Happy Birthday to ME!

Robert and I woke up trying to figure out what to make for breakfast. Still unsure, I went downstairs to check the fridge, hoping to find something easy to whip up. My mom came in the kitchen and greeted me "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"! How did I forget my own birthday?? And WHAT am I doing downstairs, about to cook, my own birthday breakfast?? HAHA! Of course, I ran upstairs to ask Robert that very question. We both came down and made something for a quick meal. Then we got busy cooking for the potluck dinner with my friends.

Although we didn't do celebrate my birthday the usual way--with dinner, family, and cake--I did have a wonderful time sharing my special day having my old friends (dating back from elementary school). We finally met Chialee's husband and two twin girls, and heard the announcements from two newly pregnant mom-to-be and a soon-to-be mom of three!

Merry Christmas

This was the girls' first Christmas with my extended family. When Savannah was born, Robert and I decided to cut back on all the driving between one party to another on Christmas day. Even more so after Gaby was born. It was difficult at times being on the road, and having to deal with cries for "babas" or a need for a new diaper. We thought it would be best for the girls, and ourselves, to have a more relaxing holiday.

Things were a little different this year. Uncle Ben and Auntie Minerva were in town for part of December through mid January, and wanted to spend Christmas day with Auntie Luz and her family. Harry, Minerva, and the boys were coming too, so we joined in order to spend time with our dear cousins, whom we've actually seen more of since September.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in West Covina. Kuya Noel has done so many remodeling projects in his house. It was fun to take a tour inside and see all the changes he made over the past couple of years. It was also great to see my own neices and nephews, all grown up now, celebrating the day with the family, along with their significant others.

Not too long after arriving, getting a bite to eat, and mingling with family, we packed ourselves back into the van to spend the rest of Christmas day with our Medina side of the family.

"Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go..."

Okay...maybe one or two rivers, and a tangle of freeways. We made it in time for dinner. Mom and Daniel were busy in the kitchen doing the finishing touches to our delicious meal. Meanwhile, we kept ourselves busy eating chocolate-covered cookies and various dips. I don't remember if Savannah was able to sit long enough to enjoy dinner like we all did. She was too excited having "Issa" there to play with.


After dinner, we gathered around the tree and "Santa" Gramma passed out the presents. The girls all had a blast opening their gifts! Savannah and Gaby are set for the winter season with so many outfits from Gramma and Grampa, Lolo and Lola, and Uncle Carlo, Auntie Kelly, and Aunt Judy. Savannah also got a new favorite Veggie Tales CD, with guest artist Matt Redman! Gaby got a teether from Gramma and Grampa that she doesn't let go of. Their BIG presents were a Radio Flyer trike for Savannah, and a Winnie the Pooh 3-stages ride (which Savannah also loves playing with).

Their BIG presents from us were a kitchen for Savannah (foods provided by Lolo and Lola) and the Ball Popper (Uncle Carlo had fun playing with it too) from me and Robert.

Merry Christmas to all, and all a GOOD NIGHT!

Christmas Eve Musical

The very first Christmas that my parents hosted for the relatives back in our cozy home in Westminster, my Mom put together a musical play of the Christmas Story. She had my Dad narrate, and gave parts and solos to the children in the family. Sharing the true story of Christmas and enjoying singing songs of Jesus' birth is very important in our family!

My Mom started teaching Savannah "Angels We Have Heard On High" before her second Christmas. Back then, all Savannah could do was raise her arms towards the heavens during the chorus. She was also good at pointing at the singers to do the same. Even after Christmas, she was still raising her arms upon hearing songs with the words "glory", "holy", etc.

This Christmas Eve, we celebrated with our ever-growing family--Mom, Dad, Carlo, Kelly, Judy, Angelo, Beverly, Robert, Savannah, Gaby, and myself--and a branch from my Dad's family tree--Ben, Armie, and their 3 children. In addition to all of the food preparation, my parents got busy editing their original musical play and practicing with Savannah her favorite song.

It was a wonderful night, sharing A LOT of food with good company. Savannah barely ate because of the excitement of having other children in the house. After our tummies were stuffed, we gathered around the living room to share what Christmas is really about. Carlo read to us about God's promises given to the patriarchs in the Old Testament, how the beginning of His promise was fulfilled through Jesus' birth, and how His promise will be complete when Jesus returns. Then we went on to the Christmas Story and sang songs about Jesus' birth and the events surrounding that. Ben and Armie's kids each took a solo, Dad shared his favorite solo from a long-ago Christmas cantata, and Savannah helped lead us into singing "Angels We Have Heard On High", prompting us to raise our arms at the chorus, "Glo-ria, in exelsis Deo!".

There is a Redeemer

Jesus, God's own Son

Precious Lamb of God

Messiah

Holy One

Jesus, my Redeemer

Name above all names

Precious Lamb of God

Messiah

O for sinners slain

Thank You, O my Father

For giving us Your Son

And leaving us Your Spirit

'Til the work on earth is done

When I stand in glory

I will see His face

And there I'll serveMy King forever

In that holy place

Trim the Tree and Deck the Halls

Glo-ria in exelsis Deo!

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods,rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessing flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders of His love.

My Famous Treats

Get out your baking supplies! These yummies are irresistable!



PRALINE APPLE BREAD



1 cup granulated sugar

1 8-oz. sour cream

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/4 cups chopped, peeled tart apples

1 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup packed brown sugar



Directions:



Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl beat together granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla on low speed of an electric mixer until combined, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.



Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add to sour cream mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Stir in apple and 1/2 cup of the pecans. Turn into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans; press lightly into batter.



Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (If necessary, cover loosely with foil the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.) Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.



Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine butter and brown sugar; cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 1 minute. Remove bread from pan. Drizzle top with brown sugar mixture; cool. Makes 1 loaf.



Cover and store at room temperature.



CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

2/3 cup butter
5 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, cut into pieces
1-3/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of 9-inch square pan.

In 1-quart saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. Cool 5 minutes.

In medium bowl, beat sugar, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on high speed 5 minutes. Beat in chocolate mixture on low speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in flour just until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in walnuts. Spread in pan.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or just until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 2 hours.

* Chocolate Brownie Pie variation:

Grease bottom and side of pie plate, 10-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches. Spread batter in pie plate. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into wedges. Serve with ice cream if desired.


PRALINE PEACH BROWNIE SUNDAES

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup pecan pieces
2 peaches, peeled, sliced
brownies
vanilla bean ice cream

Directions:

In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, whipping cream, butter and cinnamon; mix well. Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted, stirring constantly.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, pecans and peaches. Cool 10 minutes.

Place brownies in individual dessert bowls or plates. Top each with 1/2 cup ice cream and 1/4 cup sauce.


RICE KRISPIES TREATS

3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz) regular marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Directions:

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into 13x9x2-inch greased pan. Cut into 2x2-inch squares when cool.


COCONUT-CRANBERRY CHEWS (from Nancy Stuart)

1-1/2 cups butter at room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 teaspoons vanilla
3-1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
1-1/2 cups sweetened flaked dried coconut

Directions:

Mix butter, sugar, orange peel and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed until smooth.

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Add to butter mixture; stir. Beat on low speed until dough comes together. Stir in cranberries and coconut.

Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on buttered cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees F. until cookie edges begin to brown (8-11 minutes). Let cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.


PEACH CRISPY (from Mom)

1 (29 oz) can sliced peaches, drained
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter

Directions:

Arrange peaches in bottom of buttered baking dish.

In small bowl, combine oats, sugar, flour and butter; cut. Sprinkle over peaches.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.

Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream.

** The following recipes are from Mrs. Fields **

BLUE-RIBBON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt. Mix well with wire whisk. Set aside.

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend sugars at medium speed. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix at medium speed until just blended. Do not overmix.

Add the flour mixture and chocolate chips, and blend at low speed until just barely mixed. Do not overmix.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies immediately to a cool surface with a spatula.


SOFT AND CHEWY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups (packed) dark brown sugar
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk. Set aside.

In a large bowl, blend sugars using an electric mixer set at medium speed. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste, scraping the sides of the bowl. Add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla, and mix at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until just mixed. Do not overmix.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 1-1/2 inches apart. With a wet fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of cookies. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along edges. Transfer cookies immediately to a cool, flat surface with a spatula.

As a variation, add 2 cups coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate bar or 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips to the flour mixture, then bake as directed.


CHOCOLATE CHIP BUTTERSCOTCH BARS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces chopped pecans (about 1 cup)
9 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 1-1/2 cups)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.

Combine flour and soda in a medium bowl. Mix well with a wire whisk. Set aside.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the sugar and butter. Add egg and vanilla, and beat at medium speed until light and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the flour mixture, pecans, and chocolate chips. Blend at low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Transfer batter into the prepared pan, and level top with a rubber spatula. Bake in center of oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean but center is still soft. Cool on rack to room temperature. Cut with a sharp knife into 1x2-inch bars.

Christmas Stockings

So these are what Christmas stockings are for!! Now, wouldn't you rather trade in all the little trinkets and teeny gifts you would normally find in your stocking for something, or someone, that can perfectly fill up two?

Bed for 4

This is a typical scene of us in the morning, minus Robert on his 1/4 of the bed. It was on and off throughout the earlier part of the year, but became a little more permanent since the end of October.

After the OC fires, Savannah and Gaby came down with their first round of sniffles, coughs and low fevers. I had a minor case myself. We were all better by Thanksgiving, then sick again two days after.

The second round was the worst! All of us, including Robert--he rarely gets sick--had the cold and flu. In order to keep an eye on the girls, and get enough rest ourselves, the four of us were piled on and cozied up in our queen-size bed. Freezing, then burning up...coughing and sneezing, we survived our sick season together.

We are all much better, and are trying to wean the girls back into their own beds. So far, Savannah has made it back to the loveseat (which is still in our room) and Gaby will occasionally let us put her down in the co-sleeper. We were successful one or two nights to have both girls sleeping in their own bedroom! Still, no matter where the girls begin their night of sleep, you can guarantee that by 2:30 am, Savannah would be up and crawling back into our bed, nestled between Mommy and Daddy, or sometimes on the end of the bed next to Gaby. As for Gaby, she is also up at that time for a snack--I'm starting to wonder if that is just an excuse to snuggle next to Mommy.

Everyone is always telling me that sharing the bed is a habit that should be nipped in the bud. Believe me, we have tried. Somehow, this has helped us survive the past two and a half years of what could have been lost sleep. Robert needs sleep in order to work a full day, especially driving throughout Orange and LA county. I need enough shut eye--I'd call it sleep if I was actually sleeping the whole night through--to keep up with the girls when they are wide awake.

Secretly, I do enjoy waking up to the sounds of my girls giggling and "talking" to each other. Savannah's sweetest moments with Gaby are during the time when they are both just waking up. I also don't mind so much that their hands and feet are tucked under me, or that Savannah is almost using my head as a pillow. How much longer will I have these moments? Someday, when they think themselves too old to cuddle with me, I will once again yearn for times like these.

* Babes, thank you for taking this picture! It was a great surprise to find, and one that I will treasure always!

I Love the Month of December

December is, by far, my most favorite month.

I love watching the neighborhood transform into a winter wonderland--well, as close as you can get to that being in southern California. The inflatable snowmen, Santa and his reindeer, and even the "Lighted" deer grazing on lawns are a sight to see! I also enjoy seeing the lights go on at dusk and twinkle throughout the night.

I am the Christmas decorator at home--I get the honor of taking out all of the decorations and staging our home for the holidays. In exchange, my mom does the part I do not enjoy, which is putting away any household decor that is not for Christmas. I cannot wait until Savannah and Gaby are old enough to help me decorate the Christmas tree! The tree is what I like to save for last. Once all the other decorations are up, and the tree is all done up, I turn off all the lights in the house and turn on the tree lights. And there I sit, basking in its glow.

The food and festivities is another favorite. It does start with Thanksgiving, but continues until New Year's Eve. Over the past couple of years, Robert and I have become host and hostess, and chefs for the Eves of Christmas and New Year's. We are a great team in the kitchen, and have stretched in our knowledge and skills in cooking. I have also gotten my baking skills back, and am no longer burning my holiday treats.

Of course, part of my love for December is because it is my birthday month. This year, I turn 32, but we can safely put me in the 18-25 years old range! Since my birthday falls right in between celebrating Christmas and New Years, there is a tendency to tone it down. Plus, with all the feasting and having most of our family and friends out of town, we usually do not have a birthday bash for me. Besides, the only thing I really want, year after year, is a mocha cake from Goldilocks, or a really yummy ice cream cake.

Most of all, I love this time of the year for the time we spend with family and friends. Sometimes, making it to all the holiday events and celebrations can be a challenge, but I enjoy seeing faces of all those I love, and having that time to spend with them and catch up on our "GO...GO!" lives.

As for presents...I have always enjoyed making things from the heart, or finding that perfect match, and giving them to others who will enjoy them!