Sandwich Creations

I rarely blog about work.  This is because this blog is really about family.  But this very rare entry is special because my typical work day was about family. 

Once a year, I invite the elementary school student council to my campus to work with my student leaders.  For the first time, both the older boys were part of that process.  The big one is in 6th grade and is in my leadership class (that changes the dynamic of who I am and how I teach, by the way.  His presence simply makes me a better person, therefore a better teacher.)  The middle one is part of the student council at the school next door.

During their visit, the big kids facilitate games and activities, so the little kids can get a glimpse into middle school life, school spirit, and leadership.

One of the activities is to make a sandwich and sit with a friend.  (Kids buy- in so easily when there is food involved)  The sandwich creations have gotten more and more unusual over the years, so I thought I would post just a couple to share with the virtual world out there. 

Yup, it's weird and it probably isn't very good (or healthy)  But one day, my boys will forget what they ate that day or if it was good, but they will not forget that - for that hour - they were together and part of something special, with me, at the place that I work.  That memory is enough to get me to eat a sandwich with melted gummy bears, peanut butter, and ham.

Brotherly Love

Just a quick pix taken on Easter of my little guys.

On second thought, I guess they really aren't that little. 

Bunny Baskets

I was talking to E and C's oldest son the other day on the way to the dojo.  Here is (kinda) how the conversation went:

Az: Are you my aunt?

Me:  Yes dear.

Az: Does that mean that we are all cousins?

Me:  Az, blood isn't what makes family.  Love is what makes family.  So yes.  We are family and I am your aunt.

Az: (short pause) Can I eat a snack before jiu jitsu?

(He's six, so I'm pretty lucky that the conversation lasted that long.)

 For Easter, our family celebrated with close friends and family.  The Val 6 pack, Sensei and fam, Ms. J, the E-Clan, and all the "guys" came for some good old fashion egg hunting.  Well... it was more like all the moms prepped, stuffed, organized, and hid plastic eggs.  All the guys bbq-ed , and all the kids ran wild all over my house.  Yup, that's a better description. 

The result:  all out egg war in the front yard.  Lots of fun, laughter, and candy.  Too much chocolate... if there is such a thing.  Following the eating, drinking, hunting, and chocolat-ing, the ladies thought it would be a *perfect* idea to...get this... take a Zumba class. 

 So Sissy ran us through a Zumba workout while the guys talked, laughed, and ate a delcious tri tip (that I couldn't have because of lent)  in the backyard and all the kids watched RIO and ate candy they found in those plastic eggs.

I don't know what I was thinking.  I mean, first we killed a bottle of delicious Almond Champagne (from the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula...that will be another blog.  Yummo)  They we got in the gym and did a workout. 

Crazy.  Crazy fun.

I'd like to share with you my three favorite 'Zumba Jen' favorite quotes:

"The more you shake, the more you burn!"

"This is my favorite move: dry your butt, dry your butt, dry your butt!"

"The most important things are to keep moving and have fun!"

She also said, "It's not a workout, it's a PARTY!"

She lied though.

It is a workout.

Bliss and Jelly Beans

 What a great way to start the Spring.  M&M, after meeting more than 15 years ago, finally tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Town and County in Mission Valley this month.  This particular wedding brought family from Nor Cal down to Sunny San Diego for the weekend.  We engaged in too much eating, lots of laughter, and the witnessing of a wonderful man married into our crazy but loving family.

 

The boys, sporting their new "fancy" threads, attending the ceremony and reception.  One of the newer trends that I've seen at events is setting up a Candy Bar for guests.  Of course, my kids were all over that idea.  Our littlest guy filled his bag with jelly beans and I'm guessing that the reason is because of all the colors.  It's not like he has ever really had any jelly beans in the past.

When he finally did try the little treats, he proceeded to chew each one and take it out of his mouth and place it in his fruit cup. He didn't like them apparently. 

Yeah, I thought it was gross too.

To my little guy:  Don't eat too many jelly beans.  They will rot your teeth.

To my cousin:  You are beautiful.  And , you were such a lovely bride.

To my newest cousin: Welcome to our crazy family.  Truly, you are a wonderful person and will make my cuz a happy woman.  Thank you for that.

Picture Day at the Dojo

Since it is Spring Break, I thought it would be productive to update the picture wall at the boys' dojo. Here are a couple of favorites so far.

Although I shot all the adults too, my favorites are all of the children in the dojo.   It takes such commitment and heart to pracitce this sport, so kudos to all the littles who keep coming back, falling down, getting up, coming back, ...

If you would like to see more, come by Brazilian Jui Jitsu Unlimited on Miramar Road.  tell them I sent ya!

Five is Fun!

For Moose's 5th birthday, Sis and No Neck decided that Boomers in Clairemont would be the perfect place to celebrate.  It was. 

My three boys had a great time riding those cheesy rides and playing a round of extreme miniture golf.  To them, it was a great way to spend the afternoon and for me ... well, the shutterbug in me was having a field day.  The miniature golf course, with its colorful displays and multi textured walls, is simply a photographer's gold mine.

Presenting:  Moose, Age 5.

"I'm FIVE!"

No Neck and Sissy's Bunch

My loves

They're THREE.

Ugg Boots and Shorts...so California.

Weeeee...

Welcome Back, Thomas

When the older boys where toddlers, they were obsessed with Thomas the tank Engine.  Hubby and I (along with grand parents, aunties, uncles, family friends, neighbors...) all contributed to the Thomas mania by purchasing all the "essential" items one birthday at a time.  By the time the boys outgrew that Thomas phase (well into elementary school)  we owned, like, everything. 

 Now that the baby is starting to learn a little bit about independent play, Thomas have come back into our lives, awaken from his slumber in a series of large Tupperware bins carefully stored in the garage. 

Baby has decided that Thomas and Friends are important enough to be all over the house .  And every morning - after the obligatory episode of Sponge Bob Squarepants or Kai Lan, the train set is put to good use.  It's basically how we start our day...everyday.

 The great thing about Thomas is that it is all imaginary play.  It's pretty funny, I've actually caught the baby putting Cranky the Crank in the fish bowl (because Cranky is near the Harbor on the cartoons and belongs near the water)   And the little guy is all about ownership.  No one else is really allowed to play with the trains unless invited.  He will often tell me, "Go away, Mama!"  if I try to clean up or move any of the strategically placed engines.

Some of my favorite times of the day are watching this little guy play with his trains.  I can tell he's learning everyday.  So, with an open heart, I say WELCOME BACK, THOMAS.  You've been missed.

The Rare Saturday Afternoon

No wrestling.  No jiu jitsu.  No football games or practices.  No photoshoots.  No parties, obligations, or appointments.

All I have are the following:  a sleeping daddy, a box of See's truffles, a hot pot of coffee, two video gamers, a dozen pink roses, and one little almost three year old playing the role of 'Mommy's Best Friend.'  

Of course, we all know what that adds up to be...

A pretty perfect Saturday afternoon.

Honoring ... Appreciating life

Friends have asked me, " Is it hard to be married to a cop?" To answer, I guess I have to say YES and NO. I really haven't known anything else other than to be married to a cop. There is the obvious: his job is dangerous. The other obvious (that has become more recently) is that the community doesn't value his job. I mean, or course people VALUE it, especially if they've been robbed, if there is an accident, or if something is missing. What I mean is that part where people want police services, they just aren't willing to pay any extra taxes to secure the protections or services. But hey, that's a whole other blog.

I guess that I define it a little differently. You see, I'm married to this great guy who happens to be an officer for his job. The part that is hard about it is that he and his job are hard to separate from each other. Being a teacher, I can have a tough day at work and by the time I get home, I can shake almost anything off. For him, a bad day at work literally can affect life. This difference is the reason why there really are heroes that live among us.



I had the privilege of accompanying hubby to CHRISTOPHER WILSON's funeral recently. Chris was a San Diego Police officer that was shot in the line of duty by someone not worth mentioning here. Hubby, being on the Honor Guard, has been to many police officers' funerals and would often tell me about it. But it wasn't until I saw with my own two eyes that I've come to understand what it means when the law enforcement community supports each other.

I walked into The Rock Church with the expectation that I would find Hubby right away. It is usually easy because he stands with such pride. What I met was a foyer filled with law enforcement officers from dozens of different agencies all over the nation, standing with the same pride and dignity that I have grown accustom to expecting from my other half.

During the 3 hour service, there were more than 10 speakers that shared funny, heartwarming stories and memories of the fallen officer. Even the Governator spoke to pay condolences to Officer Wilson's family and the City of San Diego as a whole.



Hearing the Governor, the Chief of Police and the Mayor of San Diego all share their thoughts was amazing, but the part that was overwhelming emotional was another officer that spoke. He was the last to speak (before the family) and shared his story with the thousands and thousands that attended the service. He was hurt in the line of duty a few years ago; a shot that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He shared his story of depression and sadness, as he was very young when the shooting took place. He then shared how Chris helped him through the darkest time of his life. Through their friendship, Chris was able to help him mentally, physically and emotionally to overcome demons that could have taken his life. After he spoke, the entire assembly stood and applauded this man, as another officer ( who had held the microphone for him as he spoke) wheeled him off the stage and down the ramp to join the others proudly dressed in the SDPD uniform.

The ceremony ended with all the uniformed officers standing at attention in the hot San Diego sun as the SDPD honor guard did the 21 gun salute, Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes, and a sole trumpet player played TAPS.



I don't know if there are other professions that are (should be) appreciated and recognized as widely as a police officer. I do know this: I am proud to be married to one. And I will continue to share him with our community as long as he wants to be a cop because what he does for our family, our community, our sons is important.

Hawai'i: My journey to a heavier me

My top 5 for 5. (Meaning : 5 reasons why I'm 5 pounds heavier)
To commemorate the increase in weight, I would like to offer my top 5 culinary adventures in Honolulu.

#5 - The Market Place in China Town.
Although we didn't actually consume any food at the market place, Chinatown offers every fruit and veggie you can think of that might exist. While walking, Kuya and I talked of a fruit that we once had in the Philippines (same size as kalmansi, green skin, clear on the inside.) Unfortunately, we couldn't find it and mom, dad, and sis had no idea what it was that we were talking about. SO, it seems that Kuya and I made the whole thing up.



#4 - Walking Distance and in view
Ihop attracts all the tourists within walking distance of the hotels. Smart marketing.


This particular morning, I opted for a spinach and tomato omelet, you know, cuz you can't get that on the mainland.


Although it was an extremely busy visit, sis and I did find one small window of time to sink our feet into the sand in front of the Sheraton a little bit of time one afternoon. 80 degrees, warm sand, an iced vanilla latte with my sister. Doesn't get much better than that. To top it off, we ran across a Yardhouse walking back to the hotel, so - of course- we stopped to have a drink and some delicious appetizers. Note to self: the words 'Fresh Fish' mean something completely different on an island. Ono-licious!


#3 - The Karaoke Bar and other stuff my family kept bringing around
At the funeral home, there was a room dedicated for refreshments. Of course, my family turned it into a party room. Pancit, desserts, coffee, tea, juice, running around, loud talking, laughter... it was like Uncle was alive and celebrating with all of us. The Hawaiians turned a funeral into a true celebration of life to remember a wonderful man. I guess that is the true tribute to a man. After all, aren't we defined by what we leave behind?




Then there was the karaoke bar. I swear, if I were a smart woman, I would open on of these bad boys in San Diego. I'm not talking about the cheesy ones you see in Clariemont. I'm talking about a beautifully decorated, warm, and comfortable place for families to assemble and be together. This particular joint provided coolers, tables, and ice. The family did the rest. Homemade spam musubi, ahi and other delicious sashimi, cupcakes, rice, skewers... The only regret I have from this is that I was so darn full from lunch that I didn't feel like I got a chance to take full advantage of the food. Luckily, the family offered for us to take the musubi back with us to the hotel...no need to stuff it all in the purse.



Then there was the restaurant. Nine courses (might be 8 or 10 actually, I stopped counting after the roast duck showed up) We had just come from the military ceremony at the cemetery. Since it was a private burial, the best idea was to - surprise, surprise - grab a bite to eat.

I wanted to stop eating, but I'm only human. It was "authentic" Chinese food. And, man oh man, oh so good.

#2 - The Rare Buffet

Kuya said that it isn't smart for Hawaiians to open buffets. This is because food is such a staple in culture for the islanders. Plus, buffets would lose money.

We did take a morning stroll to the Hale Koa Hotel,as the breakfast buffet there is rumored to be one of the best. Since we woke up every morning at 5 am, we took our time walking around Waikiki to make it to the hotel.



We ate at a table overlooking the beach on an outdoor patio. What a lovely morning spent with my family.

#1 - Zippy's.
OK, ok. I know it is the equivalent of Denny's, but it is open 24 hours and you can have anything you like at any time of the day. There are three wonderful parts: a fast food option (think: Panda Express), a bakery, and a full restaurant. We took advantage twice because you can't just go once.



Before the funeral, we walked across the street to enjoy breakfast. Sis and I are smart ones... we each order a meal and swap halfway. That way, you get to have more than one entree. The problem is, halfway through my loco moco, I didn't want to trade. The swap was worth it ... the banana pancakes were perfect.

Upon arriving in Honolulu, the family met us at the Alamo rental place and we went directly to Zippy's down the street. I had the saimin and Sis ordered the Korean chicken. I would go back again just to have a spoon full of that chicken.


And there you have it. Too much eating. But here's the glorious part about it. At the end of the day, I will lose the 5 pounds (or maybe not) but I will never lose the memories that I made with my family. That's living.