Operation Scare-the-Living-Daylights-Outta-Kristina

So, in my previous post I mentioned that I was surprised with a party for my 30th birthday. Well, what had happened was....

A couple of months ago, my sister Katie started asking me what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday. Every year I have to plan my own thing and every year it doesn't work out as planned, for various reasons. This year, I decided I wasn't going to do a thing. I knew Katie and I were already planning our big trip to New York City (48 days and counting!!!! Yay!!!), so I was okay with just that right there. I also kind of just figured this is an important birthday and if people don't feel the need to give me a break from planning duties and do something for me, than forget it. It's not worth all the fuss ([Pity party start] and apparently neither am I! [Pity party end]). Well, Katie started throwing around the idea of a small family dinner. I was okay with that because little by little people were making plans to do things. I knew that I was going to have a great birthday, even without a huge fuss, so the fact that nobody was throwing around huge ideas for what we could do really didn't bother or offend me.

I was just going with the flow. Really never expecting that for once these people were actually planning something huge (that's usually MY job) and planning for months at that. Apparently, there were many occasions were I almost blew my own surprise (like the time I wanted to plan a trip to go wine tasting the same weekend.... that was how I found out about the "family dinner" at a restaurant that my sister had to "pull strings" to get us a "reservation" at.... all a cover, of course.). I can honestly say I was completely oblivious. lol.

Well, they got me. They really got me good.

In the days leading up to the "family dinner," I decided I was going to buy myself a cute and short dress and get all dolled up for my night. "I'm gonna look hot on my birthday night... I don't care where we go." So when the night arrived, I put my dress and make up on and got all cute, thinking I'm going to some fancy restaurant in LA or Hollywood or even Bevery Hills (Ooooo.... aaaaaahhhhhh....). Maybe we would even see a celebrity and I was going to be prepared with my cute outfit. ;)

Or not.... Hahaha! (And I should have known when I saw my sister in a somewhat casual outfit and had to ask her a few times if she was sure that I wasn't over-dressed.)

As we are leaving the house, my sister tells me she forgot to pay the rent and hands me the envelope to drop it off (another time I should have known something was fishy because it was not time to pay rent yet! lol). I look at her like she's crazy, since I have like 3- or 4-inch heels on and hand it back. We get to the front of where we live... where there is obviously a party going on in the clubhouse (once again, oblivious). Then my sister hands me the envelope again and tells me she forgot the directions and that she's going to drop me off while she runs back to the house. I'm like, "Seriously!? You're gonna make me go up these stairs in these heels and this dress in front of the security guard?" Needless to say, I was a little annoyed... especially because this is a new security guard who happens to be cute. =) Also, because I can see that there is a party going on and I don't want these people thinking that I'm coming to their party.

So I get out of the car and sneak my way up the stairs. I think to myself, "I'm just going to slip this in the slot and then sit on this bench so these people don't think I'm trying to come in." I walk right up to the slot and then hear rustling by the door. I immediately think someone is opening the door because they think I'm trying to come in. Crap! Next thing you know the door is open and there is a loud, echoing "SURPRISE!!!!" My first reaction? First, I thought, "these people are confusing me with the person they are trying to surprise," (yes, still clueless) and simultaneously, as I'm thinking this, I'm putting my hand up to protect myself and letting out every cuss word I can think of. (Shameful, I know..... and in front of children! lol)

This is the thing.... I can sit on YouTube all day and watch people getting the crap scared out of them and think it's the funniest thing ever, but if you roll up on me making a loud noise or scare me in general, the ghetto comes out in me and I'm either cussing or punching (or both) you out. It's just a fact. Thankfully, I only cussed. Hahaha! (Sorry, Lord.... and my nieces who were standing right in front of me. Oops! It was pretty much involuntary.)

Anyway, once I put my protective shield (my hand) down, I look over and just see people. When I finally focus I see my friend Suzy and think, "I know her." That's when I realize that this is for me. I walk in and just start telling them that they all suck and they really got me. I had to keep telling myself, "don't be angry... be happy... smile." The instant anger subsided however when people started saying things like, "oh my gosh! You look so great!" and "Oh my gosh, I've never seen you in a dress," and "You look so skinny." Yeah, that's the type of stuff that will make anyone's anger go away. Hahaha!

One thing I have to admit to: I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to go to a facy restaurant. LMBO! Oh well, this was even better!!!!

All I can say from that moment and for about an hour was that everything felt so surreal. They did an amazing job. The food was great. The theme was awesome!!!! 80s!!! The room was covered in movie posters from some of my favorite movies (Goonies, Pretty in Pink, Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, etc.)! They had a candy table, which included wax lips (I LOVED wax lips when I was little and had just told them about how I insisted on having them at my 6th birthday). They thought of EVERY detail.... down to the big pink cake that was a replica of the cake from Sixteen Candles. You know, the one on the table at the end when Samantha and Jake Ryan kiss. It was so cool!

So many people showed up too... there was even a friend from High School and other people I've worked with over the year. Most of my aunts and uncles were there, including my uncle who came all the way from Poway, which is near San Diego. It really was very special. I felt SO SPECIAL.
All jokes aside, it was AMAZING.

At the end of the day, I don't deserve so much attention. God knows I have my issues. I know I'm not always the easiest person to be around. Sometimes I need to watch my mouth and think before I react. I'm a sinner and I mess up... and sometimes I act like I'm entitled, but the fact is, I'm unworthy. When people do things like this for me, or when God shows any kind of favor towards me, I begin to remember just how unworthy and undeserving I am. Even more importantly, I get a giant snapshot of how blessed I REALLY am.

Thank you, Lord.

I couldn't have asked for better....

Life happens...

First of all, sorry Blog (and my one follower) for not checking in for awhile. As you can see, I am alive. =)

I have been uber busy lately. The entire month of July was one giant celebration. I was so spoiled. I even got a giant surprise party where I was..... SUPRISED. Big time. They scared the living daylights out of me and there was definitely some cussing involved. (Oops!) Hey, I'm not good with being surprised or scared. They are lucky no one got punched. It was great though and I can definitely say I am super blessed and felt very loved.

Happy 30th Birthday to me!!! It definitely was happy... I will post a more detailed blog about what went down very soon. Promise.

Moving on....

I'm going to be upfront with you, Blog. I haven't been around much because I was way too wrapped up in Facebook (FB). The thing is, I could easily access my FB account via my phone, but it wasn't so easy to access you since I don't like to use the Internet at work too much. Don't want to get into trouble. So yeah.... I went with the easy choice. Sorry.

Well, as of this past Thursday, FB went bub-bye. I deactivated my account. There was one incident that occured the day before that was the tipping point, but in all actuality, there were many incidences and I have just decided that FB's cons far outweigh it's pros. It's too bad, because I was so glad to be in contact with long lost people from the past. I just couldn't deal with the drama, misinterpretations, back-stabbing, being stalked by weirdos, etc. I'm done. Sayonara sucka!

I actually felt an enormous weight lifted off my shoulders once I did it. No more being tied to my phone 24/7 wanting to know all the latest. The whole day was quite relaxing actually. Ultimately, even without the drama, FB should not be something that takes up so much of my time. That's what Reality TV is for anyway.... LOL. Just kidding. No, seriously though. All the time spent on FB could have been used somewhere else.... like praising/serving/communicating with God maybe? Yeah....

In other, better, amazingly awesome news....

I have been offered a very significant promotion to another Department. How significant? I'm skipping right through 4 secretary levels above what I currently hold. That is AMAZING and only from God. To Him be the glory because I know if it was purely on what I "deserve" I wouldn't be getting a darn thing.

Thank you, Lord, for your favor, even when I'm not doing as well as I can be in my relationship with you. You are TOO GOOD to me!

This promotion will enable me to pay my mortgage (STILL waiting for approval on the condo by the way) AND be able to live comfortably and maybe even get a better car with better gas mileage (and I'll definitely need it because I'll be driving far once I do move!). It is such a major blessing, I can't even explain to you.

Also good news:  I officially made my goal on Weight Watchers.  30 lbs lost!  Woop woop!!!!  I can't believe it.  It still feels too good to be true, but I'll still take it.  In fact, I decided to extend the goal to 40 lbs.  I'm going to try it out and see what happens.  I also ordered a brand new elliptical and I'm going to start getting back on the exercise wagon.  I definitely, if anything, want to start toning up now.  Who knows.... maybe by this time next year, I'll be able to rock a bikini.....  Okay, wishful thinking, I know.  lol

Sobre el amor...

Still no main squeeze, but it's okay.  I have been meeting people and getting out there and have discovered that maybe God's glad I'm doing that, but that doesn't mean that he's necessarily going to produce anyone right away.  There is one surprisingly one person at work, of all places, that might be a possibility, but only God knows exactly who it will be.  My job right now is to believe and have faith that "someone" is in the works at all and that God has my back.  In any case, hopefully my house will be approved soon and I can get back to my church, cause with all the guys there, if God doesn't have my sweetie waiting for me there, then I might have to come to grips with the idea that he (my sweetie) doesn't exist.....

NAH!   I'll never give up on the idea that he's out there waiting for God to help us find each other.  ;)

Okay, well that's all I got for now.  Tootles...

Oh, and P.S.  Happy birthday to my Mom!!  Crazy broad... lol

Happy Hallow... Nothin!

This is the first Halloween that I'm not celebrating. Well, since that one year when we were little that my mom got convicted and decided no Halloween for us. We were not happy. Yeah, that only lasted that one year... lol.

Anyway, after last year's bad experience, I've just decided that Halloween is no longer for me. It's not very God-honering and it's not like I have kids to do things (church festivals) with anyway. I'm over it. I'm staying in tonight...

Since I'm writing, in other news...

I met with the two potential roommates yesterday. It went very well. I can now pretty much replace the "potential" with "future." They were great and we seemed to be on the same page about almost everything. I should be moving in the first of December. I feel like God really has his hand in this and I'm UBER excited about coming back.

Plus, not to sound like a broken record, but I miss my church so much!!!

Oh, last night we celebrated my aunt Jean's 50th birthday in an amazing Old-Hollywood house in the Hollywood Hills. It was pretty fun. My favorite cousin Justin was there, so that was even better. Plus, his semi-reclusive mom, my aunt Patty, came from Pennsylvania, so that got the waterworks flowing.

It really was an enjoyable time with the family. I wish my sisters would have come (they had a Halloween party... tsk tsk. lol), but then again I'm glad they didn't. Because they weren't there I was forced to really be social with everyone, including non-family members whom I did not know. It was overall a great time...

Despite not being part of the "festivities" that come with this "holiday" (emphasis way added), I totally had a productive, full, and enjoyable weekend. Good times!

Oh and one good thing about today: Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Yay! =)

Spiritually and physically out of shape...

So I signed up for a LIFE group through my church out here, Shepherd of the Hills. It's a women's Bible study group. The leader, Nancy, called me today and we are meeting for the first time next Friday. I'm excited. I needed this. My spiritual life has been lacking since coming out here and I just need the fellowship of other believing women. I miss MY home church, Calvary Chapel of the Chino Valley, SO MUCH, and I definitely plan to go back within the year, but for now I really need to hunker down and get involved in the time that I am out here.

Thank you, Lord, for pushing me to take the leap. I don't want to waste the time You are giving me...

In other news, I'm back to trying lose some weight. Thanks to the fill-in Big Boss at work always bring evil snacks in, I have put on AT LEAST 5 lbs... maybe more. Not cool. So, I've been trying to get on the elliptical and do some pilates. Trying is the operative word.

Well today, at WalMart, something drew me to the fitness aisle. I started looking at the workout DVDs and I found Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. It was only $9, so I got it. I know from the couple of times I've seen the Biggest Loser that this lady is hardcore.

No joke. I popped that DVD in and almost the entire time I wanted to scream, "Shut up, Jillian. I hate you!" LOL

OMG.... this workout is literally non-stop. No breaks. It was horrible and great at the same time. She says that the reason it's that way is so that you can get a lot done with your body in the 20 minutes and especially within the 30 days. I believe it. I almost passed out. Hahaha!

I'm so not giving up though. This whole body is way too jiggly. I'm letting Jillian whip this fatty into shape!

Wish me luck... Now time to take a nap so I don't pass out during my sister Katie's birthday dinner tonight. Korean BBQ... Mmmmm.....

Happy Chappy...

So we celebrated my niece Kaylin's 3rd birthday over the weekend. Our planning paid off once again and the kids had a great time as princesses and knights.... more knights than anything. lol.

Kaylin had a great time and she got a very very special gift: A brand new puppy! It was very exciting. Check out her reaction face below (3rd pic).

Overall it was a great success. We decorated cupcakes, did crafts, played games, broke a pinata, and pigged out. Good times!

Happy birthday, my little Kaylita. Tia loves you with all her heart!

I can't believe this kid came into our lives only 3 years ago. Feels like she's always been here.... =)

Kaylin's Birthday Banner... made by her Tia Kristina =)

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall..." Don't you just love the gloves? =)

"Wait a minute...."


It's a puppy! I don't think she realized just yet that it was all hers. lol

A little of this and a little of that....

Work is no fun right now. I'm bored all the time. Even when I have stuff to do. Then to make matters worse the guy filling in for the big boss while he's on sabbatical is annoying. This guy is so erratic and flighty. There is no order at all. I can't stand it and I can't stand the way he does things. Thank God next week is his last week...


Some good news: The Secretary III, IV, and V tests opened back up. Thank you, Jesus. I literally teared up and thanked God. I didn't think this opportunity would come up for a LONG time because of the economy and budget issues. You better believe I applied for them IMMEDIATELY. I know I don't deserve it, but I'm hoping for favor on this. I really need to be doing more with my skills and knowledge. This just isn't enough...


I'm planning to go to Texas in the beginning of November. I want to see my cousin's little girl, who moved there a while ago and to whom I was not able to say a proper goodbye. I also just want to check Texas out and see if it is the type of place to which I would like to escape... er go. lol.

I have to admit, too, that I want to go see Ramon. I want to see how he's holding up. I'm curious to see what God has hopefully done in his life since going there. I want to see if he really has changed at all. I want to see his brothers and how they are being blessed by their service to the Lord. I want to see the family in general.

So yeah. I think all of that is a good reason to take my butt over to Texas for a weekend or a little longer...


I'm looking forward to another swamped October. I have Kaylin's 3rd birthday party, Misty's Baby Shower that I am co-hosting, a trip to Vegas for my sister's birthday and who knows what else. I have no idea why that month is always so full for me. At least I don't have to worry about Halloween. I've pretty much resigned myself to never "celebrating" it ever again. It's just not my thing and I KNOW it's not God's thing either, so that's enough reason for me. At least it means that Christmas is around the corner though. I love Christmas...


Got a call from my friend Mandy last night. My 10-year-old goddaughter got Above Average across the board on her state testing and she's getting an award for it. I'm so proud of her. Way to go, Julia!! Yay!!! I hope this is a sign of amazing things yet to come for her...


One last thing: I pulled out the bulletin from my last visit to church. It was dated August 1. Not good. That means it has been more than a month and a half since I set foot in a church. This is a problem. Lord, help me to fix this problem. Take away the excuses. I really need You and the fellowship of Your people...

Being Good and Garlic!

10 years ago I was very overweight. I was over 200 lbs and not at all living even a hint of a healthy lifestyle. We were driving up to Oregon for a family reunion and I was wearing shorts. I got out of the car and my sisters ever so kindly said, "Mmm... I feel like eating some cottage cheese." They were referring to my legs. Everything changed after that.

My mom had been mentioning the Atkins Diet and I thought it sounded crazy, restrictive, and not healthy (as do most people when they hear about what it entails). I kind of brushed it off initially, but after my sisters so gently made clear just how fat I had gotten, something clicked and I was willing to try anything. So we started the Atkins Diet and the weight literally began to melt off... 50 lbs of it to be exact. It changed my life.

Ever since then I have been living a lower-carb lifestyle and try to exercise regularly, which has allowed me to maintain the same size for the last 10 years. I have my ups and then my downs, but I generally stay at around a size 10. Well, I want to be smaller! So I've decided to step it up and go back to the very low-carb lifestyle.

I figure my body has now been accustomed to this size for so long that I could get away with losing lot of weight before plateauing. I'm hoping for 20 to 30 lbs and hopefully down to a size 7 if not smaller. I also am starting a new exercise routine with a friend to help the process out. Hopefully in a few months I'll be a whole new person. I'm already seeing results in only a week and a half. That's what I love about low-carb. The fat literally melts off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday was my good friend Mandy's birthday. I surprised her with dinner at The Stinking Rose. I've been wanting to go there forever and let me tell you it was WORTH the wait. Big time. The food was absolutely amazing. Everything is infused with garlic and Mandy and I are both garlic lovers. It was perfect.

The only downsize: I'm still burping up garlic as I type this. LOL.

Whatever. Like I said, totally worth it. If you're in the Beverly Hills or San Francisco area, please check this place out. It's pricey (I literally dropped $100 on food for both of us and valet), but you won't regret it...

And yes, if you are wondering, I did cheat and have some of their ciabatta bread with Bagna Calda. lol

(Almost) Best Birthday Ever! (Part 2)

So the second thing I did for my birthday was also Disney-related: Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure! The main reason we (Mandy, Baby, Mom, Dad, and I) went, beside it being my birthday, was to see World of Color. It was SO worth it. That show was AMAZING and it definitely tugged at my heartstrings. If you can, make sure you go see it.

Aside from World of Color, the highlights were:

- The Blue Bayou for dinner. Love that place. Another thing you must do if you haven't... and have the Monte Cristo. It's a heart attack on a plate, but so worth it. lol.

- The Mark Twain (the big river boat). I seriously haven't done that since I was a kid and it was pretty cool. Especially since they've had some changes to the things you see when you take a cruise on the Rivers of America. Pretty cool.

Overall, as I said in the previous birthday post, this was one of the best birthdays I've EVER had. Thank you, Lord, for another blessed year of life. =)


Below are some shots from my phone for your enjoyment.

Yes! Happy Birthday to me!

The Wonder Wheel at DCA. Later on this will light up nice and pretty like.

Mom and Dad had a blast on Toy Story Mania... it was the first time for both.

Mandy, Baby, and Me on Thunder Mountain

World of Color about to start.

Ooooooo. Pretty.

Fire!

Lady and the Tramp. =)

(Almost) Best Birthday Ever! (Part 1)

So, aside from last year's birthday where I was baptized, this years birthday was the greatest! I really had such a great time!

As mentioned in a previous post, we went to San Francisco. We got to do nearly everything I wanted to do: The Golden Gate Bridge, the Walt Disney Family Museum, a sightseeing tour of the city, and the sea lions, plus more! It was great, and to top everything off the weather was nice and cool. I got to wear a sweater the entire time. I was loving it!

Golden Gate Bridge

Lombard Street

Sightseeing Tour

We stopped at this pub for Dinner after our tour. I had Corned Beef and Cabbage and an Irish Coffee. Mmm!



Wine Tasting at Boudin's Sourdough Bread Factory. =)

Sea Lions!

Maple Bacon Apple Donut from Dynamo Donuts!

Chinatown!

We stopped at Fog City Diner for breakfast before heading home. It was good!

Speaking of fun times...

This weekend Katie, Sandy, Tirsa, and I are going to San Francisco to celebrate my birthday, which is Monday by the way. I'm excited.

My main reason for choosing San Fran is because I've been waiting for the Walt Disney Family Museum to open and I've been wanting a good reason to go up and see it. I'm uber excited about that. I love love LOVE Disney and I'm a history person, so seeing personal artifacts and Disney movie artifacts is what I call fun times, man. I can't wait!!!

We also plan to do a hop-on/hop-off tour of the city. I'm looking forward to that also because it's been over 20 years since I last really saw the city or been on a famous San Fran Trolley. So that should be cool.

We also plan to try and hit up some good restaurants and maybe a bar or place we can get some good wine. You know, that adult, sophisticated stuff.

Overall, it should be a nice time. I'm just glad to get out of town for a bit too. Yay traveling!

Dun dun dun!

So next Monday is my 29th birthday. I can't believe this is my last year in my 20s. I can't believe that I'm still single and childless. I can't believe how much I've changed just in the last decade. It's all a lot to think about.

Do I laugh? Do I cry? Do I roll up in a fetal position in the corner and lose my mind because I'll be an "old spinster" soon?

Meh. I'll wait until my 30th for all that.

Instead, maybe I'll resolve to have as much fun and crazy (but not too crazy) times as possible while I can still get away with it. Maybe I'll resolve to hunker down and really start serving the Lord with my extra time instead of being selfish with it.

One thing I'll triumphantly be able to say before I turn 30 is that I will have paid all my debt off. Yay!!!

Okay, 29, let's make this a good one!

Another party success.... Julia's 10th Birthday

So we had my goddaughter Julia's Mad Hatter Tea Party 10th birthday party yesterday.

Finally! It's finished! Thank God. (I don't know why I always agree to these things... so much work!) It was a little bumpy at first, but it was a success. We had about 10 kids show up, which was definitely enough to play games and for Julia to enjoy herself.

I got tho the park about 2 hours before the party was to start to find Julia and one of her friends hanging out, guarding our area. I was a little miffed that I was left with two kids as my helpers because there was A LOT of work to do, but I managed. We had a few more bumps with food orders being messed up and as a result Mandy (the birthday girl's mom) showing up kind of late. Thankfully, I had made treats, including PB&J sandwiches, for the kids, so that held them over. We even ended up doing cake/cupcakes before food, but because our theme was Mad Hatter, it worked out that everything was backwards. lol

Overall, despite the little stressors, it all turned out great. The kids had a blast.... Julia had a great time and got some amazing gifts and a lot of money. I guess all the little headaches don't matter afterall.... I know the kids didn't notice. =)

I can't believe my Baby is 10 years old already! So crazy!

This was the Pin the Smile on the Cheshire Cat game I made. Yes... I free-handed and then colored this myself. =)

Baby with the Card Soldiers and Not-quite-fully-painted rose bush. =)

Another shot with the flamingos.


The Mad Hatter's Table

Another angle of the Mad Hatter's Table

Close up shot. Check out my centerpieces. Yes... I made those myself too. =)

"The Queen of Hearts" and the "Catapillar" entertained the kids with card tricks. They loved it.

"The Red Queen" oversees the singing of Happy Birthday to Julia.

Yum!

On top of cake, they got to decorate their own cupcakes. =) Talk about sugar overload.

Kristina in Wonderland

My life revolves around Alice in Wonderland right now. We are throwing a party for my goddaughter's big 10th birthday and it's an Alice in Wonderland theme. This whole weekend I worked on decorations for the party:

• 2 Card Soldiers
• 1 faux Rose bush
• 8-10 "This way," "That way," "Yonder," etc signs

I also picked up some lanterns to string up over the LONG mad hatter party table and a ton of teapots and tea cups, as well as a few plates, from the Goodwill, which we will be stacking and glueing together to make some cool centerpieces. I think I will also use the centerpieces to serve some of the treats on. We'll see. Judging from the reactions to the above picture, I think people will really feel like they are at a one-of-a-kind party. I know I'm not the first to throw this type of party, but I aim to be one of the best. =)

Sick thoughts...

I'm sick right now, so what do I do? Start re-thinking things. lol

I agreed to help throw my goddaughter's 10th birthday. Its an Alice in Wonderland theme and of course my mind started running wild with all these thoughts, but now all of a sudden I'm just wanting to do a simple little party in the park. I really don't want to shell out money or time on a big extravagant party.

Don't get me wrong, I want to give her an awesome party, but I don't want to have to take out a loan to do it or spend all this time and energy on elements of the party that people will probably mostly not even notice or remember when it's all said and done. Does that make sense?

Maybe I'm just thinking in tired, sickly terms rigt now.... *sigh*

Goings-on of the moment...

Right now I am working on my goddaughter's 10th birthday party plans. Her birthday is not until mid-July, but we are throwing the party sometime in May so that all her school friends will come. I've come up with a slightly gothic/emo Alice in Wonderland theme, a la Tim Burton's version that is coming out sometime next week.

If you know me even a little (or have read my blog for awhile.... all 2 of you [lol]), you know that I go all out with my party planning. So, yes, I've already started. I'm rustling up some amazing ideas from the Internet (people have some great ideas out there!). I can't wait to get started. I think it's going to be one of my best. I think I might start hitting up some Goodwill stores this weekend to start looking for mis-matched tea pots, cups, plates, etc. I told you, I'm going ALL OUT....

This weekend is the Baby Shower of a childhood friend of the family. I am so excited for her. This is a girl who had a rough first half of her childhood and then went on to have a very rough and dysfunctional marriage to a total drug addict and liar with whom she had a miscarriage (blessing in disguise, Lord?). She is now married to the perfect man for her and they are having their first child together (he has two awesome daughters from a previous marriage who love my friend like a mother). My family is like family to her and we are all UBER excited. This baby shower is definitely going to be a celebration....

Right now I am impatiently awaiting word that my other friends have had their baby. Baby Monroy is due tomorrow. Come on, little guy. We all want to meet you already!

In other not-so-great-but-necessary-for-now news, I've decided to step down from Children's Ministry at church. It sucks and I feel horrible about it, but its something I feel I need to do right now. I am so busy with preperations for moving back to San Fernando and trying to get life in order right now and my weekends are the only time I have to do all this. I would rather bow out than be unreliable and have to flake on the kids. Of course, I definitely won't be missing church, whether it's Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, Shepherd of the Hills, or either one via the Internet; I just can't stick around to serve. I have already promised myself, and more importantly God, that as soon as I'm settled in the Valley, I'll be looking into serving at Shepherd. I MUST use my singleness productively to serve the Kingdom. I know this!

Speaking of church, next weekend is Calvary Chapel's Women's Retreat. I'm so excited. I was BEYOND blessed when I went last year. It literally changed my life. This year, my sister Kim is coming and I'm so excited for her. I know she is struggling with her walk (aren't we all though, really), so I'm hoping this will jump start her on the path to full surrender to the Lord like it did for me.... not that it's been a pefect path. =)

Well, that's about all I can think of for now.... TTFN!

Welcome, Baby Scotty!

Congrats to my good friends, Brian and Crystal. Their first child, Brian Scott Adams, was born this morning at 4:27 a.m. He was 7 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long.

Yay!

I pray the Lord's blessing on this child and for their family. So exciting!!!!

A First-time Meeting, First Birthday, First Look after 10 Years, and First Religious Rite

Wow! What a weekend I had. Here’s the breakdown:

Friday
I finally met Internet guy in person. We met up at Starbucks in Chino Hills. I think it went very well. I was comfortable and was totally myself. He was cool. He demonstrated a very good balance of talking and listening. I think it went pretty smoothly. I get the impression he left still interested in me, but I have to admit that I didn’t feel a spark, but that was because I intended for that. I think there is a good chance that in the past, before my he-must-be-a-practicing-and-fruit-bearing-Christian rule, there would have been a spark. But alas, I won't allow it because I will do everything possible to avoid being unequally yoked. I see what some of these women who have unbelieving husbands go through and it’s NOT WORTH IT!

Saturday
We had Alexis’ 1st Birthday party and, other than some drama from my sister about not having enough help (now you know how I always feel planning everyone’s events), it turned out very nicely. More people than we expected showed up. Funny thing was, we still had SO much food left over. Alexis had fun, the few kids had fun playing in the playground and running around, and the adults seemed to enjoy the food and chatting. So I definitely can say it was a success.

That evening, after much begging and convincing from my old class president, I went to my 10-year high school reunion. I feel like it was pretty much a bust. I only saw like 3 people that I knew fairly well--1 person who I think hates me and is under the mistaken impression that I slept with her now-husband (hello! I'm still a virgin... pretty much impossible). The rest were people I absolutely didn’t know or recognize or who were just people that I sort of knew, but who I knew wouldn’t remember me (I look WAY different now—I’ve improved by leaps and bounds in my appearance LOL). My friend, Mike, and my sister, Katie, came with, so at least I wasn’t by myself, but I do feel like I could have done something a little more worthwhile with my money.

If I could make any suggestions to my friend who coordinated the thing: Don’t have the next one at a club. You really don’t know if that somewhat familiar-looking person in the corner over there is someone you went to High School with or just some club patron. Plus, some of us don’t find going to a club conducive with our lifestyles anymore.

Sunday
Kaylin was baptized Catholic. Our friend, Miguel, and I were two of the 4 godparents. Despite the fact that we are not, nor really is Sandy, a Catholic, it was a beautiful event and I was glad to be a part of it. The only time I really felt awkward was when they were asking the saints to pray for us. I think the saints are a little busy worshipping God and being in His presence, and not at all worried about us down here. But whatever; I guess if it makes you feel better. Lol

Afterward, we went to Juan’s parents’ place and pigged out on some yummy food that his mom had made, including everyone’s favorite: her chicken salad. Mm mm mm! We had a Costco cake too and you know you can’t go wrong with a Costo cake. It was just a nice time together too—the two families hanging out. I really enjoyed myself.


What a blessed and fun weekend I had. Overall, I can’t complain one bit. I haven’t felt this much of God’s love and family love in a long time. Hope it continues just like this…

Kaylin's Country Fair Round-up

Phew! It's over. We did it. We pulled off one AWESOME birthday party for Kaylin's 2nd Birthday. (See pics in my previous post.) Everyone loved it, but most importantly, Kaylin seemed to have the time of her life. I never once saw her cry or get angry or anything. She was living it up!

The day started out kinda weird. I got to the ranch and it seemed like everyone (but me) was in a bad mood or something. We got it together though and started setting up. Everything came together perfectly. The food was set up (including our cool Hot Dog rotisserie!), the decorations were posted up, and the games were arranged in plenty of time. We did everything pretty efficiently to where we had plenty of time to put it all together and go pick up the cake and get ready well before anyone arrived. It all worked out.

The kids were loving getting their own tickets to "pay" for their games and treats. They were loving the face painting and the bounce house (which I think is a hit with every kid wherever you go. lol). I think the most popular thing by far was the Balloon Twister guy. He had a line down the block. Hahaha... Seriously. We couldn't get hardly anyone to play any games for the whole hour he was there. He was AMAZING though... I have to say. The balloons I saw him make were incredible (Tinkerbell!! Wow!). On one hand I wish we coulda had him longer, but on the other I was glad he left cuz he was stealing the customers from the games. =)

All in all the party turned out great. There were almost no complaints or crying from any kid that I noticed. They ALL, including the parents, seemed to love it. We've been getting nothing but compliments since it ended ("You should start a busines!"). It makes me proud, but most of all it warms my heart that people really appreciated it and that we could give them an almost free (since they did buy gifts for Kaylin) day of fun for them and their families in a time when it's not in the budget to go out to an amusement park or fair.

People are suggesting we do this every year. Maybe we will. We'll see.... At least we know it would be a big hit and Kaylin would love it!

Thanks, Lord, for giving us that creative and ingenious gene. All the praise, honor, and glory goes to YOU. We would not be able to do these things without Your gifts. =)

Pics from Kaylin's Country Fair

Baby K taking a bite out of her cake. Mmmm!

All the Fair Goers. =)

Kaylin and Kassidy in the bounce house.

Some of the Helpers. Couldn't have done it without 'em.

Baby K and me

Baby K as the Trainer and Tia Katie as the Lion. =)

Baby K playing the Can Toss game

Baby K playing the Bean Bag Toss

In line for the balloon guy. He was amazing!

Face Painting

Dear Kaylin...

Dear Kaylin,

Happy Day-Before-Your-Birthday!! Tomorrow you will turn 2 years old!!! Wow! My precious Baby K is not going to be a baby much longer. Didn't you like just show up yesterday? =)

Then again....I can't believe you have been around for only two years! Seems like you've existed forever... in my heart. (Corny, I know, but true. lol.) I love you so so so so so SO much! I thank God for you everyday. You will always be my very first niece, which makes you very special. I'm already so proud of you and don't know what I would do without you in my life!

I don't know if you will ever see this, but I just want you to know how much I love you and how much I pray that you will grow to be a God-fearing, kind, gentle, loving, wonderful lady. I pray that God blesses you with a long and happy life; a loving husband and obediant children; and His grace, peace and joy.

I LOVE YOU, BABY K!!!

Love, Tia/Nina Kristina