Hello Vegas!

How in the world did this month fly by?!? 

By the way, meet Vegas! He's the newest addition to our home. Seriously, I love this fish! With Levi in school, it's so nice to come home to something (someone?).  I love watching him swim around and feeding time is always fun. 

Heaven knows how many websites I've researched to know just what's best for Vegas. Several websites said to talk to your Betta. Sounds crazy, but we do it. He seems to respond well to us because now he swims around so excited when we enter the kitchen. He's so cool, I seriously just love it! 

Anywhoooo, time for bed...October starts in 17 minutes. G'nite!

Song of the Heart

Yesterday, in Fast & Testimony Meeting, a brother bore his testimony of the hymn, "I Am a Child of God", that was sung in the General Women's Meeting the evening before.  It was neat learning that Naomi W. Randall, who penned the words to this beautiful hymn, had a daughter in our ward. In Relief Society, we were given the challenge to think of a hymn through out the week, during times of happiness or sadness and anytime in between.  I love the hymns.  I love the hymns, "I Stand All Amazed" and "Have I Done Any Good?", but the one that touched my heart so much last night was, "I Am a Child of God".  

I love this hymn, I always have.  I remember when I was a young girl in Primary, I would cry every time we sang this song. It just made me so sentimental to think that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. It also made me think of my parents that I loved so much and our home, all of which came from God.  I was probably about 4 or 5, but whenever we would sing it, I would walk over to my Mom (who was a Sr. Primary teacher) sobbing and wanting to be held. Instead, she would turn me right back around and send me back to my class row.  :(  {I think it was just her way of teaching me to grow up and be reverent...at least that's what I'm hoping}  I've always loved this song because I think it's such a simple way to know why we're here on this Earth and where we go after this life.   It's one of the first songs that are taught to Primary children.  How reassuring to know, at such an early age, that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you so much, that he would give you earthly parents to teach you everything you need to know in order to return back to Him.
I'm not gonna lie, I still tear up a bit whenever I sing this hymn.  These days, I like to think that this is the song I'll rock my sweet little babies to, as I put them to sleep.  I want my babies to know that they have a loving Heavenly Father who wants them to be good and learn & do all that they can, so they can return back to Him someday.  What a sweet message of hope and love!

I Am a Child of God

1. I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

Chorus

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

2. I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

3. I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will,

I'll live with him once more.

4. I am a child of God.

His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine

If I can but endure.

Happy Sabbath!

What a beautiful Sunday it's been!

I thought my name was going to be read into my new family ward, so I invited Levi to come with.  Luckily they didn't because I was so nervous.  It oh so wonderful having him there with me.  I cherish any and every moment I can be with him, so it was even more special to have him with me at church.  I'm still getting used to my new family ward.  Last Sunday was my first Sunday there, since being married.  Levi and I went once last Fall and it was so nice to see an old friend from Chula Vista Institute.  When I attended last Sunday, I met so many sisters.  I'm so grateful for those sisters who were kind enough to step out of their comfort zones and introduce themselves to me. 
Sunday School was so refreshingly nice to attend.  It's been a while since I've attended the Gospel Doctrine class.  This week's class was on Hosea.  Can't say I was familiar with that Bible story, but there were really good things to think about, such as how we can be a good spouse. For once, that question finally applies to me! 
Relief Society was so beautiful.  The ward organist taught the lesson for the day (perhaps she's actually an RS teacher, I don't know... I'm still figuring everyone out).  Small world, her daughter also served her mission in New Jersey and was trained by Sister B, who I trained!  In a mission sense, she's my "granddaughter"! :)  I had to introduce myself again.  Ugh... I get so shy & nervous at the same time.  I made them laugh when I said that I finally "graduated" from the Pacific Beach Singles Ward.  The lesson was on, "The Song of the Heart".  It was sweet presentation of the lesson.  Sister E had three sisters present their favorite hymns and why it was their favorite.  Then we sang the hymns, it was so tender. I love hearing the sisters sing, especially since they sing in parts (alto & soprano).  After class, as I was walking down the hall to leave, a very sweet sister named Amy introduced herself to me.  If I had to guess, I would think that she has Cerebral Palsy, by the way she walked.  I slowed my pace a little and we chatted.  At one point, she fell on my shoulder.  It startled me a bit because I thought, "Oh cool, she wanted to give me a hug?  Or did she just fall?", to which it was the latter.  She told me that she sometimes loses her balance. I told her that sometimes I get vertigo, so I could understand the feeling.  She said that sometimes she walks faster than her legs could keep up,  I told her I was actually a fan of walking slower anyways.  She was sweet, I wished her a good week and we parted ways.  I hope we get to become friends. 
I'm so thankful that my new ward is less than a mile away.  Last week, I left 3 minutes til and made it in time!  I was so thankful because I didn't want to show up late and have to walk in late.  I think I would have left.  I'm glad everything was in my favor.  I try not to think of all my old friends I've left in my Singles ward or my ol' family ward, but this is where I need to be now, in this season of my life.  I need to think of the good that's on the horizon and the friends I've yet to make. 
When I returned home, my heart and tear ducts were ready to burst for the gratitude I have for my husband.  The Sunday school lesson really hit home for me.  I hope to never be thankful for all he does for me, but most especially thankful to a loving Heavenly Father who knew what type of partner I would want and need and blessed me with my sweetheart. 
Today has been a very good Sunday.  If you haven't watched the General Women's Meeting, I highly suggest it.  It was all so beautiful!  It made me miss the temple so much.  So many things came to mind. 

For now, I leave you with this sweet choir of Korean angels singing, "I Love to See the Temple". Happy Sabbath!

BIRTHDAY!

Dude . . . today's my birthday! 

I love today.  I love the love that abundantly showers me from all across the world, from such sweet, thoughtful loved ones.  I like counting my blessings on this special day of mine.

*I'm thankful for my dear sweet love of my life.  Being married to him feels like my birthday and Christmas combined, every day.  He makes my life so much more thrilling, funnier, fuller and special in each and every way.  I will never know how I got so lucky to find someone who loves me so much, patiently understands my quirky tendencies, and celebrates my talents & skills.

*I'm glad to have the relationship that I do with my nephews & niece.  They are such a bright spot in my life.  I have had the beautiful blessing of having a first row seat to their lives.  They are such tenderhearted and funny spirits.   I love them with all of my heart and I'm blessed to feel their love in return.

*Even though I don't see my parents everyday anymore, I'm grateful for all that they've done for me.  They can be the most selfless individuals in my time of need.  There are many things that they have taught me.  I can only hope that they've always tried their best to be my parents.  I know that I've tried my best to be a good daughter to them.  This is what life is about; learning to be our best self.

*I always wanted a sister growing up, I didn't know that I would find one in my sister-in-law, turned ex-sister-in-law, now sister.  She has taught me so very much.  She is a very good parent to her 4 kids because of the way she listens and observes their individual needs and talents.  She has a good heart and has always been the best cheerleader anyone would want in their corner.

*I'm grateful for my friends.  They accept me for me and love me so much.  Heaven knows I'm not perfect, but I always try my very best to be a very good friend.  I'm so lucky that I'll get to celebrate my birthday with a few of my closest oldest friends, this weekend. So excited!!  But seriously, I love them all.  They bring so much laughter to my life.  I love my friends who share their cultures with me and most especially the unity we always have over good food.  I'm grateful to always have a friend I can call up and say, "Hey, wanna go grab some tacos?" and sure enough, either one of us will show up late, but it's the fact that they showed up.  Love my friends!

*I love my home that I have with my husband.  It's cute and quaint and special because I feel like it's a safe haven of peace, love and laughter.  I'm sure it's because of who I share it with. :)

*I love all the blessings that I've received from my Heavenly Father.  I'm thankful for the talents that I have and the opportunity to cultivate new ones and share all of them.  Sometimes, I like to step back and think, "Dude, I just did that with my two hands!"  I love the pure knowledge and testimony that I have that He lives, as does His Son, Jesus Christ.  I'm not the best Mormon, heaven knows I have my downfalls, but I try my best to do good and be good.

*I love my life.  It's comfortable and happy and oh so funny.  Today, I love it 34,000x even more!  Happy birthday ME! :)

Bday Week!

Dude, I'm a fan of birthday week! 
Tonight, Levi told me that I could pick ANY restaurant that I would like to go to for my birthday.  
I live in America's Finest City and there's just TONS to choose from! Seriously, I can't even narrow it down.  I LOVE pizza & Mexican food the most!  I have no idea.....
I do know that my birthday is gonna be here before I know it! I'm so glad that I was able to have the day off.  I have no idea what I want to do.  I mean, I would LOVE to go get a massage and a mani/pedi, along with getting my eyebrows done.  Plus, I would love to swing by my parents' place and while I'm down there, go to the beach (maybe with my nephew Kalanster).  However, I know I sure as hell will be sleeping in! Man, I cannot wait!

In the meanwhile.... I'll continue deciding where in San Diego I'd like to go for my birthday dinner! So many choices! I love it!  I'm so stoked for my birthday and my birthday weekend!! YESSSSS!!!

Birthday Blessings.

A couple weeks ago, my parents told me that they wanted to take me out to eat for my birthday.  They said to choose a restaurant and we could invite a few people.  Yesterday, we went to eat at one of my most favorite sushi restaurants, in Imperial Beach.  When Levi and I showed up, we were a few minutes late, but my parents, sister, nephew, niece, cousin's family & aunt were already there.  I walked in and they started cheering.  I hugged & kissed everyone then walked over to the seat that had a birthday balloon tied to it.  Next to my seat was a huge gift bag and several other birthday bags on top.

 In the middle of the table was a red & white birthday cake.  Needless to say, I felt so special.  The rest of our party showed up and then we ordered some yummy goodness! Man I love me some sushi, tempura shrimp & veggies!

 I was lucky to sit next to my Dad and get to chat with him.  It's always so good to see my Dad.  Time seems to fly by between each visit and it makes me miss him so much.
After we ate, we did the whole birthday cake schpeal and opened gifts.  Whenever it's my birthday and people are singing "Happy Birthday to You", it's always a lil awkward.  I never know what to do. Most times I just stare at the candles and think of my birthday wish.  Sometimes I just wanna sing along.  It's just an awkward moment...
My Mom got me a Red Velvet Cake.  It was really good!  I really love Red Velvet Cake!  I was touched that she remembered my favorite cake.  So delish!    

 Afterwards, I opened my presents.  I got a soy coconut candle.  I can't wait to burn it! It smells like surf wax, I love it!  Makes me miss the beach even more.

 I also received a shell box with a pretty shell pendant. 

I also received a card with some money from my Aunt K. It was so nice of her.  I was just so touched by everyone's kindness and generosity.  

The gift that touched my heart so deeply, was the big gift bag from my parents. Inside the huge bag was a box that had many different things wrapped up in it.  My parents got me (us) "Chinese plates".,,,Asian themed...whatevers, you get the idea. (I hate having to be so PC sometimes!) Anyways, I was, am, still so touched by their gift.  I wanna cry just looking at the plates, saimin bowls, rice bowls, and soup spoons they gave us.  

I feel like it's a little piece of my family here with me.  My Mom & Dad will never know just how touched I was by everything they did for me.  Even as I type this, I'm crying because I just want to embrace my parents dearly and thank them for making me feel so special on Saturday.  This little birthday party was probably the nicest, kindest, most generous, and thoughtful thing they've done for me.  I can't wait to use the plates & bowls.  
I think I'm also quite sentimental over their generosity is because I miss them.  I wish we lived closer to them because sometimes it's hard not seeing them daily, if not weekly.  I will remember this birthday luncheon for a very long time.  Just all of it, every detail that my parents had a hand in, has touched me so much.  I just want to thank them so much.  It was so tremendously thoughtful and I will remember this for a very, very long time.  

The 1am Post

•Season 5 of Parenthood finally hit Netflix!! I couldn't be happier!! I watched 6 episodes tonight. 

•Work has been so hard lately. Tina, Chuy & I just wanna scream and/or cry sometimes. Today, we received word that Roxy won't be coming back; she resigned. Work just got 10x harder!! I wish her the very best. 

•My birthday's in a week! I'm so stoked!! 

•As I was walking out of work today, the lady ahead of me looked like a walking zombie. I quickly realized that I was walking in a similar fashion.  I feel so drained. The last 3 weeks have been so extremely draining.  I feel like a shell of a person by the time I leave work. Today I almost wanted to cry. It's just such a tremendous work load right now. I would have drowned a long time ago without Tina & Chuy.

•Tonight, I just needed some down time to unwind.  I just wanted to do my own thing and veg out to Parenthood.  I'm so thankful for this past 3 day weekend, it came just in time.

•Time flies by, these days. Today it's been one month since Levi & I got married.  Everyday I learn something new and love him 1000x more than the day before.  

•Man I need to go to sleep! T-minus 5 hours til our alarm goes off. G'nite!

Faux Specs

My contacts are constantly getting dried out by fans, AC & the wind (whole driving). I probably go thru 2 bottles of rewetting drops a month! Ridiculous!!! 

Tonight, I found the best thing ever!!

Some new faux specs!!! Oh I love them so much!! It's made quite a difference already!! I love the fact that they're exactly like my sunglasses!! So awesome!

NO, I'm not trying to be a hipster, in any way, shape or form! They were $5 at Neighborhood Market, and I love the frame AND they were clear just like I need them--PERFECTION!! Perhaps I also miss wearing glasses....but I'll take contacts over glasses any day!  Then again, I'd take perfect 20/20 vision over contacts!! Ahhh, I wish! :)