Shima

I meant to do this yesterday:

I have the best mom in the world, love you mom :)

S H I K E aka M Y F A M I L Y

So I was in UT 3 weeks ago for my cousins wedding. I got to spend lots of time with my family, from the water park, farmers market, church & family photo session. We're still minus one family member (he's still serving a church mission in Tulsa, OK), but it was good to get together for pics. Once again they're changes in the family and people are moving so its good to "capture" the memories while I can. Here are some of my favorites :)

My mother and her favorite daughter :)

Begay women candid.

"I am like a star shining brightly..."

I love my family! I've seriously been blessed into greatness:) Ahe'hee shike...I'm keep you all! Hasta las eternidades! Photos by Laura D.

SHE'S HERE!!!

She came last night. I'll let Jo do a more thorough update. Just wanted to post that she's finally here! She's looks so precious and like Jo (well they both are Sagittarius'). My parents finally made it there through the snow storm. Let just hope Jo makes a quick recovery. Congratulations Romo Family!!!! She's BEAUTIFUL!

Yosea 9.72 lbs. 12/17/2008

Welcome to the family!!! We love and are glad you're here! :)

Joseph belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

Joseph getting baptized this weekend, means getting to see/spend time with friends/family. Here are some highlights from my weekend. The baptism (Joseph, Jo, Lelani and Deann):The babes! I'm a proud Auntie of 4 adorable kids (Tay Tay and Ansel fish watching @ Shasta Museum, after our 1 mile walk for free tee shirts;):

OPEN SESAME! Plus snacks are delicious!

Tay Tay found a nice big puddle for entertainment after the days rain.

Got to see Rach (its been since her wedding, June 28):

Spent time con mis padres (Dad with the boys):
And, got to play in the water (thanks Cowboy Josh) in Sequoia National Park.

All in all it was a lovely, successful weekend. Joseph's baptism went fantastic and I'm glad I was able to be there. Now we just need another event to get together again! Love you family!

GRATITUDE!!!

"TROOP ET"

So, many of you know that we lost someone very dear to us earlier this year.  What I didn't mention, was that it was the Lupus that called her home. I'm probably like many of you who had little exposure to the disease.  All I knew is that an Elder in my mission had it. He had to tract with a hat on and ultimately had to stay and help out in the mission office due to his sensitivity to light.  Now I can that I know more about the disease, only because I've been able to see it in action.  But for those of you who don't know much, here are some of the facts:

• Over 1.5 million Americans have lupus
• More than 90% of people with lupus are women
• In the United States, lupus is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans than Caucasians
• Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain
• For some people, lupus is a mild disease affection only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems.
• Studies suggest that more than 16,000 American develop lupus each year.

I finally signed up today on-line for the Lupus Walk. This will be Troop ET's 2nd year doing the walk. Anyways, last year one of the Aunties collected $400? last minute.  She asked co-workers and friends for whatever amount they could contribute...people donated $5, $10...etc. which all amounted to larger sum (aka "by small and simples things shall great things come to pass").  Anyways, I took time out from billable work to set up my page on the Lupus web-site.  And began sending out e-mails (you may have been one of the lovely recipients) for donations to our team.  I slacked on raising money last year, and was determined to be more proactive...unfortunately, I have a more personal reason for being proactive this year. But if anything this should be a sign of awareness of how quickly and devastating this disease can be. Last year Eme was walking with us, and this year we're walking in her memory. Anyways, this year's walk will be Sat. October 18th at Exposition Park in LA. I would like to invite you to join me, or donate in support of the cause as we Walk for Lupus Now!

I was prompted to write this blog as already I've received donations. I'm happy and overjoyed at the support (no matter how big or small).  We really can make a difference and I thank you all for whatever support you can give! It started off at $25...but can collectively amount to much more.  

You can support the cause by donating to the Lupus foundation as I walk not only in memory of a cherished friend, but for those who are currently suffering and hoping for a cure. Click here to go to my donation page. Ahe'ee :)

We love and miss you Eme!

I Love Little Brothers....

Okay, so technically its Sept. 20th, but the 26 min. over will have to go unnoticed while I give a shout out to my little baby brother today....

H A P P Y 20th B I R T H D A Y B A K E S ! ! !

That right, my favorite missionary finally left his teenage years behind. He's been out 9 months now, serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and is doing fantastic. He actually was suppose to have a baptism today. What better present could you ask for? That just might be a better than those single serving Nutella packets I sent him :) Anyways, hope you had a great one Elder Bakersman. Keep up the good work, I know the Lord appreciates your service...as well as his children that you're serving!

Also, today was National Talk Like a Pirate Day...I hope you all celebrated, maties...we celebrated @ Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribeean style :) I hope ye arrrrren't to sad if ye missed it. Well shiver me timbers, ye can always celerbrate! Arrrrggg!

PROPOSITION 8

"Hi, I am with 'Yes on Proposition 8' and I'm in your neighborhood today. Are you familiar with Proposition 8? Well, basically, its to be an amendment to the Constitution that says:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

This was basically my "opening" when going around a couple Sat.'s ago as many of us Californians walked for Proposition 8. We we door to door asking people how they would vote, if they were to vote today. I knocked probably 120 doors for ~3 hours. Sadly enough, only 3 households whose doors I knocked said that they'd vote, "YES." It was an overwhelming response of, "I could never support that. I would have to say NO."

Now I don't consider myself to be very politically minded. I am a registered voter, but I have never been one to join campaign or even watch presidential debates, ect. So me going door to door with a campaign for a Proposition is out of the ordinary. I debated on staying home that Sat. morning (thank you Allison for encouraging me to go). I had to think about why I believe in this enough to go door-to-door (besides being strongly encouraged by my church officials). I believe strongly in the family unit, as defined by mother, father and children. In thinking of what it would be like for my future children to grow up in a world where that was the norm or having to explain why "Jimmy" had 2 daddy's...I don't want that. And then there's the issue of adoption...wow. The following are other consequences that would result if the amendment didn't pass:

"The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage did not just overturn the will of California voters; it also redefined marriage for the rest of society, without ever asking the people themselves to accept this decision. This decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, because public schools are already required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum, schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergartners. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman, the Court decision has opened the door to any kind of “marriage.” This undermines the value of marriage altogether at a time when we should be restoring marriage, not undermining it." (taken from http://www.protectmarriage.com/).

I'm still doing my research. I encourage you all to do the same. I've already had conversation/confrontations about my stance on this issue. There is possibility to burn many bridges, but I feel strongly about this.
 
There are also other good articles that you can check out in the LDS newsroom.

Donations are also being accepted at http://www.protectmarriage.com/ 

OR you can also sign up there to volunteer. We're already been seeing media spots for the opposing side (tv commercials, radio spots). Any small amount would help. Anyways, check out the website and let me know if any of you have any enlightment on the subject. Thanks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Ya'at'eeh bi'birthday shima! Its her day! Wish I could spend it with her, but I'll consider myself lucky to have spent the weekend with her. Enjoy your massage!

P.S. Can I please look this good when I'm her age? Love you mom:)

Its a beautiful day. I think I'll go for a walk outside...

Its June Gloom. Here's something thats not so gloomy:
This is what became of this years Family Reunion T-shirts. Vileena on Photoshop and me on the scanning skillz. :)

Memorial Day

I realized today how greatful I am for:

• Soldiers who have fought in the miltary, and especiallly those whom have died for the cause; for their bravery and willingness to serve so many who don't appreciate their service and whom they've never yet.
• For a country who still believes that "In God We Trust."
  
• FREEDOM
• The older, more patriotic generation for reminding us younger generation how important it is to have pride in our country and honor in our flag.
• Those who care to visit the grave sites of loved ones past and take care in cleaning the headstones and replacing the flowers.
  
• Avon, for being so loving and accepting of others and for leaving a legacy behind of patriotism and fun a vividness for life.

Thank you for your service from the WWI to our soldiers who are currently serving. AHE'HEE and Happy Memorial Day!

I'm in PHX

This weekend has been all about family, family, and more family. I flew in Thurs. night and have since been all around PHX area and up to Flag. I'm currently with the babe while her parents are out for dinner. I was able to meet up with my parents as well as other family members for breakfast (I'll post pics later). I was also able to see shinuli while in Flag. She looks like she's doing well and she's still my hero. She'll be 100 this June. Her cute sisters in the same home, 102 :) All I could understand from her was, "Shijekalh" aka "I can't hear well." Anyways...Monday means back to the daily grind.

peace

To My Sister from another Mister

8.22.82 - 4.7.08

Love you Eme, you'll be deeply missed.

For more information on how you can help the cause, or find a Lupus walk in your area.

The 602...

My Favorite Things About "The Valley"...

• My hair dried in no time due to the arid climate and stayed straight all day long:)
  


• Seeing family that I haven't seen in AGES (pictured below):
  
  
  
  
  
  


• Spending time with friends...and making new ones:)

• Kissing cowboys...yee haw!



• SUNS games.



• And finally, cacti and desert views:)

All in all it was a fantastic weekend...good thing I get to go back. ROUND II here I come!

*nigh, night*