G A Y L E

THANKFUL & BLESSED :)

2012-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17

Father, God, thank You for the moments in my life that bring me joy and thank You for great memories to help me get through those moments that cause me pain. Help me to lean on You when I'm top of the world or walking through the valley. Amen.

Holiday Party = Gayle's Mint Chip Cookies!

2012-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

COOKIES! It was cookie baking time this past weekend. OH BOY! I forgot how much I love these cookies! They make the house smell so good. For those of you that don't know about these cookies, I only bake them once a year for the holidays. They're mint chocolate chunk cookies dipped in mint chocolate, specifically ANDES mint chunks. I usually give them as gifts or bring them to a holiday party. This year our holiday party was hosted by us. We had so much help from our best friends - The Lorenz, Gallardo, Villena, Ingel, Tamayo, Tamares, Escobal Families, & Janelle too! Thanks for such a great time. We love you guys!

Cookies cooling before being dipped :)

Dipped and ready to eat!

Check out our spread! Thanks to all the love & hard work that was put into
preparing this holiday feast! Love you guys! Merry Christmas!
I think there was more desserts, than food :)

Oh the joy in their faces! I love watching kids open their Christmas gifts.
PRICELESS!

Mikey's new BF, Andrew!

PATIENCE

2012-01-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:5)

Last month, Mike and I have decided to purchase a new condo. It seems like it has great price, location, and size for us and our future children. But going over (and over and over and over) our finances, we have starting debating whether or not to buy a used home instead. We glued ourselves to the computer and started looking at used homes. It was a never-ending process. After a few hours, we looked at each other and said, "What are we doing? We can't buy anything for another 6 months (at least)." So, tonight, when did our bible study, we came across the above verse and a prayer, "Dear God, help me to overcome doubts and the temptation of impatience. Help me to trust You with the choices and decisions of my life because You know what is best for me. Amen."

I'm going to put this decision aside until it is the right time to discuss. Mike and I have reviewed our finances and now we just need to wait for our lease to come to an end. PATIENCE!

Here are a few pictures of our possible new condo :)

Karen Reis

2012-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day 2012, a sweet person, friend, co-worker was taken from this world in tragedy. Karen Reis was a very hard worker, loved her family, and brought so much joy into this world. I will forever remember Karen as a the silly, yet smart individual that made me smile and laugh on a continuous basis. Thank you God for blessing me with an opportunity to build a friendship with Karen! Rest in Peace, Karen Reis and your dear brother David too.

(2011) Karen @ work, acting silly to keep me from going crazy behind the demo counter.
Thank you for helping me stay sane during my busy demo shifts! You will be missed!

Farewell 2011. Hello 2012!

2012-01-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today I begin my new and improved blog. Actually, just improved, not new. I have been away for a couple of years and I realized I missed documenting my life in a creative way. So, here I am back in the saddle, hoping my dear family & friends enjoy my adventures.

In 2010, I went through a major surgery, Mike was unemployed, and we moved from Huntington Beach to Mission Viejo. Thankfully, my loving in-laws, Jean & Bob, welcomed us with open arms and took care of us as we slowly got back on our feet. Thank you very much Mom & Dad. In December of 2010, Mike was offered a position with a former employer SDG&E and he moved in with my parents until I transferred from Trader Joe's Huntington Beach to La Jolla. Thank you Mom & Dad for taking care of Mike and opening your home to us. Currently, Mike and I live close enough to his work for him to walk and I have a 12 minute commute to La Jolla. Oh joy! Thank you God for continuing to watch over us as we work our way back to a stable status. Thank you to our parents, family, and dear friends for all your support and guidance.

2011 has brought on many challenges and triumphs. Mike is performing very well at his new job and I'm enjoying being back in San Diego near my family and friends. 2011 was a year of stepping stones and we're excited to meet our goals in 2012.