2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Doodle Pros

Do you think I have enough of these? Nah, I don't think so.

Actually, I had two older ones before these.  I guess people think I really love them.  I do!  I think when they see me they think,  "Hmmm...Maya = Doodle Pro." They help me practice drawing, writing, and recognize words.  I have one in the car, in the kitchen, in my bedroom, and one that my mom finds at random spots.  Other uses for it are for grocery lists, reminders for my dad, and the one in the car could be used to write messages to not-so-polite drivers. Get one for yourself today!

Holiday Getaway Two

My family and I went to Big Bear after Christmas. We stayed in a cozy cabin tucked away in the mountains. Mommy and auntie kept me and Kayla busy and planned each meal for everyone. Daddy and uncle made sure the driveway is clear of snow and ice. Lolo and lola made sure were not in the way of any of the activities above. We played in the snow to our hearts content. We took turns sliding on the snow discs. Even my lolo and lola went on them! I also made a giant snow ball (thanks, uncle) that I'm gonna throw at 'cha when I see you. Yeah, you. It'll probably melt before then. Count yerself lucky... My mommy, daddy, uncle, and auntie played a wicked game of Jenga and Catch Phrase one night.  They were getting loud and almost woke us up. The way I see it is Jenga is just building blocks and Catch Phrase is talking nonesense like us toddlers. Oh well, if they think it's really fun so be it. We also celebrated uncle's birthday. We got to wear party hats (!) and eat chocolate cake and ice cream. Yessss! Kayla and I hung out and played all kinds of games like Candyland, "follow the later", etc. What? You don't know what "follow the later" is?! It's me doing something like marching around the couch and Kayla following my every move. The adults keep correcting me and saying it's "follow the leader". Tsk, tsk...nah I still say "follow the later". We had a good holiday and I hope you did too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!

Holiday Getaway

Brrrrr....

Happy Christmas to you!

Forty-Four Years

Once there was a boy named Ben who met one of his sister's college classmates at a party.  He asked his sister to introduce him to the girl.  Her name is Norma.  He lived in the country side and she lived in the city.  Every week he would make a 2-3 hour trip by bus to wait outside Centro Escolar University's gate to see her.  Many times, the girl would know that the boy would be waiting at the gate through a spy and she would exit the back gate.  Sadly, the boy would make the 2-3 hour bus ride back home without seeing her.  After many, many of these meeting attempts, she finally agreed to go out with the boy who turned out to be a very cool dude.  They eventally said "I Do".  That was forty four years ago in 1965.  Ten years later, my mommy was born.  That's her in the picture during her baptism in 1975. 

Here are they on their 40th wedding anniversary at The Church of Santa Susanna in Rome, Italy.

With Father Greg during their renewal of vows

Mommy, Lola, and Lolo in Florence

So...to recap..
44 years
2 daughters
2 son-in-laws
2 grandaughters

Happy Wedding Anniversary, Lola and Lolo!!

I love you.
Maya

Maya's Book Corner

I love books.  Every night I get to pick two books for my mom to read to me. Some nights I trick her into reading two or three more.  Those are good nights.  It's just one of my delay tactics before going to bed. If you like books like I do, you may enjoy some of my current favorites. They make good holiday gifts too.

"The Tale Of Peter Rabbit "

A classic.  Ask your mom or dad to do an old grumpy man's voice with no teeth when doing Mr. McGregor's lines.  It's funny that way.  Also, so you won't be too scared when he's chasing Peter Rabbit. 

"Are You My Mother?"

One of Dr. Seuss' many, many books. It's a little bird looking for his mother.  I kinda feel bad for him because he doesn't know that his mommy is a bird. Not a hound dog or a cow

or a hen or a...

 

"We're Going On A Bear Hunt"

I know, I know...you're thinking what in the world is a whole family doing bear huntin'...with a stick? But trust me, it's a fun book to read. You'll be saying the lines in no time.  You may also want to use it for a cheer when you're in high school. Sometimes, you may hear your mom saying the lines while she's washing the dishes.

"Corduroy"

I love this book. Corduroy, the bear, just wants a friend.  Nuff said.

"Animalia"

Alright, this is probably one of the coolest books I've ever seen.  This is learning ABCs with a twist. Each page has stunning art work by Graeme Base comprised of things and animals starting with the letters of the alphabet.  Don't forget to read the poem he wrote in the intro page so you'll know what to do.  Happy hunting!

Here is my side table with some of my books.  Gather all your friends around and get the reading party started!

Miss Pants Head

HAVE A GREAT WEEK, FOLKS!

This is me at 4 months.  Hope you'll have a better week that I was having here. I had pants on my head, no teeth, and I had a giant purple bib around my neck to catch mad drool.  Cheerio!

Holiday Cards

My mom and I made some rather non-traditional holiday cards for my friends at school.

All you need are blank card stock, yarn, pom poms, felt, tube cleaners, googly eyes, scissors, and glue. You'll make a pretty good group of jolly looking cards.  Cool, huh?

Giving

It's that time of year when everyone's busy shopping for everyone on their list.  A watch, a handbag, a shiny new iPod, a new Wii system....that's fine and dandy, but I think we need to also consider others especially ones who are in need. Over the past weekend, my mom told me that some kids don't have toys to play with. She asked me if I would be willing to part with some them so other kids may have a chance to play with them.  After looking at my toys and considering the suggestion, I said yes.  So I picked these ones to give away.

My mom and dad were surprised that I'm willing to give Brobee away. He's the green dude. I figured why not? I already played with him, so let another kid have fun with him, right?

See my stuffed dog? Man, this guy kept me company when I was still a little tot. He taught me many songs and body parts and stuff. I'm sad to see him go, but I'm sure another baby will really enjoy him. Daddy dropped them off at a local donation center.

Also, in the spirit of giving we put together care packs for the homeless. We got some of the basic stuff together like canned soups, granola bars, soap, towels, shampoo, deodorant, first aid kit, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent, nail clippers, reusable cups and food containers, ermergency blankets, ponchos, notebook, and pen.

I was having difficulty understanding why one would not have a toothbrush or toothpaste or soup.  My mom explained that sometimes people have a hard time even getting these simple things because they do not have money to buy them. I asked "They don't have a piggy bank?'  My mom said no.  After that I quietly helped my mom put the things in the backpacks. 

Let's always be grateful for what we have and try to enjoy the simpler things in life.  If you can, please give this holiday season.

If you are intersted in knowing more about homelessness, please go to: http://www.unionstationhs.org/index.html

Top Chef

I'm preparing an exquisite meal for the Top Chef judges.  I'm hoping I win because I have my lucky flower chef hat on.  Oh whoops, you know what I forgot?  The food!  Gotta go!

Three

Today I turned three.

I celebrated with my friends in the Ladybugs class with Ms. Nellie.

My mom and dad brought pizza, yogurt, and fruit. Everyone gobbled up everything.  My mom was astounded as to how much 3-year olds eat.  We eat a lot!

After we ate, Ms. Nellie made sure we all brushed our teeth.

Look what we did in class. Everyone drew on the canvas my dad brought as a keepsake for my birthday. I will hang it in my room and will sure remind me of this fun day.

In the evening, we had dinner with family.  I finally know how to do "three" with my fingers.

Here's my cake with three candles.

After we ate dinner and cake, Kayla and I piled on my daddy just cuz. We were tired and he's like a comfortable lazy boy.  It was a nice day.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving 2009. 

Here's us waiting for the rest of the family to arrive.

Three of us girls (and uncle) played outside for a little while.

Photo courtesy by Mike Tinio

Then it was time to eat!!  Boy were we stuffed!

The following day we headed down to San Diego to spend time with Great Aunt Vi and Great Grandma.  We had a very nice time with them.

We also celebrated my birthday early by lighting three candles on the pumpkin pie to make a wish.

I am thankful for our family and good health. I am grateful for the blessings we've had this year. Our thoughts go out to people who are less fortunate than us and for those who don't have families to celebrate the holidays with. May they find peace, light, and love within themselves to see themselves through each and every day.