Santa Monica

We kicked off our summer with an early play date for the kids to Celebrate the end of the school year. A few of the kids in the play group had there last day of Catechism. We caravan from OLPH to Santa Monica. We got our wrist bands from Costco for $11.99 prior to this event. This allowed us to have unlimited access to all the rides we wanted. The kids had a blast on the rides at Pacific Park. We enjoyed ourselves with a classic tale gate party style lunch. Then we went to the beach & the kids went in the water and built the most amazing sand castles & trenches.
At one point before lunch Elijah & I were alone. We walked over to where the memorial for the soldiers in Iraq that have lost their lives. I explained to him each cross represents someone’s Daddy, Mommy, Brother, Sister, Aunt, Uncle they were deeply loved by somebody. I put him on my knee as I knelled down. I began to pray in front of whoever was watching, I did’t care, I wished they would have joined. The lump in my throat welled up along with my eyes. We thanked the Lord for giving us the freedom that each and every one of these heroes died for to give us. We are so lucky to be walking in a safe land in this wonderful democracy the United States. Amen. We went along humbly with our Day enjoying laughter among friends. What a great group! Thanks for the memories looking forward to more soon!
I noticed this mural when we walked in I saw some Andy Warhol flair with the Campbell's soup,to him the soup can is art. Yet there is a sense of irony to the work,whatever is merely comfortable eventually becomes hollow and meaningless.Maybe not in his case Warhol is still iconic.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day we usually have a big BBQ but today we just hung out. This morning Seng worked in the backyard & I cleaned the house. This afternoon we set off to Santa Ana River Lakes to go fishing to catch Rainbow Trout. We hung out at the Huckleberry Pond. We got “skunked” this is the word for NOT catching a fish. It was nice to be out in nature. There is a lot of animals close in proximity to people. The animals roam around you see turkeys, chickens, ducks, peacocks, blue heron & kingfishers. It was fun to watch Seng get dirty putting yucky meal worms & large red worms on the hook. He knows all the little tricks to catch fish, he teaches Elijah. I couldn’t take Elijah without Seng because I can’t stand touching slimy worms & bloody fish! I take pictures & I am their biggest cheerleader!Tonight we will BBQ Steak & Lobster for the Holiday, thank God we didn't catch a fish, I might have been stuck eating trout!
Here is the latest picture of Meatball!(My Dog)

Ashley's Birthday Party

Today was Ashley’s 7th Birthday. The theme was Carnival with a bean bag toss, balloon popping contest, jumper & ring toss. The prizes seemed like they were never ending! The kids had such a wonderful time Celebrating Ashley’s Birthday. Danny & Carla did such a great job keeping the kids entertained like a real Carnival .The BBQ was great and they both got every detail right!!Elijah & Ashley have been friends since Nursery School a United Methodist! Great Day!

Jaden's Birthday Party

Friday night after a long week Elijah & I went over to Celebrate Jaden’s Birthday. We got there just in time for the present’s and cake. Jaden got Guitar Hero with the drums & micro phone. She also got all kinds of cute gift’s from her friends & family. Guitar Hero was the entertainment of the night. The kid’s had so much fun being little stylist having fun creating outfit’s & the perfect “look.” They Rocked out !! I had fun watching and singing from the side lines! Christina did so great with all the decorations, cake, presents, and I commend her for the slumber party. It was so nice seeing Cathy & Manny. Ned did so good on Jadens new “Pretty in Pink” room. What a great night talking to Kitty. I still remember going to Christina’s parties when I was a little girl. It is so nice to have an awesome friend I met in Kindergarten!!

Still Celebrating!!

We celebrated our Birthday at Seng’s Mom’s house. Every year his family comes through with a dinner and cake to celebrate our birthday. Tonight we had Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill catered this food was excellent. We had a ice cream cake from Cold Stone. Sophie kept blowing out the candles, she is so cute. We could hardly get the boys off the couch from the Lakers game. Seng has the best Family with lots of love they always bring!

Our Birthday

Seng & I share the same Birthday. He worked today & we were not going to celebrate until the weekend. I had school today & accepted the fact we were going to do nothing. Seng’s sister surprised us with helping him at his store so we could go to Disneyland. I picked up Elijah from school & we headed off. We got in free to day because of our Birthday we ended up getting us all year passes. We went to California Adventure we rode the Toy Story Midway Mania & Sorrin over California. What a thrill both these rides are! Then we went over to Downtown Disney and ate at Naples Ristorante Pizzeria. The food was wonderful by chef & founder Joachim Splichal on Food Network he was hailed “legendary Chef" so you know the food is great. We enjoyed the music of the conga drums &guitar of Javid & Naoko of New Flamenco. What a wonderful Birthday we shared together.Also thank you to everyone who sent a card, text, e-mail or left a message singing Happy Birthday! I love you all. You made my day.

Uncle Scott

Happy Birthday Uncle Scott aka Scooter. We love you & have so many wonderful memories at you & Aunt Renee’s house being creative & bringing out the Artist in all of us. This was a great day when we all made tie dye shirts in your garage. You have the best Jack Russell’s Benny & Darla! Elijah worship’s you like I did at his age, I still do!!

TIKI Party

Kyle turned 12 & his mom had a Tiki Luau Birthday party. She had their backyard transformed to an Hawaiian island resort. The kids had so much fun in the pool & squirt guns. Serene & Brandon have a bar with all the fixings’ and put a flat screen out by the pool so the adults could watch the Lakers game. There was a lot of action having fun in the sun!! The music was great including Brandon’s band, he is such a Rocker Dad. Serene created the cutest cake & cup cakes. The kids did the limbo & a watermelon eating contest. Yes Serene & Brandon are expecting a girl.

Cathy Mijares Baby Shower

The Baby shower for Cathy Mijares was sugar ,spice and everything nice. Christina & Kitty threw Cathy a beautiful shower at Geezer’s. Honoring the new baby girl Lyric who is on her way. It was nice to be surrounded by such a great group of strong women. The Costa women all attract the best women, their energy is infectious! It was a great day celebrating the joy of the new baby. They have a lot to look forward to Babies are soft ,warm, and cuddly! Parenting is one of the most significant and challenging adventures. Babies are definitely a gift from above. What a blessing this baby will bring their family. Thank you for allowing me to share this day with you.

After the girls came to my place for dips & drinks. We ordered Pina pizza and ate. Our laughter and singing brought the house down.We were greatly entertained by watching my tea cup Chihuahua Mother’s Girl punk my new ferocious pit-bull!
Us girls have so much fun together, full of memories & fun reminiscing all the way back to our childhood. As I heard Michelle say “belly laugh” Yes we had a day of laughter & great company. Jaden & Elijah battled it our on guitar hero & Christina totally Rocks when she plays!! Thank God for girlfriends!! In girl scouts I learned a song it read “Make new friends keep the old, one is silver and the others gold.” This group is my GOLD!

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend it started out Friday Elijah had a play date with his best friend Jacob.
They played at our house after me & the boys drove to the Redfox’s house. I had a wonderful time talking with Carrie about baking and life. While the boys played She gave me my birthday present early. The ultimate 3 in 1 cupcake caddy, cupcake cook book& sprinkles. I am so excited to use this gift. We then went to family night at United Methodist. What a great time the kids watched Madagascar 2, ate hot dogs, did the cutest animal magnet craft & played. Nice to fellowship with great people. Saturday I had school, Elijah Chinese school and cleaned all day.Stayed up til 11:00 with Seng making scalloped potatoes. On Sunday I woke up kissed Elijah and thanked him for allowing me to be his mother, it just came out of my mouth, without thinking. In retrospect, I guess he really has no choice, but we are a perfect match. I take pride in being a good mom learning as much as I can and implementing. Elijah made me two cards one from English school & one from Chinese school. He is so creative, my heart just melted. The card read “Mom’s wish express I love you because you are helpful, patient, and because you are amazing” He wrote this in his own writing. My heart soared. My family came over we enjoyed the BBQ! A great day of honor for all us wonderful Mommy’s. Lot’s of pretty flower’s & heart felt cards were exchanged.