Randomness

{ Was laying in bed when I saw this leaf glowing outside our window.
I had to take a picture of how gorgeous it looked. }

{ The theme of our house is genuine exotic imports from all over the world.
This was a gift from the Rankin's. It's a Japanese Shadow Box Frame that contains a beautiful Japanese scenery. }

{ Went a little crazy at Bath & Body Works. Hand soap and classic scents were only $3 each.
The shop girl also gave me a coupon so my 10 item purchase only cost $20 + tax. Score! }

Divatude

{ Crank up the volume. Didn't record this right }
I seriously have my diva days. Sometimes I don't realize how mean I can be to my husband (view video), but he really is the sweetest guy in the world. I love him sooo much.

Anyhoo... I completely butchered Adele's song, Someone Like You. I did another recording later that sounds a lot better... but posting the screw up much funnier.

Nothing much is going on right now. Been begging Dre to move out of Iowa so I can climb up the ladder in my accounting career. Although his career is escalating... mine is stagnant... and some things came up so we have to stay put for a while. So all I have to do is wait.

All The Good Stuff

This past Saturday started off excellent:

#1 - PACKAGE FROM THE MAIL

On Saturday I received a package from my Auntie Mel from Hawaii. I can not thank her enough for this awesome package full of delish foods. Food makes me sooo happy. Love her, love her, love her dearly!

Package Contents:
- Coconut Macadamia Herbal Tea
- Kona Coffee Macadamia Cookies
- Almond Macadamia Cookies
- Guava Macadamia Cookies
- Coconut Krispies Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts (4)
- Macadamia Nuts Unsalted and Salted (3)
- Seaweed (3)
- Papaya-Pineapple Jam 
- Mango Pineapple Jam

#2 - RANKIN'S LAST SATURDAY
It was pretty sad that the past Saturday was the Rankin's last one in the QC area. Although we are sad to see them leave, we made the best of it by fellowship and eating like kings.

{ Dre, Izzy, and Gabriel }

{ Auntie Mel, Nahira, and Mom resting after eating a buffet of good food }

{ The guys having a discussion about anything - mostly serious stuff }

{ Julie hanging out with the kids: Elian, Nahel, and Madison }

{ Alvin and Zahira visiting from Puerto Rico. Posing with Pretzel & Colette }

{ Lexi & Matthew, young love }

{ Elian and Nahel watching veggie tales }

{ Abigail playing the piano }

{ Nahel playing the piano }

{ Pretzel, Binky Lou, and Maya on the window perch. Such good pets }

#3 - JEAN THE FUNNY CAT

Jean is a mean kitty but super cute when he has his cat nip. Put some in a plate so he wouldn't scatter it, but I guess I will still need to whip out the vacuum.

Just Because I'm In Denial

I really have no excuse for being withholding in the wide wide world of "blogospheremania" except for sheer laziness and lack of photo taking motivation. Not only that, it's been one of those slow months where there seems to be a lot of commotion but not exactly something I'd write about since I'm in denial about a lot of things.

One of which are close family friends leaving the area. It literally breaks my heart to millions of pieces.

{ Auntie Melanie & Uncle Mark }

The Rankin family are leaving. We've shared so many great memories and also the not so great memories - but through tears and heartache, we've been there for each other -- and I am dearly going to miss them.

{ The Rankin Family }

We had a going away party for them with their closest friends. It was bittersweet... but it's slowly hitting me that they'll be off to Japan soon. But what's also great is that we'll visit them there next year. At least that's something to look forward to. I've also grown attached to little Madison, such a sweet little girl. She really makes me wish that we'll have a daughter someday.

{ Picture of the women at the party.
Not all were included in the picture since
it was taken later in the evening when most
of the people had already left }

{ Picture of the men, but most already had left }

Lots of food and lots of socializing. I'll be so sad when the Rankin's leave. I hate thinking about it.