Birthday

Moments with My Birthday Girl

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read784 views

Where do you take a curious little girl when the weather is not at its best in your area and you want to escape it all? Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I took my beautiful Child to Downtown Pomona and surrounding cities for some Vintage and Antique shopping as well as some delicious treats.
Occasionally, my husband and I talk about moving back to Pomona, CA – then we remember there’s a reason we moved out of there in the first place and settled here in the High Desert.

Minnie Mouse Ballerina, Porcelain Figurine.
Minnie Mouse Ballerina, Porcelain Figurine.

We visited a few shops, including our favorite Pomona Antique Mart.

After Pomona, we drove up to Claremont, CA for some Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins. We last visited this location about thirteen years ago and I loved the atmosphere. We decided to take the kids there to have some treats. From there we drove down to Red Ribbon Bakeshop in West Covina, CA, a place my husband used to frequent with his college buddies when they needed a good meal. I instantly fell in love with the shop once introduced.

I placed a large order of my favorite Chicken Empanada (lightly toasted savory dough generously filled with delectable chicken). I also ordered a Mango Roll (which consists of juicy mango bits and rich butter icing tucked into moist chiffon cake). The Mango Roll has always been my favorite in the shop and it is so delicious.

Chicken Empanada.
Chicken Empanada from Red Ribbon Bakeshop.

All in all, we had a blessed day and good moments revisiting some places we love. My Amazing and my Gracious child turned 4 today and I am in awe with my Lord for the gift of Life and Hope.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ― Psalm 16:11

To My Soul Brother, With Love

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read523 views

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” ― James 1:17 (ESV)

I was graced with three Brothers, all of which are special in their own ways. Being the surviving female in the family has strengthened our bond in ways I could never dream of. The first boy, my senior, is one whom I have always looked up to for advice and compassion. My follower is more or less like me. My youngest brother, who just turned thirty (hip hip!), is one with whom I had a special relationship growing up.

Oh boy, was he hardheaded and sweet!
I remember a few fights with my elder brother as a child. With Oliver, we took it to a different level. How could such a sweet little boy be so stubborn? He was strong-willed, had a mind of his own and would not give in for all the gold in the World. In the midst of it all, he had so much love and respect for me and I, loved him so.

My Dear Baby Brother.
Oliver, My Handsome Little Soul Brother (not so little anymore).

He is My Soul Brother who understands my unspoken words.
He is the one who gave both our Mother and me a chance to spend a few more minutes with our Sister before she left this World of mortals; though in my heart I know he was too young to witness the moment.
He is a fighter. I am so proud of his achievements and accomplishments. He could have easily chosen a different path or sought an easier way out; rather, he chose to stand tough and stay the course.

Happy Birthday Baby Brother! May our Heavenly Father grant you many, many more blessed years to share with me. Make this first year of your 30’s count and count me in for even greater support. I Love You tremendously.

Thoughts On My Birthday

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read695 views

“As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.” – Terri Guillemets

I’ve learned so much about myself through the years and I’m perfectly content with my Life.

I am in awe with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His gift of Life and unfathomable love. I am thankful for my loving Husband who has not left my side and made it a priority to write me a heartfelt note for the past 14 years, on my special day. I am so lucky to have my Children; they’ve made me a better person, taught me things about myself that I never knew about. I am blessed to have incredible Parents who have always stood by me, believed in me and taught me about not giving up. I’m grateful for my amazing brothers who constantly look out for me. Though the grief never goes away and ebbs with the seasons and the years; I’m grateful for knowing my incredible Sister whose love was honest and true. I know she’s with me, always.

In My 30s (Thirties).
In My 30s (Thirties).

My absolute best moment of last week was when I asked my daughter what she would get for me and she said: Strawberry Shortcake Blueberry Muffin Doll and some cupcake toys. And she added, we could play together. She made me smile all week-long and I found it sneaky that she planned on giving me the same items on her wish list. It is so wonderful of her to want to share her favorites things with me.

Thank you all for hanging tough with me another Year.

To My Son (My Silent Strength)

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.1K views

“You have filled my heart with great joy. It is greater than the joy of people who have lots of grain and fresh wine.” ― Psalm 4:7 (NIRV)

I woke up feeling thankful this morning. Perhaps it had something to do with the sun streaming through the windows or the sweet sound of my Son’s voice echoing through the house. He turned 6 today and remembered we promised to take him to a fun place. It’s amazing how one simple action can change so much …

He is the complete opposite of his Sister: he is calm while she is feisty and together they form the perfect and inseparable pair. He is the one who literally kept me safe and sane while I was pregnant with his Sister. I remember and I will cherish those moments forever. He is handsome, respectful, mindful, smart, determined, a storyteller and an artist. He loves Muscle Cars (which he collects) and has been drawing since the age of two and a half.

My Son and Silent Strength.

Being a Mother has affected everything in my life. It has made me more productive, a better achiever, a better wife (mother, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, a better somebody) as well as a happier and positive person. I thank God everyday for giving me such a generous and ever so sweet Child.

“Learning who our children are and shaping who they will become is one of the most rewarding and ultimate pleasures of parenting.” Joan Ambu

I’m so grateful to you, my Child, for everything you add into my life. I cannot imagine life without you. You have taught me so much with your innocence and generosity. I’ve been blessed in so many ways because of you. I hope you grow up to become a positive force in the Universe. You are my little boy who isn’t so little anymore. May your star shines forever as we do our best to raise you in a safe and loving home.

God bless you on your special day.

We Love You Tremendously,
Mom, Dad & Sister ♥

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

To My Daughter

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read618 views

“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.” ― 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

My little girl. My amazing and affectionate little girl turned 3 today! She came down with the stomach flu and a slight fever a few days ago and has recovered in time for her birthday, which she has been looking forward to celebrating. She has been straightforward about what she wants and postponing 2 and 3 on her list is the right thing to do, as she can be contagious for a few more days after recovery. Here’s her wish list:

  1. No Cake this year, just pink Cupcakes
  2. Go to the Movies
  3. Go to Disneyland (and meet ‘Mimi’, again)
  4. Pink and White balloons

I am blessed to be the one she calls “Mom”. I feel tremendously blessed to have a beautiful, healthy, smart and happy daughter that the Lord has blessed me with. Even though I birthed her, I know she belongs to the Lord and I am eternally grateful that He would trust me with her life. I hope I can live up to some of His expectations.

For her third birthday, we added a lot more to her Strawberry Shortcake collection by bringing in some gorgeous vintage dolls and accessories. She loved them all, but not as much as she loved her Just Like Home 40 Piece Pearlized Tea Set which we bought from Toys”R”Us®. We got something for big Brother too, who was so helpful in planning the surprise and doing the countdown. The party has been postponed …

I bought her first Pendant necklace: a Lamb! It’s a beautiful and fun Pendant necklace in a matching velour hinged Lamb box. The pendant hangs on an 18″ chain, it’s made of genuine European crystals and 18 kt gold finish. The pendant is part of an Animal series collection and you can get one for your child on PetCollection.com.

Lamb Pendant in matching velour hinged Lamb box.
Lamb Pendant in matching Lamb box.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.

We were blessed with a beautiful, warm and peaceful day; filled with love, laughter, gifts, loving memories and lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone is grateful and content. There will be some storytelling in a little while and then we will watch movies for the rest of the night. Today is a good day.

Hello Kitty Cake and Cupcakes.

A heartfelt Thank You, to Family and Friends, who made her day so special and fun!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)