Insta-Cez

I opened my very first social media account: MamaCez2017!

My girls and hubby are shocked!

Hopefully I'll post more there than on my blog! Hope to see you there !

4 Parks in 2.5 Days = Exhaustion

Since we were in Orlando for the cruise we might as well check out Disney World. We crammed four parks in 2-1/2 days! Let's speed through it...

First off I have to thank Cousin-in-law Elaine who planned and researched extensively on how we can successfully see and do everything we want to in such a short period of time. I so LOVED that another person other than me was planning this trip!

Here is Tate or Bryce (I cannot tell them a part) checking in to the park with his Magic band.

Magic Bands were ... magical! Everything at Disney World can be linked electronically. Our tickets were tied to our bands that we wore. Fast Passes were booked 30 days in advance and used to get us on to the rides efficiently with minimal wait. Professional photographs and ride pics were loaded to our account on our bands.

This was Expedition Everest.. can you find Matthew and the girls?

Animal Kingdom was our first stop right after we disembarked the Disney Dream and it was sunny and rainy at the same time.

We went on a safari and the most amazing animal I saw were the bats. They were so darn interesting looking at them up close.

The 'piece de la resistance' was the Tree of Life which lit up at night!

Second stop was Magic Kingdom.

 It was magical and beautiful in a different way than Disneyland.

At Disneyland its Sleeping Beauty's castle.

 First off this was Cinderella's castle and it lit up so beautifully at night!

It was stunningly gorgeous!

Third stop was Hollywood Studios where Tower of Terror still exists, and there is a miniature Star Wars land.

Tower of Terror

Wanted to see how Princess Leia felt.

Last stop was Epcot..

Japan was my favorite country especially the shopping part!

We had to have the Turkey leg in which our whole family, all 13 of us, shared!

Elaine and I before we devoured this bad boy!

They had a miniature aquarium in Epcot also. 

The boys were adorable in the shark named Bruce!

This is how we felt after the festivities!

Uncle Pat and one of the boys.. not sure which one unless I see their shoe colors.

Hannah has vlogged each day for our enjoyment. If you'd like to see our 7-day Disney packed vacation in 7 mini videos, please let me know by commenting below and I'll send you her YouTube channel with the links.

Christmas At Sea

I did not realize I have not posted a single post this new year! Sure shows you how dedicated I am about blogging! I actually am not motivated to blog for some reason but am reminded by my daughters that there is still a lot to write about.

On Christmas Day, we were at sea. Literally some where in the Atlantic Ocean. We were on a 4-night Disney cruise to the Bahamas with Matthew's Vancouver aunt and uncle, cousins and their families. It was the first cruise for the little ones: almost 4-year old twin princes and a just turned 1-year old princess.

I must say Disney is the best in cruise lines. The room was big and comfy; service was top notch; food was absolutely delish; and it had a clean wholesome feel that other cruise lines don't have.

Our oceanview room

Since it was a Christmas cruise, the attendees went all out decorating their cabins. Star Wars was a popular theme especially since "Rogue One" just came out in the theaters.

We couldn't believe some people brought these blowups on board!

The Disney feel was showcased throughout the ship.

Beautiful mosaics are all along the ship.

The famous Millennium Falcon in the Children's play area. Matthew and cousin, Sherman are fighting the AT-AT.

Pool area with the very popular AquaDuck waterslide that everyone loved!

Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas.

The weather was perfect and so beautiful!

We visited the Nassau Zoo (Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center) where flamingos roamed the grounds freely.

The flamingos were still considered 'wild' and will bite. This one unfortunately pecked Tate's face. He was NOT a happy camper.

 The 2nd stop was to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Matthew's cousin Stacy and moi!

See my foot? That's how close the stingrays were swimming to me!

Matthew and the girls with cousin Stacy, her husband Terry and the boys. Fish were swimming all around our feet!

It was weird to celebrate Christmas in warm balmy weather knowing that back home it was cold , raining or snowing.

Pirates Night!

I loved this picture that cousin Elaine took of me on the ship.

NEXT UP: Disney World - 4 Parks in 2-1/2 Days (aka EXHAUSTION!)

Gratitude IMHO

As 2016 comes to a close, I want to thank those who take such good care of me. I am deeply grateful for them, some whom I have been seeing for most of my adult life.  They care for me physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. I have gotten to know each of them personally and am blessed to call each of them 'dear friend'. I'm not very good with change and when I find a professional that I like, I want to hang onto them forever!

Two people who have been caring for me are my financial advisor, Roman Quisol who's been handling our finances for 23 years and Dr. Colleen Kavanagh, my OBYGN, for 16 yrs since Emily was born (both not pictured).

Below are my dentist, my optometrist and my physical therapist.

Dr. Leslie Hsu (dentist-22 yrs); Dr. Gary Louie (optometrist-7 yrs) and Denise Gutierrez (physical therapist-15 yrs)

Other super important people that I see more regularly than those above:
my massage therapist, hair stylist and manicurist.

Shelley Lejander (massage therapist-8 yrs); Gary Valenti (hair stylist-5 yrs) and Lynn Tran (manicurist-4 yrs)

The newest one on my list is Jaina J., my IMX-Pilates instructor for the past 4 months. She's helped strengthen my core, increase my flexibility and helped take inches off of me.

Unfortunately Jaina is leaving for veterinarian school in the Caribbean on Jan 1. I will miss her so!

Last but not least are some very important woman who have influenced my life spiritually: It started with Christine Yee who was my discipler in college; to Sandy Housley our former Women's Ministries Director at FCC; to Valerie Clubb, our former Adult Pastor's wife at FCC and now to Christine Ingebretson, FCC's Associate Minister, who has been mentoring me and it's been such a joy learning and working with her. She keeps me real and speaks truth to me with love and kindness. And Ana Morjig is my co-leader for the past 17 bible studies at FCC. It's been a blessing to co-lead with her and I always learn a lot from her.

Christy (mentor-6 yrs) and Ana (co-bible study leader-9 yrs)

As I enter into my 50's, I don't want to take for granted those who care for my well-being. So I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

And I thank YOU for reading and following my blog. It does take work for me to write these posts and I am thankful to l know that it's being read other than me and my husband! I appreciate your comments. Feedback can make my day!

May you go into the new year feeling blessed for those that care for you!

2016 Messenger

Volume 22 Issue 1 2016

Merry Christmas family and friends! It's been a memorable year with many ups and downs. Our nation's presidential election has brought about some uncertainty and perhaps some anxiety as well. Our hope is that you can rely on someone who is never changing, full of truth, and gives us security and hope: our Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who we celebrate this season. We cling to Him when everyone else may fail us. We hope you can experience His peace in these uncertain times.

Matt, Cezanne, Emily & Hannah

Celebrating my birthday at Alexander's Steakhouse

EMILY (16 yrs)
“Exhausted” would be Emily's word to describe her first year as a high schooler. To describe the level and amount of work expected from her classes: "a lot." Thankfully she acclimated to high school and finished 9th grade strong. Her summer started off quite busy as well. Right after school ended, we went on a family vacation to Seattle & Vancouver with my side of the family. After we came back she left for a one week summer camp to Hume Lake with her youth group. It was her first time at Hume Lake, and also the first time away from us for a week. The house was much quieter and we missed having her around, but we knew she was in good hands and we also wanted her to build community with her peers. Emily said that her highlights included the worship time and the cabin time. After camp she volunteered for a week with a summer school program making snacks for the kids. In her spare time she loves to sleep, read (read over 50 books this summer!) and make home videos. Matthew says he can now retire from being the family videographer! Emily received her driver's permit over the summer and is now reluctantly putting in her practice hours behind the wheel.

Emily at Hume Lake Christian Camp with her youth group & counselors

Got her learner's permit! Watch out on the road!!

HANNAH (13 yrs)
“Growing like a weed" describes Hannah’s year: she lost 6 teeth; is only 1.5 inches shorter than her big sister; and is almost the same shoe size as me! In the spring she spent a week at Outdoor Ed/Science camp with her dad and enjoyed the outdoors, even with the rain and mud. In the fall Hannah moved to a new junior high school (7th grade). She had a difficult adjustment at the beginning, but with the help of good friends and a great school staff she's settled into a comfortable routine. Hannah does not do well with unexpected changes and she likes to know what's going to happen next. One thing she is good with is names and faces. She can identify and name all the GS Warriors starters and most of the bench players. Her daddy loves having a 'lil partner to cheer on his favorite sports teams! Hannah still enjoys collecting squishies and Disney tsum tsums. She's been an avid youtube filmmaker for several years, except that none of her videos were actually posted online. This year we finally let her publish them on her own youtube channel. She would love it if you would check it out and subscribe if you find it interesting:
 Am Hannah

Bonding with a banana slug at Outdoor Ed

Portraying Hua Mulan for her 6th grade Great Lives project

MATT
On the surface there are some obvious highlights of Matthew's year: snowboarding at Whistler, Canada, and taking a drifting class (google Ken Block if you don't know what that is, except they only did about 2% of what Mr. Block does). But what you may not know is that he misses his family whenever he is away from home. Despite all the fun he had on those trips, he would never trade it for important family time, like spending a week with Hannah at Outdoor Ed, or teaching Emily how to drive. Injuries to his wrist, knee, and sciatic pain have slowed him down but he still tries to play basketball regularly to de-stress and to stay fit. He always feels thankful to be able to run, jump, and use the physical gifts that God has given him. When he plays sports he wants to do the best he can as his act of worship to our creator. When he's not exercising his major muscle groups, he keeps his fingers active on a myriad of iPad games, but mostly on a space battle game called "Vega Conflict." This year at his work, Matthew has been a part of a leadership team that is bringing about change with an emphasis on organizational health. He says that it's been very busy but also very rewarding to see positive change at his workplace. Matthew continues to serve at our church in different areas: co-leading a men’s small group; playing guitar; helping out in audio/graphics; and teaching the 4th-6th graders' Sunday School class.

And the winners of the 2016 Winter Olympics are...

Just hanging at the Mystery Spot; Yes they are standing straight and are not leaning

CEZANNE
The four Rs adequately sum up my year: Race, Rest, Refocus, and Renew.
Race: It was a race to the finish line as my responsibilities at the school came to a final end: teaching yearbook class, subbing, and overseeing the parent group which helped to raise almost $17K for the school. I was tired and burnt out and knew that this season needed to end. After being a parent volunteer for 11 years, I was blessed to have accomplished much through working with some wonderful parents and school staff.
Rest: I finally get to rest and do what I want to do and not what people tell/ask me to do. Summer was filled with wonderful memories with my family and friends. Now as the girls are back in school, I get to do what I want to do.
Refocus: I will still substitute at our church's school but I wanted to see how God wants me to serve Him now that I am no longer a parent volunteer. I've been overseeing more women’s ministries events, which led to an official title of Women’s Ministry Coordinator at church. I've been exploring how God wants me “to make disciples who makes disciples,"as well as mentoring and encouraging other women in their faith (still co-leading an amazing women’s life group). It’s been an interesting transition from 'doing things' to ‘investing’ in people. I’ve also stepped out of my comfort zone to be a part of our school district’s Executive PTA Board as Financial Secretary. It’s an area that I am not familiar with (since my kids have not been a part of the public school system until just last year) but it’s an opportunity for me to understand the needs of our community in regards to our schools.
Renew: I hit the half century mark and I really feel it! I was determined to turn a new leaf to purposefully strengthen my physical and spiritual core. So after watching the movie, War Room, I was inspired to pray expectantly and purposefully. PLUS I signed up for a membership at an IMX Pilates studio. I've been working out muscles I didn’t even know I had! But it’s all so good!

Celebrating my 50th starting with a weekend trip to Napa with my Girls Group...

Getting pampered at the Dry Bar with dear collegues ...

And eating some more at Cheesecake Factory..

FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS:

Our one and only high school graduation this year was for Brian Y. (Michael & Angela's son), who gave the valedictorian address at his graduation. He is currently attending UCLA studying mechanical engineering. He was also accepted at Cal but chose not to go. That’s okay. Matthew and I don’t hold it against him. Much. Just kidding!

We made some fun giant heads for Brian!

We went on a week long family vacation to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada with my parents and siblings and their families. It was the first time in 14 years that my whole family was able to travel together.

We saw lots of orca whales!

Trying to get a creative selfie of my whole family with the Seattle Space Needle (my sister didn't quite understand the concept of "if you don't see yourself, you're not in the photo")

Ended the summer in Monterey with the Lee Family

Whenever we are with the Lees, we eat well!!

We were honored to witness the wedding of one of my former Sunday School students, Elizabeth, who married a fine gentleman named Sebastian. The gathering turned out to be an awesome reunion with many many old friends from our former church, our friend's church, Matthew's childhood playmates, and even from Matthew's parents' former church from 40+ years ago and 3 states over!

The beautiful couple

We hope your year was filled with lots of joy, peace and hope!