understand that about me. Very few in fact, because venting is women's main crutch to hold themselves up. I do vent a lot, but not about my husband or another woman who I think is prettier than me or more talented, but rather my venting is more about "why am I so different from most women out there?" "Am I afraid to be a friend or are they afraid to be my friend?" It gets pretty tiring, you know, not to have someone close by to talk to. Of course, I can't count the exchanges of given and shared advice because that comes with the territory of being a woman and a mom, much less an LDS mom.

Thru blogs, I've found and met talented, beautiful, resourceful women who know how to bring a repeat audience into their cyber journals. I've met women who are truly hoping for a miracle because their faith is what sustains them. I've met women who are so creative, they can write about things that I've never thought about or hoped to remember again. Being LDS and a mom, I read a lot about the great childhood they had and have used it as bonds to connect with others, but me, there was nothing like that: I had to learn things on my own, find things that bring out what's good in me, on my own.

As it turned out, it was food and children. I dress my tables in the most appetizing way I can because that's how I respect food- growing up hungry and all (Just like Sandra Lee, I know...). I was a lonely child then, so children from lonely homes seem to find me and they find that connection thru my own very friendly children. My best callings have been in serving children. My daughter Lisa, 16, last night said,
"I'm so glad you are the kind of mom who stops what she's doing to listen to what I have to say." (funny, since I was dusting the table while she told me this) "I hear many of my friends, LDS or not, complain about their parents not listening or being too strict to talk to them, and then they meet me, then you, and ask me how we do that."

This is my true self; I am lifted up by children's innocence, their need for attention and my respect for food. The few friends that I count, it is because they let me be who I am though we don't seal it with scheduled lunches or shopping trips. I've been told that I don't take care of myself enough or that I could do with more ME time, but that's not who I am. I love staying home because I moved so much in my lifetime. I love to read children's stories because I never got to. I didn't like much mystery then (my kids do now)(I'm a fan of the supernatural) because the books belonged to my brothers. The other things that I can do, I learned from all the LDS women that have crossed my path, and for that, I thank Relief Society.

I love reading others' blogs because I see myself relaxing; by laughing with them, it helps me remind myself to laugh at my own situation and appreciate the small things in life. I cry with those that poured their hearts out. I scream with those frustrated authors. I rejoice and go ga-ga over posts about beauty, rewards, accomplishments, discoveries and great talents. I read them all because each one makes me think, and boy do I love to think! I read and I leave a comment because, as one of my friends reminded me, she reads all of her comments. (Thanks, Lara!)

I could write about how I didn't like the "weaning and potty training" stages of my children plus I hate ironing. Or that if I have my way, I would only make Filipino food all the time, but I'd be facing a sure mutiny in the near future. How about how our diva of a cat still thinks the new couch is her biggest scratch post despite the awesome cat tree my dh made with his own hands. Or, that I have a habit of not finishing projects, that I am a literal zombie due to a family with 3 schedules. What about that I'm afraid of growing veggies of my own despite promises to my 9-year old enthusiast. Or even how I like to observe people, though I am not a people watcher, being able to decipher reactions pretty accurately. But truly, I find all that frustrating and awful to remember (but it's funny reading about it in y'alls blogs!).

So.. I write in my blog about things that are good in my life; careful to focus on the highlights of the day. It's not to have a perfect front (as others like to describe it), but to show anyone who wants to linger in my blog, my own struggle to appreciate the life that I now enjoy- which only took about 20 years to receive. (So yes, I feel somewhat hurt when other blogs claim that "only good news" blogs like mine are only fronts to cover up the bad. I find that it's a little bit judgmental. Just a tiny bit...) You see, I'm a faithful sap, meaning I look at each blog as a different chalkboard to take notes from, from different teachers of life. And just like different teachers, bloggers have different ways of looking at their lives and which part of it they wish to share. (Just sayin' y'all...)

I feel that everyday is a gift; not because mine is never as chaotic as most people's (oh, the stories I could tell you!), but rather, at the end of the day, I make a choice- to dwell on the bad but funny or the good that makes me hang on to my sanity and show my family how great they truly are. This is my journal after all, plus we talk about how funny and imperfect we are (even with visitors) that we can all laugh about it now rather than later. Right now, everything is still surreal to me- a great husband who truly cares about me, three wonderful and beautiful children who can hold their own and a life that I am truly grateful for despite the lack of excess in resources.

Back in 2007, I taught in RS a lesson about how gratitude leads to happiness. I recall being so inadequate to teach it, but equally excited to share the good news. I came out of it just as well fed as those I hopefully fed with my lesson. It spoke of how gratitude leads to better actions and decisions that bring about happiness. But to me, throughout my whole life journey so far, my pursuit of happiness has been my source of gratitude... It's been the only consistent workout routine I've been able to stick with!

To the women that I've truly connected with (you know who you all are, thank you so much!). Those that taught me much thru your leadership, thank you. To those that left a kind word with me or my family, we are in your debt. And to those new, I thank you for letting me know I'm not an alien, just different...

Why write this long missive? To show all of you how much I love all blogs, except those truly offensive of course. My talents now were born through your examples. But most of all, I am still a woman who secretly wants to be just like all of you. I've been different my whole life, and it's getting pretty tiring you know?

I truly want to get to know you and your friends. Share this post with them and see how many other women out there can relate to me. Thanks for letting me "read your eyes off"... 'Til next post! :D

"Love the girls, no matter what..."

2009-01-21T22:31:00.005-06:00

Most of you know that I used to be the Activity Days Leader for the Gateway Ward in Gilbert, AZ for two years. I am glad to announce that I still hear about most of them. And they have done great! Check this out:

Lisa Thompson(16)- NJHS; 5th in Regional Spelling Bee; AP classes; Math UIL; AC DEC Medalist and District Choir Champs

Tina Wilbur(16)- Early HS graduate; lost 30lbs; going to comm college next sem

Brittany Rowe(15)- Academics; Band

Kamry Brower (13)- School sports

Kaitlyn Lang (15)- School Drama

Jennifer Malmin (13)- Academics;Sports

Caitlyn Hanson (13 or 14)- Academics

and now

Kaylie Minson (13)- Academics; NJHS (National Junior Honor Society)

I can't help but feel very pleased with these girls. They were great then, now and I know that if they keep it up, the world is theirs to mold according to Heavenly Father's plans for them. It was a real honor to have known these girls. I loved them then and I still love them now, "no matter what"...

More good CHI

2009-01-21T21:50:00.006-06:00

Two days ago, I reactivated my WEALTH area (it holds our shoe cubbies and the jackets hang on the wall. It also has Charlie's commercial planes poster hanging above the jackets.) by pairing up the shoes, dusting and clearing the space. Plus, I created a vertical focus by placing a small trunk on top of the cubbies and a plant on a burgundy and gold pot. Plants symbolize growth and trunks are often associated with valued possessions. Guess what happened? The next day, the rest of my school grant arrived in the mail plus Charlie mentioned that he was paid OT for the extra hours they put in one night of extended maintenance check. He came in the room asking, "Did you see my net?" Let's just say, "Good going, Charlie!"

The next day, and even today, we found some really good deals! Check my FREE Feet post

Remember... Energy in, energy out...

Another Awesome Thing to Note

2009-01-19T23:37:00.006-06:00

I opened my email when we got back from Walmart this afternoon and guess what? I got and email from Stephanie McWilliams! I am now part of her mailing list, meaning I get her Feng Shui tips directly from her and Evolving Arts, the company she founded. Today's "My Cup of Chi" email topic focused on "How 9 Quotes from the King that Can Transform Our Lives Today" (MLK) and #6 really struck home with me.

6. "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Especially in this country, we tend to see ourselves as individuals, separate from the whole. We get concerned with our own needs, our own injustices, our own struggles, and our own desires. But if you look around, we are all so utterly interdependent, that it's almost mind-blowing. Every bite of food, piece of clothing, brick that built your home, or piece of metal that makes up your car has likely been touched (literally) by hundreds of other people. Unless we're living off the grid, every move we make is linked to lots of other folks.

The same interconnection is found on an interpersonal level. Every time you meet another, you're making an impact -- either positive or negative. Every smile, grimace, compliment or hug ripples out into your home, your community...and eventually, the planet. Only until we begin to see each other as united, as cells of a larger being... as our very own selves... will we experience peace throughout the planet. So let it begin with you!

This has been my personal mantra since I was a little kid forced to grow up. I quickly realized that if I want people to get to the real me, I shouldn't be afraid to show the best me and focus on leaving a positive impact rather than negative because I want the best people to grace my life here on earth.

Then on her email, she invited all to join her in her Facebook Network of Friends, so I did. I thanked her again for visiting my blog and for sending out great practical tips on using one's chi for good. She responded just a little bit ago:

Subject: You're SO welcome!
"You're adorable... thanks for joining my mailing list too!!!!

Have an awesome week...

Love,

Stephanie"

She is great! Her personality in her show is not any different than how she shares herself in her email and responses. She is very aware of what her chi can do to impact other peoples' lives, including mine right now. She is helping build my confidence in myself to teach people about Feng Shui to help them better understand themselves through their immediate spaces and circles. I love that!

Sometimes...

2009-01-18T21:58:00.002-06:00

All you need is one post to say everything for that day...

Thankful for my Eyes

Happy reading!

Hmmm...

2009-01-17T14:02:00.004-06:00

"A good design is all about balance." - Karen McAloon (Find Your Style)

"Growing up in suburbia gave me an aversion to sameness,..." - Kim Myles (Myles of Style)

"...get back to the basics." - Kristan Cunningham (Design on a Dime)

"Everyone likes different things from different rooms, and determining your personal style and how you want your room to feel is a key step..." - Vern Yip (Design Star/Deserving Design)

"People are afraid, very afraid of color." - David Bromstadt (Color Splash)

"...your master bedroom should appeal to buyers of both sexes." - Lisa LaPorta (Designed to Sell)

Getting a pattern yet? All of these design philosophies and observations have been encompassed in the practice of Feng Shui! Here's a good summary of how a good design can bring the impact you are looking for:

"Keep in mind that everything in your space has a voice to it..." - Stephanie McWilliams (Fun Shui)

That means, just because you brought it in to your space or you displayed it does not mean that it suits you or the room you placed it in. It can mess with your natural chi balance by either revving up the extremes of your personalities or further drag what you are trying to change about yourself and your space. It's all about harmony and balance between you and your space. In other words, Feng Shui...

Violet, Aubergine, Eggplant, Grape

2009-01-16T22:11:00.007-06:00

If you currently have color on the brain, you guessed it, all of the above are shades of the most beautiful, wonderful, regal color- PURPLE!

I just plain love it! I have since I was a kid owning her very first box of crayons on the first day of 1st grade. It is the color of royalty, the color of wealth and the color of my "best me" feeling. One look at its many shades, and I immediately feel better, happier and more content. Grape is one of my favorite fruits...

I was even absolutely giddy (and would've bought it all if I had the moola) when the purple-inked pen came out back in high school.

Right now, I love the darker shades- you know, aubergine or eggplant? It's sophisticated, powerful and romantic at the same time! I love it, love it, love it!!!

Can you guess where I have this in our current abode? Think smiles...

Let me know...

Simpleton, Technophobia...

2009-01-15T01:07:00.001-06:00

It would seem that I'm a bit (ok... a lot!) behind than most women about what books they've read and movies they've watched. In the scrapbooking department, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't even created a real working layout design yet for my wedding album. Cookbooks, forget it! Crafts, months ago! And now this... (Am I a gadget simpleton or a closet technophobe?) I feel like such a cave woman... :( You see...

Charlie has his cellphone with Google and text, I-Pod, PDA, Wii and new DVD & MP3 players (thanks to his dad who used to work for Philips), tools galore and his biggest babies- our computer with not one, but two monitors for dual pane or panoramic surfing purposes (very cool).

Lisa has her cell with texting, MP3, a TI-83 Plus, Guitar Hero (and soon Rock Band 2), hair straightener, contact lenses, braces, the complete series (all read within acquisition) of hardback Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, Alex Ryder and Twilight, Converse classics in 4-5 different colors and shirts that everyone seem to want (Hooray for CLEAR-ANCE!!!) and an almost finished fiction teen novel.

Jasmine has her recorder and very own alarm clock; eyes on a dinnerware set with horses on it, is currently planning which plants to have in the patio and has now graduated to reading Margaret Peter Haddix line of fiction, just about to start reading the 7th HP installment and has finished various Agatha Christie online games.

Ian even has his system worked out as to how he's going to manage his 100+ HW toycars and Lego blocks that are now hitting critical mass of storage failure. He also managed to get us to vote on getting the Wii My Sims Kingdom game. He has read through all the Dr. Seuss we have in our library (same for the other series); has successfully devoured Ichabod Crane: 100 words to remember and is now finishing Tale of Despereaux!

Then... there's me; I don't own a cell, no MP3, and the extent of my texting ability is through my blogs (which I barely learned to customize) and emails.

I feel so backwards against my own family; being back in school the last two years, I admittedly have my share of "gadgets" (though most of which belong in the kitchen). All four cool members of this household have their own vices that they are carefully holding onto and are not afraid to seek seasonal "upgrades on", often driving me nuts. But then and again I remember, all these organized approach to their well-deserved or much needed gadgetry and literary collectibles, I helped be possible using the proven low-tech system of "not now" or "when it goes on sale" budgeting tactics... (To the tune of "Mickey Mouse"; C-LE-ARA-NCE, CLEARANCE! and repeat.)

Simpleton? I don't think so; I still head the council. Technophobe, no way! I can finagle my way into learning the current computer lingo and software.

What is it then? This council head... is just plain too busy to care...

Scattered Clues

2009-01-13T21:23:00.006-06:00

"Double Happiness"
Courtesy of buy-art-online.org.uk

Tonight, Charlie, Jasmine and I went around looking for more Valentine goodies for the table at Marshall's and Jo-Ann's, but no matter how distracting everything was, I couldn't help but wonder how I came to be the Carolyn who is now a mother of three, Charlie's wife of 12 years and dinnerware connoisseur.

As I looked around the various candidates for my upcoming tablescape, none truly stuck out. So we left, but we left content (Charlie was very accomodating to my love of walking tonight). With our very first child holding on to one hand each, it was almost as if time stopped and everything was just about us...

But how did I get to this point? Through scattered clues--the same life markers that I wouldn't have spotted if I didn't hold on to my main dream- to be a mother and a wife to someone that would love me no matter what. You have to understand that I grew up molded to see myself as a "worthless, good-for-nothing, ugly" girl by two cruel stepmothers (Cinderella's is a saint compared to these two!)

First, there's the growing up dancing to 80s US music videos after school. When no one's looking, I turn on the TV, wait for Madonna, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys or Wham to come on and I dance like I was their only fan.

Second, there was the Filipino healer that told me my happiness lies where my mother is. I thought it meant that I would finally get to know her and life will be normal. (Boy, I wanted to be normal! You know, two parents, a house, and feeling valued). Though I love my mother, it was quite disappointing that she really didn't have anything to do with that happiness, she was just the jumping point.

Or how about the fact that my parents almost bought a house in the James Lick High border, but couldn't find one they liked, so they crossed over the freeway and bought a house there.

Then, there's working at Great America, where I almost didn't finish my first day of being a cashier because they left me for 6 hours and I ended up crying from hunger, sore legs and feet in front of customers!. I ended up getting a "secret admirer" who came back several times. He made me remember about my dream man plus I loved riding the Tidal Wave and the Demon rollercoasters.

Then there was Taco Bell; when my then high school bff, PS and I, found it while walking to her apartment complex, it was an immediate hangout for the two of us. We went there whether we had $2 or $20 to talk about everything. And we always chose one of the window booths that faced the road.

Of course, after high school, I can't ignore PS calling me to try getting a job at Komag, Inc. that made me move from my awesome studio in Sunnyvale back to the "can't afford even if I want to", Berryessa Road in San Jose with my then live-in bf, Mark. Was I happy there, no! Our relationship went down the toilet almost from the move-in day. What made me stay? I was pregnant with Lisa.

And I can't forget being 7 months pregnant with Lisa; kept alive by a defective heart. I was told by three specialists to either bury her in six months or face a lifetime of hunting down other specialists to keep her alive. This drove me to my knees...

How about immediately after that horrible news, I came across all those "you can be better" commercials that turned out belonging to the LDS church?

Here's a kicker; my ex-boyfriend Mark told me that most of the guys I dated seem to look alike and yet none worked out (looking back, the redhead, the thin blond and the Mexican all had the same facial structure). He was right, the others that didn't fit into that profile, it was almost a friendly relationship; though they doted on me, I was the one you can accuse of being the "cold fish".

Well, apparently each clue connived to bring me to my dear husband Charlie. How?

(It would be prudent to mention first that the clues started with dreams of his face, only blurry, and I got his name from a perfume bottle I received from my aunt when I was 12. I wore that scent everywhere.)

Well...
Charlie loved most of the danceable 80s group and still listens to most of them actually.
He lived on the other side of the freeway, just 10 minutes away and attended James Lick High.
He's been a season pass holder of Great America and have gone since he was a kid.
His fave rides were the Tidal Wave and the Demon!
The Taco Bell we met in was in Berryessa Road in San Jose, California and we sat on a booth by the window facing the road.
He was BIC and an honorable RM.
He was the gorgeous compilation of all three faces I dated.

and...He loved Lisa, with her now perfect heart, from the get go.

The healer was right, my happiness lies with where my mother is. She didn't say where she exactly is, but I realize now that it was to start there.

By the time I got in the door tonight, I realized that these once scattered clues perfectly aligned to give me my three amazing children and a remarkable husband.

I am happy...

Never doubt that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor...

Whose Blog Is this anyway?

2009-01-12T22:50:00.000-06:00

I really should stop looking and get tempted to click on the recently updated blogs feed at the top of my dashboard, because though normally I am not easily offended, I am very much an advocate of fairness. And some blogs, I just don't care for! Whose blog is this anyway?

Wow, I mean even in the blogging world where your soul can easily be exposed and dissected, people can't help but show their true colors and allow these slow degradation of morals to occur as if these are just another pesky fly they can choose to ignore until it flies away. Do they think that just because others talk like them and feel like them, it is validating? NO! Let me reiterate that, NO!!

I guess sometimes, when one is justifiably emotionally involved about a topic, it is very easy to incite thoughtless, rude responses without much prompting, but isn't that why we're supposed to have private, pour-your-heart out journals or have that bff that can listen about anything? Honestly people, some things should just be kept private, sacred and between those involved, like Heavenly Father, or a long lost relative perhaps?

Lately, I guess since this is a New Year, some falsely see their blogs superior over others or should I state the obvious negative mirror of these "lookie-loos" who has nothing better to do than see how many people relate to them or would maybe, just maybe side with them?

My most infuriating finds: blogs that bag on others' enthusiasm, posts that flourish their sentences with toe-curling words that most likely their mothers would slap them for or what about those blogs that think inappropriate pictures are artistic rather than the truth-mild porno, but porno nonetheless! Blogs are personal; they are intimate to the authors that decided to create them. So what if their posts are sickeningly sweet or lacking in rhythm and panache? So what? I personally think that they are the most honest in this "write but hide" world of blogging. These so called sweet but boring posts are awe-inspiring, they are able to put into words what they wish to be. They are the ones that are fully aware that we are not perfect, so they choose to pour out their heart because they know how to write down what could be, rather than what was and what just happened without much reflection on any possible change! I'm all for free speech, but not at the expense of other people!

I love my friends' blogs; they are able to confine their posts to comprehensible labels that define their emotions for that moment, but those who go out of their way to flourish, bag, reach for the border of no-return moral degradation, boo on you!

You claim you believe in God through your choices of "add ons" and yet, the draw of more confused and just as uninformed audience, goad you to compose ridiculous, hurtful and immoral topics! Mind your own business! Through your mocking missives, you mock God and nullify any real sense of faith you have in HIM since others that have now convinced you, and you've convinced, through your moment of stupidity, lead to that!

If you ever visit a blog, next time, be kind and respectful of those that you see next, because, "hello!" we are all unique, and that includes our brain wiring and perceptions in life!

I believe that when something is not to be done, you work hard at changing, avoiding it; without the expense of others' reflection of their own failings. And hello, bad things do happen to other people and yes, they are allowed to announce that to whoever wants to listen, just like what you are so desperately trying to maintain. Thoughtful people do not slice through others' imagination, thoughtful people quietly cheer everyone around them, because change for the better is gaining momentum!

Did you ever think of that? You, you ridiculous, superficial, artificial, unbelievably vain bloggers!

Get your fingers ready...

2009-01-12T11:18:00.000-06:00

I've just checked in to my classes and all four Public Administation classes are related, so they staggered the homeworks to prevent too much overlap. The best part of it all, three are done in two months! Yay, me! (Boy, do I watch too much Disney channel...)

What does that mean for you? It means you will need to keep posting (if you feel like it; no pressure, (cough! everyday)) on your blogs to help me (if you think I'm worth it, (cough! I am!) Lol), break the monotony of online classes.

I love reading everyone's post; yes, everyone's and now that I've figured how to deal with feeds and links, then I can definitely keep up with most of your musings, ramblings, rantings and ravings!

Are you up to the challenge? So, what are you waiting for? Crack those knuckles and ready... set... type!

Room by Room Feng Shui- Living Room

2009-01-11T14:51:00.000-06:00

Feng Shui Your Living Room

In Feng Shui, Yin is the quiet and calming chi while Yang is the active and can be destructive, chi. You can’t have too much of either, you need both to achieve total contentment. “There must be opposition in all things.”

Anyone can have a beautiful home no matter how eccentric the taste. When I go to someone’s house, the first visual impression is not what dictates my comfort within. It is the flow of chi from person to room, one room to the next, wall to wall, and floor to ceiling. A lot of times, when people come to my house, it doesn’t matter that it’s messy from the day’s chaos, they come in and say “it’s so comfortable here” or “I love how your home feels so welcoming”. Good chi is not hard to reactivate, but very easily ignored when we fall prey to stress.

For 12 years, I have practiced these seven simple steps in reactivating my own good chi, starting with our living rooms (I’ve moved quite a bit). It can help you, too. I will not delve into symbolism for practical purposes.

1.From your front door, look around your first set of rooms. If there’s a “spot” that seem to catch your attention negatively, note it down. Do each room seem too dark, too bright or does it have much of what you don’t want as opposed to what makes you feel good? Put lamps on dark spaces and darken stark spaces with big plants or a vertical statue.

2.Still struggling to get things done, even after your yoga poses and blood-pumping routine? See if the room is the culprit. Again, from your front door, look at your furniture placement. Is it a maze or a meandering pathway? If you have to keep “turning” to get to the next furniture, then you're in a maze. The best yin chi is free flowing , gentle and invokes relaxation and creativity. Move around your sofas and tables to soften the flow from the front door to your living space and beyond to the back door.

3.Someone once told me, “If you keep looking up at the sky or always on the ground, eventually your neck will hurt.” Each of us needs to recognize what’s around, below, above, behind and in front of us to be well-balanced. If a room makes you feel too excited and the next agitated, then you have too much of each chi. Your own chi should compliment the chi inside the home. If you are a tall person, you should have low level attractions to help you see every surface. Reverse that for short dwellers. Don’t ignore tall ceilings and corners; if they are bare, it's like ignoring a part of you just because no one can see it. Eventually, it will be a source of annoyance. Maintain your good chi by making it “rise up” and dwell longer in your home. A good vessel to capture more yin is a tall and small necked vase or a vertical painting you love.

4.You should have a good exchange of oxygen flow in your home. Unless you are super allergic to dust, let the air in. Open those windows! Not only will it refresh your room, it'll do the same for your mood while you’re in your favorite room or the living room. If you clear your lungs, you clear your mind and mood. Air cleaners do the same if you have allergies.

5.Bring in plants that produce a lot of oxygen like bamboo or any pothos ivy. Scientifically, plants need and release carbon dioxide and oxygen to maintain health. Having more oxygen clears our heads and lightens our mood. We are told to drink water to maintain our health, right? Consider plants as your home’s water supply. But not in the bedrooms; as plants cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen for their own life maintenance. During the night, you are not in control of how much CO2 you inhale. See Gas Exchange in Plants .

6.From your sofa, can you see the front door? If you can’t, that uncertainty brings in undue anxiety about your safety. If your floor plan forces you to hide from the front door, place a mirror on the wall that allows you to see the door from where you like to sit and relax.

7.Make your living room, a living room. Meaning, represent your whole family in it. For example, children’s artwork displayed in a beautiful frame, most recent or favorite family portrait, favorite throw, books and a few toys in a beautiful basket that can be hidden away. Consider a conference room; it is designed to hold all that can contribute to a meeting or activity. It is normally bright enough, wide enough and meant for all involved in the meeting. Well, your whole family is your team, therefore, let their “input” be a part of the main room.

Sometimes, we forget that our own energy level is “dumped” into our own homes and to undo that, we need to reorganize our furniture and space to give us a new perspective. Feng Shui can also be seasonal, so don’t feel constraint about your initial reactivation. Remember that each season brings its own chi with it and it’s up to you to harness the good chi to help you deal with the bad chi life throws at you.

Repost: Some Feng Shui Tips

2009-01-09T23:59:00.000-06:00

The Bagua from ThinkQuest.com library of images

After getting that wonderful comment from Stephanie McWilliams, host of HGTV's FUN SHUI, I decided to repost these simple tips that can have a powerful impact in your lives. Everyone seeks balance and contentment to achieve happiness, but if you don't know where to start, how will you get there?

Ok, some of you maybe thinking that Feng Shui is some kind of Chinese Voodoo, but all it is, is finding the right furniture arrangement in your home to bring about balance that leads to happiness, prosperity and all that is good to continue living a balanced life. Being LDS, Feng Shui has taught me that living a Christ-like life is finding that balance that Feng Shui offers. We are all missionaries and if our private spaces can be more open to social, personal, familial and intimate opportunities, we will all be better missionaries which would then allow us to further the work without much feet dragging. So, here's some advice that I've lived by since I've included Feng Shui in my life, back in 1996:

1. Feng Shui has a bagua or an octagon-shaped direction finder of where you should "activate" your needed chi or life energies that you are probably neglecting or missing in your current lifestyles.

2. Once you've pinpointed where these good energies are, even after a "children and life-based" disasters, you can still visualize your balance and get to work in repairing your chi without self-inflicted guilt "bruises".

3. Every family is centered on how the parents see and treat each other- love, commitment and communication are central to any marriage, so create that in your bedroom. Focus on two's and a romantic color pallet that says "this is where we become united to tackle another day."

4. The next room of focus should be your living room- find a common color or symbol that unites your family. Feng Shui chi flows through a room that has a purpose but open to other areas of your life. If you have two sofas, if possible, have them face each other and anchor it with a rug. It will improve communication and gathering.

5. Corners are "dust magnets" and are therefore considered dead or bad chi. Fill them with tall plants or anything that can bring about life to the corner, i.e., a light fixture or a painting with obvious movement like a wave crashing or boat sailing.

6. Kitchens should be filled with things that are nourishing to your soul and stomachs. If it's not food or an appliance you rarely use, it shouldn't be out in the open. Dining rooms I consider the gratitude room, so fill it with colors and paintings that symbolize what you are grateful for. For example, I'm grateful for live houseplants, and having a good enough disposition so, in my dining room, I have live plants and an Asian rendition of the Good Samaritan. Fill a basket with fruits or veggies you love and put it on the table. It will serve as a reminder to eat better and appreciation for the luxuries of having food on your table.

7. For the children's rooms, place a painting they did where they can admire it and a painting that shows what you want them to learn that's important to your family.

Feng Shui experts can go as deep into symbolism or as simple as changing your color scheme, but my approach is to find balance in what you already know is your core: things and colors that make you get up in the morning and take that necessary step to make a difference. That will help you find your balance.

Feng Shui is my secret candy, what's yours?

"Fun Shui" TV Host found my blog!

2009-01-09T21:45:00.000-06:00

... and she commented on it!!! Oh, wow! What a great day this is turning out to be! First, on Free Cycle, I got a white cake stand (picking up tomorrow AM) that I need for Valentine's tablescape and now this! Yes, yes, yes!!! At first, I thought it was my ward friend Stephanie Bean, but when I re-read the post, I knew it wasn't her! Wow!

Here's what she said: (Original post on one below...)

"Well, you just made my day! Not only is your blog posting so heartfelt and inspiring...but I also got a big grin on my face when I saw my very own show on your Gratitude list. I'm the host of "Fun Shui" on HGTV...and it means the WORLD to me that there are people like you out there looking to change your life and make a difference. Keep doing the great work you're doing! And feel free to email me directly if you have any great feng shui questions or stories to share!

Lots of love to you,
Stephanie (McWilliams)stephanie@evolvingarts.com
www.evolvingarts.com"

OK, I am now officially the luckiest person in Carrollton!!!

Here's to New Beginnings...

2009-01-06T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, or someone who may be free enough to be following this blog. (You or all of you make my heart puff up with joy, just knowing you even read this blog, lol!)

The last part of 2008, I focused a lot on my family blog, but I was thinking, if I'm going to add three more blogs to this one, I should be able to maintain this one just fine, right? Right!

So, here's to new beginnings and new goals. My goal is to be able to have more of my thoughts and reflections on what makes my heart sing, my eyes to widen, my breath to catch in my throat and my brain to keep firing. It's the best resolution I can start with, to be more proactive in recording how I see the world. And to any naysayers out there, "to each his own!" These are my own personal logs and I'm entitled to them. I don't have to use any distracting or scandalous adjectives or verbs to gain an audience, I have a fat account in my lexicon bank and I am not afraid to use them to get my point across!

Just to review: I...
- don't cuss (anymore since the early 90s)
- think cussing is disgusting (I can't believe I did back then)
- am all about my children (love, love them!)
- do not offend easily (only 3 things actually)
- love my life now
- love the color purple (on anything, but cars!)
- have a great, wonderful, awesome husband (too much billing?)
- few, but unbelievably awesome friends
- am a Latter-day Saint
- am not afraid to tell people what I think
- love doing tablescapes
- love finding good in everything and everyone
- love the Philippine culture and its people
- love living simply, and simply living (with practical limitations)

Now that's out of the way, it's up to you if you still want to follow this blog, if you do, I thank you, if you don't, no skin off my back!

Having just ranted all that, I'll see you next post!

My life now... my then dream "secret candy"!

No new posts for now...

2008-11-29T23:09:00.000-06:00

Hello and sorry... I am having so much fun with our family blog that I found myself no time for even this personal one, so please for the time being, follow our adventures on this blog:

Mathews Memory Lane

Please leave a comment on that blog because sometimes, my list of links yield a blank black screen. I don't know why, but it does. I often have to go back and click on your comments to get to your blogs.

Funny, irritating but worth it...

Love to all! Thank you!

Amazing Autumn...

2008-11-03T22:37:00.000-06:00

Autumn decor back in 2005, Arizona home

(I miss my decorations; they're stuck in the storage)

I just love AUTUMN; the changing colors, the cooling breeze, the smells of apple and pumpkin pies, not to mention the fun and excitement of Halloween and the soul-refreshing rewards of Thanksgiving.

Now that I'm here in Texas, I get to enjoy the beautiful colors that posters, artwork and pictures bring to life. I recently noticed how much oak trees we have around here that are now slowly turning different shades of yellow, brown and even red. I am truly amazed!

Texans complain of the humidity, but for me, Texas has the best of both West and East Coasts; beautiful summer greens, red and yellows and the cool autumn and winter greens, red, yellows and browns...
We get summer heat and winter cold; in fact, we had snow on two different days last year in 5 years; it was pretty amazing just knowing that, but the best part was that I was here to enjoy it! My first late winter in Carrollton and it snowed!(Albeit, I fell down admiring the flakes falling from the sky, but it was just as beautiful if I remained standing gracefully...)
There are lots to do here and mostly, people are genuinely friendly as they have been portrayed in the media (though their driving leaves a lot to be desired). Texas is calming to me, it reminds me of the home that I left, and the hope that brought me my husband and children. Whenever I look out my window and see the two beautiful young trees dancing with the wind, it softly whispers calming thoughts and loving images that energizes my inner soul- allowing me to understand that I am a child of a loving God.
Autumn to me is just that perfect time during the year that kindly forces you to think about what's important, and what you can and should look forward to in the coming year. Autumn is that broken in reclining chair that gets better and better over time, the perfect pair of fuzzy slippers you look forward to slipping into after a hard day's work in those stilletos.

Why all the fuss over a season? Well, let's see... my first child was born in November and changed my way of looking at things; Charlie and I became a couple in September and I learned to smile again; I was married in October and my dreams came true; I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for my family and strengthened our bonds; my wonderful mother-in-law was born in November and she taught me the beauty of each holiday; the point, most of the good things that helped me appreciate who I am, started on an autumn month, so to me, autumn is a season of hope and renewal, the season that gets me ready for Christmas.

I hope to put roots down here, I am truly grateful to be here and hopefully, we are meant to be here...

Autumn, surely a "secret candy"!

12 Years and Counting!

2008-10-22T00:14:00.000-05:00

Well, it's October again... Aside from the obvious culprits of it's Fall and Halloween's around the corner while kids are busy in school, it also happens to be my wedding anniversary month. Yup! 12 years ago I faced my eternal companion in the Oakland, California temple and sealed our union for all eternity.

Can you imagine it?! 12 years! I know, I know, to some it's long been a blur, but to Charlie and I, we haven't even approached it yet (a few days from now). Considering we dated for three years (a long time for most LDS couples), being married 4 times that is huge to me!!! Why? I started out with not so good relationships though I now realize that if I only knew then that I am a better friend to them than a girlfriend, I would've stayed that way. Go figure,huh?

So back to my neurosis about being married this long- Charlie and I truly love each other, we get each other's sense of humor, we talk and we tackle life together, but we are not your typical definition of "soul mates". Our backgrounds were so different that if Hollywood rewrites an LDS version of Cinderella, our story would be at the top ten candidates. No kidding! It's not easy to describe my feelings for being with one person this long- of course this is what I want, don't get me wrong, but you know sometimes you can't help but pinch yourself (especially by someone like me)just to see if the reality I enjoy now, is indeed a reality. When most LDS women are groomed to find their one eternal companion, they know what that entails- unconditional love and fidelity under the guidance of our loving Heavenly Father, but for someone like me who's been told enough times that I don't deserve much, it's pretty much a daily pinching session. I know silly thoughts.

Charlie and I are in love with each other- we make a point to declare our feelings for each other as much as needed (mainly for me). So, how do we survive each year without me all bruised up and smiling at the end of the day? Simple...

We declare to each other: "You are my love, my life, my eternity."

Multiple Blogs

2008-10-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

It's fun to blog, you can't deny that, but sometimes, one is enough. Maintaining one for myself and one for my family has been quite a challenge, but all I really need to remember is to separate the two and make it meaningful, then it's really twice the fun! So, just have fun and keep blogging!

Down Memory Lane...

2008-10-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

When you have children and they become teenagers, you can't help but think of when you were a teenager. How different or similar they would be to you. Either way, it's a scary thought! Well, back in highschool, I was pretty much a wallflower, but one day...

It was 1989, a couple of weeks before Junior Prom... My best friend PS and I decided that we will get our dresses together, so we shopped at this hole-in-the-wall place in Downtown San Jose. She found two dresses, and she proceeded to explain why I need two myself- one for before Prom pictures and one for the Prom. For her, it was because she got invited to her date's prom as well, so she didn't want to wear the same dress. Teenagers! Well, I wasn't satisfied with my selection so I secretly returned the other one and bought another one (I forget where) and kept it to myself. Why the secret dress? Because... I have a crush on PS' date and I wanted to see if I can get his attention away from her even just for a minute. Yeah, I know, how bold!

Anyway, the night of the prom, I've got everything taken care of: I have a "safe" date (another good friend), a pink dress for pictures and my secret dress. My date's mom was a make-up artist, and she proceeded to slather make-up on me that ended up looking like I had a mask on. To be polite, I took pictures in my pink lacey dress with this "mask" on at my aunt's house in Downtown. We had a great time! (By this time, my date knew about the secret dress, but no idea as to the style). We go back to my house and I proceed to change and smooth out my hairdo- a french braid. When I came out, my date was shocked!

Soon enough, we are standing at the doors of the school gym and scanned the place for our friends. I found PS and the others right away and they looked at me with utter surprise. "What happened to the dress you were going to wear?, PS whispered since she was slowdancing with BL, a red headed cutie, and all I could do was smile. The song ends and BL turned around to greet DM and I. He was shocked; (we're talking jaw opened and speechless!) PS quickly grabbed my arm, led me away from everyone, bent on finding out what happened to the other dress. After admitting my returning it, she said, "Wow, Carol, you look sexy!" Of course I said thank you. We go back to the group and another slow song comes on. DM and I start to dance, but not after catching BL staring at me with a big smile on his face. Needless to say the next two slow dances were with him (by this time, the thick makeup was mellowed out by my oiling face and a quick powdering of the nose gave me a more natural made up face). He said, "you look beautiful, very sexy and smell incredible". In a word, to him, I was hot!!!

What was I wearing?

Typically, I was a "no-date, seldom dance goer, never had a boyfriend in highschool, jeans and T-shirt" girl. My date, DM, he was a good friend who didn't go to our school, and PS set me up with him so I wouldn't go stag. You see, BL asked PS to his prom, only after he said ok to going to our prom. I was cool with seeing them together, she was my BFF after all, but I guess, my crush was stronger than I realized; I wanted to make my own prom special, I wanted to dance with BL. Plus, I wanted a different colored dress since all of my friends found pink or baby blue. I wanted a black sexy number and I found it- a black form-fitting, long-sleeved mermaid dress with gold lace at the hemline and a low open back (most dresses would look low because I'm short, but this was almost sinful on me). I completed the "femme fatale" look with this pair of gorgeous 3-inch closed toe glittered pumps and complimentary earrings. My perfume that drove him wild, "Beautiful" of course!

Why was BL shocked to see me like that? Well, he was my trainer and lead at a nearby McD's where I replaced PS for a couple of months while she went to the Philippines. I was smitten right away, but I knew he had a crush on PS, only she didn't like him and gave me her permission to keep crushing. I worked there a total of four months, and in all that time, all he saw me in was the dorky uniforms we had to wear (I was surprised to know how often romances bloom in this particular franchise)! We never hung out or saw each other outside of McD's until that wonderful prom night...

I had a great time- I found a great dress, I danced with the guy I was crushing on twice and at the end of the night, he asked for my phone number! Of course, since none of us were able to carry a pen or paper in our miniscule purses, he had to call PS for my phone number the following day. We dated for a few months.

All three proms I attended were great and obviously all were before I became an LDS mother of three, but nevertheless, I am so grateful that my own teenager, despite several offers of potential boyfriends, still think "they have cooties and is not ready to date. Whew! (I honestly don't know what I would think if she pulled something similar to what I did; I told you it's a scary thought!)

Wanting to look different than the regular "jeans and T-shirt" and having the guy you like tell you just how great the transformation was, a definite "secret candy"!

I Love Detective Shows!

2008-10-04T19:59:00.001-05:00

I'm now a big fan of CSI, House, Medium, Bionic Woman, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Numb3rs and Bones! It's a fun way to unwind while following these heroes "crack the case"!

Pretending like you're a superhero, brilliant doctor or a bonafide psychic, what a secret candy!

My Favorite Flowers

2008-08-22T00:33:00.000-05:00

Do you see a pattern?

I discovered something...

2008-08-10T16:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not updating for several weeks, I've been busy...

Anyway, I discovered a few things about me (isn't that always the case?)

I've been accompanying my children to bookstores for their summer reading requirements and despite the numerous volumes of bios, documentaries, self-help compilations and adult fiction and mystery novels, I gravitate toward the teen fiction.

Why you ask? Do you really want to know?

One thought came to mind: I don't like to be reminded that real life is either predictable or that mankind is capable of true evil against their own... At least in young teen fiction, the innocence and fantastical storylines are dominated by one single evil character and his oblivious minions that are dominated by fear. Authors that write for children have to truly stretch the imagination to produce monsters so fierce they have to add extra limbs and teeth to instill suspense and thrills. The possibilities are endless with children's books while adult fiction, in my opinion are limited to crimes against each other and humanity, a journey of regret or if it is about mythical creatures, sex is always involved somehow. I know sex sells, but come on, even go as far as pairing up aliens or a supernatural being with a human being? To me, all of these angles have been told and retold, but having a child discover his or her potential to be the hero of an entire world, now that's a story to write about!

That's why I encouraged my daughter to write her own book reviews and ask her friends to join in because we need more children reading and adding to their immense bank of imagination that can diffuse most stress in their lives.
Check it out if you like...

Friends On Books (a teen book review)

Adult books read (but only barely):

The DaVinci Code

The Bourne series

The Sookie Stackhouse series

Can you say, oh well...

LDS Temples... I hope to see them all!

2008-07-23T13:22:00.000-05:00

Oakland, California temple where I Charlie and I were wed...

Here's some of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples I've seen or have visited. I wish to have the resources to see them all someday...

Dallas,Texas

Mesa, Arizona

Sacramento, California

South Jordan, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

All beautiful, all sacred, for all eternity...

Blogging...

2008-07-23T13:10:00.000-05:00

Sacramento, California temple, April 2008, with my eternal family

Well, I discovered that I needed to make three more blogs. Those that would reflect my whole family on all three sides: My marriage family, my mom's family and my dad's family. In my excitement to create a blog that would show all of our current adventures and for my thoughts to be written down, I realized just how multifaceted I am. I'm not just Carolyn, the wife and mother, I'm also Carolyn, the daughter of two beloved people who has ties to more people that I haven't yet met or wish to strengthen my own ties with. What a gift from a loving Heavenly Father! To show you just how important you are not just to your immediate family but to those that connected you by blood and love, now that's a gift for all ages.

I write this with overwhelming flood of gratitude to my family, all over the world, past, present and future...

Finding out who started my line on both sides and where my children will take our future, my ultimate "secret candy".

check out my other blogs:
http://lacholinks.blogspot.com
http://aspirasancestry.blogspot.com
http://mathewsmemorylane.blogspot.com

Look at what I did!

2008-07-15T08:37:00.000-05:00

I will never claim to be creative, but I do amaze myself from time to time when I put my mind into doing and finishing something. Back in Utah, in my sis-in-law's home, she had similar plaques that she did with her Relief Society group, so it reminded me of the ones I have yet to do. Thanks Kate!
The plaques, I bought from a Relief Society craft evening project sometime ago, but never liked the notion of having pressed time to do it so it sat in the sidelines. They even endured our move here to north Texas. Also, I'm not a country girl; I'm Filipino so I had to give them an Asian flair. The "Mathews" plaque, I stained it instead of painting or just shellacking the surface. The wood it came with was neither wide nor long enough, so I asked Charlie to help me find a suitable replacement. After he cut and prepped it, I used a deep burgundy stain and used a roller to give it a lacquered look. The result with beige and white vinyl letters on it looks so elegant that it can be used it on any decor. Even for those die hard fans of leather furnishings, it would look great with it.
For the "Family Home Evening", I strolled down memory lane for my inspiration. I grew up looking out onto a construction site of a 5-story home and clothing factory. Outside, at the end of each day, I would find wood with splatters and brushings of paint. It looked messy but beautiful to me. Charlie and I found 2 "oops" paints for $1 each at Home Depot, mixed it to a pinkish beige tone then I used the chocolate shade to splatter with a toothbrush and hit the sides with the bristles using long and short strokes to simulate degrading wood. I was jumping up and down at how good it looked when I laid down the burgundy lettering. To finish it, I'll be placing hooks and star shaped balsa wood with the same paint technique to complete the plaque and use it to organize our weekly family time. I can't wait!

I made the memo & chore board for my children who can never remember their appointments or chores, rather too conveniently... I used canvas boards and my children and I voted on the fabrics to reflect our dream decor. I covered the buttons with the same or coordinating fabrics to the ribbon I used. The memo board is in blue because Lisa's room used to be white and blue, but now, Ian and Jasmine are using it as the neutral color as they share a room. As for the chore board, I used a thick fabric reminiscent of Spanish tapestry as Spain is part of my heritage. The chore board is not quite complete yet; I'm still missing its other component to function as a chore board. For both of these, I only saw what's being sold and decided that I can do it, so I tried it!

Finishing a project and even starting one on your own, very cool "secret candy".

Feeling at Home

2008-07-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

It would seem that it took Independence Day for us to grab new suitcases, take some time off and visit family in Utah again (last time was February 2007). Since moving here to Texas, our lives just seems so upside down! Most of it in a good way, but upside down nevertheless. Being with family on both sides made us realize just how isolated we are to those that mean much to us. What am I talking about?

Well, in San Jose, CA, my mom lives with my brother and my aunt, while my only sister Wena, her two kids, and our oldest brother Ronie live a few minutes away in opposite directions. Though one of my other brother, Alan and his family live in Canada, my brother Noel is in Elk Grove, CA with his lovely family and are neighbors across the street with my mom's sister and her daughter and their little family. The weekend we spent there back in April, the most memorable was not only Mama turning 70 but how much the cousins treasured each other's company. They played Wii, pretend games, chased each other, sang, watched TV and even made sure they all ate and slept at the same time. It was amazing to see that distance does not kill solid ties between families.
Now in Utah, it was the same scenario; Charlie's parents live in South Jordan while his sister Kate, live in West Jordan. For all of you who know this region, you know how close they most likely are to each other. We flew over there to see the newest member of Charlie's small family, Carter Boyd Gurney, Kate and Gary's baby boy. He's cute, full of life and so aware of how much he is loved. Again, one of the most memorable is how Lisa, Jasmine and Ian found ways to have fun with their cousin Taryn in all five days we were there. Our 11-people reunion revolved around food, making memories, common culture, family outings and of course, fireworks- big, little, noisy, whistling and popping, we had them and used them. We had a blast! We were amazed that Ian and Carter managed to sleep through a lot of them while Lisa, Taryn and Jasmine couldn't stop handing them to Charlie and Grandpa so we can keep the fun going. For me, I managed to try different varieties to calm my nerves about fireworks and the menace they seem destined to come with.

Sometimes, I can't seem to get enough of just how much we, adults, can learn from children. There's nothing pretentious to their interactions, they either choose to have fun or not. Choose to be friendly or be the center of attention. Reflecting on our trip to Utah, I can't help but recall my sis-in-law's comment about making "snap judgments from snippets of time" that we allow ourselves to see each other. It's almost a cruel game we put ourselves through when we know that we should be more like children and just decide that having fun and making the most of short reunions is our main agenda. At church today, we were reminded of how obedience to our faith leads us to act in order to make a difference in other people's lives. Though we are responsible for our own choices and actions, our ultimate judgment is based on just how much we helped Heavenly Father gather the rest of His flock back to him. Children seems to be the experts on that and it's up to us to cultivate and nurture that in them so that when it's their turn to be adults, they will still use their "friendshipping" power to find that other lost sheep.

Now I understand more why even God invites us to be like little children if we are to inherit the heavens in His presence. It is because only then that we would be able to appreciate each other completely and without pretentions. Only then can we truly feel at home.

Children; the sweetest "secret-candy" and my best teachers...

"Unique" is our middle name...

2008-07-01T23:34:00.000-05:00

As my children drift off to dreamland, I couldn't help but be filled with gratitude for them and our little family. We consider ourselves unique because I personally make sure that we live "in" the world, but not "of" the world. To clarify things, let me list down what's special about my family. Of course, exceptions happen though they are few in between.

1. Sodas are only sipped on Friday nights. Under 4, NO sodas, under 13, only rootbeer for dark sodas.
2. 5:30 PM is the curfew, 6:30 during summer vacation
3. Reading is a daily activity. No exceptions.
4. Mommy & Daddy approves all visual and audio materials. NO exceptions.
5. We don't do Spring cleaning, we do Summer cleaning.
6. Library trips are considered summer treat.
7. Bedrooms have to be clean if going anywhere, even birthday parties.
8. Clearance is the only way to shop, except for necessities. Clothes, only clearance.
9. We don't go by brand names, we go by style and modest appearance.
10. Modesty is a must in all aspects of our lives, including how much we eat.
11. A pound of any meat is enough for 2-3 meals. Veggies we splurge on.
12. Ask first. No answer, ask again.
13. We are strict, but fair.
14. Guests are only guests the first time they come, other times, they are family.
15. You have to be honest about the food.
16. No gross topics at the dinner table or you don't join us.
17. No cussing of any kind. Substitutions that mean the same thing is a no-no!
18. Gossiping stops at our front door. You're not allowed to bad mouth anyone.
19. Hugs and kisses are our main currency.
20. Everyone's on a budget, no matter what the expense.

My darling family, my ultimate "secret candy"!!!

Dessert Treat

2008-07-01T23:12:00.001-05:00

I don't know about other households, but in mine, dessert after dinner is a rare treat indeed. The exception are few, either we had company or I give permission on any particular night. Such a night was tonight when I gave my family a round of blackberry & vanilla frozen yogurt milkshakes. I made it special by creating this simple recipe: (Enough for 5 people)

2 cups frozen or refrigerated blackberries
3/4 tub of vanilla frozen yogurt
1-2 tbsp. sugar
2 cups of milk

I blended the sugar, 1 cup of milk and the berries until well pureed. Then I strained out the seeds from the juice. After rinsing out the blender to get rid of the leftover seeds, I scooped all the frozen yogurt into the blender, add remaining milk then poured in the blackberry base. I used the "ice crush" button to puree it all and smooth out the consistency.

It was so delicious that even Jasmine, who normally prefers Sonic shakes, did not get up until her glass was empty. Yum!!!

You can substitute raspberries or strawberries and creamier ice cream for thicker consistency. For soft sorbets, use berry sorbet as your chilled base and enjoy all that Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Enjoy your summer! Be healthy and eat well.

Your finicky children loving what you made, a definite "secret candy"!

Summer is here...

2008-07-01T00:57:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe how quickly the temperature has risen the past few weeks approaching Summer. It seemed as though the hot weather has always been just around the corner after the first sign of complaints about winter or spring. Vacations, swimming, outdoor meals and the smell of propane or coal definitely rings its arrival while the fiery symbol of our freedom in this country further welcomes Summer in July. For me and family, it's almost the saddest time of the year; our Lisa travels on her own while brief visits to family and places render us both renewed and exhausted. Planning outdoor activities take so long that it's almost not worth the thought in the first place. Jasmine and Ian want to go, go, go while Charlie and I, beg for more sleep and rest. Though the days are longer, it never seems enough as lists of "to do's" keep getting longer and longer. Laundry seems to pile up, electric and water bills seem to shout, while boredom seems bent on ruining a beautiful sunny day for lack of "cool" things to do.

Summer, summer, summer... it's definitely for those that love the outdoors while the sun itself is trying to bake in its rays.

Summer, not quite my "secret candy", but we love it just fine.

Keeping Healthy

2008-06-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

We finally found a pediatrician. Yay!!! It only took a year, but we found one, Dr. Michelle Fowers, who also happens to be the first counselor of our ward's Relief Society presidency. I was very impressed with how she directed everything towards the kids as Jasmine and Ian went for their well check. To me, if kids are allowed to answer for themselves especially during doctor visits, it's a quick way to alleviate nerves.
She was awesome, thorough and knew just how to comfort the kids into allowing her to examine them. A good thing, too, since my middle one is too shy, and my son doesn't like to be prodded much especially after discussions of his "differences" (food allergies, asthmatic tendencies, fibrile seizures). One thing that really made me go "wow" is Dr. Fowers' BMI chart that correlated my children's weight with their heights. It clearly showed that they are healthy children along with 20/20 vision and good hearing. That was a great experience. I do apologize that we got lost along the way and actually finding her office once we were in the building.
I also hoped she didn't go deaf after Ian let out his blood-curdling screams while getting a booster shot for chicken pox. Sorry, Dr. Fowers and staff... A big thank you and "whew!" came across my mind throughout our trip back home, of course, after stopping for some ice cream.
I'm so glad to know that despite our normally laid-back lifestyle, my kids have energy to burn enough for two people that allow them to do healthy activities such as hoola-hooping, swimming, bowling, walking to stores, bike riding, test their flexibilities, run, jump and climb everywhere, on a daily basis.
Despite of how I am now, I can remember when I used to do those things and when I got tired, I climb the nearest fruit tree and grab a quick snack. Anything packaged was nothing short of a treat for me. When I lived in Laguna, Philippines, my house was surrounded by all these fruit trees and we grew our own vegetables. During the rainy seasons, the mudfish normally buried in mud comes back to life and we catch and grill them after harvesting the sweet potatoes' young leaves. After the first weeks of summer, we dig up the sweet potatoes while making sure we don't disturb the hibernating mudfish. I wanted the same active memories for my children so I made sure that I introduced them to all sorts of fruits and vegetables, though Jasmine can eat more veggies than what's in V8 Fusion or Splash. They love hearing stories about each fruit I introduce them to that I ate back when I was their age. I encourage them to exercise and play, though most of the time, they just wiggle long enough to burn calories rivaling any intense workout. I'm tired just thinking about it!
Parents, especially moms, often wonder how their children are doing healthwise, and sometimes, a good doctor is the answer to that age-old question. There's nothing like a good report from a great physician and a thorough pediatrician like Dr. Fowers, is definitely any mom's "secret candy"!

I wonder how my mom is doing on her new treadmill?

Guess who turned 9 today? Jasmine!

2008-06-22T01:18:00.000-05:00

It was a great day... Our lovely Jasmine turned 9, so what do we do? We have breakfast at Denny's, shop Target for new sheets and other gifts then end the day with her favorite dinner, an awesome cake, good friends and some awesome Cranium games, of course! We had a ton of laughs and ended up thoroughly exhausted from the all-day soiree that is Jasmine's birthday. She couldn't wait to get at the gifts and eat her "horse stable" cake. It was delicious! It was a combo of white and confetti cake with vanilla filling. Her gifts, well they are new quilted comforter and sham set complete with a sheet set from solid colors she chose, a big Palomino toy horse, a paint by numbers kit, and a check for $10. But the best gift she got was from the presence of the people she invited and the laughter they shared with us during dinner and our game time. We even managed to listen to Bill Cosby's stand-up comic routine titled, "Chocolate Cake".

Every child, every year, I celebrate their birthdays the way they want to help them remember just how precious they are to us. Though it amazes others by how much effort it seemed to have taken, I personally think they deserve even more. Something inside me wells up knowing that my child arrived at their next birthday relatively healthy and happy going. Just as strongly, I can't help but feel very sad by news of children dying at such ages either from the hands of cruel people, freak accidents or childhood diseases. I love knowing that we celebrated as a family, while having some friends over becomes the lovely bonus of the day.

My life is simple, but it's full of complex memories, I wouldn't trade it for the world. My kids' birthdays, another sweet "secret candy".

Some Feng Shui Advice

2008-06-19T01:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, some of you maybe thinking that Feng Shui is some kind of Chinese Voodoo, but all it is, is finding the right furniture arrangement in your home to bring about balance that leads to happiness, prosperity and all that is good to continue living a balanced life. Being LDS, Feng Shui has taught me that living a Christ-like life is finding that balance that Feng Shui offers. We are all missionaries and if our private spaces can be more open to social, personal, familial and intimate opportunities, we will all be better missionaries which would then allow us to further the work without much feet dragging. So, here's some advice that I've lived by since I've included Feng Shui in my life:

1. Feng Shui has a bagua or an octagon-shaped direction finder of where you should "activate" your needed chi or life energies that you are probably neglecting or missing in your current lifestyles.
2. Once you've pinpointed where these good energies are, even after a "children and life-based" disasters, you can still visualize your balance and get to work in repairing your chi without self-inflicted guilt "bruises".
3. Every family is centered on how the parents see and treat each other- love, commitment and communication are central to any marriage, so create that in your bedroom. Focus on two's and a romantic color pallet that says "this is where we become united to tackle another day."
4. The next room of focus should be your living room- find a common color or symbol that unites your family. Feng Shui chi flows through a room that has a purpose but open to other areas of your life. If you have two sofas, if possible, have them face each other and anchor it with a rug. It will improve communication and gathering.
5. Corners are "dust magnets" and are therefore considered dead or bad chi. Fill them with tall plants or anything that can bring about life to the corner, i.e., a light fixture or a painting with obvious movement like a wave crashing or boat sailing.
5. Kitchens should be filled with things that are nourishing to your soul and stomachs. If it's not food or an appliance you rarely use, it shouldn't be out in the open.
6. Dining rooms I consider the gratitude room, so fill it with colors and paintings that symbolize what you are grateful for. For example, I'm grateful for live houseplants, and having a good enough disposition so, in my dining room, I have live plants and an Asian rendition of the Good Samaritan. Fill a basket with fruits or veggies you love and put it on the table. It will serve as a reminder to eat better and appreciation for the luxuries of having food on your table.
7. For the children's rooms, place a painting they did where they can admire it and a painting that shows what you want them to learn that's important to your family.

Feng Shui experts can go as deep into symbolism or as simple as changing your color scheme, but my approach is to find balance in what you already know is your core: things and colors that make you get up in the morning and take that necessary step to make a difference. That will help you find your balance.

Feng Shui is my secret candy, what's yours?

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

Time certainly can run!

2008-06-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

Last night, I browsed through my family pictures and it amazed me just how much time runs away from you when you are at your best in trying to keep up with it. For example, I still remember the day I met Charlie inside Taco Bell in San Jose, CA or the delivery adventures I had with each of my precious children. Watch the slide show and tell me how right I am...

Charlie's with Southwest, Lisa's 15 and a soon to be high school junior, Jasmine's almost 9 and Ian is 6; we've moved 6 times, transitioned from Italian countryside to French Provencale to now my signature decor of Spanish Asian Fusion and along the way have decided to give college a second chance. What is life without its adventures, huh?

Take pictures of different moments; sometimes, the most mundane becomes the most memorable... A bittersweet secret candy of raising a family.

Red Anemone

2008-06-18T01:26:00.000-05:00

Back in 1997, my birthday, I lost my dearest father. His name was Adonis and in the Greek mythology, Adonis was a demi-god blessed with such a perfect form and face that Aphrodite, the goddess of love fell madly in love with him. When he died, her tears mixed with his blood sprang red anemones to commemorate their love. In another story, it told of how as his blood seeped into the dirt, red anemones grew and served as his marker so that Aphrodite can always find him.

Here's an anemone in honor of my love for my late father. I still miss him...

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-18T01:08:00.001-05:00

The Rest of the Family

2008-06-18T00:45:00.000-05:00

I've given you glimpse of the pets we have, but I think it's time we gave them faces as well for your viewing pleasure. Let me proudly introduce, Cece our cat, Dexter our cockatiel, Gabbie and Maggie, our guinea pigs. They help us deal with long days and all sorts of "yuckies" of everyday life. We absolutely adore them!

Cece is our diva who acts tough but is really a big softie around the other pets

Dexter loves his freedom that he's now learned trying to open up one of the doors of his cage.

Gabbie and Maggie love baths, though they will never admit to it.

Our pets, definitely another "secret candy"!

Now if we can only take pictures with all of them for our next Christmas portrait, we'll be one big family!

The Mathews Majesty- "A Plain Royal Unit"

2008-06-17T17:22:00.000-05:00

Charlie, Carolyn, Lisa, Jasmine and Ian. We're the Mathews!

We don't have much money or the best of everything, but our kingdom is full of love, laughter and wonderful memories. Our tapestries cannot be traced back into the medieval times, but rather a time when two people fell in love and conquered many barriers. Our children are blessed with riches not of this world, but with treasures that mere mortals cannot find. Their place in this world is not of a blue bloodline but from such purple (regal) heritage, so exclusive that even powerful men haven't yet attained. We are a family, a loving unit that God joined and formed to be one of the best and blessed kingdoms of this nation.

We wish you the same happiness and strength we enjoy.

My Little Genius

2008-06-17T17:07:00.000-05:00

Now that I have music on this blog, I'm most likely going to be on it more. My daughter Lisa set it all up so it doesn't look like a raggedy old newspaper you can't unfold. Enjoy my posts and hopefully be generous with your comments so I can keep making it better. Read the "100 Wonders of Being Me" and find interesting likes and dislikes that makes me tick.

Thank you and enjoy reading!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-17T01:58:00.001-05:00

Eight (Texas) Cities in 10 Days

2008-06-17T01:08:00.000-05:00

Ok, so our friend Michelle Branch (slide show above) comes over from Gilbert, AZ for a much needed visit. I had to scramble to figure out where we can take her so she wouldn't blow her brains out from boredom. Well, here's what we came up with so that we can also do errands while we're also entertaining her. I personally think it was a blast, but of course for a young chick like Michelle, she'll probably remember more the down time rather than the good times. This is where we went:

1. Dallas- she arrived and departed from Love Field airport; visited Dallas LDS Temple
2. Carrollton- room and board; celebrated her 20th bday,swam at the Rainforest Aquatic Complex and apartment pool; shopped Kohl's and ate at Sonic
3. Grapevine- shopped at Build-A-Bear, Forever 21 & Pac Sun in Grapevine Mall; took pictures inside Rainforest Cafe.
4. Coppell- cruised through en route to Grapevine
5. Lewisville- ate out at Panda Express, hung out at Petland, shopped Bath & Body Works and Ross and bowled at Main Event; also played the games there.
6. Garland- cruised through en route to Mesquite
7. Mesquite- picked blackberries @ Merry Berry Farms
8. Plano- shopped at Wal-mart for a specific T-shirt and swimsuit

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-17T00:32:00.001-05:00

100 Wonders of Being Me

2008-06-16T23:34:00.000-05:00

Christmas Solo 2005

I got this idea from my friend Michelle; I thought it'd be nice to see if I can come up with 100 info regarding my person. Enjoy reading!

1. My name’s origin is Caroline, the English female counterpart of the name Charles.
2. My husband’s name is Charles
3. I like being Asian (Filipino, Chinese)
4. I’ve been a Feng Shui practitioner since 2002
5. I don’t stress about how I look at any time of the day though I value my hubby’s opinion
6. I am a shirt and jeans kind of girl
7. I don’t like to wear makeup; though I wear them occasionally
8. I’m a three-time C-section champ
9. I can’t swim to save my life, but I love the beach and pools
10. My husband and I are both 1971 babies, but he’s January and I’m December
11. I have three of the coolest kids; they keep me on my toes 24/7!
12. I can’t sleep without my husband next to me
13. I am married to the perfect man- he’s so awesome in his simplicity
14. I have jet black wiry hair
15. I recently fell in love with Asian décor and my hubby loves it, too!
16. Reading and Sudoku calms me down, but seafood drives me wild. I love ‘em, love ‘em!
17. I like to multi-task; I’m obsessed with it
18. I created my own budget system that most would find complicated but it’s actually so easy
19. I love children; as far as I’m concerned, I have 16 children- three’s mine, then there’s Michelle, Tina, Luis, David, Laura, Junior, Taryn, Carter, Kyle, April, Aleah, Abrynn, & Den-den.
20. I was miserable in AZ, but am loving North Texas like crazy!
21. Studio Movie Grills are so awesome- I have to go again!
22. I love my family’s traditions- especially Christmas, Thanksgiving and 4th of July
23. I only like dark chocolate; with the exception of Filipino chocolates- I love them all!
24. I am Filipino btw
25. I am short, but very few things limit me
26. I am a very strict mom- especially on reading and curfews
27. I learn my kids’ homework materials so I can keep up with them
28. I will finally be a college graduate (May 2009)
29. I am a Fall bride- October 1996
30. My dream bedroom can be described in two words- Asian Passion
31. My dream décor in three words- Spanish Asian Fusion
32. I love strappy high heels- my take on “sexy!”
33. I’ve dreamt about my husband since 3rd grade, I knew his name when I turned 12- my aunt gave me the perfume Charlie.
34. I love floral scents- especially jasmines and orchids
35. I can’t stand fruity smells unless they belong to actual fruits
36. “Beautiful, Shi, Jadore”- my main scents that drive my husband crazy
37. I collect dishes for holidays and love to do tablescapes
38. Journaling is not my strong suit
39. I love looking at shoes- strappy ones, remember?
40. I’ve only fallen in love with one brand of purses & wallets- RELIC
41. I love veggies and shakes!
42. I love chocolate ice creams- my fave would be dark chocolate with drk choc shavings, crushed macadamia, pistachio and almonds mixed in. Yummy!
43. I prefer card making to scrapbook albums
44. My clothes have to smell good, or I itch; wacky system- My brand Tide & Downy- blue bottles
45. I love my life- it’s simple, just the way I like it
46. Excel is my bestfriend; not many women can claim that
47. I taught myself how to cook and will soon compile a recipe book
48. I love holding dinner parties- any kind
49. I love to host birthday parties for my kids
50. I don’t do salon mani-pedi’s; I’m too cheap
51. I don’t do massages either
52. I do love to give massages to my family
53. I made 11 meals out of 3 lbs. of chicken
54. Word search is my other weakness
55. I don’t like to sell any of my old stuff; I’d rather give it away
56. I am frugal to a fault; but reasonably splurges on my children
57. Clearance is my other name
58. One of our fave dates is cruising for clearance finds for school items
59. I first held hands with my hubby in a movie theatre
60. My first date with my hubby is a plane ride over San Jose, CA- can you say romantic?
61. I had my first child when I was almost 21
62. I am not allowed to have any more children if I want to grow old with my husband- I’m too small and had 3 C-sections too many
63. I love the game of chess but I can’t play it
64. I am a fan of online games- but nothing that promises cash or token rewards
65. When I read, I have to finish soon, so I can discuss it
66. I am partial to mystery, supernatural and mystical fiction
67. I shave on average every six months- I don’t have much leg hair and they never grow coarse
68. I don’t suffer from daily BO either, I can go without deodorant for as long as I want- recent record, 5 weeks.
69. I love to stock up on food, especially during summer, don’t like shopping then
70. I hate buying toilet paper or sanitary pads- yucky silent reminders
71. I love Febreze, Tide, Downy and Comet
72. I finally have pets- cockatiel, two guinea pigs and a diva of a cat
73. We had nine goldfish, but had to give them away to our family friends
74. My childhood pet was Sultana, my beautiful brown mutt- her name means Muslim princess and she was the best! She was ran over while following me to school.
75. Since 1987, I’ve only been to 6 states: CA, NV, NM, AZ, UT & TX
76. I love rice with everything, but hate pickles, jalapenos, coleslaw and sauerkraut
77. Hate olives, but I love olive oil, especially with lemon and basil
78. Fave sauce; creamy scampi on seafood linguini at Disneyland’s Stromboli
79. I don’t drive and I don’t care that I don’t drive.
80. I love to walk and shop with coupons
81. I love to volunteer in my kids’ school
82. I was an insomniac since my third child was born; TX different story until hubby changed back to night shift- zombie time again
83. I dated my hubby for 3 years, didn’t see him only on three different occasions
84. I learned to type better on my home QWERTY pad rather than a whole semester of Typing class. I wasted $400 in tuition!
85. I feel bad for our storage unit- it’s one box away from throwing up!
86. I look good in dark purple and purple is my fave color
87. But I hate purple cars- only
88. I have an attitude; I’m a certified B****
89. I love that my hubby thinks I’m hot; no other opinion matters
90. One time, I was at a store in AZ, and an 18 year old started talking to me; at the end of it, he asked me to go to his prom as his date- I was 30!
91. In CA, I was 27, and the same thing happened while I was waiting for the bus to come.
92. I dreamt my son joining our family before I got pregnant with him.
93. I fought off doctors and nurses for 18 hours from giving my then 18-month old baby too much anesthesia because they mislabeled her wrist band as a 2.5 yr old.
94. I can’t stand not eating rice for more than a week, I get sick and so do my children
95. The most expensive pair of shoes I own now only cost me $20.
96. I have 4 themes for Christmas; 3 are for each of my babies
97. My ultimate Christmas would be Filipino décor and traditions- wherever we live
98. I don’t like getting haircuts- average every 1.5 years in between
99. I get nervous when I teach anybody anything
100. I don’t like money in my wallet!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

The year after...

2008-06-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

Well... We still love it here! I can't believe how much time has gone by, but Carrollton has been nothing but a blessing to us. We love the people around us and everyone's adjusting better than expected, especially me! It's been great! For me, it's like being in Manila and Texas at the same time- it's my little piece of heaven. Here's some of the highlights of this past Spring...

Berry picking, making cobbler, banana bread and shakes, bowling, swimming, growing basil, getting a patio set and a grill and having our friend Michelle come and visit for over a week and winning a fancy birthday cake for my soon to be 9-year old Jasmine from a church activity service auction.

As I've said before, life can be simple and rich at the same time, you just have to mix in some of your secret candy and you're set! Make do with what you have and don't be afraid to live the way you can because everything has limits except for your own imagination.

Laugh as much as you can, cry when you need to but love all the time.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-08T15:29:00.001-05:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-08T14:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome Spring, we're still here...

2008-04-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess a big, "I'm sorry" is at hand... I haven't had the chance to write between my school, kids, their school schedule and hubby's work schedule. It's been definitely hectic, but loads of fun.

We still love it here! I can't believe that we'd be somewhere we all love. It's as if we've been here longer than 9 months! Our apartment is still a mess, but we're getting things done that are more important to us like keeping up with UIL dates, Choir concerts, church commitments, Chess Club, good grades, TAKS testing, our FHE's and our "runaway" budget.

March brought snow, fierce winds, rain, more "like still in high school" romantic dates with Charlie, a short haircut for me and a long-awaited trip to the Dallas Texas LDS temple. It was a beautiful experience.

What's coming up in April?

Midterms for me, AP Exams for Lisa, new tools for Charlie, Chess Tournament for Jasmine and good health for Ian. Oh, yeah, a long awaited vacation back to Cali to see family for my mom's b-day. See you real soon for that one...
Lots of good news from friends all over: pregnancies, first kiss, new babies, 13th birthday, 70th birthday, mini-reunions, new house, going back to school and from me, one last semester this fall and I'm a college-graduate! Yes!!!

I love my life... It's simple, but full of substance. Too bad not many people can say both and feel rewarded.

Ok, more later...

Picasa rocks!

2007-11-08T19:40:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
We have now managed to publicly share our family albums with you, our family and friends. So make sure to check out http://picasaweb.google.com/cc3mathews
Will be writing some more later...

Remember, life should be lived, but with some secret candy to keep it interesting.

Texas schools

2007-08-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Well, another day, another blog...

It's been refreshing to enter a school where what they say mostly matches what they do. Registering my children have been a nice shock to the lesson of being prepared. They asked for all the paperwork and each document missing meant another try on another day. Being prepared, there's just no substiture for it.

Ok, here's the kids schools' pics, so you can see how excited we are:

Remember, don't let your great dreams become "secret candy". Find your strength and live them. We'll have their cute faces gracing these blogs soon enough.

Enjoy your day...

New Texans

2007-08-08T23:41:00.000-05:00

School is around the corner, but yet everything's new. My children, Lisa, Jasmine and Ian are both excited and nervous. Should they be; maybe, but at the same time, they love where we are and can't wait to belong to a new group of kids who are hungry for more knowledge and fun like they are. I guess we'll have to wait and see how this blog episodes play out for my little gems.

As for our pets, Cece, our cat and Dexter our cockatiel, they are just in heaven with all the noises and breeze that grace our home and keep their interest peaked.

"Make life simple, and you'll love it best; no need for any "secret candy".

See you next blog...

Green August

2007-08-08T23:19:00.000-05:00

Can Texas get any better? Yes, by taking time to enjoy the different creatures that call it home. We just love all the different animals we've had the pleasure to see upclose so far here in our little Texas haven. So far, we've seen turtles, different sizes of frogs, hares, colorful birds, hawks circling the sky, different ants, white cranes, swans and their plain-looking cygnets, fish and dogs of all sizes, as well as cats. They are all beautiful and majestic; just the way God intended for this world's meaningful purpose. Recently, black dragonflies and a mud snake all in one week, how cool is that?!
Everyday since our move has been nothing short of amazing and green has never been a more fitting background for the flying kaleidoscope show the multitude of dragonflies generously provided just this past consecutive gorgeous bright sunny days we've been enjoying; right outside our frontdoor!

'Til next blog; and remember, no life is better than "the simple life".

Let life amaze you; live your "secret candy".

Still loving it...

2007-07-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hello,

We moved here last June and I have to say that I'm glad we moved here. It's been great! I love looking out and seeing green everywhere: life existing within its camouflage. The dragonflies are like fluttering pieces of the rainbow and the abundant lakes that are teeming with life is so calming.

Everything we could ever need is within our reach and even though I would normally be begging to get out and get fresh air after 3 days, it hasn't happened yet. I hope that my family can also see our town through my eyes; the bugs are still getting to them.

Soon, school will start for all us and I look forward to looking out my window and gain inspirations from the beauty that only singing birds and swaying trees can bring.

"The simple life; you can't beat it..."

"Live your dreams; don't let it pass and just become your "secret candy"...

See you next blog!