Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve began with a leisure morning at home; we gave Kaykay her gift, her very first digital camera.  She was so excited; we now can take a picture of each other, taking pictures of each other.

We then made our way to Nana's (Grandma) house; she has a lot of Santa Claus'

This one was my favorite.  It actually moves around.

Papa O, Nana, Auntie Sasha, Mommy, Daddy, and Kaykay

Analyzing Your Prayers

Today I picked up a book by John MacArthur called, "Found God's Will."  As I began reading the chapters, I came across this paragraph:

You pray, "God, give me more love for so-and-so."  The Bible says the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts" (Rom. 5:5).  

You say, "God, I need more grace."  God says that the grace He has already given you is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).  

You cry, "O Lord, I need more strength."  The Bible says you "can do all things through Christ" who strengthens you (Phil 4:13).

"O God, guide me," you say.  And He is thinking, "I'm trying.  Why don't you follow?"

"God, I need power," you cry.  In fact, you have had power since the Holy Spirit came upon you (Acts 1:8).

Happy Birthday Mike!

Last night we had a combination birthday bash for Mike and Jen.  We got dressed up, dropped off the kids, and headed out to Ruth Chris' Steakhouse in Walnut Creek.  We were told that it is one of the best steakhouses and we were not disappointed! They decorated our table for us, and as soon as you sit down, they switch off your napkin to give you one that matches your attire.  Great service, delicious food, wonderful friends.

The Davids and the Harris'

Perspectives

Happy Birthday!

Just so you can get an idea of how enormous this dessert was, the plate is a normal size charger.

They even decorated the table for us

28 years of friendship

Happy Birthday Honey!

I just realized that we didn't take pictures of the actual steaks....They were one of the best we've had but I guess you'll just have to take my word for it...OR experience it for yourself!

Christmas Gifts Experiments

I've been experimenting with my new Christmas gifts and these are two of my favorite images / creations.

I added a black border, blurred the border, and set the picture as an antique

This was set in antique and a couple of retouches.

This was taken with Uncle Scott

Early Christmas Presents

This year, I got my Christmas presents from Mike a bit early (thanks to Craigslist).  We initially agreed that we weren't going to buy each other Christmas presents as we are taking a vacation to celebrating our 10 year anniversary in a couple of weeks.  As I found out, Mike had no intention in keeping our agreement - I'm not complaining!!!!  

Gift 1:  Canon Rebel XTi Digital Camera

  Gift 2:  I'm currently using it to update our blog - an Apple MacBook.

Oh Christmas Tree

Thanks to faithful friends who directed us to Larry's Produce in Suisun, we found our perfect tree this year. I decided to surprise Mike by picking out the tree, needless to say, because the trees were incredibly cheaper than the typical Home Depot, Walmart, or Target trees, I went ahead and purchased another 11 footer - which goes perfect with our cathedral ceilings. Also, this year, I decided to buy all new ornaments and trimmings. I chose an "antiquish, almost sepia" look, and I didn't know when I purchased the trimmings, that the color actually goes well with our decor.

Ministry Staff Christmas Party

The men's table.

The women's table
(We didn't plan to sit apart from our spouses but we hardly have these times when it's just staff, so we took the opportunity to catch up with one another.)

The COV Staff

The CORE Staff (Unfortunately, the Gutierrez and Jason could not make it)

The COV & CORE Ministry Leaders

It's Been Awhile

Since the beginning of fall, our family has been busy. This is most evident in the lack of blog entries. I didn't even get to finish narrating our San Diego trip. I've resolved to start "a fresh" with a new entry. This past weekend marked the starting of a month-long, Christmas-party- filled weekends. We began with our ministry staff Christmas dinner held at the Enriquez's home. Marlo, you did a beautiful job with setting the tables...

San Diego: First Day - Blessings upon Blessings

Last week Mike attended a conference for work in San Diego and Kaykay and I decided to tag along for a mini vacation and to give her skin some relief. It was good timing as Kaykay was still under 2 years old - so she was free to fly. An added bless was that the flight only had about 20 people and Kaykay was able to have her own seat.

Her version of "stink eye"

We stayed at the Manchester Grand Hyatt at Seaport. Now you know when a hotel is 5 star when you get out of your car and, for the first time meeting you, the bell hop already knows your name. Another blessing was that they upgraded us to a bigger room (on the 35 floor) over looking the water.

Girls Spa Weekend Getaway

What a pleasant and rare event to get away with a couple of sisters to a beautiful place like South Lake Tahoe. Michelle, Haar, Jen, and I packed our bags a couple of weeks ago and headed out to our condo at the lake.

Initially this was a spa weekend getaway, but Michelle and I had a last minute meeting to attend on Saturday morning. So Jen and Haar headed out before us to make their spa appointment and Michelle and I met up with them in the evening. Although it was raining hard in the V, once we past Sacto, it was pretty clear weather; we did hit really thick tulle fog at the summit. (I don't understand how people can speed with only 5 feet of visibility!) We finally got into Tahoe 4 hours later and headed out to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The next morning, we woke up to a fairly clear day; it snowed during the night, enough to cap the mountain range around us. We then headed over to Harrah's breakfast buffet. Where else can you get sushi and scrambled eggs in the same meal.

Tried to have my morning quiet time on the balcony, but forgot what cold, more like freezing, felt like.

Although I couldn't do the spa thing, it was just nice to take a break, hang out with some sisters and fellowship. Can't wait for the next one.

Sleep Pebbles, Sleep

This year our family collaborated on our costumes for halloween and, for one night, we were no longer the Davids... We were the Flintstones. Unfortunately, we were unable to do a lot of trick-or-treating because Kaykay decided to take her nap during the hours we planned to go. We did, however, get a chance to hangout at the C&C Annual Costume party. Unfortunately I still have to get a copy of the "Flintstones" family picture. I'll post later if I get the chance.

Waking Up to a Pleasant Surprise

A couple of days ago, I woke up to the sound of someone opening our front door. I quickly ran downstairs to inquire. And what did I find.....Mike sneaking into the house holding this bouquet of flowers. I love surprises and lilies...I love Lilly-surprises!! What a blessing it is to have a sweet and thoughtful husband such as he.

Technology for the Building of the Body

Every Friday night, we host our bible study (C.O.R.E - Christ Our Redeemer Exalted) and since I'm the only one with a small child, we no longer have a regular-scheduled nursery. That leaves me to watch Kaykay during the messages, and though it's a pleasure spending time with her, I do miss hearing the messages. Tonight, Mike had a brilliant idea! He told me to get the camera portion of Kaykay's monitor and put it downstairs so that I can watch and listen to the message...Why didn't we think of it sooner!!!

So tonight, I was able to not only tend to my daughter and minister to her, I was also minister too by the message, via our baby monitor!!!

Happy Frog

One of my dear sisters, Elaine, invited us to join her and her daughter to Happy Frog, which is a big warehouse full of jumpees. I had thought Kaykay would stick to the traditional jumpee but she, and Mason, got all brave and went down the slides by themselves. Thinking that she would change her mind when she got to the top of the slide, she bravely let go of my hand, sat down and off she went. She even climbed up 3/4 of the way by herself. Mind you, I went down the slide and didn't realize how fast you go down.

After going down the slide about 5 times, she decided to go down on her stomach. You can hear Jen pleading her not to go down on her stomach, but she was determined! Fearless!!!

Here is Mason; ladies and gentlemen, please do not attempt this at home. No worries, this "slide" didn't phase him at all.

Academy of Fine Arts

Last week, Kaykay and I, along with my parents and sister, visited the Academy of Arts in SF. It was a lovely day to be in the city. I was a bit reminiscent of this place for this is where Mike took me on our first date. Although there were many exhibits to experience, Kaykay found herself enjoying the toddler play area the most. (She is a bit too young to fully enjoy any of the exhibits.) And her favorite thing to do was to chase after the ducks in the pond.

New Series: Kaykay's Quotes

Today, after coming home from church, our family sat down on the floor for some play time. Kaykay has not been feeling well this week, so it was a pleasure seeing her play and interact with us. In doing so I said, "Where did you come from?" Ready to tell her from heaven, she quickly replied, "From daddy!" Ahh...nice!

Letting my "Yes" be yes!

Being a fairly "new" parent, God has taught me a great deal having to care and nurture our almost 2-year old daughter and today was no different. After a leisure morning at home, I needed to run to Costco and then drop off something at our church building. As I was putting Kaykay in her car seat, she asked if we can go to "Papa's house." Papa, by the way, is my dad. I simply replied, "After we do all the errands." So after we finish all the errands, I contemplated whether or not we should pass by my parent's house; as we passed by my parent's street, I felt tired and thought I will just bring her at another time. As I parked the car in OUR driveway, Kaykay looks at the house and says, "not Papa's house!" I explained to her that I was going to take her some other time. Streams of tears resulted from that explanation. Looking at my daughters sad, disappointed face, conviction flooded my own heart: I told her I would take her. I turned on the car, shifted it to reverse, and we were on our way....to Papa's house...

Though it may seem trivial to people, my yes needs to be "yes." Otherwise I am teaching my daughter that my word has no value, no truth, and is unreliable. Let it never be!!!

"But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil." Matt 5:37

A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET

As I sit here watching a recap of the events on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, I am left with a heavy heart. I remember that faithful day as I got up ready to go to work and turning on the news to see both of the WTC towers engulf in flames and smoke. Thinking I was watching a movie, I then realized that I was witnessing history unfold. And as I sit here once again, I can no longer find the words that can adequately describe what I am watching. It is a sobering feeling knowing that those that I am watching on this documentary, lost their lives to save strangers. I wished to write more but I am a lost for words. My only prayer is that people have not forgot what happened on this day and that the reality of death compels them to call upon the name of Jesus by which they can be saved.

I Still Believe

Scattered words and empty thoughts seem to pour from my heart

I've never felt so torn before, seems I don't know where to start

But its now that I feel your grace fall like rain

From every fingertip washing away my pain

I still believe in your faithfulness

I still believe in your truth

I still believe in your holy word

Even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind

With promises I still seem to bear

Even when answers slowly unwind

It's my heart I see you prepare

But its now, that I feel, your grace fall like rain

From every fingertip washing away my pain

I still believe in your faithfulness

I still believe in your truth

I still believe in your holy word

Even when I don't see, I still believe

Well the only place I can go is into your arms

Where I throw to you my feeble prayers

Well in brokenness I can see that this was your will for me

Help me to know that you are near

(written by Jeremy Camp)

End of Summer

Alas the dreaded end of the summer has fallen upon our family. Indeed Mike has returned to work and I, along with Kaykay, have been left to tend to the home front. Looking back, we were quite disappointed that we were unable to go back to Hawaii for an annual summer trip, however we made it up by multitudes of "mini" vacations, or dare I say camping!

The lack of recent blog entries only indicate our attempt to squeeze a few more getaways before Labor Day. I suspect that we'll continue to do so until the weather prevents us.

Quick cap of this weekend; unfortunately we were unable to take any photos except for today. We left for a family weekend trip with Mike's family in Reno. I was a bit excited to share the Circus Circus experience with Kaykay however I believe she may still be too young to fully enjoy the games. But we did get to spend time with Mike's parents and younger brother - who we seldom get to see, let alone hang out with. We only spent one night in Reno afraid of the traffic we would face traveling home on a Monday. (On a side note: I think Mike and I are done with buffets for about a year!)

Today, we began our day leisurely at home; even having enough time to wash my car.

Our summer excursions were filled with long road trips manifested in the layers upon layers of dirt, bugs, and other unknowns coating my car. Mike and Kaykay did most of the work.

We then made our way to the park where we spent the day hanging out with the COV & CORE ministry, in fellowship, eating, and playing volleyball. What a great day to end a summer-long, wonderful experience.

Camping Excursion Part 4 with the Gutierrez

Okay, you may say this is going a bit overboard - 4 camping trips within a span of 2 months?!!! Yeah, that's how crazy we get when we don't get a chance to go to Hawaii. In all seriousness, I think this summer would have to be the most spontaneous summer vacations we've had as a family. Looking back, I can't believe the opportunities we had to just spend time as a family and hang out with brothers and sisters.




Last weekend, we went camping with Cos and Jo; this was a trip planned in less than a week. We went back to our place of choice in South Lake Tahoe. Although we were only able to camp for one night, it was a lot of fun. This time around, we had a lot of time to just....

One of the things we were not able to do with our previous trip to Tahoe was to peruse through their outdoor shopping center. It was a perfect day to hang out and do some "window" shopping.

Camping Excursion Part 3: C&C Annual Camping Trip

One of the events that C&C Ministry has that I look forward to every year is the annual camping trip. I believe this is our 6th year and the most attended. For the past 4 years, we have made Del Valle in Livermore, our camping "home." As I mentioned earlier, this year was the most attended with 32 campers; some being their first time ever camping. I applaud those, especially with kids, who braved the natural elements, yellow jackets, and very hot temperatures to minister and fellowship with the C&C Ministry.

KayKay and Zoe hanging out and sharing some Os

Alyssa cooking her very first meal....ever!!! Great job!

Julian took over cooking the sausages for breakfast; suffice to say he also cooked up a couple of the yellow jackets who came too close to the pan.

Reggie than talked Alyssa into letting him cook a couple of pancakes....

Reggie calls this a "Man cake."

Weekend Getaway with the Harris Family

Last week we spent the weekend at Sea Ranch (about 3 hours north of the bay area); our friends the Harris' have a family vacation home there and they kindly invited us for another "spontaneous" weekend getaway. Not only was the company delightful, but the scenery breathe taking. I had an opportunity to get away one morning to get alone with God while sitting right at the edge of the cliffs; as the powerful waves crash onto the rocks and upon the shore, I was witnessing a glimpse of the power of God.

The week prior, Mike spoke on the freedom we have in Christ; in that message, he mentioned that even creation will find freedom when the new heaven and earth will come - creation will be freed from the affects of sin. How will that look as I gazed on this magnificent scene? If I thought what I was witnessing at this moment to be grand and good, how much more in the new earth! How I long to see this, but more to be with Christ. Until then, He allows us to enjoy creation.

Sometimes it's better no to know where or what my husband is doing; as you can see above, he and Scott are fishing on the side of a very tall cliff. At least they caught 2 fishes.

We couldn't tell what type of fish they caught, but it was good!!!

Daddy and baby

Reflecting on life achievements