Family

Reminiscence

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read801 views

“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

I remember as a little girl, sitting right across my sister and mimicking her every move. While most little girls thought their Mothers were the most beautiful person in the World, I thought and I knew my Sister was the most beautiful person in the World. I loved and admired her so much that I was for her and into her. Though she loved to tease me, she always made sure I was taken care of. She was three classes ahead of me and at the end of school she would wait for my brother and me and together we would walk back home. Sometimes during rainy days, when the thunder would be so severe that I couldn’t sleep, I would jump off my bed running to her for comfort.  She would always receive me with open arms. Those are blessed good old memories.

Today marks the fifteen anniversary of her death and the fourteen of my beloved grandmother. In the mean time I have had the opportunity to find out my strengths and weaknesses, as well as whatever else I am made of. Over the years, my faith has been tested (and is still being tested) in so many ways and stretched in all directions to mold me. Mold Me Lord, shape me, feed me Lord. With your knowledge that I may absorb and retain …

As I am looking forward to seeing what He has in store for me, I now have a good idea of why I am still here and what He desires from me. I am in awe of Him and the transformations in my Life.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't, at some point, think of you.
Image Source: Pinterest.

CANDLE-LIGHT

Day has its sun,
And night the stars.
But God has candle-light.
Upon the world’s great candle-stick He sets
The little taper of yourself ashine,
That when the sun has sputtered out
And all the stars are dead,
Your immortality may flame and burn
Across His infinite immensity forever.

Wherefore He will sometime blow out the sun,
And snuff the stars,
Preferring candle-light.

Sister M. Madeleva, C.S.C.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

Making Breakfast Fun

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read414 views

Today started on a good note. After having a very restful sleep session, I actually woke up to find that everyone else was fast asleep. I made my way to the kitchen and started to setup for the breakfast that I had mentioned to my family the night before. It included Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs with Onions, Tomatoes and Black Peppers and a tall glass of Orange Juice. While working on the Pancakes, I heard my boy stirring and decided that two brains where better than one. I got him ready and pulled up a Bar Stool chair next to the stove to watch me make his favorite breakfast meal “Pancakes.” Since I had him next to me I was able to fix him a stack and have him start on them while I continued with the rest.

Pancake Initials.
Pancake Initials.

Around 3/4ths of the way in, I decided to make the above letters and have my boy guess which would come first. He was so happy to see the first letter and guess it was his initial. After the pancakes where cooked, I heard my baby girl trying to open the bedroom door so I dressed her up and brought her over to join in the fun. She does not like Pancakes yet, but can eat Eggs like a wood chipper.

Once done, we all moved onto the kitchen table where I fixed myself a stack on Pancakes and a side of scrambled Eggs which my baby girl helped to eat. She enjoyed the Eggs with Ketchup and her Orange Juice as her favorite drink. We took our time finishing breakfast and even fixed a plate for Mommy once she made her way to the kitchen. There where smiles all around and very satisfied faces as well.

Later in the day, we headed to the patio and I pulled my box of scenery materials which I have been acquiring for some years now. I finally started to build structures for my Mechwarrior Figures which I have had for years. I am a big Mechwarrior/Battletech fan and got into the game back in 1999 once I got my first computer. I will blog on the pieces later on but for now, enjoy the Pancake pictures.

To My Daughter

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read629 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)

Beautiful Cloudy Day

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read480 views

I have never liked cloudy days. Today, however, I am content with the dreary weather.
We are spending the afternoon in the Patio. The kids are multi-tasking (watching TV, drawing, Crafting and writing me letters full of hearts). My daughter is busy looking at the Toys R Us toy book and making a list of all the items she wants for her birthday. Oh, the joy of Motherhood! I love my babies to pieces.

Dreary Weather.
Dreary Weather.

Today was Parent Conference day at my son’s school and we met with his wonderful teacher. She told us what we already knew, that he is Academically Advanced. The drawback of him knowing so much at his age is that he easily gets bored, wants to help everyone around him and doesn’t always follow directions when asked to. I will work harder at encouraging him to listen more and allow others to do what they need to do.

In an effort to prevent broken pipelines due to aging and sudden burst, the City’s Water Pipeline Division has been carrying out water main upgrades by replacing water mains and hydrants to upgrade existing deteriorating water mains. Today was our turn and it was interesting watching these hard working men complete the task.

Replacement of Water Mains.
Replacement of Water Mains.

I am off to work on our next Craft. I will share, I promise.

Sweet Sound of Music

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read485 views

Sunshine, cool breeze and the smell of freshly baked cookies in the air. Oh, what a beautiful day!

My Kindergartener returned from his end of year Christmas Party at school and together with his sister, they are having fun in the playroom. We will be having him home exclusively for the next three weeks, moments which I am looking forward to create and treasure. I have completed my morning chores and I have made myself comfortable on the loveseat, all relaxed and worry free. I am blogging and sipping a warm cup of coffee while listening to the sweet sound of Benise (“Spanigh Nights” album). We bought his first four CDs in 2002, while he was performing with a group of friends at the Ontario Mills® Mall. We couldn’t resist his unique style of music.

Benise, “Spanish Nights.”
Benise, Spanish Nights.

The excitement, anticipation and final countdown to Christmas is making everyone here antsy (myself being the antsiest). In just five days we’ll all be opening our gifts; reaping those beautifully wrapped presents which have been carefully and lovingly placed under the white Christmas Tree. To witness the unbridled joy and gratitude on my children’s faces as they contemplate their gifts is, oh, so priceless. In just five days, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to the virgin Mary. One of my favorite Holidays to reflect and rejoice.

Where has the time gone, literally? It’s hard to fathom that this year is almost over and that in just twelve days we will be starting a new year (of new beginnings and possibilities). This year has gone by way too fast. In retrospect, I think 2012 has been our best year so far and we can only hope that it takes us safely into 2013.