Putting our house in order
The hardest step in tackling a dreaded task is taking the first step. But once you get started it gives you this sense of accomplishment turning the dreaded task into an exciting project.
I am {Simply} Grateful for my Labor Day Weekend Nesting
Cleaning and organizing a closet is so much like cleaning and organizing the mind.
A de-cluttered closet enables us to see our clothes and accessories more clearly making it easier to find needed things and more fun preparing/getting ready whenever we need to.
A clean and organized mind allows for clearer thoughts making it easier to 'find' whatever it is we need to understand.
I may be a ways to an organized home but I am simply grateful for the progress I am making in clearing my soul.
De-cluttering the soul of worries and anxieties allows for a quiet heart making it easier to 'find' the peace and joy amidst the clutter in a not so clean world.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/07/2008 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
for great ending to a wonderful summer vacation.
- a visit from "inspired" guests
- finished kitchen. Yehey! finally done! I am also simply grateful for having been blessed with a second home we can retire to anytime we need to (specially during a renovation:)
- van maintenance in time for back-to-school. (oil change, tires, and air filter that Phil and I learned to replace)
- Successful and fun show for Isabella at Pier 39
- for the love and support of BFF's (thank you ate Cecile for driving from a company picnic in San Jose to San Francisco to watch and photograph Isabella's performance at Pier 39. Then making a disk for us until almost midnight. I am so very grateful for the time, energy, support and love you showered us....it will forever be remembered and cherished.
- for a genuine mutual admiration among BFF's at such a young age
for the good timing of a bad thing
for Isabella's academic recognition/achievement as an entering 4th grader and for her love of learning and love for everything she gets to do.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/28/2008 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
- for a wonderful summer
- starting with a fabulous vacation with great friends
- followed by fun and successful home projects and dance shows
- great visit to Union City
- Isabella's BFF, Krystn's, sleepover fun
- Isabella's swimming fun with brothers
- Immanuel's demo with Choi's Martial Arts at Fremont Arts Festival
- taekwondo practice
- meeting missed friends, ate Cecile and Belle V., even for a brief moment
- visit from my ever so caring ate Janette and husband, Kuya Lando (always fun and uplifting)
- for helpful and considerate children
- Phil who thought of and chose to bring his bike to school to save on parking fees
- Phil who installed new toilets
- Isabella who made painting the bathroom fun
- Immanuel who took on revamping the old Supra for brother Ian
- Phil and Immanuel with friend, Jonick who worked on the fence
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/10/2008 0 comments
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{Simply Grateful}
- for safe drive to/from Union City
- for a chance to get together and have delightful conversations with great friends
- splendid dinner at Kioku Sushi with birthday girl, ate Cecile, the epitome of 47 at its best...inside and out
- glorious lunch the following day at Gerry's Grill with another beautiful friend inside and out, ate Janette.
- fantastic lunch with Tessie who took time to visit me yesterday for a chance to fellowship and help me get moving on my to do list (dental appointments and kitchen countertop; she called dentists and granite shops)
- for finished kitchen cabinet painting...one big to-do project finally checked off...feels soooo good.
- for a very nice new laptop (purplely pink complete with swirly flower designs)...perfect mother's day present.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/07/2008 0 comments
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{Simply Grateful}
- for the beautiful Chumash Park just down the road from our house. The kids have been enjoying playing with each other at the park on a regular basis.
- for Phil who picked up Isabella from her acting class so I could attend my favourite body jam class (despite the abrupt notice)
- for a husband who tries so hard to battle his "workaholic" tendencies and generate balance
- for Ian's positive disposition reflected in his wonderful 3rd quarter grades.
- for the wonderful habit of reading a devotional with Isabella before bed and then praying afterwards.
I prayed out loud with heartfelt gratitude as I feel the deep love that abound among my wonderful children: "Thank you dear Lord for blessing me with the best children."
Isabella (almost half asleep): "Do you know what God is telling you right now mommy?"
Me: "What?"
Isabella: "He said he gave you the best kids because you're the best mommy." - ....for moments that take our breath away.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/23/2008 1 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
- for angels watching over people close to my heart
- for blessed pastors who continue to enlighten, inspire and exemplify Christ
- for wonderful and inspiring new series at New Life entitled: Slaying the Dragons of Deception (last week's part 1: The Battle that Rages)
- for organizations (i.e. R U Thirsty.org) that work and serve as an extension of God's almighty and loving arms
- for uplifting and exhilarating worship songs
fave lines:
open the eyes of my heart Lord,
I want to see you.
Take my mind, transform it;
Take my will, conform it;
to Yours, Oh Lord.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/06/2008 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
- for flowering orchids greeting us upon our return from spring break
- for a hand-me-down treo phone (thanks to my friend Tessie) that came just in time of my razor's death
- for a very nice lunch with great company at the wonderful ambiance of Adelina's Bistro (thank you Steven and Tessie)
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/03/2008 0 comments
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{Simply Grateful}
This past week is filled with so much blessings and I am simply grateful....
- for a very fun-filled, relaxing and productive spring break
- for a delightful time with the whole family (complete with Immanuel and his new dog, Pirate)
- for wonderful time with my BFF, ate Cecile and family (including a great dance exercise class she took me to)
- for a BFF who is ever so sweet, caring, kind, generous and full of energy
- for a chance to reconnect with long missed taekwondo family
- for Immanuel's gold medal marking his 10th year in taekwondo competition
- for the love, care and support amongst my children
- for Isabella's perfect first sleepover in the comapny of two great friends (Krystn and Illahe)
- for a safe drive (despite the speeding ticket:)
- for a clean and relaxing home to come home to
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/01/2008 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
for a sweet husband
- who offered to fill in for my volunteer work at Isabella's school so I could attend my class at the gym
- who lovingly took Isabella to her pajama party when I was too tired to go
- who prepared a wonderful dinner ready for me when I got back from the dance studio(carefully prepared with asst. Chef Isabella complete with menu.... preciously priced!....payable with kisses! how divine!)
for a wonderful afternoon with great friends (thank you Tess and Steven for a great lunch at the resort club bistro of your new wonderful home)
for treasured family times and special bonding times with my precious children
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/13/2008 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
- for wonderful and uplifting conversations with angel friends
- for a baby girl who says to me when I start getting worried and anxious: "mommy remember you're TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED"
- for a husband who feels deep joy as he gives unconditional love to a son who so needs and deserves it
- for children who recognize their parents' unconditional love and then responding with love and joy
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/17/2008 1 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
- for spiritual disciplines
- for manifestations of maturity in my faith (as I listen to my friends' trials, I begin to hurt for their pain and hear myself offer light into their darkness)
- for surroundings that foster a grateful heart and continual communion with my God
- for a husband who encourages me to attend my favorite body flow and body jam classes
- for the time and energy to enjoy my classes at the gym on a regular basis
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/15/2008 1 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful}
so so many things to be grateful for
- for God's unfailing guidance as He continues to lead me to find something bright in my darker moments; as He continues to send much needed support through the love of angel friends.
- for angelic conversations
- for a touching and inspiring ecard from an angel friend
- for wonderful quality family times (enjoying each other's company as we share in either home cooked meals or meals by the beach; as we drive to Port San Luis to buy crabs that dad cooked for cioppino; as we walk hand in hand through the Port; as Isabella and I watch Phil boogie board)
- for a husband who is here for a week, lending a helping hand and strengthening family ties
- for Phil's company at church (two Sundays in a row)
- for Immanuel's safety as he ventures out into the world, as he lends a helping hand to the world around him
- for Ian who says to me after I pick him up from school "as long as I have a loving home, I will be ok"
- for Isabella who makes handmade presents for everyone in the family including grandpa in heaven
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/14/2008 0 comments
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{Simply Grateful} 12/6/2007
- so very grateful that I was able to drive Ian to school before the van overheated again (it was so scary as the van was smoking all over the place as I was climbing the hill to our house; I jumped out of the van as soon as I reached the house; then I was able to refill the radiator fluid as it was empty again after the boys filled it up last night;
- so very grateful that I got to drive Isabella to school before I had to call AAA to tow the van to the shop;
- so very grateful that Phil got done with his finals for the day just in time to give me a ride.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/06/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful 12/5/2007}
- for sons who are willing and able to do a temporary fix to my van (the radiator fluid burst just as I was pulling into the driveway; it was an alarming sight as it steamed and leaked all over the front}
- that the car mishap happened at home and not in the middle of my school bus service
- for a sweet darling daughter who, at my stressful moment, says to me "mom breathe remember you're too blessed to be stressed" (we saw this quote while shopping for a present for the birthday of a classmate last Saturday)
- christmas shopping started yesterday and halfway done
- halfway done with christmas cards
- for my son, Phil, who after his review session last Sunday, bought our christmas tree and put it up
- for a chance to decorate the tree with Isabella
- for a quality time with Ian last Monday
- for my son, Immanuel, who put up outdoor christmas lights
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/05/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 11/24/2007
for the discipline of solitude and silence (much needed especially during times when I get caught up in overwhelming projects)
for the strength to carry out a vision for an improved kitchen
for not losing sight of my ultimate divine vision allowing balance and joy along the way
for an intimate thanksgiving lunch, full of grace and love, with my wondeful family
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/24/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 11/01/2007
....for a sweet 40th birthday in the company of my whole family
....for touching well wishes from friends and family closest to my heart
....for a fun time trick or treating with Belle, Ian and Russ
....for a nice bonding time with Ian
....for Immanuel's safety on halloween night away from home
....for Phil's continued diligence and pride in his work
....for the twinkle in my mom's eyes
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 10/27/2007
....for a fun family time at the beach (Pumpkins on the Pier)
....for the soothing loveliness of our blooming rose garden
God hath not promised
Skies ever blue,
Flower strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
-Annie Johnson Flint
My prayer:
Dear God,
Right now these flowers are in bloom
Soon they will wither and fall but they will bloom again
As I delight in the constant renewal of life
may it serve as a silent reminder of your promise
not of flower strewn pathways all our lives through
but of your constant presence and undying love
and help me remember that though we plant and water,
it is you who provides the life and growth.
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/27/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 10/22/2007
....for an opportunity to share a church friend's grief and show our love and support in her time of loss
....for Isabella's memorable birthday (through the graciousnes of ate Cecile she will forever remember and rave of watching the HS Musical on ice with her BFF on her 8th bday)
....for a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate covered pretzels from thoughtful ate Pinky that came in an opportune time of my chocolate fit
....for a wonderful dinner full of FUN (through the kindness of ate Pinky) in the company of my BFF and her whole family (it was very nice meeting her beautiful and wise mom & dad for the first time)
....for a chance to witness the joy in the sweet eyes of two wonderful girls as they spend time together during a sleep-over and most of Sunday
....for hope as my "lost sheep" start showing some signs of maturity
....for a safe drive back
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/22/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 10/09/2007
for a chance to watch the sunset with Isabella after her dance class
for a friend who inspires me to take photographs
and who continues to encourage me to write from my heart
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/10/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
{Simply Grateful} 9/11/2007
for a husband who encourages me to take care of myself and go to the gym
for an opportunity to go to the gym (body flow class)
for a time to be still and renew
for a chance to show my love and support to my mom (helped her take a shower)
for my mom's ankle's slow but sure recovery
Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/11/2007 0 comments
Labels: Personal Thanks
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