A late new year...

The new year has come and gone... and life as we know it continues, only this year will be better than the last. I just know it. (and last year wasn't too shabby) As I sit and ponder all I have to be thankful for, I feel very blessed. With wonderful friends, amazing family and a great career... life is good. Now with all that said, I plan to take down the Christmas tree and get back in gear.

But I probably won't do that today... maybe tomorrow :) seriously though... this tree has gotta go! In fact I wont't be back for an update until it's gone!

** Happy Birthday Anching** My first god child is now 17. YIKES!!

and where have you been?*

busy busy busy... but I'll be back soon. Promise* MERRY CHRISTMAS!

hello strangers*

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last update. I didn't realize I'd be so consumed by work. My personal time has been limited lately so that means no crafting, blogging, or fun. Zip. Nadda. I gladly put my personal needs on the back burner for family time, which means soccer Saturdays and football Sundays. The boys are growing so quickly... thank goodness for photos, LOTS of photos!

Photo Update*

The crazy grandchildren... (-Macylyn and Nyah)
Malia.Sirena.Dad.Lilly+Me* the favorite
AsherdeeJr.Papa+Maddox
Marcus.Mark.Mason.Damien.Dylan+Maddox
Toby + Dylan.


It's rare that we all get out together. In fact, can you believe this isn't everone?! We're a crazy bunch and it gets a little wild, so it's the perfect opportunity for fun pictures. Look how much we've all grown.

Ten Years*

For most of you, today is just August 31, 2008. For me, for my family, for those who love her, it's ten years. The first few years after she died I approached this day with dread, and I couldn't help but count back the hours as if they were happening again (right about now I was getting the first call...right about now I was on my way to meet her...right about now I prayed over her body in the hospital). Every time I had to re-pack for another move and rifle through the sympathy cards and newspapers and other paper memories, every time I heard the words "car crash" and "fatality" in the same sentence, I would cry.
Time has healed a lot of that raw pain and for the most part I have moved past the tragic-ness of it. The crash, the fact that it was such an abrupt end to a life full of love and joy and youth and hopes and promise. I have finally accepted my life without her. And I cling to the things I can do, hold, remember - to still feel connected to her. Her picture is with me everywhere I go, and I know she watches over me. It’s strange… Back then, I was the older sister she looked to for guidance… I now look to my younger sister for strength and guidance.
Anyway, it all makes me laugh and cry at the same time. There's something about losing a sibling - the person who was there all your life, who could remember and commiserate or commemorate all those moments. She was my baby sister for fourteen years. I won't ever be over it. But I've learned to live with it.
I'm pausing to talk about her life and her death because although she is not here physically, she is always with us in spirit. She will always be remembered… I miss you, Sister. Deeply, terribly, painfully miss you.

32 things at 32.

As the craziness of the new school year is just winding down for me, I wanted to stop in and let you know we're still alive and well. Just been SUPER busy. A quick post for some fun... Play along.

1.Where is your cell phone? In the kitchen... off. (because Yona does not rule when it comes to reception)
2. Your significant other? Working... an everyday hero
3. Your hair? Shorter than last week.
4. Your mother? On a mini vacay.
5. Your father? The best.
6. Your favorite thing? Fun.
7. Your dream last night? Nada.
8. Your favorite drink? Ice cold water (with lemon)
9. Your dream/goal? Ph.D
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your hobby? creativity
12. Your fear? failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Accomplished
14. Where were you last night? Asleep
15. What you're not? high-maintenance
16. Muffins? carb-a-licious
17. One of your wish list items? scrap table
18. Where you grew up? Umatac
19. What are you wearing? pjs
20. Your pets? Cuties. Sophie + Duke
21. Your computer? HP
22. Your life? Complete
23. Your mood? relaxed
25. Your car? clean
26. Something you're not wearing? makeup
27. Favorite online store? Two Peas
28. Your summer? interesting
29. Like someone? yep
30. Your favorite color? black
31. When is the last time you laughed? today
32. Last time you cried? Thursday

wordle*

Just playing with fun little website. Rested and rejuvenated from the PI vaca. I'll post some cute pics soon.

Time Flies*

Wow! It seems like ages. Life in the Rosete household seems to fly by. I've been attending a leadership academy this past week+. Jimmy has been working + working + working. Nyah is having a blast this summer just hanging out.

We have all been consumed by preparation for Riley's first birthday party. (Pictures coming soon!) The candy land was PERFECT for such a sweet baby. Now I'm off to bake cute cookie favors for another 1st birthday party. I'll {try} to remember pictures, but I must say I'm usually in a ruch to get them all packaged and to their destination ON TIME.

And at last, our vacation will soon be here. We're off on a short family vaca... Shopping and FUN here we come! {Can't wait!}

Happy Anniversary

Two years ago today I married my soulmate, and we became family. Lucky me.

Happy Father's Day

...to the best daddy a little girl could ask for. Seriously. Look at the two of them... the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. He really is the best dad ever. Nyah can prove it too! Ask her... she'll tell you.

and to my dad... the best dad in the whole world! I love you.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers who make this world a great place for children. {Most especially my brother}

My Creations*

I've been super busy...CRAFTING!!! I love having time to make things. Jimmy knows I've been up to something. When he calls from work (hee hee... he still has to work. I love being a teacher =) and asks what I'm doing, I tell him baking...but he has no idea I'm baking these:

Delicious cupcakes, doughnuts and lollipops ... Zero calories. This is my latest craft. Polymer clay treats. Nyah enjoys making them too.

Newsflash! My anniversary is this weekend. It's been two years already. Time really flies! So... I've been stressing over what to get my handsome hubby and I still have no clue. The traditional gift for a 2nd anniversary is cotton... I was thinking socks maybe? Maybe not. I'm sure I'll think of something... I always do. I have finished this little project that I'm sure he'll just love. A tin full of love chips... quotes, sayings and funny memories of the last two years.

I was also able to scrapbook a couple of pages for a new friends album too. It's not quite done, but it's coming along. Take a look:

It's a few old cds held together by a binder ring that I turned into an album. I'm hoping to get it done by tonight. So, off I go. Wish me luck!

Updates*

Lots to share... Jimmy is home (finally!!) after a two week vacation (training) in Vacaville,CA. It's great having our family whole again. We suuuure miss him when he has to go away as part of his duties to serve our country.

It's officially summer so here comes the fun! This is the FIRST summer that I've ever taken a break from teaching and going to school. I'm looking forward to just hanging out and having fun. Making good use of these supplies...

Nyah is somewhat convinced that she too, will be hanging out this summer as well... we shall see. Jimmy and I were thinking about a fun recreational activity for her like soccer or dance, but she is content staying home doing crafts with me... can you blame her? =) I'm just fun like that.

In other news, my sister love* Nichol Maria Tanaka Napoleon M. Ed has just graduated with a degree in Special Education. Woo Hoo! Congrats sister.

Our newest arrival has been quite a character. This potty training has got me pooped! I can't seem to get it. Despite the poop, Sophie is such a cutie! Nyah just adores her... our little fruit bat! Maybe we just need to develop a more consistent schedule... But it's hard I tell you!

So we're off... Water day AGAIN!! We are definitely getting our money's worth with this baby! Isn't Hailey soooo cute climbing up the tower? Even Danielle had fun! Jimmy has yet to go down the slide, but he will... {evil snicker*}

Peace out!

Is this me? You BETCHA!

What Asherdee Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

our new arrival.

After much debate, we have a new addition to the family. Sophie, a tiny, 4 lb 6 month old black chihuahua became family as our gift to Nyah on her 7th birthday. I'll post some pictures of our fanihi (fruit bat) soon. Even I must admit, she is kinda cute... she'll grow on you.

woohoo.

The count down to summer has begun. Four weeks exactly and then I'll be free. Summer break here I come. Oh the joy of being a teacher. I can't wait*. Just thinking about all the free time to craft and create is making me salivate. No, not like a dog, but I'm so anxious I can taste it! The wheels are already turning. I'll post some of my creations soon, starting with the cute book my students are going to make for Mother's Day. We begin work tomorrow so I'll have something up over the weekend.{At least I'll try to} Until then... Peace out.

a day in the life.

Busy weekend for the Rosete familia. Jimmy is off to the leadership academy with the AF Reserves. Nyah did some crafting this morning at Mama's house and is hanging out with her best friend in the whole wide world at the Mercy Heights carnival. Me, I'm teaching a crafting class at the local bookstore this afternoon and baking some delicious treats for a get together with some friends.
This treat is absolutely scrumptious. It's a meringue cookie, whipped cream and fresh berries. The perfect treat for a hot day.

my hero.

I have so much in life to be grateful for... my family. my friends. my home + job. my supportive husband. my kiddos. pretty much my whole life. If it weren't for this wonderful woman I would have nothing. I am so lucky. She is my mother, my hero.

no rest for the wicked.

Atlast. The weekend is finally here. Lately I've been so tied up at school and the university that it seems like work never ends. As a teacher, I'm constantly planning lessons for my classroom or creating cool things for my students.

On a whim, Jimmy and I took a trip to the NEX and bought a pair of mountain bikes. His, a plain ol' black one and mine... a pretty pink. So girly I know... but I couldn't resist. Yipee! A fun weekend in the sun... or so I thought.





Just when I thought I was able to squeeze in a little play time, ( you know... crafting, trash tv,lounging or maybe even taking the new bikes out for a spin) I remembered I have a meeting in the morning for the university student organization I am advising and a wedding in the evening which means my day is pretty much shot! I feel like I'm starving for personal time people. Busy busy busy! And if you know me, that's how I've always been, a busy body.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for Sunday!

easter x2.

nyah. stuffed.
sticky sweets.

mark+maddox. fun in the sun!

We celebrated Easter Sunday with my sister and brother in law and their family. The kids enjoyed the hot sunny day on a water slide which made for a perfect celebration, complete with cotton candy and shaved ice. The kids were having so much fun, it even tempted some of the adults to beat the heat and join in on the fun.

The egg hunt went on without incident probably because I was the chosen one who did the honor of hiding the golden egg. *I didn't make it too difficult =)* These are a few photos of our fun-filled day.

easter shots

i see eggs

collecting eggs nyah marie
hailey
ken riley + julie

Just a few shots of the family on Easter.