FOUR GENERATIONS

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord -2 Corinthians 5:8

Today we reflect on the life of my Grandma Aning, Carolina U. Rabanal.  Born to life in 1923 and born into eternal life on January 31, 2009.  A quality life pursued.  Sixty-seven years of marriage with our grandfather Isabelo, Sr.  Eight children: Isabelo, Jr, Alex, Lita, Tessie, Wally, Marissa, Divina and Babylyn.  Fifteen grandchildren: Don, Rommel, Roger, Randy, Liza, Joel, Hazel, Jun, Angelica, Catherine, April, Stacey, JR, Michelle and Bryan. And Eight Great Grandchildren: Leilani, Nevaeh, Adam, Abby, Dino, Patrick, Isabel and Igi boy.

I remember her kisses, she would greet me from afar with her eyes squinted, cigarette backwards in her mouth, yelling and laughing that she could recognize me.  She would hold my face, sniff both my cheeks, mumble words in ilocano, as I hug her tightly and giggle, I could smell the strong scent of cigarettes on her clothes. She wore a beanie and about 3 layers of clothing because she was so petite and always cold.  My fondest memory would be circa 1987, it was my merienda almost everyday: cold rice and about three Rolo's. Yup she would heat up the cold bowl of rice and rolo's in the microwave and serve it to me and boy did she make sure I ate the whole bowl! lol.... Oh the sweet memories... how I love and miss my grandma and I'm sure all the family does as well.  I have dreams of her every now and then and feel peace that she's with God. It was her dream to see me get married...every time she saw me she would ask me (trying her best to speak english) "when are you getting married." I would just laugh and tell her don't worry, you'll get to see me walk down the aisle.  When Chad and I got married last September, her absence was felt deeply.  What made the grieving process easier was that she knew we all loved her, we knew she loved us and we knew that god had used her life for this glory.

Today we remember a woman of courage, strength, love, and a long quality life lived.  We love you Gramma and miss you so much!

Here favorite, a game of remi, the last time I saw her, hugged her, smelled her, kissed her, touched her

my 21st birthday, Las Vegas

some of the g/g kids

1.29.2011

SWEET VAEH CAFE

Leilani came up with a cute name for Nevaeh's play kitchen a while back, so I decided to use that for the title and thought it was appropriate for this blog entry.  The family and I spent the day running errands and while we were shopping/browsing we came across a cupcake recipe book.  For only $6.98 and 100 recipes, we had to buy it! Most of the ingredients were bought at Target and we couldn't wait to come home and start baking! Finally after a few months, I'm back on the grind in the kitchen (yes...finally!!!) LOL! So Lani and I will be baking more from the recipe book and we plan to send some out for Valentines day...Yay!

Model: Vaeh Stylist: Lani Photo by: Mommy

best if bought at Target you will save lots of $$$ 

fresh out the oven and cooled for 10 min.

Red velvet cupcakes make with love :P

made from scratch

red velvet meets cookies n creme 

my lil cake tester

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT!

Just wanted to wish one of my BFFs a very Happy Birthday! I love you Glen! Thank you for your friendship and support all these years! Today we celebrate you! MUAH! XOXO

Through thick and thin!

Photo by: Sarah K Chen

DAILY DEVOTION

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. -Luke 6:45

A LANI CELEBRATION

Bowling + AYCE Pizza 

  

Love my daughters!

  
  

Red Velvet Cups!

                      

DIY Tacos y Nachos! By the best Taco Man: CHAD!

                      

DIY Short Rib tacos with Kimchee! BOMB!

                      

Chad: How do you beat up a lumpia? You PANCIT! lolllllll 

    

CCS!

Family 

Jessie + Vaeh

Lani loves oreos!

Magic candles :P

Best daughter + God son

Lani got a special note from Mommy on the Wii

Thank you all for the love and support! Love you lots!

CALIFORNIA SCIENCENTER

I can vaguely remember the days of my youth taking field trips and bringing my lunch pail with a thermos, sandwich and some chips.  Many moons later here I am as a chaperone for Leilani's fifth grade class.  We headed out in a brand new school bus with seat belts down to the CaliforniaScienCenter.  We got to experience an IMAX film: Hubble, an hour tour of the center and a lunch outside on a bright warm sunny day.  I will definitely be taking my girls and family there again.  Here are some photos that I hope you enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy 11th Birthday to our sweet, shy at times/sassy spirited young lady, Leilani Jade!!!  You continue to inspire me with your generous ways, your loving touch and your talent in art, dance, gaming and shopping, hehe :D I love that you are always giving and thinking of others before yourself.  Thank you for sharing your chic self and beauty with us all!  Wishing you a fun filled day, all you can eat cake and all the true love in the world.  We love you babe and may god bless you with all your hearts desires!

Photo by: Sarah K Chen Photography

Photo by: Sarah K Chen Photography

click for slide show

ONE FOR ONE

Happy Friday!!!

Well here it is, the long awaited giveaway I've been talking about, if you ever get a chance, check out TOMS, a movement to help children in need.  BOOM...I'm all for it: comfort, style and giving back! So for the love of giving, here is a free pair of TOMS that my daughter Leilani and I put together for one lucky reader. To enter simply email me at chadsliza@gmail.com or leave a comment and tell us ONE thing you would change in LA for our children.  (big or small) Yup thats it! Simple as that! Good luck everyone and lets make this fun :D Winner will be chosen by Feb. 7th!

Blog post dedicated to Leilani, who turns 11 tomorrow!

Color: Olive ~ Style: Classic Canvas ~ Size: 7 (winner can exchange at any Nordys for different size, etc.)

TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF LOVE

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. -Colossians 3:12-17

Thank you Mom and Dad for teaching us to keep God as our center, this scripture is so perfect for the representation of their marriage and unity, Happy Anniversary to our Parents Darlene and Derek.  May god continue to love you, keep you and bless you with his promises.  We love and thank you for being our mentors, our best friends and our strength.  Cheers to many more years of love!

All our love,
Liza, Chad, Lani & Vaeh