Family Portraits

We finally got our pictures today and I'm so pleased. Like I said, we had trouble getting Jordan to smile, but it doesn't matter because he is so naturally cute anyways ;). Here are a few of my favorites:

Jordan at 8 months

You can find a few more on my New Beginnings in Vegas album on Facebook. Have a great weekend!!

A truly Happy Easter

<3 <3 <3

Today was our first Easter as a family, and I must say, it was great :). We started our day with mass because Jesus IS the reason we even celebrate. It was crazy packed at church, of course, so we had to sit on the lobby couches and listen to mass from a t.v., but that's okay! After church, we headed home for naps  so that we had energy to spend outdoors! We brought our lumpia (yummmmm) to an Easter BBQ that Andrews coworker throws every year at Aliante park. That place was also crazy packed as always! Aliante park is probably one of the nicest parks in North Las Vegas. We had a good time hanging out with good company -- the closest people we really have to family out here. And since Jordan is not walking yet, we didn't go all out with an easter basket or anything. Plus, it was super windy today, so we didn't stay out too long. But, it was an overall a nice way to spend Easter :). What made the day even better, was seeing my parents on iChat and hearing from family on the phone. God truly is amazing and works in us, all the time. All praise be to Him for not only dying for us and rising again, but for hearing our prayers and answering them. Thank you, Lord <3.

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter. . . I know I did ;).

Good news & uncertain news

Okay, so do you know the feeling when the weekend just goes by too quick? Well, this weekend happened to be just that for us. Saturday morning we went to Floyd Lamb State Park for our family and Jordan's 8 month photos. Thankfully, it was a warm but windy day and Jordan wasn't fussy at all. I guess it's because (1) we went in the morning and (2) Jordan doesn't get out much and enjoyed the outdoors. I can't wait to see the photos! Too bad we had trouble getting Jordan to SMILE! Hahaha, he smiles all the time at home but we probably got one smile if that at the photo shoot. Hope he caught it on camera! Oh well, he'll still be cute either way ;).

After that, we took much needed naps at home then went straight to the mall. Andrew wanted to get a new pair of eyeglasses because he didn't really like the frames that the military issued him. We picked up a couple Auntie Anne's pretzels and our usual freshly squeezed lemonade. Oh how I love going to the mall with my family.

Today on Palm Sunday, we went to mass then picked up some goodies at Babies R' Us. It's just been a jam packed weekend. On top of that I have loads of laundry to finish and I really need to do some major spring cleaning. Does anyone want to do it for me? :)

Tomorrow starts a new week. I'm anxious for Tuesday to get here because Andrew has another doctors appointment. So I have some news. . . we may or may not be PCSing to Scott AFB. When Andrew saw one of his doctors last week, Andrew mentioned that we may be moving this July. The doctor had no clue and wondered why they would send us to Scott if Andrew was being seen by several doctors for treatment out here. So, the doc contacted some folks in San Antonio because Andrew is eligible for MEB (Medical Evaluation Board). Go figure. We've been back in Vegas for 2 months now and the doctor is just now telling us this?! If by chance Andrew is cleared to stay, we'll be PCSing. If not, well. . . it looks like we may be saying goodbye to the military. We'll more than likely move to Pensacola since we have family to help us get situated again. But, we'll just have to wait and see. I still believe that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan. I will keep you posted...

Japan

Today in the mail, I finally received my "Pray for Japan" bracelets. Last month I purchased two of them from Lady Gaga's store. They were only $5 each and the proceeds went straight to the Japan relief. You can also do so by clicking on the link. Or donate just $10 to the American Red Cross or text REDCROSS to 90999. Please, it only takes a second of your time. 


Japan will always have a special place in my heart. I only lived there for 3 years, but made some of best friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Even to this day, I consider Japan more of a home than Pensacola, Florida. I know that's sad to say because I lived in Pensacola for about 9 years; but I lived in San Diego for just as long. The only reason Pensacola is considered one of my hometowns is because my dad decided to retire there after Japan. I mean, I don't regret moving there. I have a few close friends and I found the love of my life, but that's about the only good thing that came out of there.

You know, I saw a video on YouTube a while back about a Christian girl who was happy that the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. Seriously?! Just because the majority of Japanese people aren't Christian, doesn't mean I would wish anything like that upon them. As a Christian Catholic myself, I believe that Jesus would want us to pray for them. Let us not forget that God is nothing other than good. I will let Him be the judge of that. And from what I remember, Japanese people are truly some of THE MOST kindest people on earth! It just breaks my heart to hear about this nightmare that's going on over there. It's one thing to have one of the biggest earthquakes in history and a 23-foot tsunami. . . but to have these aftershocks and radiation issues is just devastating.

So please, donate just $10. Even more, take a few minutes of your time and say a quick prayer for them along with our military members and families who are out there.

. . .PRAYING FOR JAPAN. . .

   

A stressful and blessed day

For once I thought I would blog about my day. It started out as any other day. I woke up to the beautiful sound of my baby talking to himself in his crib :). No matter how tired I am in the morning, his smile really makes everything all better. Another good reason it was a fabulous day. . . it's the weekend! And the weekend only means one thing, my husband is home! I really look forward to the weekends because we get to start our days as a family. We went about our normal routine. . . put Jordan on the floor for tummy time with Jake and the Neverland Pirates on Disney, ate our breakfast, gave Jordan his nebulizer treatment, then fed him. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Jordan's medication changed to Pulmicort. His pediatrician wants to try this medication twice a day for a month. But, Jordan is still coughing even tho he's on the medication, so, I'm not quite sure if it's working. I know this cough will take a while to go away, but I'm waiting for that day.

So my day continues. . .

I ran to the store to pick up some ingredients for a going away potluck party for my relatives. They are leaving for the Philippines and will be there for a while; and since we're moving in July, this will be our last time seeing them. We will miss all of you! I wasn't able to get the pictures I wanted with all of them because Jordan was the most fussy boy. Because he's so used to staying home with me, the new and loud environment had him lost and probably scared; he literally cried the whole time we were there. We ended up leaving early and I was only able to get these two photos:

 Nanay and I ( my Lola's cousin)

And Jordan with his cousin, Hannah :)

Yes, Jordan started crying right after this picture hahaha. But, I still enjoyed my short time with them.

We go home, and with Jordan exhausted from all his crying, we were able to get him to bed earlier than normal. What made this day end so great, was the heart to heart talk I had with my husband. You know, sometimes we all go through our trials and tribulations. . . whether it be issues with family members, stresses in your own home, even little arguments with your spouse because of the stress. . that it just really takes a toll on your heart. And today happened to be one of those days where everything just caught up. But it's only normal, because we're only human. No one is perfect and we shouldn't try to be. All we can do is be there for each other, love one another and grow. I am just so thankful for my loving husband. Just being able to have him here to talk to AND listen to when life gets stressful, is an awesome gift. And I thank the Lord for that.

So remember this. . .

Life isn't easy and we are not perfect, but, God will make a way. 

Beef with Broccoli, Korean Style!

If you love bulgogi and beef with broccoli, this dish is simple and delish! I pretty much made it up and loved it so much that I had to share it with you. You really only need 3 simple ingredients... that's right! So go to your grocery store and pick up:

(1) Beef (sirloin, round steak, bottom roast, etc. Whatever you like. I used bottom roast because you get a lot of meat for the $. Of course, the better the meat, the better the dish).

(2) Broccoli (You can either steam fresh ones yourself or get a couple of these bags you just pop in the microwave - I did).

(3) And of course, Bulgogi sauce! YUMMMM <3 (You can find this in the oriental section at your local grocery store).

• First, thinly slice your meat (against the grain) into bite size pieces. You can use a little of the sauce to marinade your meat ahead of time. 
• Cook meat in pan until no more pink. Drain any excess fluids. 
• Slightly brown meat with oil. Be careful to not overcook or the meat may become hard or chewy.
• Pour your cooked broccoli into the pan with meat and add sauce. Stir until well blended and voila! You can add as much sauce as you want so it's not dry -- I personally do not like too much. 

This is the end result . . .

It's easy, quick & delicious! Let me know if you try it! Enjoy :)

 

Berry Sweet

A few days ago, I picked up a tempting batch of strawberries at the commissary. First of all, I absolutely LOVE strawberries, and secondly, it was only $3something for a big box ;). The only thing I hate about strawberries is that, you just never really know if they're sweet! Of course I try to look for the typical signs (redness and smell), but it's really a hit or miss. Yes, the beautiful deep red strawberries I bought were still sour. Rather than endure the eye squinting ugly faces, I googled some recipes. I didn't want to waste them! I came across a pie recipe. It sounded very simple and I had all the ingredients at home, so I gave it a try. 

First, I cut the strawberries and drenched them in sugar. Easy right? Well, the tricky part came next... the homemade dough. I did my best to follow the directions, but the dough wasn't coming out right :(. Every time I tried to roll it out, it fell into pieces. FAIL! But I didn't give up... I told you I wasn't wasting my strawberries! So what did I do? That's right, I made a quick trip to the store to buy some Pillsbury Pie Crust  hahaha! There is nothing wrong with Semi-Homemade -- I love Sandra Lee ;) lol. 

Anyways, I put everything together and this was the result:

It was good and SWEET! It was actually very sweet. So if you're not into that, I don't recommend this kind of pie. But if you have a sweet tooth, all you need to do is: (1) Wash and slice about 20 strawberries (2) Add 1 cup of sugar or less to the strawberries and put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes (3) Take your Pillsbury Pie Crust ;) and follow the instructions for fruit pies (4) Cut a "+" in the center (5) Optional -- Brush top with egg white or butter (6) Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. 

Or you can try to make the dough yourself with this DIY RECIPE. 

P.S. I told you I wasn't a good dieter ;) hahaha

Exercise, no diet & drop a size!?!

I am thrilled to announce I dropped a pant size!!! 

Today, the family and I went to Old Navy so I could pick out an outfit to wear for our family photos in a few weeks. I'm usually very excited to shop, what girl isn't?, but have lost interest ever since I gave birth to Jordan. My mom always told me "once you have a baby, your body will never be the same"... and sure enough, she was right! Don't get me wrong, I don't regret being pregnant or having my most precious gift, I just... wish I could have my old body back! I gained about 55-60 pounds during my whole pregnancy! YIKES! That rapid weight gain gave me those infamous scars we all call stretch marks anywhere and everywhere :(. I lost half that weight in the first couple months I had Jordan, and the rest just stuck. I'm pretty sure it all would've dropped by now if I still breastfed, but that's a whole different story. 

So I've been on a mission to get back into my pre-pregnancy jeans (size 3) that have collected dust by now. When we visited Pensacola back in November, we ended up staying two and a half months longer than expected. Everyone knows mom and dad always have the fridge stocked and delicious food on the table... weight loss was out of the picture and the last thing on my mind at the time since Andrew was fresh recovering from his brain surgery. As soon as we got back to Vegas in February, I quickly hit the gym! I attended Zumba classes at Gold's Gym down the street, but the schedule just didn't work out for us, with Andrew tired from work and tending to Jordan and all. So Andrew got the 10 Minute Trainer: 

I think the creator is the same guy that made P90X, but it comes with a workout plan. So, if you don't have much time just do 10 minutes, more time 20 minutes, even MORE time 30 minutes! With a baby, I don't have much time, so I try to squeeze in at least 20-30 minutes at night after Jordan goes to bed. For the past month, I notice I dropped 10 pounds!!! YAY! And today just gave me a visual of my achievements when I finally went from a size 10 jean to 8 at Old Navy :). I was sooo happy! Hopefully, I can get back in to size 3 or 4 jeans and I will be satisfied. Only thing is... I'm not a very good dieter. Maybe it's a good thing we're leaving Vegas, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mexican food and Vegas has some of the best! 

CHECK THIS OUT ^. OH MY GOSH! I could eat this EVERYDAY hahaha. I will definitely miss this when we leave. But I need to stay focused... I have 15 pounds to lose! ;)