Office Fun Day - August 2

Not having internet access at home has cramped by blogging time! I just realized I haven't posted anything about the office fun day we had on August 2. Every year our office "family" goes out together for a fun day. This year we went to the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. It was a really fun day! We took lots and lots of pictures (click on the "Fun at work" link on the right hand side of the blog page to see them all. The gardens were beautiful and it was a perfect weather day. After spending a couple hours there we drove down to Santa Monica and ate lunch at Bravo Cucina on the Third Street Promenade. I'm so glad to be able to work (and play) with such wonderful people!

Yesterday morning I found this quote and put it up by my name on Messenger...

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Mark Twain.

Little did I know that later that afternoon I would literally be put to the test regarding forgiveness. Most of you know that I always put up a picture when I post and this one has none. Late yesterday afternoon while I was working out at a park two girls stole my purse and all my things from my car. This included my camera, hence no pictures. It is a scary thing to deal with, being robbed and stripped of all your "identity". And yet my friend later reminded me through it all to be thankful because it could have been worse. I was not hurt, my car was not stolen, and after all, those things that were taken are just material things. So I am praying and asking the Lord to help me learn to extend "forgiveness" in this circumstance and let go. It is hard but I pray it will be a growing experience in my trust of God.

August Already?! Time seems to keep flying by. The last weekend in July I got all moved and settled into my new place. What a blessing! The Lord is so faithful and continues to surround me with his constant care and provision. I will post pictures of the new place soon. It is very nice to have so much more space... more space means that I could get my dining room furniture out of storage (thanks so much Grace & Jon!) and have friends over for dinner again. I did just that on Saturday. Grace, Jon and Adam came over for a home cooked traditional Colombian dinner. I had so much fun making it. We spent an enjoyable evening eating, talking and enjoying the beautiful sunset when we went for a walk after dinner.

The view of the sunset on Sunday from my place was an amazing sight! It reminded me of what a wonderful Creator we have.Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

July 21, Hang Gliding for My Birthday!

What an amazing experience to be able to "fly". I was teasing my family saying that I think they are trying to get rid of me! First my brother has me jump out of a plane last year on my birthday and this year my sister has me jump off a cliff??!! Grace gave me a tandem hang gliding lesson for my birthday this year to celebrate the big "four oh". We drove out to Sylmar where we met the instructor pilot Fred. We packed up all the equipment in his ancient van and drove 45 minutes up the winding mountain dirt road to the top of the mountain, elevation 3540 ft above sea level. After some instruction and a practice run to the edge we were ready to go. "Are you ready to fly?" Fred asked.... and we were off. Wow, it is so beautiful to see a literal "bird's eye" view of the ground. We could see for miles. The flight lasted about 15 minutes. I even got to do my own steering for a little while up there! The feeling you get up there is like that of what I have felt when I dream of flying. It is kind of surreal. After an exciting landing it was all over. Thanks Grace! There are a bunch of pictures here http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/

July 20, Lunch with the girls and dinner with the boys!

On Friday after we got off work around lunchtime, my friends from work took me out for lunch. We ended up at Cafe Veronese in Fullerton. They have a beautiful garden in the back where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch... Thanks!! Later that evening Grace, Jon and I went out to dinner in Newport Beach with Adam and his friends Tod and Nick. It was my first time to go to a revolving sushi restaurant. Food was great and so was the company =) Later we went to Adam's and hung out. I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing such wonderful friends in my life. That is truly the best gift I could ever get for my birthday! There are lots more pics on http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/ look at the July 20 "Birthday with friends" album.

Getting ready to move!

Yes, that's right I'm moving... back to my old place at Charlotte's house. I get to have my dining room back! It has been a total unexpected blessing a good reminder that my Father will always provide and take care of me. So this past weekend Grace, Jon and I were painting the place. Can wait to move in!

A wonderful week in Texas
Tuesday, July 3rd I arrived in beautiful Texas. I have never seen such amazing white puffy clouds as Texas has. Emily picked me up at Bush International then we drove back to tiny little LaMarque. Gia & Luca are growing so fast and baby Rocco is just the cutest baby ever! He has a cute little dimple on one cheek. On July 4th I helped Emily prepare some food for the church potluck that evening. I made salsa and bruchetta with some home grown tomatoes someone had given her. The next morning we packed up the kids in the minivan and took off for Austin. What a beautiful drive. I love the hill country. After a quick run to the grocery store we arrived at Emily's dad's house right on lake Travis. That evening we left Gino babysitting so Emily, her sister Wendy, baby Rocco and I could go out for dinner at Shady Grove.

Friday was a relaxing day. Drove into the city to see some sights and do a little shopping. That afternoon we attempted to go to the pool but got caught in the rain. Back at the house it cleared for a moment and we enjoyed a beautiful rainbow over the lake. Saturday we did the most amazing road trip ever. We drove two hours northwest of Austin to the family ranch near San Saba.

The countryside is just so scenic and green. We went from horse country to cattle country.... through little towns like Llano, Cherokee, and Carmine. Some of these little towns were population 350. Imagine! It's beautiful country. It just makes me want to go back and see more. Back in Austin we did a little shopping before leaving Sunday afternoon back to Houston. All in all it was a wonderful visit. It seems like every time I go to Texas I feel like I leave a little bit of my heart there.

Vacation Day 5: David's 9th birthday celebration! And what a great day we had celebrating. We began with his favorite breakfast (pancakes) and a pirates theme. After opening some gifts we all got ready to head on out for some more fun. Stopped for a late lunch at Chilis and then headed on out to Stone Mountain, GA for the laser & fireworks show which has become a family tradition every summer I'm in town. We walked around for a bit then to the skyride up to the top of the mountain. The kids had a blast! Margie was so excited. It was windy and a little chilly but we had a great time running around and enjoying the view from way up on the mountain. Back down again we came and continued the celebration with a "dirt & earthworms" birthday cake for David. He loved it! Then it was time for the show. We all enjoyed it except Margie thought the fireworks were too loud. They played some great patriotic music to go along with the fireworks. What a wonderful fun day! Being an aunt is so much fun!

Vacation Day 4: Woke up early to line up for a shower =) Amazing how much time it takes to get four kiddies and three adults showered and ready for church. We went to a church in Gainesville, GA where Timothy was invited to preach. After the service we were invited to go to Ryan's for a typical Sunday buffet. Mmm good! While we were at the restaurant there was a big storm that came through and it hailed. It rained a little on the drive home and later this evening we had a spectacular lightning show. I know... I know... I'm from CA and we never see that over there! Tonight we played a card game called "golf". The kids had a fun time teaching Auntie Ruth how to play =) I really love these family fun times.