Thursday, September 29, 2011

Daily Bread




This summer, as many of you know, we have found our selves taking refuge from the Phoenix summer sun in beautiful places such as Sedona, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Durango Colorado.  What is most amazing about these summer vacation points is that although there are plenty of things to “do” we were drawn to what there was simply to see. ..
The high, red, Sedona Rocks that glow as if the sun has set them on fire.
The deep infinite drops and climbs of the Canyon that seem to tease our eyes and senses.
The tall trees of Flagstaff that shelter us with the sent of pine and promise of winter.
The dancing river of Durango that glides through the city, boasting beauty around every vivid bend.
Our family came just to be in the presence of such nature. Not man made. Not consumer driven. Not something we could wrap up and take back home. There was just something about being around such beauty that it was as if we were breathing God into our very being.
Now, I’ve always been a bit “crunchy”; Artsy, hippie, granola, if you will. I’ve found ways to carry my own water bottle, recycle, borrow, BYOB, donate, reuse, while spending, and wasting less. I am excited by saving, nurturing, and reserving. But in these days, I’ve been gripped in my soul by how much waste there is around us. There is literally a knot between my shoulder blades that grows tighter with every plastic water bottle tossed into a heaping shiny bin, every super sized American meal that finds its way to the trash, every oversized, over air conditioned home and store that eats up air as it pollutes us with its very being. There seems to be an insatiable need surrounding that whispers in our ears lies like “you need that, you deserve that, that isn’t good enough, this is better, you are entitled to this, you need more, you paid for that, you won’t be satisfied until…”
Meanwhile, what is free and beautiful weeps and suffers because of the worlds’ ravenous ways.  How much do we really need?
I’ve lived out of a single suitcase. Found a way to survive with 10 pieces of clothing. Endured life without a car. Found my home in a space just under 300 square feet. Had enough in the bank or my daily bread. And given it all away just to start over again. Never during those times did my lack of belongings change who I was. As I craved for more space, more belongings, and more ownership, my most desirable assets remained firm; Time, relationships, and nature.
Later in life, I found myself acquiring more “stuff”.  A house, a car, a walk-in closet, a yard, a vanity, yadda, yadda. Time slips through my fingers with every swipe of the credit card. Relationships are drone by the hum of a vacuum. And nature is but a nuisance of weeds and pests. This time, I did lose a bit of who I was.  The consumption process had stolen it away.  The idea that more is better has proven to be a lie. Our earth is proof of this as we continue to challenge our resources and close our eyes as we exist on borrowed time.  “Sustainability” and “Going Green” are now consumer terms to make us feel better about our purchasing powers. The reality is that more we consume the heavier, more costly, and weaker we become.
Now, I am not an extremist ready to flee to the mountain tops, strip naked and cry out to nature “pride!” But, I am a realist realizing that the more I appreciate what I have, what beauty God has provided for free, and what it means to respect life- the more content I become.  Appreciation for the moments I am given, the relationships I’m entrusted with, and the impact I have on the world each day is what is keeping me sustainable.  What can I teach my children? If I am to be the change I want to see, and pass on a legacy of love, then I must walk the walk and make simple adjustments during the day.  Change is not easy but it is necessary.  I take simple attainable steps; Turn off the faucet, carpool, unplug, write, read, rest, breathe, and live. I remember that time is limited, people are precious, and what God offers each day is free. 

“May I not be controlled by consumption and greed but be led by the God given passions and desires placed in my heart”.

~ Victoria

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

2010 in Review


So it's been a while...
Last time I updated this blog was November. Gee how the time does fly. 
I thought I would send a re-cap of 2010, as so much has happen this past year!
OK, let's see if I can get this right!
Last January, 2010, we were heading back to the U.S. as we had spent half of 2010 in Honduras.  If you got to the past blog posts, you can read about our amazing experiences in central America. 

JANUARY- Leaving Tegus, Central America
Lesson: When God is in charge, He takes you places you would never imagine!

We celebrated New Year's at the Silverios' in L.A. and stayed with family and friends from January - March. During those months, we made the best of moving around and living out of suitcases.  We enjoyed snowboarding in Mammoth and Tahoe in February, visited New York and Disneyland in March, and celebrated Easter in LA in April. During that time, Brian had been checking out job opportunities, and the spring, accepted a new job in Phoenix Arizona. 
FEBRUARY- Tahoe snowboarding trip
Lesson: Doing things together makes for the best of times!

MARCH- Disneyland 
Lesson: Castles don't always make you smile.

MARCH- New York with sister Leslie
Lesson: Little sisters can teach you big things

APRIL- LA with the Silverios
Lesson: With Family, you are always welcome

After such a long period of time in flux, we were extremely grateful to have found a job and home.  Leaving L.A. and Santa Monica was not easy, but after calling Honduras our home for nearly 6 months, the transition was more bearable.  We lived in Scottsdale briefly and found our first new home in April 2010 at Fireside, at Norterra in Phoenix AZ.

     
                                MAY- Our New Home
Lesson: Good things do come to those who are faithful.

MAY- Tita Ching in Anthem
Lesson: Having family help out is one of the greatest gifts!

Brian's Family came to visit us and help us get settled and Tita Ching stayed for a few weeks to help with Olivia.  What a treat! We quickly learned that the playgrounds, splash pads, and children's facilities in Phoenix are top notch! We found our place at Christ Church of the Valley, and began to get to know our neighborhood, and in June, my Mom and her husband Tom came out for a visit! 

JUNE- Fireside Community Center
Lesson: Adults never want to grow up.


JUNE- Lake Pleasant, Phoenix
Lesson: There are lakes in Arizona!

JULY- CCV Church
Lesson: Bringing Children to Church can be fun! 

JULY- Swim class
Lesson: Fear is taught

Once the Phoenix sun really started heating it up, we took a trip back to LA which is only a 6 hour drive. It was worth it to see our family and friends! It's funny how with your close friends you can just jump right in and pick up where you left off. It's the same when I go back to NY, and that's what's so precious about relationships; once you build them, they are like a fortress, keeping you warm, safe, and loved.

JULY- LA with the Sullivans, Iishi's, and Silverios
Lesson: Good friends are like family


In August, my sister Angela came for a visit as well! It's been so great having family to come. It makes everything more fun, and really feels like home when you can cook a meal and chat with your own family in your own home! We had a great time! Both my little sisters are so grown up; smart, beautiful, and amazing young women. I spent so many years teaching them; now they are teaching me!
AUGUST- Vic and Angela
Lesson: A sisters' love is eternal


AUGUST- Angela and Livi!


Near the end of August, we went to Tahoe to celebrate our friend's wedding and visit Brian's sister Nicole. It's so beautiful there! Our next dream place to live...
AUGUST- Tahoe, CA
Lesson: California is still #1 in beauty


AUGUST- Tahoe, West Wedding
Lesson: Friendships like this last forever

As September rolled on in, I began a Preschool class at our Community Center. Olivia enjoys it so much, and is making new friends and learning so much! I've made some great friends as well :)
SEPTEMBER- Learn and Play Group begins
Lesson: Fun is contagious

SEPTEMBER- Mommy Hike


We took a drive to nearby Sedona and were so amazed by the beauty Arizona has to offer!
We know there is a lot to discover in Arizona, and though I miss the Ocean, I love the sunsets and the mountains here. 
SEPTEMBER- Sedona
Lesson: Every state has it's unique beauty and treasure

OCTOBER- Escrima, Phoenix downtown
Lesson: Fight of flight is necessary 


In October, we went to an Escrima family picnic with Brian. He began practicing Escrima, which is Filipino stick and knife fighting, sometime this year. Brian has also been teaching a JKD Martial Arts class at our Community Center and has several students that come weekly for lessons.  He is a man of action, and loves to be doing activities and building community through experiences. 
We have been hosting and leading a Neighborhood group, and in October enjoyed a great pot luck.
We are building relationships, and learning how to serve our Neighborhood together here in Phoenix.

OCTOBER- Pot Luck, CCV Neighborhood group
Lesson: Food always brings people together!

We had fun dressing up a LOT this year, and even made another trip back to LA for a party our friends had! It's always so fun and yet emotional to visit our friends in LA. We have so many memories together, which is amazing! It's hard to be away from the passionate people and vibrant city of LA. It even makes me miss NYC all over again! Yet in time, I am finding people in AZ that are both filled with vision and passion. It's exciting to see what the year will bring for all my friends- old and new!
OCTOBER- Lory, Vic, Livi LA party
Lesson: Putting on the costume changes the attitude

November in Phoenix is perfect weather, and we had so much fun this month! We went to a pumpkin patch, Wake boarded with friends, Brian was able to drive the Bronco again (its TOO hot in the summer to drive it), and can even bike to work (only 3 miles). We also went to Grand Canyon with my Family who came for a visit, and celebrated Thanksgiving and Olivia's 2ND birthday!
NOVEMBER- Pumpkin patch
Lesson: Cute is as cute will ever be

NOVEMBER- Bri Wake boards on Ken and Kathy's boat
Lesson: You can do it if you just give it a try!


NOVEMBER- The beloved Bronco
Lesson: Old is beautiful


NOVEMBER- Chris, Melissa, Liv, Me , Dad visiting AZ
Lesson: Babies know their family by instinct


NOVEMBER- Olivia's 2ND Birthday!
Lesson: Enjoy each moment because its passes so quickly.


In December, I organized a Womens' Retreat to Sedona for the weekend. It was amazing to get to know the women in my life better, and experience God's beauty in Nature and relationships.   I can say that come December, we can finally call Phoenix home. Although, as I've said in the past, home is always where you build your memories. For us, home is New York, California, Honduras, and now Phoenix. This December, we went Christmas Caroling with new Friends, and opened lots of gifts from family and "Santa". But we really know that it's God who has given us the best gift...all of you!  We will be celebrating New Year's 2011 with new friends and sending all our love out to everyone. In hopes this year to continue the relationships that we have been blessed with, and learn how to share God's love with everyone we can extend our embraces to. I've learned this year that it is not what you have nor where you are that makes you happy. It's enjoying those around you and making each moment last. Lots of love and laughter in 2011! see those moments below...
Womens" Retreat, Sedona
Anthem's Tree
Christmas Caroling
Christmas Eve at CCV
Christmas Morning

!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Silverios in Phoenix, and LA: October 2010


Sunny day at the Scottsdale Choo Choo Train Park


Olivia is a BIG fan of Choo Choo trains. Daddy has found every train park there is in Phoenix!
Our Friend Gabriel turned 3! Fun games at his party...potato sack jumping, pin the tail on the donkey, and more!
Pretty girls at the party! Makenna and Livi
Our tea party play date with friends Gabriel, Jane, and more...having their tea.
Escrima family picnic day in downtown Phoenix.
Escrima is stick fighting from the Philippines.

Trunk or Treat block party in our community at Fireside. Olivia was the cutest lady bug!
Neighborhood Group Pot Luck dinner at the Silverios.  We're at it again...cooking up friendship and fellowship :)

Dress up everyday of the week for Halloween! Cow girl, ballerina, Fairy, Lady bug...
The BEST Halloween party every at Hyung and Julie's in LA. Yes, we drove to LA again, and it was worth it! We spent most of our time with Grandma and Grandpa, and even saw Tita and Tito :) 
Livi kisses Optomis Prime
The boys get their costume on! Yeah!

Auntie Lory and Livi lady bugs in LA!

That's all for now.  We've been keeping busy and building community. Olivia and I teach a Learn and Play class for parents and toddlers at our community center 2 days a week, and I also lead a women's group 1 day a week as well.  Brian is working at The Learning Journey Int., and is teaching a JKD Martial Arts class at the community center 1 night a week.  We also host and lead a married couples bible study group 1 night a week, and are making news friends and connections all the time. We are enjoying the beautiful out doors because fall brings wonderful weather in Phoenix! We miss you all, and send our love. Hope everyone is well! HUGS :)
more blogging later...


Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Silverio Summer in Phoenix

Play Groups, Sedona, and Tahoe


July- We have been enjoying our hot summer days at indoor play areas such as "Imagination Ave".
Olivia is learning so much, so quickly. She has over 60 words, counts to 9, tries to say A,B,C's, and can make most animal sounds. She puts together 2 words, and is super expressive.  We are now potty training. Exciting stuff...

I have begun teaching 2 days a week at our community center. It is a Learn and Play group for toddlers and we are having a blast. It is for Olivia, but I am enjoying using my Preschool background again!

Livi wants to be just like Daddy- playing the rock band drums and walking in his shoes. She copies everything, and also has her own very unique and strong opinion about life. I call her my "spirited baby" and she teaches me patience and grace daily :) 



August beginning- We took a Sunday drive to Sedona AZ. Just an hour and a half onto the freeway 17 and this is what you see! It is amazing and I am beginning to fall in love with parts of Arizona...


Olivia loved being in the cool out doors. It's about 15 degrees cooler in Sedona, and breathtaking.


We did a 2 hour hike at Oak Creek, which is 20 mins from Sedona's main town. 



I carried Olivia up, and Bri took her down. SHe loves this back pack carrier, and always sleeps mid-hike.


This was a perfect spot to have a snack and look at the nature around. Olivia love looking for fish- or as she says, "bish"


Livi finds dogs to pet everywhere we go. Very friendly and excited to see new things and meet new people.  Our adventurous side has wore off on her!






We loved cooling our feet in the creek and taking in the air. It's amazing how beautiful our country is!




This is the sun set spot that looks down on the main city of Sedona.


 Back pack on Daddy. Livi sings the back pack song from her fan Dora the Explorer. Super cute!

Getting darker...

The moon peeked out for us to capture. It was like walking in a post card! These shots make me feel the ancient of days- how long have these rocks been here, what did they look like years and years ago, how have we changed the earth and how has it changed us? I know these moments speak volumes to me and every time I see more beauty, I am changed- hopeful and thankful.


August end- We met up with Nicole, Bri's sister - In Lake Tahoe. She lives there, and we all attended a good friends wedding. It was a great long weekend!

Kings Beach, the town Nicole lives in, is amazing! Small and quaint, yet alive with nature and beauty! Livi was very daring walking into the chilly Lake and along the rocks.


Here at the West wedding in Tahoe. It's so great to be at weddings and have the reminder of love's beginning. To be around the promises, the future's start, and the joy of this couple- Brian and Lesley, as they make a decision to love....



the ceremony was very intimate- and very real. We loved it!

ahhh! the kiss. best part- always.


Nicole and I being sisters. 

What a great summer it is so far. These trips make it! To stay in the heat of Phoenix is no good. We have been blessed with opportunities to serve and make connections in our community here: Neighborhood groups, swimming, play dates, summer movies, Saturday Church at CCV, Martial Arts, Learn and Play classes, the gym, Yoga, and the indoor community center, and of course visits from our family.  Our weekend trips are awesome gifts, and it is the thing to do during Phoenix summers. 
I thank Brian for providing such a life, my baby for her laughter, and all of you for the shared memories and new ones to come... 
God bless.