Quick post...

I've been under the weather the last few days but, I'm recovering. Just want to quickly share some highlights of the week. Maybe I'll elaborate on it later. But other than being sick, I got a perfect score of 100 on my first Illustrator lesson. Very surprised but, very happy. It was challenging and I almost gave up on it. There's a lesson to be learned here - never give up trying. Anyways, I'll post a picture of my robot down below. Yesterday is my beautiful friend Miriam Gray's birthday and I've invited her over for dinner this week. I'm also having a good, old, longtime friend of mine visit me this Friday - Aida C. She is one I hold dear to my heart even though a lot of time has slipped between us. We share a lot of memories together. I'm so excited to see her again and can't wait for my kids to meet her. Then, on Saturday is my long awaited hair appointment. I just hate my outgrown hightlights. ack! No real plans for 4th of July. And the one thing I'm looking forward to is our family trip to Seattle for my birthday next month. yeehoo!!! Well, that's all for now...I'll be posting up some LOs soon!

Graduations, Father's Day, and the ER...

Busy, busy, busy. I would love to just chill and relax for just one day, just ONE, and just sleep. The past 2 weeks have been one thing after another. My two nieces have graduated - Akaela - Kindergrad and khadijah - Junior High - which their graduation I would not miss for the world. These two beautiful girls are like my own daughters and just seeing them all grown and getting their diplomas was an emotional experience for me. Any of my nieces or nephews that graduate is such a blessing and it makes me look forward to the day that my own children will too.

Then, Father's Day came around and I didn't get to finish the page I was working on for my husband so I'll be posting it late. However, I have some really cool photos of our family daytrip to share with you. We went to California Carnivores in Sebastopol, Ca. where they grow exotic plants that eat bugs. Yes, I know...weird but, cool. This is where my hubby wanted to go for Father's Day and of course he ended up leaving with more plants to add to his ever growing collection. Josiah and Lucas were of course fascinated by it all and already learning to appreciate the art of gardening. I can imagine them when their older, planting their own garden (just as long as it's not illegal :0 ). If you want to know more about it, you can check out The Buffed Garden website owned and designed by none other than my hubby himself.

So, after such a long, happy, two weeks....Josiah came down with a really bad wheezy cough and couldn't breathe which led me to take him to the hospital. I almost thought I was going to lose him. As I prayed over him and wept, I remembered to be still and know that I serve a God who has everything under control. It's moments like this that I feel His presence the strongest and know that no matter what, I'm never alone. Josiah had 3 breathing treatments and a steroid shot. Although, I know Josiah is a fighter and has that strength to bounce back after all of that, it was the Lord's mercy that kept my son alive. Hallelujah! Whewww.....So, back to normal now except now Lukie has a mean snotty nose. I have ALOT of homework to catch up on. I'm currently learning Adobe Illustrator and let me tell you, it is way too cool that I am so amazed at what you can do. OH...and I also bought a WACOM tablet which is OFF THE HOOK! It's like drawing or painting on traditional mediums except it's on a graphic tablet hooked up to the computer. I cannot wait to show you the robot that I am drawing for my homework assignment, which I'm almost done with. Be back soon....

Where was I?

I haven't blogged for a week! But, now I'm back and definitely have some stuff to write about. But, first let me share what I was busy doing the last few days. My friend, Miriam, (hi Mir!! yes, I thought I'd share my experience with everyone. hope ya don't mind) asked me to help her with making programs and menus for a graduation dinner being held for her work. So, of course I was willing to help her because there's nothing I wouldn't do for a friend. Besides, this is my thing and I love what I do. Anyways, it was simple but, elegant like she requested and I love the color she picked out for the paper cardstock...after spending an hour deciding which BLUE to pick. LOL! Oh, and special thanks to my beautiful cousin--JOYJOY--who waited for us to decide so she can close the store and not to mention helping us with the paper selections. So, after tweaking and revising the programs and finally printing, cutting, punching, tieing ribbon and all, it all came together nicely and on time. I had two days to finish! Yet, there were some obstacles as always whenever I begin a project....JOSIAH got sick with a fever and a horrible, ucky, cough. I now realize, working from home IS great because I can still be home with the kids when they're sick and not have to drive across town to pick them up and take them home. Love it! No time wasted, no gas wasted, and no money on gas wasted. All I have to do, is keep them nice and comfortable, plug in a good DVD like The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Happy Feet, or Cars and work on my laptop, in my pajamas, with a nice hot cup of joe. And on top of that, I can bake cookies and enjoy them without all my coworkers snatching them all or my boss hovering over my shoulder to make sure I'm getting work done. But, I do have this little cookie monster, Josiah, who loves to take one bite out of each cookie and not finish it so he can take another bite of the next and the next leaving me a heap of half moon chocolate chip cookies. What's fun about it though is he and I love to dip our cookies in milk the old fashioned way and make funny milk moustaches. Speaking of cookies, that sounds good right about now, I think I'll go make some. Cookies anyone? Before I go, take a look at the programs/menus I made for the residency graduation dinner for Miriam's department of Radiation Oncology @ UCSF.

TGIF

It's FRIDAY!!! Not that I work in an office and spend endless hours at a desk in front of computers with the phones ringing off the hook! But, for me it's when my husband can spend time with me and the kids after having such a long hard week with endless hours at a desk, in front of a computer, with the phones ringing, and to top it off with clients who give him such a hard time. So yes, it is a great feeling to know that he will be home for the next 2 days and I actually get to see him for more than just a few hours in a day. Yay!

The last few days, I've treated myself to some really cool kits and took advantage of some sales. I usually don't buy anything unless I really, really, absolutely must have what I see but, I love it when some of my favorite shops/designers put up their items for sale. So let's see what things came my way.....

Zoe Pearn of Sweet Shoppe Designs had some really funky, shabby, but, classy kits on sale and I took my pick of the ones that I thought really made me feel happy! Of course, there are so much more adorable kits to choose from so go look for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Next up, Srapgirls, also had a sale that ended last night and boy, was I racing to get my kids to bed so that I can purchase what I had in my basket for quite some time before the sale ended mind you, they were going to close it down midnight sharp MST. Well, the kids fell asleep quickly to my surprise at 9:30 pm sharp and that is not common. Boy, was I glad! I pretty much splurged but, I said what the heck, this is my chance! heehee!

Here are the goodies! Take a look!

The Daydream Collection

All About Marriage Collection

Mulberry Wine Collection

Yup, I know...how many collections do I need when I already have an enormous library of it. I guess you can say, I'm an ADDICT! But don't worry, they will not go to waste because if you can already see where I'm going with what I purchased, those of you who know me know that my wedding colors were purples, plums, and violets. And I just love anything purple! But, lately I've tended to be drawn towards greens, teals, and blues! These products will definitely be used in my engagement and wedding albums. I can't wait to start!

Anyways, before I go, here is my most recent layout of when I was pregnant with Josiah. I've started working on his album and will hope to complete by the end of the summer. Hope you like it!

You can find credits here.

Just another blog...

There's not much for me to blog about or maybe I'm a little too exhausted right now to even think. But, I do have a layout to post and maybe a few photos of my kiddies. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to also give away freebies but, that is still in progress. With all the setbacks that happened in the last few months, I kinda just forgot about them. So, I promise that they will appear SOMEDAY! Hopefully this long weekend will free up some time for me to do some work and more scrapping. I just wish I had more time in a day to just scrap all my memories of my little ones before I lose all the fresh details. Well, I'm gonna leave it at this and call it a night. Hope everyone has a blessed and safe weekend and may our brave soldiers be honored and remembered on Memorial's Day.

Credits can be found here.

The Cousin Bunch

Desma's girls - Akaela & Arielle - and mah boyz - Josiah and Lucas

Don't these kids make you smile!!! They are all so precious and I love them so!

The Gift Of A Mother

My mother was and always will be that strong pillar of faith, that loving, softspoken, forgiving, selfless, and nurturing mother that has given so much of herself to her family and to those that were dear to her. I've been thinking so much about her lately and wonder what life would be like if she were still here. My children remind me everyday of how blessed I am to be a mother and I am thankful to God that they're strong, healthy, and happy. I know if my mother had a chance to see her grandchildren, they would brighten her life and give her so much joy. Well, there will be a day where we'll meet again....Happy Mother's Day Mommy...

My Beloved Mother

Read credits here.

In Loving Memory

Rev. Ed Stewart

I was going to post a LO I did in honor of my late mother and I also was working on a freebie kit to post tomorrow but, I received news that my dear Pastor has gone on to be with the Lord today. He was such an amazing Pastor who has done so much for me and my family. Alot of his time was invested in us, believing in us, praying for us, just being that spiritual Father that never gave up on us. I know it's all God's perfect timing and it may be our loss but, it's his gain because he is now at a better place, no longer suffering all the pain and sickness. I will never forget his strong will to preach up at the pulpit regardless of all the chemos and radiaton therapies, surgeries, and countless emergency situations he's faced battling for his life against colon cancer. He always managed to smile and greet everyone like he never felt more alive. Shock, is all I feel right now. So, I'm going to take some time off to just allow myself to grieve and let the healing process take place. Plus, I need to be strong for my husband who is taking it harder than me since he has been with this church way before we met. My DH shared a lot of memories with Pastor Stewart and has such utmost love and respect for him. Well, it's way past midnight and as much as I can't sleep, I know sleep is what I need right now. Goodnight and keep me, my family, and our church in your prayers. God bless....

Don't Forget About FAMILY...

The Incredible Sisters

Meet my sisters -- the 3 D's -- Daisy, Dahlia, and Desma. That's me on the far left. I don't know why I decided to post this at 3 minutes past midnight but, there's been this constant reminder that's been in my heart that no matter what, don't forget the importance of family. The value of family these days are taken for granted and not many people out there really understand how we need our families to thrive in this world. Not only do I cherish my husband and children but, I cherish my parents, grandparents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles. In my culture, you'll find that filipinos have BIG families that go all the way to 3rd and 4th generations. Since I could remember, anytime we gathered for a special occasion, I would be amazed that there was so many of us and would wonder how would it be like if it were not so. What if it was just me, my husband, and my kids? NOT to say that they don't complete me, but I think of every single one of my relatives and they each hold a special part in my life that has made me who I am. Without them, I probably would be less forgiving, less understanding, less wise, less LOVED. Whether or not, my relationships with them are close, the thought of losing them would be like a thread being pulled out from the tapestry of my very being. I thank God for my family, from those who are no longer here with us to those who are. I just hope that I've been a blessing to them as they have to me. That although, seasons change and time passes quickly between us, I have always kept them in my prayers, in my thoughts, and in my heart. Because I know as we grow older, our lives get busier, our families get bigger, and the distance gets further... and we tend to lose touch. That is when I stop and I listen to that voice in my heart, "remember your family". so, that is what I will try to do no matter how hectic and chaotic my life can be. I will try my best to be at every family party and choose to make the sacrifices to help them with anything they need done...like cook, or decorate, or make invitations. I will make my family a priority over work and personal leisure (although I do need to make time for myself once in a while). I will learn to forgive others as well as forgive myself. I will love unconditionally and mercifully as Christ has loved me. I will always try to see the good in others despite their weaknesses and faults. I will take time to kneel down and pray for my family because I believe in the power of prayer. I will last but, not least tell them as much as I can, when I can, and in any way possible, that I love them. I don't want to ever regret not ever being able to let them know if God forbid something should happen to them. Love conquers evil. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love heals. Well....it is almost 1 AM. My husband is asleep on the couch waiting for me. He worked in our garden for 6 hours straight trying to create that special place for us to relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He is truly a master in the art of gardening. I am so proud of him and can't imagine not ever marrying this man I love. He says, "Honey, watch this summer and fall will be beautiful." I can only imagine.... Well, I better go and say goodnight. Today was National Scrapbooking Day and I didn't get to shop for sales because I was in Hercules celebrating my niece Akaela's 6th Birthday!!! She has grown so big and so wonderfully smart, not to mention extremely beautiful!! I will post pictures of her asap but, for now I better go! night, night, and God Bless!!

Josiah, Arielle, Lukie, and Akaela

Me and My Love

Short, but sweet...

Today I finally finished one of my classes at Sessions--Photoshop Basics. It seemed like I was taking forever to complete it not because of my lack of determination but, just all the random and unexpected events that took place within the last month. My aunt passed away from Leukemia, I had a shockwave treatment for a kidney stone, had to design a program for my church's 35th anniversary, AND my two kids came down with an illness both at the same time. Whew...I didn't know how I survived. Only God knows what I've been through but, I do realize I could've had it worst as many others who are less fortunate than I am out there. Despite the twists and turns of life, I have become humble enough to say that I am THANKFUL for each and every day. There's so much I have to be thankful for, too many blessings that I can count. So...to you out there who's had to go through some storms, there's always sunshine after the rain....

It's here!!

It's been several weeks and finally the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find that my free upgrade of Adobe CS3 has arrived! yay! I remembered when I first went from Photoshop 7 to CS2, I was so excited but, today I was estatic! I felt like a child who can't control himself when they eat candy, they just want more and more of it! I'm not an expert at the program or a guru if you will, but, I love to play around and experiment to my heart's content! Currently, I'm almost finished with Photoshop Basics and will be taking Illustrator basics next at Sessions and I tell you, I can't believe how much my skills have evolved within such a few short months. I still have a long way to go but, I know I'll be more than prepared to enter the digital design world.

Anyways, I wanted to share with you on of my first digital layouts back in 2005. It was what got me hooked and since then, I've been learning as much as I could about digital scrapbooking. so check it out!

The background photo was taken on our honeymoon trip to Maui where we hiked the famous Haleakala volcano before sunrise. Then, I thought it would cute and funny to put this photo of my son. As you can, tell this is such an amateur LO with very little added to it. But, soon after that I took off with it and now I'm nothing less than amateur but, still have so much to learn.

Here is my most current LO:

Credits can be found here.

Oh my sweetness...

Hello out there! This is my first post ever written here. I'm so new at this and still trying to learn how to get in the swing of blogging. There's so much I want to present on this blog site and it's going to take some time as time allows me to. With two boys under the age of 3, not much needs to be explained at how hard it can be to sit for even a few minutes without my toddler getting himself into mischief or my infant crying for comfort. Anyways, Lucas just woke up from a short nap and I must now end this post to keep him from crying out, "Mama, Mama, Mama". But, oh how sweet it is to hear him call me out of his desparate need of a mother's love...so until then...have a SWEET DAY!