CHECK THIS OUT.

Kids say the cutest things, sometimes profound, sometimes just plain hilarious. Make sure you check out our "Kid's Corner" located under the "Pages" section to the right of this blog. This is where I post random conversations we have with our children. Our "Kid's Corner" page will start to fill up as soon as Maile and Gian begin to really talk.

Celeste and Chelsey.

I am related to some pretty fashionista cousins complete with a photographic eye. I was perusing her site today (thanks, Chels, for the heads up on your sister's site!) and found these photos of Maile, Gian and Kale'a. They're too cute to pass up.

ISN'T SHE LOVELY?

Yes, she is.

SABBATH IS A HAPPY DAY.

Instead of heading out to Long Beach for our Sabbath afternoon fun we spent the afternoon at my parents' home. After playing on the playground we hiked up Blue Mountain to see the San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highland and Redlands vista. It was beautiful. Gian even fell asleep on the ride home. Isn't Sabbath such a happy day?

The BFFs.

It's not so bad up there, Maile girl.

We're on top of the world!

What a coy little boy.

One...

Two...

Three!

Climb every mountain.

You made it, Grandma!

Brandon: Christine, it's pretty far up to the top. Christine: We can do it.

Too bad the focus isn't on the Moningkas.

This is where we're supposed to be every Sabbath.

WARM FUZZY FEELINGS.

Maile is probably wishing she was here.

A WALK, A PLAYGROUND, A MARKET.

Chloe, Jacob and Ciarra spent the afternoon at our house and what better way to entertain four (yes, four!) children except to take them for a walk around the neighborhood? We walked to the nearby school, played on the playground, then headed to Olive Market for some savory snacks. Gian adores his cousins; they have so much fun together.

Chalk + kids = fun

Follow the leader everybody.

Look left and right before crossing the street.

Ciarra likes walking to the beat of her own drum.

Look daddy, I can almost do a pull up!

Look at me. I can do it!

Get ready...

Get set...

... Go!

Auntie Jenn (mama to Gian) double duties as a crossing guard.

Three down, one to go.

We made it! Destination: Olive Market.

Drink water, Gian, to wash down those chips.

Home sweet home.

This would be my permanent look should we have four children.

MIND BLOCK

I really need to stop procrastinating. I have a five page paper due tomorrow afternoon and I’m only on page 01. I’m in grad school now; I shouldn’t do this to myself. But I can’t help it. I will watch another episode of “The Office,” eat another bowl of chocolate ice cream, even fold another load of laundry before I lay my notebook on my lap and type away. This is ridiculous!

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, CHRIS.

DAD+CANCER+FAMILY = 8LOVE

The hospital checked dad in for a stubborn fever. That was 11 days ago. Since then dad has become a sort of modern day Elephant Man. His swollen feet and hands are so tender that if you press on them it'll leave a white indentation before the blood rushes back. He looks like a snake shedding his yearly skin; around his beard clings an ivory cake-like substance. His body resembles a lobster. The worst, though, are the blisters. They're everywhere: on his arms, his legs, his ankles and they grow like bread rising in the oven until they pop like a balloon, its mixture of clear liquid and yellow puss oozing out onto the bed. Dad's miserable and I'm miserable watching him.

Last night was my turn to spend the night nursing him. Usually dad would send me away but yesterday was different. Someone had to be there to call the nurse when his bandages need changing; someone had to clear off the puss soiled sheets; someone had to be there to make sure he is drinking enough water. Someone just had to be there.

I counted it an honor to sacrifice sleep for one night to be with my dad. It was a revolutionary evening because dad was talkative and gave me godly advice and words of wisdom that I need. He witnessed again to me, his mini sermon striking straight into my heart like a dagger. All the while he spoke I could only think of one thing: I am so proud to have inherited his personality. His legacy will live on.

It's wonderful to be in a family that supports one another. Christine has two rambunctious children of her own who enjoy awakening at the crack of dawn to toddle downstairs in search of the sugery cereals, yet she happily babysat Gian this morning so I could sleep. That's sisterly love, the kind of love my mom and dad instilled in us: no questions asked, no ulterior motives, no what-do-I-get-in-return subtleties.

Thank you, Lord. My cup runneth over.

Dad, Part II

I love dad. I am so glad I get this time to be with him, just dad and me. The circumstances may not be the most ideal but the quality of our visit and the talks we’ve had in such a short amount of time (I got here at 2200 and it’s now 0423) paints a better picture of him. I am so proud to have inherited my dad’s personality. He is a strong - mentally, physically, spiritually - man.

Here is the advice dad’s given in the last few hours:

• Love like Christ
• Shower my children with love and affection
• Cherish the present moment with my children
• Talk things through (communicate) with my husband
• Don’t hold things in
• Let anger go
• Think heavenly thoughts
• Focus on the good; do not dwell on the ugly

Thank you, Lord, for this time. You make all things beautiful in Your time and I certainly see how you’ve done just so in my dad’s case.

WHY I LOVE "THE OFFICE" REASON #374.

Thank you, YouTube and Aporjib.

MAMA'S LIFESAVER.

Why the intent stare, Gian?

Oh, your favorite DVD. I get it.

ALL PARENTS NEED TO BUY THESE DVDS! These Christian sing-a-long DVDs are a big blessing, especially in the mornings when I'm trying to get ready for the day. Gian sits in his bouncer or on the sofa for 20 minutes, singing along to the Bible songs and mimicking the coreography. It's wholesome, it's affordable, it's educational. And he loves it!

DISCLAIMER: I don't advocate the TV as a babysitter. I don't. Children 
should not sit infront of a TV for hours on end; that would be an unhealthy 
habit. I do believe that some programs can benefit children when used in 
moderation, moderation being the key word.

BAPEAS, PART DEUX.

A couple Sundays ago the Cerdenio family joined us on an expedition to the airplane museum. I cannot begin to stress how much Gian loved it.

What a little stud.

Hangin' with the cousins.

"More bapeas, peas" Gian begs as he leads the way.

What are you looking for, Gian?

"I can't find my name too!" Gian says.

I lub bapeas so much!

Raise your hands if you love airplanes!

Jenn's favorite photo of the day.

BROOK CHERITH.

Every morning and evening we have family worship where we sing songs, pray and read Bible stories. One of Gian's favorite OT story is about Elijah and the time of no rain. This morning Allan came up the bright idea to spend the Sabbath up in the mountain, recreating Elijah's story for Gian so we packed our little car with gear, buckled Gian in his seat and headed up to Forest Falls. Once there, we hiked down to the river's edge where Gian proceeded to throw rocks into the water. He laughed and hoorayed each time his rock splashed into the current.

After playing, we sat on white boulders, sang a few action Bible songs and prayed. Then, I retold the story using the rocks and branches and water to recreate Elijah's experience at the Brook Cherith and on Mount Carmel. Gian especially liked building the altar. Once worship was completed we strolled to the cedar suspension bridge and played some more before finally turning back and heading home. What a fun-filled Sabbath.

Get that fish, Gian.

On the hunt for bigger rocks.

"I'm awesome," Gian thinks as his rock hits the target.

This is fun, daddy!

A-hunting we will go.

How cute is this?!

Try to get past me, little G!

Weeeee!

Bye bye!