Cooking with Dad

a favorite father and daughter bonding activity besides karaoke...cooking spaghetti (their specialty with clams)

and a sneak peak of the white cabinets I painted

"this is yummy daddy, I can't stop tasting it"


"she's talking to BFF, Krystn"

Handmade Presents...


...from Isabella for everyone in the family

including one for grandpa in heaven

inside the handmade box is a hand drawn portrait of the recipient
handmade with love...

A Little Piece of Heaven

Immanuel and Krystal came to visit last Friday. They surprised Isabella who has been wishing all last week for Immanuel to come and play with her. Well, she got her wish. They had a great time playing at the park and at the beach. It was a little piece of heaven for me as I witness the love that abound as they enjoy each other.

playing ball and tag at the park.....



4 square at the beach....




then some surfing and boogie boarding....


Living Life to the Fullest

From the book 100 Most Important Bible Verses

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.


The kind of abundance that Jesus promised is a measure of the quality of life, not the quantity of possessions. You can't measure this abundance in square footage or bottom lines. Jesus promised to provide a surplus of what makes life worth living - things like love, grace, guidance, forgiveness, and joy. These are Jesus' gifts to you, a life that is overflowing with riches of the heart that no one can ever take away.


Matthew 6:19-20
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy".

{Simply Grateful}

  • for wonderful and uplifting conversations with angel friends
  • for a baby girl who says to me when I start getting worried and anxious: "mommy remember you're TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED"
  • for a husband who feels deep joy as he gives unconditional love to a son who so needs and deserves it
  • for children who recognize their parents' unconditional love and then responding with love and joy

{Simply Grateful}

  • for spiritual disciplines
  • for manifestations of maturity in my faith (as I listen to my friends' trials, I begin to hurt for their pain and hear myself offer light into their darkness)
  • for surroundings that foster a grateful heart and continual communion with my God
  • for a husband who encourages me to attend my favorite body flow and body jam classes
  • for the time and energy to enjoy my classes at the gym on a regular basis

{Simply Grateful}

so so many things to be grateful for

  • for God's unfailing guidance as He continues to lead me to find something bright in my darker moments; as He continues to send much needed support through the love of angel friends.
  • for angelic conversations
  • for a touching and inspiring ecard from an angel friend
  • for wonderful quality family times (enjoying each other's company as we share in either home cooked meals or meals by the beach; as we drive to Port San Luis to buy crabs that dad cooked for cioppino; as we walk hand in hand through the Port; as Isabella and I watch Phil boogie board)
  • for a husband who is here for a week, lending a helping hand and strengthening family ties
  • for Phil's company at church (two Sundays in a row)
  • for Immanuel's safety as he ventures out into the world, as he lends a helping hand to the world around him
  • for Ian who says to me after I pick him up from school "as long as I have a loving home, I will be ok"
  • for Isabella who makes handmade presents for everyone in the family including grandpa in heaven

An ECard from another angel friend

A strong woman

is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely.
Her tears flow justas abundantly as her laughter.
She is not afraid to be afraid.

is both soft and powerful.
She takes compliments to heart and treats herself like the queen that she is.

is equally visionary and decisive.
She is able to hope when things look hopeless.
She is both practical and spiritual.

A strong woman
in her essenceis a gift to all the world.

Thinking of you because you're a woman who shows what it takes to be one.


Thank you tita Rose.

Happy Birthday Hubby

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband Russ. Thanks for all your love and support.

The kids and I went to church today and we prayed for you.

Isabella's photos by Owen Photographie