One Perfect Parent, One Perfect Son

Insomnia

2012-01-31T02:26:00.001-08:00

Once again it has hit me. It's 2:18am and I'm awake. I lie in bed closing my eyes but I can't sleep. In high school I didn't mind it, in college it annoyed me, and when I worked I thought it was going away. And it did for some time. But now that I'm a stay at home mom with two toddlers, it scares me.

I know my lack of sleep affects how I treat my kids the next day. And lately since I've been having insomnia I find myself praying...begging for grace to love my family because I could be very short tempered. It's very humbling though because I know I'm so dependent on His grace to help me love and serve my family. So I guess insomnia is not too. As when I think about it that way. Because when at the end of the day I look back and see how I was able to serve and truly love them the way Christ calls me too...then I know all glory goes to Him because it wasn't me at all that enabled me to do that.

--
We must hate sin as much as God hates sin (killing His own Son). So we must make those radical decisions to kill sin!!

I take a lot of things...

2012-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

for granted. I think for the past couple of years my life hasn't been where it should be. I find myself just watching my life but not really engaging in my life (does that make sense). There are so many things that I know are blessings that the Lord has given me that I completely do not deserve but yet I do not appreciate it. God gives me little reminders on how much I have and at those moments of remembrance I am thankful...and then it disappears...vanishes like vapor. Then I go back to how I've been for a while.

Simple things in life

2011-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

I don't really like wearing jewelry for many reasons...well (1) I might lose it - very surprised I still have my wedding ring with me and (2) I think it's a big hassle putting them on and taking them off. I guess you can say I'm a simple girl. It's so interesting how my children are sometimes like me and most of the time not like me. For instance both girls love wearing accessories -- not hair clips but that's another blog. They have many jewelry boxes, always tries to wear a least 5 (referring to my older one) and loves to be shall I say "bling bling."

Many times people would ask, "how did they get this way, you're not girlie?" Usually I would point to my sister who likes all those things but the more I think about it the more I'm realizing that they are two little individuals who are growing into their personality. They are not "little me" but two different people created in the image of God. I tend to forget that importantly reality...they are image bearers of God who are sinners.

Parenting is difficult, but it is more difficult when you forget the simple facts of who our children are. They are sinners but also they were created in God's image and we should love them and treat them with respect. We are all sinners, we all need redemption, we all need a Savior...so technically we are all on the equal plain. So why do we parents try to be above them, belittle them, or humiliate them?

Oh it's so difficult to remember this because we as parents are sinful too and need grace. Oh Lord give me grace to remember this.

Here's an article regarding what I wrote about but goes more into it: ARTICLE

BTW I really like this necklace...hee hee

It's simple and really cute. It's from The Vintage Pearl...here's their website if you want to look for other really cool necklaces.

Lack of Patience

2011-12-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been really short with my kids. At one time I told my older daughter, "I have no patience for you." Once I said that I was like wow, what if God said that too me. I sadly realized that I was not reflecting to my daughters who God is and how much He loves us. Yes they are rebellious, but how can I expect anything other than rebellious -- they are sinners who need a Savior and who have NOT been regenerated. Why do I expect obedience...only By God's grace they can obey.

Then I am humbled because I sin every day against God and He is very very patient with me and loves me by showing me loving discipline. I need God's grace to obey as well, even though I have been regenerated through the Holy Spirit because of the blood of Jesus. Oh how much I fall...I want to show my children their need of a Savior as well, I want them to see that they need Jesus because of their sinfulness, and I want them to see Jesus through my actions and words towards them.

Lord give us grace!!

2012 is almost here

2011-12-06T11:10:00.001-08:00

Since my last blog my little girl turned 4 (it's a bit crazy to think my little baby is now 4 who talks like a teenager), we celebrated thanksgiving at my sister's new apartment with her new hubby, and now we are decorating (well trying to) our home for Christmas. Why trying? Well all our Christmas decorations are in a box in our garage somewhere and I'm waiting for my dear hubby to get it for us. 6 days into Christmas and now decorations, well it's been a very busy 6 days so hopefully our busyness will calm down...I doubt it.

I'm still trying to adjust to my little girl going to school, and what I thought would be a great idea of having her go in the afternoon is kicking me in the butt...because now we can't really do anything during the day unless we wake up super early, get ready, and leave the house. But it's a bit nice having only one child for at least 3 hours. Doing errands seems so easy.

We finally got our family pictures from our dear friend and great photographer Ica Images. Do you want to see some? Well I guess this is a way great to end this blog. I think I need to update this blog more often so those who are interested in our lives can know what's going on.

Thank you Ica Images for these great photos.

Pictures from our travel day

2011-09-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Going on a family trip is very stressful but enjoyable. Our first long distant family trip was to San Fran almost a year ago for my birthday - we survived. So we decided to do another adventure a little big farther, actually a lot farther...NY. We took along our dear friend, Melody to help with watching the girls so we can go on date nights. She was happy to go, oh since her fiance lived there too.

waiting for our plane, ya I let them roam around and play

finally we were on our way!

it was a long plane ride

she wanted to do "homework" while on vacation, that's my girl

we made it!!!

after 7 months of not seeing each other face to face, they finally meet

her "ah Ninog Julian we meet again" face

Teaser

2011-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Walking, walking, and more walking.

2011-09-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

Today was our family day, so just the four of us with Julian and Melody, so we decided to see three spots. Started the day late since our little girl kept coughing last night and we were worried that she was sick and I didn't get any sleep. But after leaving the room about 12ish we headed to A Voce a nice Italian place for lunch. It was located right in front of central park and the food was decent. (quick tip when u see two prices on a dish make sure you ask what it stands for and not just assume).

After lunch we wanted to get some dessert so #1 on our list of dour things was go to Serendipity fir their delicious drinks (well so I was told). But after looking at the map we realized that FAO Swartz was on our way (#2 on our list).

We walked and walked until we reached our destination. Ya we passed by some subway entrance but we figured that walking was the best way.

Finally reached FAO and looked for "the big piano" from the movie Big. Our girls loved it, jumping hopping and straight out dancing. It was fun seeing them enjoy themselves. While looking around we found a huge peanut butter cup 1lbs and of course I wanted it but after hubby showed me it cost $23 bucks I decided to pass.

We left and continued our way to serendipity. By the time we got there our little girl fell asleep in her stroller and the wait time was an hour. So we decided to leave and start the adventure back to the hotel. This time we decided to look and see if we could use the subway and guess what...we could. We were relieved sine we both were tired and we walked pretty far from the hotel.

We never tried to go to our third spot (MET) so maybe before we leave we can go.

After resting at the hotel we decided to get some pizza, my cousin suggested 2 Bros Pizza and so off we went to find it and off we go walking again. We found it and was not impressed so we decided to see if we could have used the subway and of course there was a route.

We walked so much today that I can't feel my feet. So tomorrow I think we are going to check out the subway before we leave the room!!

1st full day of our trip

2011-09-09T22:32:00.001-07:00

It's been an interesting vacation. First off we didn't sleep until 2am
here last night, time change is killing us and being stranded at the
airport for an hour didn't help. Well we had breakfast at our hotel,
I love free continental breakfast. Then off to Central Park. I thought
of so many movies while walking around. It was awesome!!!!

(Ya I have pictures but since I'm emailing this pictures have to wait.)

Central Park is so big and pretty. We walked so much, cause we got
lost inside, and we were trying to find the castle, but that didn't
happen. But we did find the museum from that movie "Night of the
Museum" and had some awesome gyros. We went inside for some time but
decided to leave to get some good dessert, COOKIES!!! From Lavine
Bakery- oh boy it was oh so Delicious!!!

Then off to take our first subway ride!!!! It was an experience. All I
could think about was that movie "Sliding Doors.". It was cool but
seriously if that was my main transportation I wouldn't enjoy it. We
decided to go back to the hotel to rest and nap. After a long needed
nap we headed to MOMA (had great Halal Guys for dinner) and Time
Square to see what that was all about. It was crowded and crazy.

While walking we saw and heard three or four fire trucks pass by. I
started to think about how it was 10 years ago. I wondered how it was
when people realized what was going on. We passed by a fire station
that lost some fire fighters on that day. I made myself remind myself
that even through a Terrible thing happened God is still gracious and
loving.

Changes

2011-09-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

It feels like God wants to do some changes in our family. Not sure what change but I believe a big change. God has been changing my heart as well towards things in my life, allowing me to see things through different lenses and finally seeing what is in front of me. Change is important, especially when it is much needed. And I think if something doesn't change in one particular aspect in our lives then we will make a change. Confused?!? Well praying about this and don't want to make a decision regarding it yet since it seems fuzzy still.

Preschooler

2011-08-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

In two days my little girl who acts like a teenager will be a preschooler. Will I cry? Will I be sad? Honestly I don't think so but it's just strange to thing I'm a mom of a school kid. This changes everything even though it is only going to be 3.5 hours everyday. But I'm excited because she's excited. Wow God has definitely grown me as a mom. Almost 4 years ago I was not ready to be a mom, I didn't know how to change a diaper, didn't know how to hold a baby, and certainly didn't know how to raise a kid. But now I look at her and she's a big girl, a big sinful girl who loves to disobey her mommy, daddy, and God. My job as a mom goes beyond getting her ready for school, making sure she knows her ABCs and 123s. My job as a mom is to point her to Christ and show her His grace and He has done on the cross. That job, in my book, is way hard...and that's why I need Christ desperately. I need Him every moment of my day, I need His grace as much as she (both my girls) need His grace. It's a tough job and God has put it on the parents to do their job...yes I want her to do well in school, make friends, make right decisions, and be a good person...but ultimately I know those are all vain compared to eternity and the judgement of Jesus on her as a sinner. We both need His grace and I'm so grateful that He gladly gives it to us!

So sad

2011-08-19T10:03:00.001-07:00

My camera is all dusty...so sad! I miss taking pictures and editing them. I miss looking at a place and trying to figure out how to capture God's beauty through my lense. I miss going out there and trying new things with my camera. So what should I do? Well in Sept. we are going to NY which means so many opportunity to capture God's beauty. Hopefully before we go I can just take my camera and start shooting.

Growing up

2011-08-16T15:44:00.001-07:00

My baby girl is not a baby anymore. She loves to talk and remind me that she's not a baby. Sometimes I wish she stayed a baby but growing up is what's best for her.

Sadly Some Christians have this mentality of wanting to stay a baby. But growing in their walk is what's best for them. Ya it's harder but it's oh so much better and more joyful when you start to fully understand the love of Christ and what that means for you.

2011-08-15T21:47:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I blogged about my life. Well honestly I feel like there's nothing to share the world. At least anything interesting.

Going to the chapel...

2011-07-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

okay maybe not a chapel but a lovely Clarke estate. The long awaited wedding finally came. After months of planning, making things, baking goodies, and just plain out being excited my dear little sister has finally joined the wifey club...and honestly the wait was worth it because God had in store a loving man name Kevin Gruezo. So now I have two brothers...okay I have 7 brothers because of my honey's family...but when I'll only have two when we are having a Villarin/Barrett/Gruezo hang out. Which also means more little feet should be coming (no she's not preggers yet). I don't get to see my other nieces and nephews that often since they are so far, but since the Gruezo family only lives in Claremont...yay for playdates! Enough chatting let's get down to business -- PICTURES!!!!!!

1 of the 5 flower girls - did a good job with walking on her own

2 of 5 flower girls -- didn't do so well, dada had to walk with her

oh that's me, the one that is NOT in the wedding dress

1 of 2 maids of honors -- she kept crying =)

2 of 2 maid of honors -- she said wouldn't cry during her speak but cried like a baby!

1 of 1 groom -- he was very relaxed and not nervous at all

1 of 1 bride -- very excited for her day finally here

ya I know there's not a lot of pictures...but next time I'm here I'll post more. Adios.

Conference

2011-07-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

A day without the girls, a day full of women, and a day being drenched of God's grace upon me = God is too good to an undeserving person like me. I was able to attend this years conference of women discipling women and can I just say...AWESOME!

Before I forget everything I have learned, let me just jot some thing down of what stuck out...

Serving Christ is NOT the primary issue...it's about God loving us through Jesus.

Throughout the different sessions and seminars I found my heart being humbled and convicted. God is truly amazing, He truly is loving but sadly we Christians have taken that truth for granted. We hear and memorize verses like John 3:16 and that truth does not melt our hearts any longer. We are so desensitize to it that we do not fully understand how beautiful that verse is. God, who is all knowing, all powerful, creator of all things, and sustaining of everything...loves me because of Jesus. We must not forget that last part...because if we just say "loves me" that can turn very self-centered and untrue. God loves us because we are hidden in Jesus...it's all because of Jesus who died and loved us even when we were haters of Him. Wow unbelievable is that. Why would He love me? Why would He save me from my sins and allow me to take His righteousness as my own? I don't know...because I am nothing, all my deeds are filthy rags and yet He loved me and chose me. AMAZING!!

I don't want to forget and lost sight of the Love of Christ, I don't want to forget that God loves me because of what Jesus has done on the cross. I don't want to take for granted His love...and what that means for my children and those around me. Oh Lord please help me to remember. Help my unbelief.

Being sick

2011-06-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

For the past four days my little ones have been sick, both are coughing with a runny nose. And one has an ear infection. It's really hard giving them medicines because let's face it, they taste really nasty. But as I fight and struggle giving my little baby her meds, I find myself being thankful to God. Strange right. At first it was so easy to complain and grumble about how hard it was. But then I realized that this is only temporary...only 10 days and then that's it...no more meds. I know a mom who has to give her daughter meds everyday and not sure when its going to end.

When I look at my situation, this circumstance that I am I need to rejoice always. And I'm always encouraged by my friend who is trusting the Lord through everything even when it's hard. God is soo good. Meds or no meds I know through it all God is refining us to be more like Jesus.

Thank you friend for being an encouragement to me even though I haven't fully said it to you!

Busy Bug

2011-05-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I updated this blog. It seems like I've been busy with so many things and going here and there that I can't find time to blog. My sister's wedding is coming around, which means my daughter's birthday is coming and my neice's birthday as well. And with all those lined up I find myself behind my sewing machine and trying to figure out all those DIY decorations. Not only that, but I find myself also heading to Dland most days since we will be blocked out soon for the summer so I'm trying to go before my pass is invalid. Weekends are usually filled with parties or different kinds of events which means all my crafting needs to happen during the week when the girls sleep (if they sleep)!

But it's also interesting this past month. The more I'm busy with things the more I find myself relying on His grace and understanding the gospel more. The more I find myself overwhelmed the more I find my joy in Christ because I know He is my peace. So I can't complain because through the fire He is refining me and helping me show my girls Christ and our sins.

Yesterday I was talking to my eldest about her sin against me and God (after I disciplined her and we prayed). I was trying to explain to her how she needs a Savior from her sins, and she informed me that she does not need a Savior. I wasn't heart-broken since she's only 3 and still does not understand gospel but I pray that the Lord will use her mommy and daddy to help her explain the gospel and that the Holy Spirit will open her eyes to the truth and replace her heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Oh how I pray for that everyday for my kids.

I can't believe my girls are growing up so fast...it's so funny how they love posing for the camera.

Because of Christ...

2011-04-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

I was able to enjoy those who have been saved from their sins praising in song to their Savior...

I was able to witness God's gracious power of forgiveness and His loving power of growth in undeserving people as they testify to the world they are followers of Christ...

I was able to love my husband and serve him with a joyful heart...

I was able to cherish moments with my daughters with a thankful heart...

and because of Christ I am alive!!!

love field trips

2011-03-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we went with our Mommy & Me class to the Heritage Park in La Verne to learn a lot about oranges. My girls enjoyed it, the oranges was so sweet, and it was nice talking to other mommies.

Being close

2011-03-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

When my little girl turned one and then I found out I was pregnant with my little baby I was a bit concern of how I was going to survive taking care of two little kids. I was also concern with how they would interact with each other...will they fight all the time or will they be best friends (or a little bit of both). But I'm really glad that God allowed me to get pregnant when my little girl was still little. Although it is super tiresome and they fight sometimes I'm really glad that they get along and they do a lot of things together.

New Addition to our favorite place

2011-03-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking about Disneyland even though that is really close 2nd, but Huntington Library. I didn't even know they were extending it but it was a great surprise for all of us while we explored the new Chinese Garden (near the Japanese Garden).

Babies it's cold outside

2011-03-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

When it's cold outside we tend to stay home (especially when they are coughing). I don't want the girls sitting on the couch being couch potatoes...so we try to do things around the house and today we decided to do some arts and crafts. I'm so glad that they like to do arts and crafts, getting their little creative minds going gets me excited.

one of our blinds' panel fell off so I let the girls paint on it, the finish product looked really cool!

She's finally getting use to the camera.

She's so focused on her art work.

our little visitor

2011-03-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

We always enjoy spending time with our little friend!

Rain rain go away...

2011-02-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we wanted to go to the LA Zoo but it was raining...then this past Saturday we wanted to go to the LA Zoo again but the forecast said it was going to rain. When we woke up on Saturday I saw the sun out and we were determined to go to the Zoo even though there was a chance of rain. When we go there it started to rain, but quickly stopped. So we rushed inside and headed to our main attraction...the Elephants.

planting

2011-02-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

When we moved into our condo there was a little garden outside that was so pretty and well kept. I was worried that after a couple of months of me taking care of them, they would all die and wither away. Some have and some haven't, God is still growing me with this whole new art of planting. I was also surprised that I started enjoying the art...it also grew my patience (since that has been my prayer). It takes a while for it to bear fruit, I water it and try to take care of it but no matter how much I want the fruits or veggie to grow I just have to wait.

Now that I'm attending to my plants I'm understanding the whole lesson about pruning, bearing fruits, etc. It's amazing to see how the Lord uses little plants to show me His grace and awesomeness.

Photo Class

2011-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

I remember taking a photo class in high school when I was a Junior and loving everything about it. We learned more than just taking pictures. We used 35mm back then (ya old school) and we learned out to transfer the film from the little canister to get it developed. Then we learned how to transfer it onto photo paper. It was really cool. I wish I still had a 35mm but then again I love my digital camera.

I also remembered how I wanted to be a photo-journalist one day, travel everywhere and take pictures of everything and get paid for it. But then I grew up and realized that I wouldn't be able to reach that dream. But no matter what the Lord still gave me a love for taking pictures; especially my children. But sometimes there are moments when I find myself taking pictures of everything and seeing the outcome of it and loving photography all over again. Here are some pictures from our trip to San Jose a couple of weeks ago.

Family website

2011-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

So I decided to start a family website where I can upload new pictures and videos for our family and friends to see. "But why, you have this" you might be thinking. Well this is more of a blog that I like to write about and highlight some great milestones and events that our family goes through, especially the girls since they grow up so fast. "What's the difference?" Well the website will be mostly pictures and videos...ya there will be a "journal" part but basically it will only be a little summary of our lives.

http://capturedmemoriesbarrett.shutterfly.com/

Enough with that...so for our 4th year anniversary we decided to head to San Jose, why? Well because my cousins live out there so we had a place to stay and babysitters. This was our first time driving with the girls in a long road trip, so we didn't know what to expect. And after 4 hours of driving they were getting restless. They did not like it one bit which cause us to not like the drive as well but it was worth it. They love hanging out with their aunts and we love going to dinner without them. Oh it was so great...and I fell in love with Cara's Smores Cupcakes...oh I think this cupcake is way better than Sprinkles Red Velvet - ya I said it. It was a great weekend of relaxing, eating, and getting hurt. All in all we praise God for it.

Favortism

2011-02-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with my little baby girl I always wondered how it would be trying to love two little girls the same way when they are different. I knew I didn't want to play favorites and treating them differently. But now that it's been 19 months have two girls I found myself doing what I tried not to do. Then God continued to show me my actions, show me what I was doing and how it was not loving to my Babe.

By God's grace I've been more conscience about it and trying to love my little girls the same...but in different ways.

Singing in Mandarin

2011-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Crazy girls

2011-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

This Friday my hubby and I will be celebrating our 4th year of God blessing us with each other. I can't believe it's already 4 years. Within these challenging, trying, joyful, and sanctifying 4 years God blessed us with two awesome girls, one amazing condo, and many many encouraging friends and family. We are excited to see how the Lord is going to grow us the next year.

this is her "smile"

this is her "take a picture of me"

Dancing with her new tutu

2011-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

During her first day of her ballet class she didn't wear a tutu since the one I made her cousin borrowed. I didn't think anything of it but all the other little girls had one and then a little girl said "where's your tutu, she's not wearing one." I felt bad that she didn't have a tutu...so my goal was to make her a new one before her second class.

accidentals

2011-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I look through my pictures I am surprised by some of the pictures that I take...others may think they are "messed up" pictures but to me I think those that are accidentally over exposed or blurry are really cool and I wouldn't mind putting them on my walls. Let me know what you guys think about them?

Sister love

2011-01-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

My girls are 21 months apart and a lot of times it's really hard taking care of them. I wonder if it would have been easier if we waited longer to have our second little girl, but then when I see how they interact with each other and love each other...then I'm very convinced that God knew better, like He always has!

Our Ballerina

2011-01-14T23:43:00.000-08:00

Copy Cat

2011-01-13T09:50:00.001-08:00

Usually the little one copies the older one...but then there are days when the little one is the leader.

It's official...

2011-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Come July my sister is going to be a wife...but until then we have to prepare and do all the wedding preparation. Starting with finding the perfect dress for the perfect day.

Here's a picture of a happy bride who just found her dress!

18 months

2011-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Wow I can't believe my little baby is going to be 18 months on the 11th. She's so big now; she walks, runs, says little words, plays with her big sister, and eats on her own. We love this little girl very much and we praise God that He gave us this little girl.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T21:07:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a year full of ups and downs. 2010 consisted of many changes in our lives. So let's try to recap all the blessings (good and bad times) that the Lord gave us because no matter what we went through, we know that God is good and always faithful and worthy of our praise!!!

* Jan -- I turned 31 years old (ya I'm telling you my age because I don't care). And my little baby turned 6 months. Our little girl was able to play with her more.

* Feb -- We moved into our very own condo, this place as been such a blessing in our lives. Our little baby girl started crawling.

* Mar -- My hubby turned 27, yes he's a young one. My little girl started her potty training and helping mommy with baking.

* April -- Hubby and I started going out on dates again since little baby girl was big now. My little girl got her ears pierced and she started taking gymnastics, because of this class she was able to have better balance.

* May -- Little baby girl started to walk. Hubby got into an accident (not his fault) but his red lancer was totaled. Little girl is finished with her training, she is potty proficient.

* June -- We bought our Rav4 and an Altima for hubby.

* July -- Baby girl turned 1. Sold our Mazda and started going to Huntington Library for our family day.

* Aug -- Went through a lot of trials, especially dealing with being a mom and taking care of my two girls.

* Sept -- went to Vegas twice, once with my whole family and the other time with just me and hubby (our first time away from our girls).

* Oct -- Our little girl turned 3!!! Started to get to know Louie and Alexa.

* Nov -- Our church started meeting in the new building. Cooked our very first Turkey, and hosted for the first time Thanksgiving.

* Dec -- Got our Christmas tree and decorated our house. Hosted two Christmas parties with both side of the family. Hubby got into another car accident (not his fault again) but car is totaled.

Of course there were more events that happened, more blessings, and more trials. But through it all, we can still say Blessed be the Lord!!

Have a lovely New Year from the Barrett Family!!

From Christmas 2010

The Nutcracker

2010-12-17T15:14:00.001-08:00

Couple of Fridays ago we went to the Claremont College to watch the Nutcracker with the Mommy and Me group. At first I was a little hesitant about it, a 90 min ballet show with two toddlers, but they were good and the show was great! It was a great family outing (including the hubby).

Here's some pics of the girls and outside the theater:

Artsy Fartsy

2010-12-16T11:30:00.001-08:00

DSC_0432, originally uploaded by clepto_chewy.

I'm embracing my artsy side once again and I'm enjoying it very much. I really want my girls to enjoy being creative and I know it helps when their mommy loves it too.

2010-12-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

18 more days until Christmas and the Barrett family has been busy with being crafty. Now that my little girl is 3 years old I'm able to do more crafts while she assist me. We wait until little baby is asleep and we are like the little elves getting busy cutting, taping and making some decorations.

the countdown begins...well tomorrow at least

2010-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to give thanks...part 5

2010-11-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for artwork and creativity.

I'm thankful for the beach.

I'm thankful for new places to eat...yummy!

and I'm thankful for my college friends that I still talk too.

Tis the season to give thanks...part 4

2010-11-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for balloons, even though they do not last long they are still fun to have around when, especially since my girls love them.

I'm thankful for chalk and being able to draw on the ground and then wash them off when I'm done. It's also a great way for my girls to learn how to draw...the are so colorful!

I'm thankful for my family, marrying my husband is awesome but it's also a blessing to have these people as my family as well.

I'm thankful that I can wake up and not worry about getting up early to go to work but waking up to these faces trying to wake me up...yes they wake up before me.

Tis the season to give thanks...part 3

2010-11-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

We don't go out much to places but when we do it's always awesome, I'm so thankful for out little outings and giving our family lovely memories captured in pictures.

I'm thankful for graduations, especially when the person graduating is your little brother (my hubby's).

I'm thankful for the ladies of my church family, they are great mentors and I learn a lot from their wisdom. I love them all and they are so fun to hang out with.

and lastly I'm thankful for beautiful flowers that the Lord always blesses me with.

Thank you Lord for everything!!

Tis the season to give thanks...part 2

2010-11-20T22:25:00.001-08:00

I'm thankful for Disneyland and being able to take my girls there whenever we are not blocked out.

My family.

Clouds in the sky

and my very caring and awesome husband who is always patient with me and shows me Christ.

Tis the season to give thanks...part 1

2010-11-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner I figured I'll blog about the little and big things that I am thankful for...God has truly blessed me with so many things!!

(not in order of thanfulness)

falling leaves, the girls and I were able to walk around our neighborhood to find our centerpiece for our Thanksgiving dinner.

The Mommy and Me class that we attend every Friday morning, our girls are able to interact with other little kids and do some awesome crafts (thanks Selle).

Our two lovely girls who are so adorable I just want to squeeze them. Even though they frustrate me and make me so mad most of the days...I'm really thankful for them.

My lovely Pastor, actually my only Pastor since the Lord called me out of darkness, and his awesome wife who is full of grace and wisdom!

lastly for this post: our new church building...waiting 22 years was worth it because I saw God's faithfulness throughout those years.

what are you thankful for?

I Stand in Awe

2010-11-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

I love clouds, I think they are the most beautiful things that display the glory of God. Unfortunately I live where clouds are very rare. But probably a month ago God blessed me and all my surrounding neighbors with the most beautiful artwork...lots and lots of clouds. All I wanted to do was stare at them but since life still has to go on I decided to take some pictures. And you know it's just pure amazing to be faced with God's glory. "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord." But what is more amazing is that the God who created those clouds, the God who controls all things knows my name. Not only knows my name but is my Father through Jesus Christ. It's only because of Him I can stand in awe. This past Sunday we had the Lord's Supper and I was just blown away that a holy God, a perfect Father, a righteous Savior would even consider me...me...me who always sin against Him. Me who rather go on facebook than read and meditate on His word. Me who is soooooo unfaithful. Oh the beauty of Jesus and His unfailing love. Oh the joy of knowing that He will never let me go and has called me out of darkness. My heart rejoices and is broken. Thank you Jesus for everything...thank you Jesus for choosing me...I truly truly do not deserve it.

Time to Dress Up

2010-11-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

pumpkin carving time

2010-10-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Happiest place on earth...

2010-10-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to Disneyland to celebrate our little girls 3rd birthday. She got her own pass since she's a big girl now (lame that she has to buy one) and she got to hang out with a lot of her friends. She enjoyed your birthday day very much.

tomorrow my little girl turns 3!!

2010-10-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

here she is when she was 2 months:

as a 1 year old:

as a 2 year old:

as a 3 year old!!!

I can't believe she's three. She knows the alphabet, she can count to 20, she loves to sing songs, she loves to dance, she talks very well and a lot, she picks her own clothes and dresses herself, she takes care of her little sister, she helps me cook and bake, she's a great little helper, she likes to wear nail polish and lip gloss, she'll show you her magic trick if you ask, and she knows about 5 or 6 bible verses. She's a very sweet, crazy, smart little girl and I can't believe she's only 3! We are so happy to have her and she's truly a blessing even when she's disobedient.

Our last night out...

2010-10-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

we decided to party with the Shoppes at Ceasar's Palace:

another great dinner

2010-10-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

sweet aroma

2010-10-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

nothing beats a good breakfast to start the day

my favorite casino/hotel in Vegas:

water show...

2010-10-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

I love watching this

beautiful night

2010-10-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

waiting for the Bellagio's water show.

this would be awesome

2010-10-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

if people gave these favors out for their weddings...

sometimes you forget

2010-10-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

with the busyness of life; taking care of the girls, making sure the house is in order, trying to minister to other people you tend to forget a lot of things or you take things for granted. Going away from everything that made me busy I was able to remember why I married this wonderful man. Not that I didn't love him anymore or that I didn't want to be married to him...but I just took him for granted and forgot how God has blessed me for 3 years with a great husband, friend, encourager, and father for the girls. Having him all to myself was awesome; I don't really like sharing him with other people but I know the Lord wants me to and I see how He is using him in other people's lives. I praise God for giving me a great gift, my husband!!

at Crystals/Aria:

Miracle Mile Shops

Dessert anyone?

2010-09-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Spending time with only my hubby as super awesome, having dinner with only my hubby was super great, and having dessert with only my hubby was super sweet (especially since it's from our favorite dessert place.)

we wanted to be adventurous

2010-09-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

this might look tasty, but it wasn't

but these dishes were really good, those balls were lobster dogs!! Yummy!!

without kids?

2010-09-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you go to Vegas without kids? Well simple what we usually can not do because we have our little girls -- eat at nice restaurants and just enjoy each other's company and food =)

Vegas Trip #2

2010-09-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

This trip we took the week after the first trip but it was only me and hubby. This was the first time we went somewhere without the girls...wow after three years of marriage. Praise God for people coming over to watch the girls and for God providing the money to enjoy the weekend.

Mandalay Bay lobby, our home for the three days.

they love...Mama Rose and Lolo

2010-09-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

driving home from Vegas:

lovely flower arrangements

2010-09-20T10:08:00.001-07:00

In Bellagio they always have awesome flower arrangements and when I saw the hot air balloons I totally thought of Richelle.

Community time

2010-09-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a little break from Vegas. We've been living in our Condo since Feb and we've been wanting to get to know our neighbors...at least meet our neighbors. We've had some successes: our neighbors right next to us, when people are swimming we take our girls to the pool too. We've had some failures: attempting to have at least 2 BBQs for our neighbors which ended up only our CFBC family would show up. But today was a blessing...we decided to make some cupcakes and go around the neighborhood, door to door, and ask them if they want some. Who can resist cupcakes with chocolate frostings? Well praise God, we met at least 4 new neighbors and hopefully we can meet more.

Here's a picture of the people I love dearly...

I want this...

2010-09-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

a big fat chocolate decoration for my walls...

new sights

2010-09-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

outside the new hotel Aria. It was pretty outside but really nothing to see inside.

Jellyfish

2010-09-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

Our first stop in Las Vegas was the Aquarium located at Mandalay Bay. Since we were still waiting for my family we decided to take our girls to see some animals, water animals. They both love animals so we both knew it they would love going, and we were correct. Here's one of my favorite picture from that place.

First trip

2010-09-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Our first family trip as a family of four. Last time we went to Vegas our little girl was only 9 months and now she's almost 3 years old. Both girls enjoyed themselves very much. Going to Las Vegas is very different when you have two little girls with two strollers.

clouds

2010-09-11T18:00:00.001-07:00

taken last year right before I gave birth to my little baby girl.

for a while the pictures that I will be posting will be from two Vegas trips.

they are growing up

2010-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

these pictures were taken a year ago and my girls have changed so much since then...

in about 1.5 months my little girl will be 3 years old!!

and my little baby is 14 months now.

since I'm gone for two days enjoy these two pictures...

cousin love

2010-09-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

hanging out with Lily in Santa Monica

water water everywhere

2010-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

at the Shoppes in Chino Hills. They tend to just look and not play.

Hubby took me to the beach for my birthday

2010-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

lights...

2010-09-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture I took while we were driving home.

since I'm going to be gone for the weekend...

2010-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures until I come back on Sunday...

they like to do a lot of things together. They are so cute together.

taken outside our little condo.

another picture

2010-09-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

from our favorite place:

One of our favorite places

2010-09-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Huntington Library! We tend to go every year...

My first time with the camera

2010-08-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures that I took when I first got my Nikon D60:

Gymnastics

2010-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

For almost 4 months now she's been in this class and she's doing very well walking on her own!

random day at the candy shop at Balboa Island.

2010-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

We were suppose to go to the OC Fair but ended up here...it was way sweeter!!!

my overdue birthday gift

2010-08-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

On my birthday my dear hubby showed me what he wanted to get me and since we didn't have a place of our own he didn't want to buy it just then...but now that we are some what settled I think it's time to visit my gift again and take it home.

oh Nepos how I love you guys

2010-08-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

taken during Eleazar's bday party at Dana Point...have fun in Arizona and we will miss you guys!

first time they met

2010-08-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

When we first started going to Dland my little girl was scared of the characters and wouldn't even touch them...now that she's almost three, she loves take pictures with them.

My camera loves...

2010-08-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

my girls. I love capturing moments of them enjoying the life the Lord has blessed them with. Here's my little girl playing with friends at Dana Point.

Challenge

2010-08-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Michael told me that I should post one picture per day since I take a lot of pictures but never post any...so here it goes. One picture per day until not sure when. I'll try to explain what the picture is about too. Hopefully I'll be able to do it.

This picture was taken during our youth Ultimate Park Day. Here's a picture of my little baby girl enjoying herself. Oh I love how she smiles!

A little change -

2010-08-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend and very wise Biblical counselor has a blog that has been showing me so much of God's grace concerning being a parent. If you have time, parents out there, please check her blog out. As for me I'm going to implement her biblical advice regarding Ephesians 4:17-24 on "put off and put on." Here is what she said:

When correcting behavior with young children, clearly state the action that should be “put off,” give a clear explanation for the reason, and follow that by offering a replacement action that may be “put on” in its place. Be age-appropriate. Be kind. Get down on the child’s level and establish eye-contact. Be consistent. Be patient. Be gentle in your tone. Be willing to enforce the rules with negative consequences or discipline when disobeyed. But, strive to help the child see the blessing in obedience and the reason behind the rule (i.e. rules are not arbitrary). There is no need to go into lengthy discourses or overly persuasive speeches in an effort to coarse a child into compliance. Likewise, there is no need to threaten, bribe, or manipulate a child to obey. It’s simply a matter of: (1) clearly stating the action that you expect the child to stop doing, (2) instructing/correcting the child’s thinking by stating your reason, and (3) providing a more positive and constructive alternate activity/action for the child to do instead. Then, when necessary, consistently following up with discipline if the child should choose to disobey.

Let's see how the Lord will change my relationship with my girls as I try to train them and raise them in a biblical way that honors God...and doing it God's way rather than mine! Please pray for us.

I miss talked to other people

2010-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

My usual conversation is typically with a 2, almost 3 year old, girl. But yesterday I went to the Long Beach Bay and I was able to talk to two other mom and dad while the girls played with their girls in the water. I miss having other people to talk to. Actually I miss talking to other people that are around my age or at least with kids. Sometimes there are days when I feel very lonely.

sometimes it's hard to be...

2010-08-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

a mom. Have two little girls is pretty difficult. One is calling out to me because she needs to potty and then the other one cries out to me because she wants milk. I feel like I'm just running around without my head. It's been really hard to stay focus and I will admit that there have been days when I just want to scream. This past month I have been asking for forgiveness from my little girl a lot and most importantly from God. He is still refining me and growing me as a mother. I know children are blessings from Him but sometimes it's hard to stay focus.

Lord please help me to love my children!!

A little get together --

2010-07-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

The long weekend continues with a little get together on Friday with some cool kids that we usually do not see. Since Friday Night Bible study was taking place at our house my dear hubby didn't get to join us with this little adventure to Corona area.

A very long weekend...

2010-07-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

So our weekend started on Thursday with my hubby only having a half day at work after selling our Mazda (Praise God it's gone). Where do you go when your whole family is free after 1pm? Well the Huntington Library in San Marino of course...especially when you have free tickets!!

Every first of the month the Huntington Library has this thing called Free Day where you can get free ticket...but only if you wake up before 9am the day the tickets go on 'sale.' And fortunately I was able to get tickets for July 1st...so off we went. The last time we went was last year and our little baby was still a little baby so she didn't get to enjoy a lot of things, but she's a walking baby now so she was everywhere. (the pictures will show you.)

We didn't go into the museums this year since the girls were wet but we did enjoy the beautiful out doors. I had more pictures but for some reason it will not upload...oh well!

Diaper changing time so I had fun with little girl

sister love!

she decided to make her own pool.

growing up so fast

2010-06-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little baby girl is almost turning one. She grew up too fast and I know I'm going to miss her being my baby. But I praise the Lord on how He has sustained her life, sustained both of my girls' lives. My big girl is being so close to being a BIG GIRL. She's actually using the potty again and telling me when she needs to use the potty. It's a good thing we are blocked out from Dland, this is a good time to master the art of using the potty. Besides God sustaining my girls' lives, and helping my big girl master the potty, He has also been teaching me a lot about Him. Oh it's so easy to forget, to get yourself thinking like the world and become so discontent in life.

Last night I was thinking about different movies regarding real life situation, for instance, Schindler's List, Hotel Rwanda, and even Invisible Children. People were killed just because they were a certain race or color. Children were being kidnapped because they are the easy target. I couldn't image myself or my family living during those times or even being a child right now in Uganda. God didn't have to let my family live and grow up here in America where all I have to worry about for my girls are the perves...this made me humbled. God is so good to me and my family how can I complain.

My girls can be hard but they are truly blessings from God. And each day I pray that they will be learning more and more about Jesus. The other day my big girl started to sing "God is good, God is good, God is good." That truly brought joy to my heart because although she does not truly know what that means...she's learning the basics and hopefully she'll fully get it when she's bigger.

10 months...

2010-05-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

So my little baby is 10 months today, I can't believe it. Having two kids is so different and difficult but it's only by God's grace I'm not crazy! My little baby is growing up fast...she talks more, she throws tantrums more, and she walks more...yup she walks on her own! She is very different from her big sister. She is more clinging than her big sister but she's adorable and we love her.

here's a video of her first getting the hang of walking (May 1st)

Once in a while...

2010-04-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

my hubby and I get the chance to getaway and have time without the girls. For the month of April we had two days...that's really rare but we both praise God for any time we get away from the girls and spend time with each other. For Mother's Days we went to the Melting Pot...yummy!!! and a couple of weeks before that we headed to Seal Beach to do this...

Hands on your hips...

2010-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

now walk on your tippy toes! Oh my little girl loves her tiny tot gymnastic class. I've been wanting her to attend a class ever since she was born and finally after 2.6 years of her life has passed she is finally in a class. Someone told me that this class will encourage her to jump and climb more than she does now, I'm not worried about her she loves to climb and jump so mind as well try to do it while learning how to balance as well - right!?!

after every class they get a stamp on their hands.

her little sister loves to watch her big sister

she likes to go on the big balance beam

she loves the little beam

this is also a great time for her daddy to spend time with her

my girls are adorable!!

2010-04-05T22:18:00.001-07:00

WE LOVE THEM VERY MUCH!!

She has earrings!!!

2010-04-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

A very random day that ended with our little girl getting earrings...thanks Ninong Michael!!

She's a big girl...

2010-03-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

No she's not potty trained yet but she does do other things that big girls like to do. Usually most of my time is spent with taking care of little baby girl, and I usually feel bad that I do not get to spend a lot of time with my big girl. But today was a different day, especially since little baby girl didn't care I was not with her. So I decided to allow my big girl bake...YUP I said bake! I put all the ingredients together and in little bowls (sorry no pictures). Then I put a chair near the mixer and my big girl put all the ingredients in while the mixer was on, on slow of course. The only ingredient I put in was the flour since it required to put in slowly so it wouldn't splatter everywhere. And after all was mixed in I put the batter into the pan and into the oven...and presto - Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

After putting baby girl to bed we decided to do another project...painting!! YUP I said painting and she did a lovely master piece. She wanted me to paint with her for a little bit so I did some doodles here and there paint...and presto - her artwork!