Family Times

<3

2009-01-29T09:17:00.000-08:00

---If you know my hubby and I really well, you will know we dont think that it should take a special day or holiday to express love and appreciation for one another, so I just wanted to take a few minutes to express how much I love my husband and how grateful I am for who he is and what he stands for. LOVE you my Craigy!

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

2009-01-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

What a historical day, for our country. The first black President of the United States. Its pretty amazing to have seen this in my life time and have this added to the wonderful history of our country. America is such a wonderful place, a place with many opportunities and blessings each and everyone of us partake of each day. I pray that the Lord will bless the new President in all his decisions in behalf of our country. That we will be able to see success thru the help of this new administration.

"America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." -- President Barack Obama

Mt. High - New Years Day Fun!

2009-01-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Lexy's 8 !!!

2009-01-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

What a special day, Lexy was baptized on December 20th. She is such a sweet lil one.. she is always smiling and always,always taking care of everyone, so nurturing. So proud of you Lexy!!!

2008-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy.

Tree Farm 2008

2008-12-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

I LOVE this time of year! Its the best! We went to the tree farm this past weekend to pick out and cut down our Christmas Tree. It was a lot of fun & a tradition that we have. Aunty Juli & Uncle Shane are out of town, so Houstie was with us and got to see Santa, and take some rides in the wheel barrow. Now just counting the days down til Christmas! :)

Ice Skating Fun ....

2008-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

To celebrate T's 10th birthday she wanted to go ice skating. It was fun but chilly...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CRAIGY!!!

2008-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Beginning of October we suprised Craig w/ a trip to Salt Lake along with tickets to General Conference. He has never been up in Salt Lake during conference time let alone, been in the conference center for a session. We were able to attend two sessions, plus Craigy was able to attend the priesthood session in the conf. center. While us girls, went to woman's night at Deseret. :) It was awesome! We loved our trip, it was a blast. We had such a good time showing him around Temple Square and just celebrating his bday. What an awesome trip! Here are some pics from our trip. On our way home, we stopped at the St. George Temple, and walked the beautiful temple grounds. :)

A lil fun w/ Guitar Hero

2008-11-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ty's first time playing Guitar Hero 2!! He was so into it...lol... :)

YES, on PROP 8

2008-10-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is a difficult Proposition for me, not because I question my beliefs and values or how I will be voting. I know that in Lord's plan, this isnt something he wants nor I want to be legalized in the state of CA or anywhere for that matter. Why I find it so difficult is that I have many good good friends and family that have chosen and live a different lifestyle other than a traditional marriage, and I respect and love them for who they are, I just cannot agree with them on this matter. Its tough, because in no way to do I want any of them, nor anyone in this world to feel that I am judging them, for the lifestyle they choose, cause I could never find myself doing that. Heavenly Father loves us all, no matter what. And I want all of my good friends and family to know that I too love them, regardless of our difference in opinion on this matter.

I came across this video and I thought it was great. I do not want my future children to be taught about same sex marriage in school. If I feel they need to be taught that it's out in the world, even though our beliefs are different, than I will do that at home, in the way I would feel would be pleasing unto my Father in Heaven.

I do know that we will never EVER teach our future children to judge those that have other beliefs as our own, for that is not our place. We are to love ALL, as our Father in Heaven loves ALL his children.

Cowboy/Cowgirl Up .. :)

2008-09-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

ANNUAL CHOMP 'N STOMP '08

T, Lex, Hannah, & Ty

Yee...Haw.. Cowboy...LOL

All us girls... we were missing Shay though...

Lil dorks... LOL!

Lexy & I entered in the egg toss, we were the last girls standing. :)

Lexy & I

Our ward puts on an annual Chomp 'n Stomp, we all have so much fun. The kids absolutely loved it. Ty got really into it this year, with his cowboy hat and all. :)

Labor Day Fun

2008-09-24T18:58:00.001-07:00

LABOR DAY FUN !!!!!!!!

Go lil Surfer Girl....

Houstie, not much of a fan of surfing yet...LOL

Houstie and I

The gang...

Craigy & I

Craigy diggin to China... always building tunnels for the kids... :)

Lake Buena Vista

2008-09-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Uncle Shane & his lil family were awesome enough to take us camping/boating on his new beautiful boat. We had a blast, here are a few pics from our trip. The munchkins while Uncle Shane took us out on a night ride on the boat.

It was so hot everyone wanted to be in the water at all times.

*The family*

Shay showing us how its done....

Mom & I being silly...

*Smiles*

Go Uncle Shaney!!

Craig trying out the wake board

YAY! My hubby got up!! GO CRAIGY!

A lil fun tube action..

There over ALREADY!?!?

2008-08-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

I cant believe the closing
ceremonies have already taken place for the Beijing Summer Olympics! It went by so fast. Ever since Mom and I were able to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies and many of the venues of the winter Olypmics in Salt Lake City, Ut, a few years ago, we have really come to appreciate and love to watch the Olympics. For the last few weeks our family hasnt been able to peel our eyes away from the T.V.- from watching the ABSOLUTLY AMAZING Michael Phelps to gymnastics, volleyball (beach 'n indoor), track, diving, etc. It was awesome! Its always awesome to see all the many participating countries unite in once place to follow the same dream of achieveing the ultimate in their sport. Cant wait for the next Olympics!

Three Gates Only I Can Open

2008-08-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Three Gates Only You Can Open -by: President Thomas S. Monson

The Prophet Joseph Smith counseled: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (History of the Church, 5:134–35).

Wow, what a profound statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I have truly come to have a strong testimony that happiness is truly key in MY life, yet as I stumbled upon this article in one of the church magazines, Joseph Smith said it perfectly. The Lord wants us to be happy and it truly is the object and design of our existence here in this life. The Lord has always and will always be out for my & all his sons and daughters happines in their lives. How blessed I feel that I have this knowledge and have been so enormously blessed to have gained a testimony of this truth. If I do my part than, I can along with my family continue pursuing the path that leads back to him.

Coming upon this statement has truly reopened my eyes and heart... to yet again re-evaluate and prioritize my life so that I can have peace that I am doing my very best to stay on the path of happiness.

A lil food for thought, sorry for my rambling, I didn't mean to bare my testimony by any means, yet I felt the spirit guiding my thoughts and feelings as I write this post on my blog.

PATH OF HAPPINESS... is truly where its at.

If any of you get a chance you really should read this article. Title is above.

Eternal Light

2008-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Path to Take

When I look at the moon so bright

It lights a path for us to take.

God invites us to his light.

He says, " Come with me,

And I will help you choose the right."

(The Friend Jan. 2008)

It amazes me always that each and everyone of us have been blessed with the light of Christ as we come to earth and to our families. Then we have the opportunity to receive the true and everlasting gospel whole heartily and again be blessed by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, in which we can be directed eternally as we live our lives according the path the Lord has laid out before us. The Lord never ever leaves us alone, no matter if we have the gospel in our lives or we have not yet heard or accepted it. Its amazing. How much love he has for us ALL throughout this world. The Lord truly truly wants us to follow his light, and return home to him along with our families. So AWESOME!

Congrats Lil Patty!!!

2008-07-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went down to Vista for Lil Patty's (aka Pita) suprise high school graduation party. I seriously feel so old.... I cant believe she is old enough to be graduating!! I remember when she was 3-years old and would put on her cowgirl boots..and dance around... lol! Couldnt get her to do that at her party....wonder why?!! LOL! :)

Congrats Pita!!

Mom, Nana, Me, Kris, Joe, Craig, Pita, & Tia Lola

I think Craig had a few to many.... LOL... Tacos that is!! LOL!

Craigy & I

Sistas Forever!!

Craigy, Lance, Joe, Kris, & Me

Kris & I

POLY FESTIVAL TIME

2008-06-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

Houstie showin off his mad skills.....LOL!

Enjoying our shave ice...it was so flippin hot......

Houstie & T enjoying the yummy Tongan food..... YUM!!

J. Paul Getty Musuem

2008-06-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Early summer Houston and I tagged along w/ Mom and the school to the J. Paul Getty Musuem. It was gorgeous there and a blast to just look around and explore. Houston loved how he could touch everything.

LEO !!!

2008-06-09T09:20:00.001-07:00

April '08-- Our annual Leo trip was a blast... what more could we ask for it was 95 degrees most of our trip! We had a blast diggin in the sand, relaxin in the water, bike riding, walks, marshmellows, and more....LOL! We just had a blast! Here are a just some pics from our trip.

Craigy, Kris, Ty, Houstie, T (enjoyin the beach)

Ty & Houstie playin in the sand....

Craigy & I

Tyler & "the THINKIN CAP"

Craigy relaxin in the sun ....

Ty Ty & I

Me, Mom, Kris (Cookin up some dinner)

BRAD & ELIA'S BIG DAY !!!

2008-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

4/12/08-- We were able to share in celebrating Brad & Elia's special day, their wedding. It was a beautiful sunny day in Escondido, and it was a very special time for their lil families to unit as one. What a blessing for them all.

Brad & Bishop (getting ready for the bride to walk down the aisle)

Elia, Brad, Joseph, Jonathan, Bishop during the ceremony

What a good looking couple- Mr. & Mrs. Rios

Ilisa, Fusi, Aunty Nellie ('getting their groove on..)

Ilisa & Fusi

I'm IT!!

2008-04-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

I was tagged long ago from Auntie Juli, finally got around to sitting and answering it.

6 Facts about myself.......thanx Auntie!

1. I have a foot fetish.... oh my goodness... nasty dirty feet gross me out... SICK! ;)

2. I hate when shampoo bottles, or toothpaste, or anything of that nature, is left all nasty with dripping out shampoo, toothpaste all stuck in the cap, YUCKY...LOL! ;)

3. I'm SUPER loyal and true those whom have truly impacted my life and whom I love tremendously.

4. I hardly ever can sleep comfortably on my back, I like to be on my side or on my tummy... more comfy, for sure!

5. I love to try new things, especially sports or outdoor activities.

6. I love wearing no shoes!!!

Memories....

2008-03-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Since I havnt had time to get any new pics from the holiday weekend off my camera yet, I thought it would be fun to share some pics of Craig and I, that we have taken over the last lil bit. We always love to have fun together, so here ya go....

Thanksgiving Nite

Poly Festival

Fishermans Wharf

Camping

Posin..... lol... Camping @ McGrath

"Deb & Kip" LOL!
(Halloween)

What dorks... :)

Craig's Graduation Nite

My "Birfday" @ Yama

V I S T A

2008-03-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

<---------FILIBERTOS!!! YUM!!!
&
PEPPER TREE FROSTY !!!

Two things we look SO forward to while visiting our fam down in Vista. We have to get food from our most FAVORITE Mexican joint and then desert at Pepper Tree! SO YUMMY! My stomach is growling as I write about it...LOL! Sunday nights when I was younger, Mom and I would often wait up til midnight as our lil tradition, and go order Fili's or Jack 'n the Box (for Grandma Ana) It was so much fun! :) Since we got so used to it whenever we are down in Vista, we ALWAYS make a time to hit our favorite two spots. :) Craig has LOVED that tradition, and has become accustomed to our lil visits to our favorite dives. He loves it! :)

Since Craig is out of town for work, and Mom has an appointment down with the INS office, I am heading with with her for a lil girls trip to both her appointment and then to visit with fam. And of course to say the least visit our favorite lil spots.

We will be back to celebrate Easter together as a family, which will be awesome, especially to attend church. I always love listening to the special messages and special spirit there is on days such as Easter. What a wonderful time of year.

I will share some Easter pictures soon I'm sure... :)

MY LIL BUG.....

2008-03-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

GETTING READY FOR THE EASTER BUNNY....

My lil niece is seriously the most ADORABLE thing ever! Okay...so Im a lil bi est of the lil ones in my family..LOL!! :)

I wast talking to my sis this morning and we were laughing at how much the bunny and background on these Easter Bunny pictures are so similiar to when we were lil ones... !!

What a miracle and blessing to now get to watch my lil sister have a lil baby to take to get these pictures done, memories continue to be created and remembered.

Of course the Easter Bunny, and eggs, easter egg hunts, candy, baskets, etc., are all so much fun.

Then I step back and think of the true meaning of this special time of year. I found this really cool poem that describes this time of year perfectly.

Easter Time

I love the world at Easter time because everything is new.There are blossoms on our fruit trees and in our garden too.
And where the grass was dead and brown,It’s starting to look green.The world just seems to come alive whenever it is spring.
It makes me think of Jesus and that great, first Easter Day,Of how He came to live on earth to teach us to obey.
He died for us upon the cross and suffered for our sins.Then, like the trees and flowers in spring,He came to life again.
And now when it is springtime,I’m filled with Jesus’ love.I know He rose again so I Could live with Him above.

--Lesilie A. Nebeker (Friend '96)

Camping @ McGrath

2008-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Being that we had a few extra days off w/ it being Presidents Day weekend, we decided to take a few days and go camping. It just so happened that Uncle David & Jared had arrived in from Australia a few days before our camping trip. Uncle had to head to a business meeting, so we took Jared with us. We had so much fun... here are some pics....

T-Bear--she loved the walking stick she found out on the beach....

CHEESE...LOL!

Truth or Dare w/ T. She picked DARE...LOL!

Just cooking some dinner .......

T, Craig, Jared & I passing around the VBALL...

Jared ("VIRR"-inside joke...LOL) & Craig being dorks roasting some marshmellows...

Mom makin sure our campsite was tidy...

Long.....over......DUE........

2008-02-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Each day continues to fly on by faster and faster......

My last entry was back before Christmas and now...... we are close to the end of February.... CRAZINESS!!

Well the last month and a half, have been hectic and a lil crazy....

Just after the first of the year.... Craig was driving to pick up some files for a work project, as he was driving thru an intersection, some IDIOT decided to run a red light and hit Craig, what made it the worst was that the person didnt even stop, so it was considered a HIT & RUN... so of course we only had liabilty insurance on it, so the worth of the car was less then it would be to repair it. Then about two and half weeks later, my husband was driving my beautiful car... and was heading northbound on the 101 and traffic slowly came to a stop, due to debris in the middle of the freeway, so as everyone slowed down and then stopped, a 86 year old woman driving a big boat, came up behind Craig and to make a long story short, she couldnt stop fast enough and hit and TOTALED my car!!! Now we are working with insurance companies, and all that fun stuff.....So to say the least things have been crazy busy. Then I decided after four years that due to the cut back in hours and thru prayer Craig and I just felt it was best for me to leave my position with the company I have been with for a long time now.

In the long run, all this chaos that has taken place ...though its been a real stressful month and half, has all worked out for the best.

We ended up being able to sell Craig's car privatly.... and my car has been reported as a total loss, thru my insurance company,and so just waiting on a settlement amount, then .... its worked out finacially that I will be able to not work for a while and for us to be able to still make our family trip to Tonga & New Zealand in April, so everything has worked out slowly.

Though we have had a lot adversity the last month, its also been full of faith in our Savior and he continues to bless us... so we are truly feeling very blessed and thankful.

We got to go camping this past long Presidents Day weekend, so I will post some pics up soon......

THE TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

2007-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful time of year. Its my most favorite time of the year. What a wonderful season that starts off with Thanksgiving, a time for us to be mindful of all that we have been blessed with, and then next to celebrate the birth of of our Savior. To be with family and show our love for one another. I know that I am mindful of my Savior and his birth, I also know that I need to be better at focusing more on him at this special time of the year. What can I give the Lord? On the day we celebrate his birth, as he has given so much to me. I have the wonderful blessing of the true and everlasting gospel in my life. I have the opportunity because of him to grow and overcome all obstacles or short comings I face in my life daily. I have a wonderful loving family, whom I love and cherish so much. That I am so blessed to be with eternally as I follow my Father in Heaven. Wow...Im truly blessed. Thru the next week as I continue to prepare and getting ready for Christmas, I am going to really focus on what gift I can wrap up for my Savior, and put underneath our Christmas Tree. The next lil poem is something I came across as well as a verse in the bible that really stood out to me. Hope they touch anyone who reads, as they touched my heart.

I wonder, what does Christmas mean, With its stars and shiny balls? Is Christmas more than Christmas trees And toys and games and dolls? Of this I’m sure: There’s something more, For I’ve heard many say That in a strange and far-off land, A child was born this day. And Christmas is to celebrate His coming from above. He showed us how we all should live And told us we should love.

Matthew 1:24-- aBehold, a bvirgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his cname dEmmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!

END OF OCTOBER ALREADY!?!

2007-10-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE ARE ALREADY about to celebrate Halloween! Man the months just seem to just be going by faster and faster! Its craziness. Before we know it will be Thanksgiving and than Christmas, and then celebrating the beginning of a New Year. CRAZY! I love the holidays though, I love being family and having a good time.

Got quit a bit coming up in the next week or so. Both Craig & Mom graduate with their BA's early November! Which I am so excited and happy for them both! Its so exciting. They both will be moving on to their Masters Program pretty much right away! So proud of YOU BOTH! :)

I will post some pics up soon of the Harvest Festival and Halloween! :)

Happy 27th Craigy!!

2007-10-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

October 3rd was my hubby's 27th bday! But since it landed during the middle of the work we, we decided to schedule a dinner with the fam that could make it this past Saturday, it was fun.

Craig was happy and in heaven with his most favorite SUSHI @ Yama! So we had a lot of fun celebrating his special day! Here are a few pics from his bday dinner!

My hubby & I (Ooohh I love him so much!)

Craigy & I (showing off his new Harley Sweatshirt)

Mom & Me (posing for our professional pic taker-Hannah Bee) lol

Grammie, Uncle David, Auntie Sui, & Papa

Our"personal" Tepan-Chef, LoL, we wish!

Hannah-Bee, Me, & Bday Boy...getting ready for some yummy dinner.

Disneyland!!

2007-10-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun... it was Craigy, George & Joe's 1st time EVER to Disneyland, can you believe it!??!!!! It was fun though, cause we got to go for Halloween time at Disneyland, the decorations were awesome! It was such a fun day! :) Here are very few of the many pics we took a few weeks ago! Enjoy!

"The breakfast of Champions" LOL! We had to fill our stomachs before Disneyland

Mama, T, & George chillin with their sweet shades...lol... (that are property of Disneyland) LOL!

Look its that crazy family in "Toon Towne"

George Cruzin in "Autotopia"

T & Lex entering into "Finding Nemo Submarine Ride"

The Fam Bam entering Disneyland

Splash Mountain here we come!! (My Craigy...has no clue whats enstore..lol !)

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!!

2007-09-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was Grandparents Day.... so we thought we would get everyone together to celebrate on Saturday and take Papa & Grammie out to dinner...and express our love and appreciation for the great Grandparents we have. What a special day to be able to celebrate the wonderful blessing of Grandparents in our lives, in MY life. I really was reflecting... on the examples that my Grandparents have been to me, throughout my life. God fearing, strong, heroic, courageous, happy, loving, compassionate, service oriented hard working, and most of all embraced the Lord, Jesus Christ, no matter what religious group they belonged to. The Lord has truly blessed me to have such wonderful inspirational people in my life. I have learned so much from them, and will continue to strive to gain attributes of each of them.

Labor Day Wknd! :)

2007-09-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Wknd... was a blast.

We went down to Vista for a couple days to visit the fam and hang out. Then we came home and got to spend Labor Day at the beach it was so gorgeous out! Beautiful weather and we had lots of fun with family. Couldnt have asked for more! We even got to jump into the pool before the day was out, that was fun too.

Papa & Grammie

Mom & Hootie.... "say cheese Hootie.." LOL!

Craig & Hunt ....testing their skills...

Cade & Craig (The Diggers..LOL)

Natty & her Mama... smiling for Auntie La :)

Natty Bug & I (trying to stay cool at the park)

My 1st Blog !

2007-08-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am, Auntie Juli had to really really twist my arm to get me started on this whole blog thing...lol.... ok, she didnt have to twist my arm to badly, I too think its a great way to stay in touch and its fun, get to share pics, etc. :)

Im so excited today is FRIDAY, and better yet a LONG WEEKEND! WHOO HOO!

A lil frustrated at the moment though, Craig graduates this November 10th and they just decided to let us know we have to have cap and gowns ordered by the 5th of October. A lil poor planning on the school's part of not notifying everyone, but oh well. We are just too excited about him graduating and then going on with his Masters Program. Mom is also graduating November 9th!! Go CRAIG & MOM! WAY TO GO YOU BOTH! Its been a lot of hard work, but well worth it. I'm so proud of you both! Cant wait to celebrate!

Im sure I will be bloggin some more soon... :)