2009 - Que Sera, Sera

Prayer: John 17:24 - "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

It's A Wonderful Life

Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.

Here are my old friends visiting me: Scaught from NYC and Mike from SF who brought his friend Justin. We had lunch at South Coast Plaza Magiannos. It was great to catch up and pick up where we left off.

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. - Elizabeth Foley

Japanese training video

Too bad we didn't know about this when potty training Alex:

God Bless Us - Everyone!

Wishing all of our family and friends 

A Happy New Year!

Over the weekend we decided to go to Alpine Village in Torrance.

It's not as nice as our Old World in Huntington Beach, however, we did discover a nice market and a colorful Christmas store (I'll definitely have to come back in the '09 to get some cool ornaments). Not much excitement except for getting stung by a bee - thank God I'm not allergic.

 

Alpine Market has Dutch products that David remembers eating as a kid like Hagelslaag - chocolate sprinkles for toast.

The window of Alpine Toys & Leathergoods

Inside the Alpine's Christmas shop.

You know, You make me happy.

Today while running my morning errands I was listening to NPR and there was an author being interviewed. He wrote a book called Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. It was really interesting to learn about Nigeria in Africa, a country that is so poor, but is high in the spirit of happiness. Reflecting on this made me think about the simple things that make me happy. Between 1 and 10 I would say I am 25 on the happiness quotient...why? Take a look at these Christmas photos (and listen to one of our favorite songs "HAPPY" by Mocrac).

Alex opens his gift from Santa Christmas moning.

At Oma & Opa's home for our annual Christmas breakfast.

Dad and Tason enjoyed their croissant and scrambled eggs.

David, Alex and Omi loved the Quaker oats.

Alex keeps his feet warm, with his firetruck nearby just in case.

We end the morning cozy by the fire.

Alex thanks Oma for all his Christmas presents.

We pay a quick visit to see my neice Leila and Lougene.

Then, it's the Ancheta's house for lunch to see Papa and Mom.

The Uncles strike a pose as do the Aunties.

Justine goes back to Spain Dec. 26 to her family in Sevilla.

Moses will go on a road trip to Minnesota where he will live for the next two years.

Alex gets the toy of his dreams from Mom and Papa!

Jasmine plays with chopsticks since Alex won't share.

Our cousins kick back and watch the Laker game.

My Papa web chatting with our relatives in the Philippines.

A nice shot of Auntie Rosalyn and me.

Christmas day ends watching Alvin & the Chipmuncks.

Happiness is Family!

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

One of our favorite groups, Pink Martini, will be performing 2 New Year's Eve shows at the Disney Concert Hall. Alas, tickets cost an arm and a leg, so we'll have to settle for YouTube:

Merry Christmas!