to my dad

My dad... He's usually the one laughing the loudest in the room. His booming voice is really quite good for that. Easygoing and affable, he's game for anything. Besides golf, I really do believe that his most favorite thing to do is share a meal (and a raucous laugh or two) with friends and family. He also happens to be one of the most generous people I know. Always ready and willing to give. No wonder he is so loved by many.

Thanks Dad, for showing us the value of faith, family, kindness and generosity. Happy Father's Day!

never forget

I was looking for some vintage fashion inspiration. Then I remembered a stash of old photos I had of my mother back when she was just a teenager in the 60s. I thought, perfect!

On the back of the photos, written in my mom's flowery script, "Lilibeth's pictorial, Philippine Modeling Company 1969."

I realize that these were taken when she was 16 years old, only 6 years before she had me. It's amazing for me to look at these. She was so young. And stylish. And confident. Totally full of bravado. And don't get me wrong, my mom is ever still stylish, confident and full of bravado. But to see her at 16 years old, before I was even a glimmer in her eye. Kinda crazy.

Even more amazing is my possession of these vintage photographs. Having immigrated to the States in their 30s and with three kids in tow, my parents had to be decisive as to what they would bring with them. I'm so glad these made it.

Written on the back of one of the photos... never forget.

cousins

(From left: Cydney, Mia, Cydney's older brother Chris and Elijah)

Mia loves to spend time with her cousins. Since the four of them are so close in age, they have a way of relating to each other that just cracks me up. Mia is the youngest of them all, so sometimes she doesn't get what the older kids are trying to explain to her. But she exerts her opinion anyway. Elijah is the oldest, and quite easily the most cunning of the bunch. Cydney and Chris are the brother/sister duo. They love and fight like only brothers/sisters can. If you can eavesdrop and observe these kiddos for a day, I swear you'd have funny stories to last a lifetime. Here's a little snippet of what it's like when the four of them get together.

Mia: Mama, Elijah won't let me play with his toy!!

Elijah very calmly to Mia: Well Mia, I'm the oldest so you have to give me some respect.

Mia: Cydney, nooooooooo do it this waaaay!!!

Cydney: Mia is sooo bossy. (Rolling eyes but smiling. Cydney proceeds to do it Mia's way)

Chris: I wish you were never born! (after fighting over something)

Cydney: Well too bad. I'm already here!

Kids are clamoring to reach the top of the snowbank.

Elijah: C'mon Chris!

Chris: Wait, I'm helping Mia. She's too little. (clumsily hoists Mia by pushing her tushie up the snowbank)

Mia: I'm too liiiiittle.

Elijah: (exhales) Okaaay, here. Grab my hand. Chris, puuuuush!!

(Picture the three of them bundled in big snow jackets. Chris is huffing to push his little cousin up. Elijah is trying with all his might to pull her up. And Mia, oblivious to her cousins' plight, giggling and enjoying the clumsiness of it. She's no help at all.)

Mia: Mama, I love my cousins! They're my best friends.