Another Birthday Party?

Last year, for Evan’s 1st birthday celebration, we threw him an elaborate birthday party. Randy and I rented a nice party hall by the marina, we ordered an abundant amount of food from Olive Garden, we prepared giveaways, laid out lots of gifts, toys and activities for all the kids, and we had plenty of in and out of town guests.

We were thrilled to be able to throw a memorable and beautiful party for our sweet son. It was Evan’s first birthday, a special occasion that we wanted to mark with a stand-out celebration. Although I must admit, conducting such an extravagant children’s party was a LOT of work, and needless to say very costly!

So this year for Evan’s 2nd birthday celebration, to save our wits and our wallets, Randy and I vowed that we wouldn’t throw another huge party like his first one. We kept saying all year that we would just celebrate simply, have a nice dinner at home, with maybe even just the three of us.

But then, we discovered this BEAUTIFUL local park and quickly changed our mind.

mysandiegolife.com

http://www.ericksonhall.com

http://www.ericksonhall.com

Randy and I absolutely fell in LOVE with this park (named Mountain Hawk Park in Chula Vista, CA) and we decided that we just HAD to celebrate Evan’s 2nd birthday here.

What we love about Mountain Hawk Park is the serene setting and its breathtaking views of Mt. Miguel Mountains and Otay Lake. Also, the entire park is clean and so well manicured!

Most important, Mountain Hawk Park has wonderful amenities designed for families and small children: a tot playground (perfect for Evan and all his toddler friends), clean restrooms, a basketball court, BBQ grills, a mini amphitheater, a kid-friendlly water play/water fountain area (AWESOME!), an enormous open grassy field for soccer/volleyball/baseball/frisbee, and plenty of parking spaces.

Our guests can even go on a very relaxing stroll along the park’s picturesque trails.

http://www.panoramio.com

Although we initially wanted to refrain from throwing another large birthday bash, we just couldn’t pass up an opportunity to celebrate Evan’s 2nd birthday party in this gorgeous park.

Like all party planning, plenty of effort will be required, but I believe that by saving for a party fund, sticking to a reasonable budget, ordering food to avoid having to cook myself, minimizing our guest list, and planning well in advance, I can mitigate a lot of the stress involved.

Because Evan’s birthday weekend falls on Labor Day weekend, I’ve already reserved a gazebo for his party.

http://www.chulavistaca.gov

Just the thought of giving Evan a simple, yet still special celebration in this beautiful park setting already makes me and Randy very happy.

We realize that every one of Evan’s birthday is a true blessing from God, and it should be celebrated in a special way every year. His birthday parties don’t always have to be as extravagant as his first one, but his birthdays should really be honored annually.

What better way to give thanks to God for blessing us with a healthy and active son than to celebrate his 2nd birthday in this very pretty park – where we can all enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with nature.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-diego/1127497-eastlake-pics.html

DISCUSSION:

• Do you celebrate your child(ren)’s birthday every year with a party?
• What is your family’s favorite outdoor activity?

Share your story, your story matters.

Heavenly Spa Pedicure

As a continuation of my birthday celebration, my longtime friend Michael and I went to Coldwater Creek on Saturday morning for a spa pedicure.

Do yourself a favor, if you haven’t had the chance to go to Coldwater Creek for their pedicures, you must must must go!

I guarantee you, you’ve never had a real pedicure, until you go to Coldwater Creek!

Their spa pedicures are heavenly.

When you visit Coldwater Creek’s spa, you can expect the best: clean surroundings, friendly and professional customer service, beautiful relaxation room to lounge in (with complementary teas) before and after your pedicure, plush reclined chairs, warm towels on your legs and feet, soothing music, wonderful aromatherapy scents, foot scrubs, deep massages, eye masks, and best of all, dim lights, privacy and silence!

The whole experience at Coldwater Creek’s spa was so relaxing. Michael and I felt totally rejuvenated after our spa visit.

As a stay at home mom, it’s not often that I get to treat myself.  I think it’s important for us moms to find ways to recharge. It’s amazing what a couple of hours with good friends at a spa can do for your spirits!

I already have an appointment booked next month. I will try their facial and massage next!

Can’t wait  : )

DISCUSSION:

• How do you unwind and pamper yourself from your busy schedule?
• What are your favorite spa treatments?

Share your story, your story matters.

Is It OK To Splurge On One Income?

For my 32nd birthday last week, my husband surprised me with a new camera – but not just any new camera, Randy bought me an awesome Digital SLR (DSLR) camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T3. We’ve been setting aside $50 a paycheck for a while now to save up for this very nice, but very expensive camera. I didn’t anticipate having a DSLR until Christmas time later this year. It’s such a big-ticket item, I figured it would only be acceptable to purchase during the holidays.

GRATITUDE OR GUILT

When I opened the box and discovered that it was a DSLR camera, of course I was so happy and excited, but a large part of me also felt deeply guilty. I felt guilty that he spent so much money on my birthday present.

I asked Randy how he came to the decision to buy the camera now, rather than waiting until the holidays as we initially planned. He responded, “Actually, I kept going back and forth on whether I should buy it or not. But on the morning of your birthday, I asked myself as soon as I woke up, ‘Should I get Khristine the camera for her birthday?’ and I told myself, ‘Life is too short, I’m gonna buy it for my wife!”

He then further explained to me, “Baby, I know that we don’t have a lot right now. We have a small place, we only have one car, we don’t buy much for ourselves, but I thought that buying this camera to capture our family memories can be one of the few ways to treat ourselves.”

Although I was thankful, Randy could tell that I was worried about what such a large and unplanned purchase would do to our finances. Randy reassured me and told me not to worry. He reminded me that using up such a large chunk of our savings to purchase this camera would be worth it because it’s an investment for our family.

SENTIMENT OVER SAVINGS

Having to make ends meet on one income for our family, I was naturally inclined to feel nervous about such an expensive purchase. But after taking the first few photos with our new camera, I felt instantly relieved. I saw how beautiful the photos turned out and I knew that the DSLR camera was a worthy investment. Even if we have to tighten our belts (more) in the upcoming months, seeing these high-quality photos of my son converted me into knowing that such a large expense was definitely justified.

The photos captured by our new DSLR camera are simply STUNNING. Compared to our regular point and shoot camera, the DSLR images have more depth, are clearer, brighter, crisper and more vibrant.  We’ve already made great use of our new camera this past weekend by taking wonderful pictures at our Grandmother’s 105th birthday luncheon and our nephew’s baptism. The DSLR images we took really look like professional photos!

So to answer my own question, is it ok to splurge on one income? I now realize that it is absolutely acceptable to splurge on one income, if it’s truly within your means and especially if it’s in the interest of celebrating your family’s memories. The value of that kind of sentimental investment will prove to be worth the expense over and over again.

Yes, our new DSLR camera cost us a lot of money… and for a family surviving on one humble income, such a hefty purchase definitely made a huge dent in our family savings. But what we have gained in capturing our family memories with such beautiful photos has far exceeded the monetary cost in immeasurable ways.

You can’t put a price on preserving family memories.

DISCUSSION:

• What do you think are acceptable splurge items?
• How do you “treat” your family even when your finances are restricted?

Share your story, your story matters.

How To Lead a Meaningful Life…at 105!

My husband’s paternal grandmother celebrates her 105th birthday today! Our family calls her “Apo” which means grandparent in our Filipino native language. Apo is a wonderful and sweet woman. She is gentle, hospitable, caring and adores her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are very happy and thankful to celebrate her 105th birthday today.

Five years ago, when she turned 100, we commemorated the special occasion with a huge birthday party at a fancy dance hall. When asked what she wished for her 100th birthday, she replied, “I wish to live to be 105!” Well, thank the Lord, here we are today : )

Despite her very old age, she maintains a relatively good bill of health. As expected, she needs help getting around with a walker and sometimes she is forgetful, but otherwise, Apo is amazingly more healthy than one would expect for being 105 years old!

Apo’s doctors are in awe that she doesn’t suffer from any chronic health problems. Apo doesn’t have any heart conditions, diabetes, or hypertension – the common culprits in our family’s health history. She doesn’t take any medications nor has she even had any surgeries! It’s truly amazing.

So what’s the secret to Apo’s long life? How can someone living beyond her second century still live such a defiantly healthy life?

• A lot of LOVE: Apo’s health and well-being can be attributed to her two daughters who tirelessly care for her. I believe the loving way in which her two daughters care for her is the reason why Apo is still thriving at 105.

• Diet: Apo’s two daughters prepare her home-cooked meals daily. They have several meals throughout the day but their meals are always well-balanced. What is worth most noting is that they almost never ever go out to eat in restaurants.

• Simplicity: Apo and her daughters lead a very simple life. They enjoy simple activities such as gardening, cooking, cleaning their home and watching their favorite TV shows. Apo doesn’t have many stressors in her life. She values her humble way of living.

• Activity: Apo gets light exercise daily with her stationary bike pedal. She also walks around the house regularly to keep good circulation in her body. She keeps up her motor skills by coloring! Also, when the weather is fair, (which is pretty often here in San Diego) Apo goes outside and gets fresh air.

• Faith: Apo attends mass every Sunday. Even though her legs are frail and it can take up to 10 minutes for her daughters to help Apo get from the church parking lot into the pews, Apo is determined to get her weekly Sunday blessing. Apo even loves to clap and sing along with the gospel choir!

• Positive Attitude: Apo is still cheerful and loves to smile!

What I gather from Apo’s 105th birthday today is not just celebrating the advantage of getting to live to be 105. The true lesson is in understanding how to live a healthy and meaningful and purposeful life, at any age.

DISCUSSION:

I invite you to ask yourself:

• How can I ensure not only longevity, but also a great quality of life?

Share your story. Your story matters.

A Fantastic 32nd Birthday

To My Amazing Wife, Khristine:

First let me wish you a wonderful and blessed birthday! I pray that you have a beautiful and memorable celebration with me and Evan. I also hope that this day brings you happiness, because you deserve it.

Thank you. There are thousands of things I can thank you for, but I am especially grateful for you as a wife and as the mother to our son. When we first had Evan, I had no idea how we would learn to raise a child, but day after day you prove to me that we’re doing a great job – you make life a beautiful experience for all of us.

I pray that in the next year, you continue to find inspiration in the simple life that we have. Evan loves you more than the world, and I love you in the same capacity.

God bless you and your SAHM dreams, God bless your health and happiness, and God bless you with many, many years to come.

I love you!

Happy Birthday,
Your Husband Randy

Thank you to my husband Randy and my son Evan for giving me such a lovely birthday morning. My life is rich because of you.

“There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”  – Edith Wharton

DISCUSSION:

• How does your partner express gratitude for your role as a stay at home mom?
• In what ways does your family support your “SAHM dreams”

Share your story, your story matters.