December to Remember: Part 2- A License to Drive

Well...this morning we were excited to unveil Emily's new Car for our "December to Remember Event".  We attempted to blindfold her....but then she got scared and started to whine because she couldn't see. Anyway...here is the unveiling of her brand new, 6 volt...high speed (3mph) car....and NO...we didn't blindfold her when she drove her car....she didn't need it.  (Don't forget to pause my playlist to enjoy the smilebox):

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December to Remember Part 1

So You know those ads you see every Christmas by Lexus to woo Consumers to buy their cars....and in the driveway SURPRISE!  What a moment, what a dream come true!  What CLEVER advertising to capture this dream in your head and in the back of your mind think....Wow...that would be nice. You know what makes those ad's gravitate to your "Perfect Gift" intuition?  Yep....it's the BOW.  That Big RED BOW on the top of the vehicle...is just that.  Well.....This year......there will be a DECEMBER TO REMEMBER in the Wach Household. And NO...it ain't me.  It isn't Daddy Jason.  It will be a little Girl whose name is SPOI.....uh....I mean EMILY. (Shhhh! it's a SECRET!)    Take a Peek at what's hidden in our closet:

I couldn't resist the RED BOW...ha ha.  I do have to tell you....I've seen this advertised for 170 bucks.....I got this for 50 bucks! Woo Hoo! SCORE! 

Reaction to follow this post!  Merry Christmas Everyone!

Happy Birthday Dad....

Today is Dad's Birthday.  He would be 69 years old today. He really left an indelible mark of joy on this earth with his talent. Not only was he an architect and participated on projects at Disneyworld and Disneyland....but he enjoyed being an artist.  Thank you Dad  for your artwork that you have left for us to treasure.  (Thank you Alan & Mom for framing and passing Dad's artwork to me).

Me, Alan & my Beautiful Mom- One of My Dad's Charcoal Artwork He drew in Aug 1959

I know the 1st year is the most difficult after a loss.  There are moments where life just stops for a moment to re-live brief memories and experiences in the past....and then tears start to flow. But...there is just a great deal of comfort knowing your loved one is with you, even if it's not physically. Just a day shy of my birthday, my dad finally received his tablet where he was laid to rest...and of course, it's a reminder that he will be with us always (Matthew 28:20)

Dad- the tears we shed are just a reflection of the happiness you left us...and how much we miss you.  Thanks for your comfort and joy.... we know you are with us and that we will meet again.  Happy Birthday. 

December Birthdays

December is always a busy month with Christmas coming up....including Lots of Birthdays! I stopped having birthdays after I turned 30, but this year, I decided to make a minor exception.  So...this year I'm actually 31 even though, people had wished me a Happy 34th birthday.  ;)  Anyway...Dec. 6, 8, 12, and 13th are the birthdays we have collectively decided to celebrate this week.  We culminated the celebration at Disneyland....not only to honor our birthdays, but to also feel and celebrate with My Dad...(his birthday is on the 12th).  He was involved in architectual projects at Disney's Epcot center and my mom revealed that he worked on projects at Disneyland too at some point.  It was an enjoyable day to celebrate and re-live great memories.......AND create new ones.  Enjoy the memories with us by clicking on the slideshow below...if you have time to spare. (warning...it's long!)  Don't forget to pause my music playlist on the side to enjoy the Smilebox.

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New Foodie Blog Launch

BODACIOUS BBQ- Bureleson TEXAS: Brisket, Homemade Mac N Cheese & Potato Salad

OK- I love to taste food.  I don't like over-eating food...I love TASTING food. Then again...it doesn't help that I do overeat sometimes. I was thinking that there are some days I taste something that is really yummy....and I want to keep my few cohorts apprised of these delicious gifts out there. These suggestions may not always be homemade...but if there are any recipes that I find are fabulous and tasty, I'll showcase it on this blog. If you want to waste time....at least waste some time reading this feeble attempt of a food blog. If you have a foodie place or a "Must-Try" suggestion....let me know! You never know, maybe someone from Russia or Nigeria might come across this site...we'll definitely have some influence on other cultures! If you are on a diet....no worries, I have a couple of things I'd love to share with you.  Stay tuned...

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Jason's Birthday Trip to Texas 2010

This slideshow generated with Smilebox Please Turn off My Playlist and Enjoy!  Happy 35th Birthday J!

How We Feel His Love

It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since my Father passed from this life on earth. Some people have asked how I'm holding up....and suprisingly, I feel a great deal of comfort. I admit that I still have my brief moments of grief....but for the most part, I still feel my Dad. The only difference is that he isn't here physically. I wanted to share one of the experiences....and I'm sure everyone will have their own opinion or interpretation of it...but for me, it was a personal and comforting experience. When Jason, Emily and I left Forest Lawn on the day of my Dad's funeral, dusk was already setting. By chance I had looked out the window and I caught a glimpse of a white crane flying overhead. I thought I was seeing things...but I knew I saw it. Immediately, I thought about a couple of little statues my parents had- 2 little bronzed statues of cranes that were given to them by my aunt and uncle a long time ago. I forgot where they placed them, because the last time I remembered seeing them was on top of their stereo in the family room. When we arrived at my parents home that evening from the funeral, I discovered/realized that my dad had creatively placed these statues in his beloved garden in their front courtyard.

My Parent's Cranes in the Garden. Pic Taken by Alan Abrio

After the Funeral, it had been a little over a week since I was able to be home and to go to church. That Sunday that followed my Dad's funeral, I was very emotional that day, even more so compared to on the day of his Funeral (when I delivered the Eulogy). I'm not sure why, but I came to reason that I was missing my dad a lot that day. However, the sign of comfort that was brought to me was on the way to church:  Jason and I witnessed ANOTHER white crane...standing alongside the road..... watching us go to church. The crane looked like this:

I thought about it...and maybe it was just a coincidence..... or something unremarkable.....HOWEVER, when you really think about it...How often can you witness a white crane standing near the side of the road? I mean come on......and this was the 2nd time I witnessed a WHITE crane. In all honesty...at least for me....I felt I was more vulnerable that day going to church...and I know that seeing another white crane was just a sign my dad was comforting me. I couldn't wait to google the symbolism of the White Crane and found some interesting interpretations. Most of the interpretations that I had come across were positive ones, but the ones that stood out to me were that the White Crane stood for Peace and Immortality. It is comforting to know that someday we'll meet again, and it's truly not the end of our journey when we pass from this mortal life. Here on this earth we still can feel my dad's love through pictures, videos, memories, and those special coincidences he sends us...However, for me, embracing the knowledge we will meet again someday is the ultimate comfort. It's all Good!

We love you Dad- FOREVER

Rodolfo Abrio- circa 1960s

The saying on how one will never really know how much you will miss someone until they are gone......happens to be so true. Last Saturday,  my dad returned to Heavenly Father.  It was his wish for him to be home to spend his last remaining days, and his wish came to pass 2 days after he returned home from the Hospital to receive Hospice care.  The last couple months was a roller coaster, but knowing he was home brought our family comfort...in addition to the strength from prayers and faith in Jesus Christ.

This is my father when he was in his early 20s.  What a dashing young man he was...don't you think? Behind such good looks, my father had evolved to wear many hats- Doting Husband, Father and Grandfather, to other roles such as Architect, golfer, gardener & handyman. He enjoyed singing (He sounds like Andy Williams...but my brother Alan always corrects this and said that Andy Williams sounds like Dad) He even enjoyed playing the Harmonica.  He was artistic, impeccable and witty.  He was well liked and looked upon as a mentor.  It was a blessing to see how much he has impacted the community and those who he came to know.  He has inspired many in his line of work, and I'm so proud of him.  I miss him deeply, and although I do have my moments of grief....I know he is no longer suffering...and He is our Angel now.  Although it may be just coincidence, I did feel he was helping me and our family as we were preparing for his funeral services.  I needed to put together a collage and went shopping for the materials last Tuesday the 19th.  On the overhead music- a certain song came on (unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers)....It triggered a moment of reminiscing my Dad & mom singing Karaoke, and how much they enjoyed singing that song.  I thought to myself...ahhh, if the next song that comes up reminds me of my Father at my wedding, then I will be impressed.  The next song that came over the intercom was Unforgettable, the duet with Natalie and her father, Nat King Cole....which happened to be the song I danced with my dad at our wedding.  After gathering the necessary items to make his memory collage, I went to check out.  I was the last one to be able to make the transaction...until they had a black out.  Yes...a black out.  It was stormy that day, but with only having 1 day to get stuff done to prepare for my dad's vigil & funeral...I needed every minute....if I wasn't able to make that transaction...it would have taken more than an hour out of the time necessary to prepare (That's approx how long the black out lasted).  So...YES...I feel my dad was shopping with me that day. :)



Dad's Internment Oct 21st 2010





My dad had a beautiful funeral service yesterday, October 21st.  So many loved ones and friends came to pay their respects.  It was amazing to see how many lives that were touched by my Father. I was priviledged to deliver his Eulogy on behalf of our family......and it gave me a chance to dote on my dad too.  During his internment, we were able to hear one of his favorite songs being sung....Moon River.  That was very touching for family. 

I want to share the last part of my Eulogy with you 2 blog readers out there.  I had spelled out the word FAMILY and explained the meaning behind each letter.  I want to share with you the meaning behind the letter "Y":

Y is for Yumao (pronounced Yumah-OH). This is a verb in Tagalog that means “to Depart or to pass on”. Last Saturday, Oct 16th at 9:25 p.m., my dad’s 68 year journey here on this earth had ended. Despite all his suffering in the last few months, his “ending” to his story here on earth was perfectly scripted. As we approached closer to his passing, when he came home from the hospital for Hospice care, One by one, extended family and close friends trickled in to show their love for my dad and for us. My dad definitely did not die alone. He died in his castle surrounded by love of.........”FAMILY”

FAMILY was definitely one of the most important things for my dad.


It didn’t matter if you were immediate or extended


It didn’t matter if you lived near....or Far


He loved each of his family members.


What a blessing it had been for him, to send him off to be with our Heavenly Father, encompassed and united with the love of FAMILY.

One thing that was touching about his passing, is that my brother Alan had held his Iphone to my dad's ear, playing the video of his granddaughter Emily saying " I love you Lolo".  At that moment, my dad opened his eyes one last time, and took his last breath.  He left his mortal journey....with feeling so much love.

Fathers Day, June 2010. Dad & Emily on the day of her Blessing



I'm so grateful for being blessed with an awesome Father.  I'm also grateful to spend time with him during his last days here on this earth...and to be at his side to hold his hand when he passed to his next journey. We know Dad is with god now...and we will meet with him again.  WE LOVE YOU DAD! FOREVER

A 2-way highway of unselfishness

In our human nature, you always try to hold onto hope in the most difficult of circumstances.  Facing the end of a mortal experience, is never easy. Unselfishly, we want our dad to get better.  We didn't want him to think we were giving up on him, if his body was showing signs of fighting. In turn, my dad was keeping up a fight for us, he endured painful procedures for his heart, battled through an infection, and through his eyes and smile showed courage.  Thus the 2-way highway of unselfishness.  Ultimately, we all know that it's in Heavenly Father's hands.  Currently, my dad's body hasn't been able to tolerate necessary treatment in order for him to get better.  Our hearts are heavy with this knowledge, but we know that my dad's wish is to be at home....not to be in the hospital. We don't want him to suffer.....so he is returning home today and will be receiving Hospice care.  I'm sure he knows how much he is loved, and he has felt those prayers for him. 
In my email box, I receive daily spiritual thoughts, and I was moved by what was shared with me this morning. "In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace.  The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28)." Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 78
To my 1-2 blog followers in blog land, thank you for your prayers during this time.  We all have felt your love and support, and we are very appreciative. 

Already Beating the Odds

I just had a visit with my dad in the hospital....and each visit I always have to remember what my dad has overcomed since being admitted to the hospital.  First off, he was admitted due to secondary infection recovering from his first hospitalization (when he got his new ipod/pacemaker installed). We do not really know where the infection is coming from....but all the swelling in his forearms have gone down, and he has normal coloring in his skin which is a relief to see.  Today, he has stabilized enough that he was moved out of the ICU...he is now in a regular room where he is no longer on monitors for his vitals.  The docs felt his blood pressure and oxygen saturation were stable enough where they can check on him intermittently...not constantly.   Plus... he is showing no significant signs of infection (recurring fevers)  However, he is on the next battle which can be tough physically and mentally. The next battle for him is to recover from his first hospital stint last August....as well as the past 3 weeks with his current hospitalization.  As a physical therapist, I know the effects of hospitalization can cause on the musculoskeletal system.  When one is bedridden, within the first 48 hours....muscles atrophy quickly.  The ratio to getting those muscles back takes a lot longer....so normally the average recovery for a person will take 3 days of recovery for 1 hospital stay.  HOWEVER...this is not the case for my father.  He has other vital organs that are not fully functioning...but with the help of other treatments...he can make a slow recovery.  Make it a 5 to 1 ratio for my dad to recover.  My dad's first hospital stay was approx 20 days.  This hospital stay is about 22 days and counting.  My dad is still very weak, but he is showing signs of that fighting spirit.  He was able to conjure up enough strength to say "Hi" for me when I visited him yesterday.  Today I reminded him...not just as his daughter...but as a therapist that his Muscles are like his Team of players....like the NBA Championship Lakers.  His left arm muscles are Kobe Bryant, his right arm muscles are Derek Fisher...his left leg is Pau Gasol...and his right leg is Andrew Bynum.  His brain and his will power is Coach Phil Jackson.  Like Coach Jackson...he encourages his players to master the FUNDAMENTALS.  My dad's fundamentals are to slowly strengthen his muscles (players) by simply isometrically contracting them in bed, moving his ankles up/down and his arms.  These are the basics that my dad has to start this journey.  If he conquers and masters these fundamentals...he will be on the road to a "championship body" Lol.  He did grin a little when I explained this analogy to him.
Overall....His labs still show that he has some fight in him, and I always felt that according to Heavenly father's will and if his physical body allows.....we will continue to fight alongside with him. He has other issues that do affect his recovery...but his spirit is strong.    We know it's not in our hands, it's not in the doctors or nurses hands...it's in God's hands. So far...we are taking it day by day.

Dad- I just want to say how grateful I am for you and your perserverance.  You are beating the odds everyday you are here. Although you are still weak to articulate, we feel your love in just your presence. We love you.  Keep fighting if your body allows...and never run faster than you have strength. Remember that you are loved....always no matter what.

Don't Be Afraid

It's been nice to have season passes to Knott's Berry Farm, and for the chance to take Emily to have fun on the Camp Snoopy Rides.  Here are some photos of Emily's excitement:

It wouldn't be fun for us parents and grandparents if we weren't able to go on rides either right?  (We are kids at heart too!)  Well, I just had to post a glimpse into our recent experience on the Mine Ride that we went on.  It was essentially the only ride all of us as a family can go on....it was easily accessible...and All of us could sit as a family in one train car!  I'm sure it brought a lot of memories for my dear in-laws/Emily's grandparents who haven't been to Knott's in ages. However, there was one person in our pack that seemed to not like the idea of being "In the Dark".  Any Idea who that may be? See Below for yourself:

 It couldn't Be Grandpa Ray or Grandma Wanda......

 No...it doesn't look like Mommy Either.............



HMMMM....Emily SEEMS to be OK.......................



 OH.....there is that Face of Confidence we like to see!!

 Grandma Relishing in the Memories of the Mine Ride....

The " UH...I dunno about this place" look......

The " It's Dark in Here....I'm not sure." look...

 I know I know...I'm smiling WAY too much. Mommy is having TOO MUCH fun.  I seriously think it was after Jason took this photo below...We were encouraging Emily to SMILE for the camera............

Ain't that Precious??  Tee Hee....



Well..Considering they had all these Hanging up as decor....it didn't help the matter. :)

Unexpected Turns

Dad/Lolo, Me and Emily

More than a month ago, My dad took an unexpected turn and was hospitalized for about 19 days.  During that hospital stay he endured painful procedures that are suppose to maximize his life line, in hopes of getting better. I know he doesn't like the hospital.  He had kept his sense of humor of course when he was readmitted last Saturday due to an infection....which has continued to leave his team of doctors quite puzzled. In response to the admitting nurse who was asking the standard question of "where are you right now?"  to check his alertness and orientation, my dad responds sarcastically "Jail".  The nurse said..."No, you are in the hospital".  My dad then responds " Same thing".  He has a little humor...but with underlying seriousness.  He doesn't like being in there.  This has been a difficult roller coaster ride for my family, especially with my brother and mom who have been caring for my dad at home.  Doctors with their realistic statistics and knowledge have talked with us and have given us the prognosis of recovery.  They have placed their bet on his outcome, based on what he is stacked up against. It's heartbreaking to face those words.  But should our hope succumb to such things?  My mom and I with our medical background have a good idea of what the doctors are talking about....I just don't want them to make their mind up and become apathetic in my dad's care. I know that we don't want to have a sense of false hope, but based on what's happening, my dad is fighting. His liver is functioning, he is becoming more alert and responding to simple commands.  He is fighting to get out of that hospital. I imagine this is an unexpected turn for his doctors.  He wants to be home because it's the place where he enjoys and feels safe.  That's where he wants to be.  We know he is not ever going to be 100%, but his choice, if it were to be...is to just be home and have the dignity to live his remaining years there.  That's all.  He doesn't want to be in that hospital bed.  At the same time, we also know if anything were to happen at the hospital, we don't want him to be dependent on machines.  But he has that fighting spirit, and he wants to enjoy those hummingbirds that feed from the garden that he and my mom have created in their yard.  He wants to see the sun filtering through the pine trees, to hear the calm of the water that splashes in the pool. He wants to hear the voices of his grandchildren enjoying the home he has provided for his family.  That is the hope we are holding onto....for him to just be home...as long as we know my dad is fighting.  He fought his way out of 5 days being in the ICU...and now is in an observational unit....but he is not out of the woods yet.  He still is too weak to speak.  He is still fighting his infection that is yet to be found. As long as the doctors know he is fighting, they know they need to keep on treating.  We will continue to be by his side to encourage him to fight as he continues to show strength....and to give him comfort with the knowledge with whatever happens...he is encompassed with love.

Our family has found comfort in the scripture Proverbs 3:5:  "Trust in the Lord with all Thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding".  The unexpected turn about this scripture is that it is also hanging on the wall in the downstairs bathroom of our parents home. I couldn't help but chuckle about why such a profound piece of counsel is hanging on the bathroom wall. Nonetheless, it's true...and it enables us to endure this trial minute by minute...and hour by hour.  For my 1 or 2 blog readers out there, please keep my dad and my family in your prayers.

**Update as of this morning.  My dad was transferred back to the ICU again...due to drop in blood pressure.  it has stabilized now...and it seems he is more alert.  Please keep those prayers coming, especially if he is showing the strength to want to come home.

Welcome Home DAD

After close to 3 weeks of hospitalization, my dad was finally released and discharged to come home. He will still need to recuperate from all post-hospitalization trauma that the body endures: the muscle atrophy, abdominal swelling from his compromised kidneys, and continued acclimation to his new "ipod" for his heart. There still is a journey ahead, but at least it's a little brighter...and much more comfortable. Welcome Home Dad!

Better Days

For the past 2 weeks my dad has been in the hospital. It's been a journey shared by family and loved ones.....a rollercoaster of emotions: feelings of worry, feelings of relief, feelings of exhaustion, and feelings of hope. Today my dad has been taking the steps towards recovery. He was transferred to Telemetry from the CCU and has been making steady progress. I'm grateful for these better days. Today he was able to walk with the Physical Therapist to the door and is able to sit upright in a chair. I'm so proud and happy for him (Not just as a physical therapist myself....just as a daughter who wants him home). I know if he is able to walk to the nurses station, I'm sure it will prove he will be ready to come home soon. I want to say that I have such an admiration for my mom and my brother, who is able to be there for my dad. I've witnessed their loving care, the sacrifices made, the exhaustion they endure for him. I'm so grateful for them for all that they have been doing, and I think of them often and wish I can have more time to be there to take some of that exhaustion off their shoulders.

Dad- We love you...keep it up. Emily is rehearsing the harmonica and tamborine for you when you come home. We'll see you soon...it's so good to see you smile.

My Dad's new Ipod

My Dad, despite all the physical trials he has been going through the past week in the hospital, has managed to keep his corny humor intact by saying he will be getting his new "ipod". It was a relief to hear him have a good sense of humor, because I knew he was naturally frightened about the "installation" of his new device. However, I'm sure he finally had come to terms that this needed to be done in order to prolong his life. There were no round about ways about it. I knew his heart will be listening to Cool Beats to keep his heart pumping. My Dad's Ipod is really cool. Not only does it set the "Rhythm" for his heart, it also will ensure it keeps it in rhythm. In other words, if it loses it's "rhythm", it will shock it back to a normal beat. So my dad his own personal defibrillator within his "Ipod". Here is a better look at what it does:




Medical Technology is amazing.....We are so grateful for all the skills of his team of doctors that have been helping him this past week. We continue to pray for his speedy recovery. As far as I'm concerned, I can already see him dancing his way out of the hospital. I won't be surprised if he does. :)

Dad....

This is a picture of my parents a couple of years ago and it was taken on an Alaskan Cruise. I'm so grateful for the opportunity that we had to do this trip... Creating memories with my parents is one of the greatest gifts. This trip had to be one of my most favorite trips ever taken.

My Dad is awesome. He has the corniest humor ever, and he is fun to tease and banter back in forth in conversation. He is a usually happy-go-lucky type of guy who gets along with everyone. He is also downright vain (it's hilarious) and loves to look at his reflection when he passes a parked car- taking that little black comb out of his pocket and ensuring his cool locks are not out of place. He is also a loving dad that has supported me throughout my major life's decisions. He is a doting grandfather...in our Filipino culture we refer to him as "Lolo". He absolutely adores our little Emily, and just to see how happy he was with the adoption finalized, gets me teary eyed.

Right now we are praying hard for my dad. He was rushed to the ER last Monday and is currently in the hospital battling multiple systems that have been compromised severely. He needs all the prayers he can get. We love you dad...hang in there.

Emily's 1st Day of Pre-school

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Check out the Smilebox. Please press pause on my playlist before you see it! Enjoy!

Chocolate Heaven

This picture is of the Smores cake that they sell at Nieman Marcus. Doesn't it look Heavenly?. Thank goodness that it's only a thumbnail, because if it was a bigger picture, I would literally cry. It feels like I'm so far away from reaching Chocolate Heaven. As some may already have guessed it, I am on a restricted diet by choice and necessity. I wanted to wean myself of high blood pressure meds and reduce my weight so it falls within "normal" of my height and weight. Anyway....it's been very difficult the past few days....however, I think that the goals I have set for myself may come to fruition. When that day comes, I will have a massive Chocolate dessert of some kind. HEAVEN.

Re-setting Goals- Getting HEALTHY

So It's Post-Cruise reality. Yes it truly is. On a Cruise one is so spoiled with all the delectable and savory delights. It's a cornucopia of gourmet dishes & guilt-ridden desserts that tantilize every sense- It's absolute heaven. Luckily, Jason and I were determined not to come off the ship packed with too much personal cargo and this was helped by deciding to take time to exercise appropriately 5 out of those 7 days of heaven. Previous to past cruises I've lost weight in order to enjoy the cruise....after the cruise, I'm CURSED with laziness and lack of motivation...it's unbelievable. Then the effects of lacking the motivation, going back to old eating habits will develop into 30 more lbs of me to love and 30 more lbs of me that my joints would love to hate. In addition, I'll never wean myself off my high blood pressure medicine...and I feel at the age of 33, I shouldn't be on them. How does this happen? How does food do that to one's psyche? Because it tastes good...and it translates to good times right? It's a topic of conversation and enjoyment, and essentially with how much food we have accessibility to, eating food has also become an "Extracurricular Activity". I think to a certain point the abundance of food is a curse. We are guided to portion control and eating "sparingly", yet we are victims of rationalizing that it's okay to eat more just because we CAN. I do believe we should be able to eat what we want...but if it plagues our health, we really need to face the reality of what effects it has on our lives. It's interesting how the diets have changed as well...yes fast food restaurants, food to go at your favorite eat-in restaurants, easy meals and canned goods have plagued our lifestyles...and have profited from our "TIME" by making our life "easier". Concerns for the disease of obesity and diabetes on the rise...I need to snap out of my "I love and want chocolate and ice cream mode" to...."I need to get healthy mode". I'm choosing to be Healthy. That's why I'm typing out this blog to motivate myself again on the eating sparingly diet (HCG diet). Who's with me?............................................Wait a minute.......................are those the sounds of crickets?

Queen of the Seas

For our 10th anniversary celebration, we took our 8th voyage on Celebrity's Solstice to the Western Carribean. Initially, Jason didn't want to tell me exactly what room number we had, because he absolutely LOVES to surprise. I on the otherhand, can't stand not knowing because I like to be aware of things. Believe me, I tried so hard to get it out of him, but he wouldn't budge...Talk about stubborn. :) To my surprise, he had booked a wonderful suite...with the nice balcony and a ginormous porthole with a view. It was splendid. Our cruise was like a reset button of rejuvenation. For Jason and I, every time we go on a cruise, the ship literally rocks us to sleep. So we slept like babies (well how babies sleep like they should). We had delicious food, and quite frankly, we were so relaxed that we didn't take too many photos. But we do have lasting memories of flavorful gelatos, haggle shopping in Cozumel, being bitten by mosquitoes sitting in a restaurant alongside dining on some awesome authentic Mexican food, Sipping on our virgin mixed drinks, climbing ancient Mayan Ruins searching for treasure as well as swimming with dolphins- Lucy & Ziggy. We did take a few photos for those who do want to have a taste of our cruise trip, so please pause my playlist and check it out:

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A Different Path

After 10 years we finally have extended our family to just beyond Jason and I. It was not a usual pathway for most people, but hey, we have been blessed with a very sweet spirit. I will admit that I was hard pressed by the normal expectations of how everyone is suppose to expand their family....so much so that I am guilty of being selfish. These determined wants of becoming a mother "the normal expected way" became such a priority to me for a time.....that it probably prevented me with attaching to Emily when she was initially placed in our home...and because Emily was our foster daughter....I didn't know whether or not she would someday be eligible to be adopted. So my feelings were essentially very guarded at that time.
But NOW..................
It has been so much of a RELIEF ever since we signed papers to petition Emily's adoption.....and since we legally adopted her. She feels like she is my own. After being sealed to our daughter Emily eternally last night, I knew that she was meant for us. I'm so relieved that the hole in my heart for wanting children is starting to heal. Our lives have changed so much...we are definitely blessed.

WHUUUT?!

The music you are listening to (Your Love Jim Brickman on my playlist) is a throwback to a decade ago when Jason and I had our first dance at our Wedding Reception. I know I know...get the tissues out and dry your tears this is so emotional. It is romantic, and I love this song...it captures the emotions of our special day. As I reflect on the 10 years that have past, and everything that Jason and I have been through...I know without hesitation that I've married my eternal companion. So me being the Romantic that I am, I was so curious to see what the "Traditional Gift" would be for the 10 year mark. You know 50th is the Golden Anniversary. 60th is the DIAMOND Anniversary. Well Lo and Behold, after researching...The Great Gift Marking the 10th Anniversary (Drum Roll Please...)



Image from: http://historicalamericana.com/

IS TIN!!!! ?????????

UMMMMM....Alrighty then. Whoever came up with that idea had to be a lonely and bitter Man. You know how I know I've met my Eternal Companion? Because He knows Better! Lol. Not only is he downright handsome, hard working, MELLIFLUOUS, Caring, Humble....he also is downright romantic, which sometimes I take for granted. Thank you Jason...for all that you do and continue to do. You are my Rock, and I love you more than words posted on this blog. Thank you for making me feel like this is our 60th Wedding Anniversary already. :)

Adoption Finalized & Upcoming Anniversary

Just a few days before Mothers Day 2009, Emily was placed in our home, and we became her foster parents for just over a year.

A few days before Fathers day, on June 17th, 2010, Emily Ann Wach legally became our daughter.

June 20th, 2010- Jason was able to bless our daughter at church on Father's Day

Looking Ahead-





July 15th, 2010- 10 years ago Jason and I were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the LDS Los Angeles Temple. Jason had told me "hey...you never asked me what I wanted for our Anniversary" My reply was "I'm still working on Father's day dude! I haven't thought that far ahead!" (This was on June 19th after we witnessed the beautiful sealing of our niece in the San Diego Temple... coordinating the family gathering after the blessing and for Father's day was still on my mind BTW) Jason said "oh yeah..Father's day"...."Well, for our Anniversary I want to be sealed to Emily". I thought that............ the request was Perfect. So we have it set...and we will be sealed to our daughter on our 10th Wedding Anniversary.

Our Official Family Portaits

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Make Sure you Turn the sound off my playlist to enjoy the smilebox!!!