O How Time Flies !

Back in October, Ty and Erin announced their engagement....



On March 14, 2015... I became a MOTHER IN LAW !





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Two year came and went... As of November 13, 2014, Paul came home from his mission!

It was the first time in five years, that we were all in NorCal together.  We had Thanksgiving together and we made sure to have pictures taken!






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Christmas in Utah!!!

I must say, the best day in Utah was the day after Christmas.  We bundled up, grabbed the sleds and hit the infamous Murray hill!  As you can see ... nothing but smiles!  It was also the best day because I got sick and did not get out for the rest of the vacation!  I missed Erin's bridal shower.  I missed the Years celebrations, I did not completely recover until March... I have never been that sick in my entire life!

.......

Easter In Utah!!!  

Let's not forget about Easter Dinner!  Gotta love a home cooked meal!

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April 10, 2015, Cory Graduates With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology Cum Laude!  Cory will attending Washington University in the fall.  He has been accepted into the Occupational Therapy program for a PhD!  He's currently staying at our house until Michael moves into his new apartment in Hayward this weekend!  Yes... Michael got a new job in the Bay Area!  YAY!!!  He's working for Solar City in the Advertising department.  Only a few weeks in, he's been sent to film on location in Phoenix and Las Vegas!  Go Michael!!!

Like I said,"O How Time Flies!!!"

How'd she forget that!?

In case you have not heard, Anika is back in public school!  With this, comes the good and the bad. The good... She loves being on the Cheer Squad, she loves being in classes with classmates and she loves not having a mom as a teacher.  The bad... homework... okay, there's not a whole lot of bad if it weren't that she keeps forgetting her homework at home.  She forgets it so frequently, that we have a secret homework spot under the church door mat outside the bishops office.  This way, she can get it on her way out of seminary before she heads across the street to school.

So yesterday, I get the all too familiar text as I'm heading home after dropping Ty off at BART.

7:12 am Anika: "Mom I forgot to put a bra on.  I need one now.  Like this second now."

7:13 am Anika: "A white one or a tan one please cause I'm wearing a white tank top under."

7:19 am Anika: "MOM!!!"

Remember, I'm on the road and it's illegal to text and drive.

7:20 am Mom: "Hehehehe! I think you can survive."

7:21 am Anika: "Yeah no. Mom bring one right now."

7:23 am Anika: "MOM SERIOUSLY BRING ONE!"

7:25 am Mom; "Im not at home yet.  Youre gonna have to wait til I get there. Heheheheheh hahahahahahaha!"

7:27 am Anika: "WELL GET HERE FAST"

7:33 am  Anika: "ARE YOU COMING YET?"

7:34 am Anika: "MOM HURRY"

7:35 am Mom: "U want me to put it in the secret spot or drop it off in the front office?"

7:38 am Anika: "NO. MOM IM NOT KIDDING BRING IT TO THE FRONT AND I'LL GET IT FROM YOU!"

7:39 am Anika: "ARE YOU HERE YET?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?"

7:39 am Anika: "MOM ARE YOU HERE GOSH?!?!? HURRY UP!"

7:41 am Anika: "HURRY UP MOM SERIOUSLY THIS ISN'T FUNNY!!!!!!!!!"

7:41 am Mom: "In 3 min"

7:43 am Anika: "Well hurry up"

7:44 am Mom: "I'm at the church in the front."

The funniest part was when I was telling Rhett to hurry and get in the van.  With an exasperated sigh he says, "Little girl forgot her homework again?"  I tell him that she remembered her homework, but forgot to wear a bra.  With puzzled look on his face he says, "How'd she forget that!"

Fun Filled Week with the Watson's

Anika at the park

Laura, Trey and Ramona visited us last week.  As a very late, late minute Valentine'd say surprise, the flew in.  Our little secret was quickly blown when Ramon found Anika in bed, poked her in the eye and yelled, "Nika!"  Cover blown... But Anika was surprised!

We spent the week enjoying incredible spring weather with the cherry blossoms in full bloom!  We visited local parks, jumped on the trampoline, went hiking, fed the ducks, played frisbee, went to the Jelly Belly Factory (and bought 50 lbs of Jelly Flops), visited Cindy, James and the crew in Sacramento, explored the 99 Ranch Market and even discovered what I will call "Little Philappines".

It didn't matter where we were, there was plenty of food, fun and adventure.

We miss family so much.  So please drop by any time.  Our door is always open!

Ramona



Trey, Anika and Ramon



Feeding the Ducks



Trey Playing Frisbee




Laura and Ramona at the Park



Paul's last visit and Kelly's car



Having some picture fun during Paul's final visit home before he leaves on his mission.





October...

Emily, "Hello?"
Kelly. "Guess who gets a new car?"
Emily, "San Pablo's giving you a city car?"
Kelly, "No. Some lady in a red Jaguar just ran into the side of my car. It's totalled."

This is Kelly's way of getting an upgrade on his car. We get a car stolen or someone rams into it and we use the insurance money plus a little savings and Kelly gets an upgrade.
Good-bye 1991 Honda...Hello 2003 Corolla!

 



Nika-isms

Since I haven't been so diligent on doing this blog thing - I guess I'll have to play catch up.  Now that Anika does school at home, we get to spend a whole lotta time together. 

Anika studying History.

"I hate studying about dead people. Why can't we study about people like Steve Jobs." 

Mom, "Steve Jobs is dead."

. . . . .

Anika is a HUGE One Direction fan.  One day she says...

"Which guy from One Direction do you think is cute?"

My response...

"Wouldn't that be a little weird if I thought one of those guys was cute."

Reality check... You know you're getting old when teen boy band guys don't even appeal to you anymore. I think I prefer a more distinguished looking man.

Clicker

I bought myself a new toy!  For 9 Bucks, I bought myself a remote for my camera. Notice Ty with his "Wallace" smile (Wallace from "Wallace and Grommit" of course) and me with the clicker in hand.  I can finally take and be in the pictures at the same time. 

Looks like someone else was having fun with my new "Clicker".



Anika's letter to Gma and Gpa Sakamoto

Mormon Prom

Ty Sighting?

3/30/11

Dear Family,

Hey guys. I’m going to quickly hit something and that’s all that I really have time to do. I was told that some people were going to go to the Sunday morning session of General Conference. There weren’t enough tickets for me to go and I gave what would have been mine to Rob. So that opportunity was passed because Rob is still learning about the church and that it would be helpful for him if he went and got a bit more stuff. So, we heard a message in priesthood on Sunday which said that they stake still had tickets. I now have one. I’m set to go on Sunday morning so look for me on the screen when they pan around the conference area. I’ll be the one looking at the ceiling cameras waving.
 

That will have to conclude me for tonight. Julian took almost the whole hour so I’m salvaging what I can. Love you all

Ty

Like Mother, Like Son & Daughter

It is tradition in my office to make cakes for coworkers birthdays.  I love doing it because, they are never picky and never tell me what to make.  So I usually go overboard and try new fillings and new creative designs.  I've been known to work all through the night and into the morning.  But I love every second of my creative moments. This time, I decided to make a fresh strawberry filling in a yellow cake and another layer a dark chocolate, genache and cherry filled delight.  Mmmmmm.  To top it off, I decided to try making my own fondant.  It was really fun...until...Have you guys ever seen those cake shows on TV?  My transport experience was crazy like that!  Of course it was pouring rain....I did have to scootch my lopsided cake back up right... then things started to ooze....oh well. It was fun anyway and Jody loved the cake!

Since I had a lot of leftovers, the Rhett and Anika had a great time making up their own creations. I think it took them longer to decorate their 5 cupcakes than it did for me to decorate Jody's cake.  Makin' their mama proud!

All Dressed Up

I had the pleasure of joining Kelly on a CSMFO (in short a Finance Officers) conference dinner last night. 

 It is always a huge event as they kick off their annual conference with a fancy dinner.

 The California city finance people get together in different locations each year.  Kelly only attends the Northern California conferences which is every other year.  I've only had the opportunity to join Kelly on two other occasions.  Once in Modesto at a country club amidst fruit orchards and vineyards and the other in SF at an old Speak Easy.  The later was really cool.  We entered through a big door in the middle of an alley in the business district of SF.  The interior took you back to the time of Art Deco, a live jazz band played in the background as waitresses wandered the crowds with platters of hors devours.  Truly incredible. 

 If you asked me to show me where it is, I'd never be able to find it again.

This time we found ourselves in the city of Burlingame (just south of SF) on the peninsula, at Kohl's Mansion.  It is currently a Christian school but a very popular place for wedding receptions which boasts of amazing grounds.  It was also the sight where "Lord Fauntleroy" was filmed

(for those of you familiar with that). 

The dress code of the night was tuxedo's for the men and cocktail or formal dresses for the ladies. 

Luckily Kelly bought his tux when we got married (it has been put to really good use with proms, cruises, etc).  I pulled out my red floor length dress and pulled up my hair.  It's fun to play dress up especially when you know that everyone else will be out in their finest. 

Kelly and I explored the mansion as we sampled hors devours and ordered juice from the bar.  These events are especially fun because we have the opportunity to see Kelly's friends from all over California who he's worked with in finance.  Because of his stint at the League of California Cities, he knows many of "Big Wigs" and past CSMFO presidents. It is always fun to talk to them and catch up on everyone.  I have come to know that finance people are genuinely nice people who are easy to talk to. 

As a string ensamble played, we dined on salad, peppered steak and sea bass (that was my plate and it was incredible) and dessert of chocolate lava cake drizzled with raspberry sauce and fresh fruit.

Kelly and I spent an incredible eventing together. 

Short note from Ty

Hey Everyone!

Here's a short letter from Ty.  It's pretty funny.  I should probably post more of his letters more often. Things have been going well for him lately.

Emily

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Family,

Well I’m incredibly short on time. I’m going to quickly get something going for responding.

Rhett!

I thought that it was pretty funny that you just pasted those tabs for Stairway to Heaven in the email you wrote me. I remember the intro. Like you can, I am able to play songs in my head back pretty well. I think that I remember most of the whole 8 minutes of that song. I do that with a lot of music. I like what you said about your pushups thing. What else have you been up to? Tried anything new lately? Those “I don’t know”, “nothing”, “the same old stuff” answers will not be tolerated! Tell me something I haven’t heard yet.

Mom!

 I don’t have the time to respond to you right now so I’ll have to get to that tomorrow. We were just playing a prank on our new student of almost 2 weeks. My group makes up something and tells the new kid (James the Mexican) to ask me whatever they think of. This time it was (as it usually is) “how many pushups can your dad do?” to which my response was (jokingly) “my dad has no arms”. When he asked I yelled at him, pounded on the desk, threw my chair, and stormed out of my room. Luckily we set it up with the staff so nothing bad happened.

That’s what’s going on right now and what robbed my time. I’ll get you guys something tomorrow.

Love you all

Ty

The Ascent

The Ascent

Ty Norman

We long to walk on the pathless beach

And forest undisturbed.

The stairs go up but our spirits down,

Our standards were absurd.

We compromised and strove for peace

From our relentless lives,

Dancing with dangerous choices

As if they were our wives

To stand atop the hills we all face

Each stride must lengthen wide

So lace those shoes and earn a new life.

Hold that head up with pride.

Good only comes to the working man

Or he who sets a plan.

Don’t fear to aim high, confidence’s key,

It’s time to take a stand.

Over the ridge and through a meadow

With flowers all in bloom,

Golden sunsets and silver lined clouds

Give us no sense of gloom.

All of the flowers bend toward us

Beckoning all to stay

Comfort’s deceiving, it’s all on us

To find a better day.

Seek for people who bring out the best,

Ones who have earned full trust.

Ignore those who cause us more pain

Leaving us there to rust,

Search for people with true happiness

They’re life’s true spaded ace

Whatever is done, meet new people,

They’ll help us find our place.

We longed to walk on the pathless beach

And found our family there.

The stairs went up and our spirits soared,

We breathe the cleanest air.

All have suffered the slips and the scrapes.

Jump to our feet’n we’ve won

But always remember, through small steps

Anything can be done.

Little Women

While Paul was visiting us over Christmas, he announced that he was going to try out for the school musical, "Little Women". 

I mentioned to him that there weren't a whole lot of male roles in that play - but many of them had kissing parts.  I got the clear picture that Paul did not mind this.

Paul devoted at least 1 hour of every day, practicing his tryout piece, "I Grew Accustomed to Her Face"

by the musical "My Fair Lady".  Paul definitely did not lack in enthusiasm.  It was really fun witness all the theatrical elements he included in his piece.

Tryouts began the day school resumed after Christmas break. 

By the end of the week, the list was posted.  Paul had actually landed a part as Rodrigo (one of the fictional characters in Jo's plays they used to act out in the attic).  Sadly... no kissing parts. 

Production of "Little Women" will be May 6-8 and 11-13.  We plan on attending the May 7th production.  Anyone interested in coming had better save the dates.  Paul loves an adoring audience.

We're so excited for Paul!  This move to So Cal has been a challenge for him, but he's finding with a little effort to try new things, he's making friends (mostly girls) and creating new opportunities he would've never imagined himself doing here in Clayton.

GO PAUL!

Merry 2010 Christmas!

Last night, we did our old Sessions tradition of reading or the Christmas Nativity scriptures intermixed with many of the Christmas hymns.  I love reading this passage as well as singing "Real" Christmas songs.  It uplifts the soul and focuses us on the true spirit of Christmas.

I have really enjoyed the simplicity of Christmas since we've decided to just purchase one family gift.  It has helped us become more united as a family as we focus on what we believe to be most important (other than the birth of Christ) - time with family and building fond memories.  It's amazing how important this becomes when it's near impossible to get everyone together and you see time slipping away.  This is our last Christmas with Paul for at least the next 3 years (next year with his mom and the following two on a mission).

So after the Santa gifts, Anika came out all cheery knowing that there were still gifts to be had under the tree.  Kelly and I were busy making our traditional Christmas Crepes.  Kelly makes the crepes and the filling, while I made the mixed berry compote, sliced bananas, brought out the powdered sugar and canned whipped cream.  We were all stuffed (and I'm still not hungry)...but it was mmmm delish! 

After we tortured the kids by making them wait until dishes were done (and yes, the actually volunteered their services to move us along quicker), we got back to the gifts under the tree.  Anika with a grin from ear to ear.  We had a lot of fun guessing Gma Namba's gifts before we unwrapped them.  The dead give away was the David Archaleta CD. hehehe.  We also loved the bags of little gifts from Gma and Gpa Sakamoto.  The little pocket knives were dug out to help with the ribbons, bows and taped boxes.  Paul was advising Kelly as to what to order at the Olive Garden and Anika's head has been blinking non stop with that sucker in her mouth.  Kelly gave me 2 flash drives, a tea kettle for tea and hot cocoa and, a GPS - now I won't get lost (yes, the man knows me well)!  I gave Kelly two new pairs of work slacks, 4 new work shirts and, a sweater ( it's about time.  His were literally rotting off his body).  Paul got a new cell phone from us because we can never get a hold of him.  His first comment was, "Wow! Cool!  Now I can talk to all the girls I want to!)  Sooooo... for the grand finale, the family gift this year (drum roll)...... a new 40" flat screen LCD TV.  We figured it was time.  The one TV we use for games, movies, etc., randomly changes channels while you're watching something.  Not to good (especially when you're at the best part of the movie.  But it was really funny that when it first started to do that while Anika and Rhett were watching movies, Anika would blame Rhett thinking that he was purposely trying to annoy her by changing the channel. lol) 

Kelly and I devised a plan for our new entertainment cabinet.  We're just going to cut our old one down and make it so the TV will rest on top of it.  This way we will not loose cabinet space and it's FREEEEEEE!  That's always music to our ears.  Let's try that again...FREEEEEE!

Shane gave us a new Kinect for the Xbox.  So we've been grooving away to Dance Central and playin it up on Sports Central.  It's quite the workout and we're having a lot of fun laughing at each other's cool moves.

We called Ty for our to minute Christmas call.  It was nice to have us all on the line.  He sounds like he's doing okay considering that he's not around family for the holidays.  He commented on how he loves the Cal bears beanie we sent him and he also received a tie from a family he's grown close to in his ward.  I think he was rather floored by their thoughtfulness.  We can't wait to see him in a few weeks.

We hope all of you guys have a wonderful Christmas filled gratitude for our Savior.  Merry Christmas!

Naughty : (

Things were very rocky last night for Anika.  Hence, she was not expecting a visit from Santa.  Sad, sad day.  So at 9am we finally got up and opened our Santa stuff.  Because Anika refused to get up, I gave her her stocking in her room.  It was sparsly filled with some fruit and a note from Santa that simply stated that he was bound by the "naughty or nice" clause in his contract.  But that there were many people who love her and she could tell by the gifts they gave her under the tree.  Although Anika did not join us for the Santa festivities (she didn't miss much Santa just gives goodies - no toys and stuff).  I believe that this one jester of Santa not coming to Anika was harder on me. I spent most of my evening in tears as I put together every one's stockings.  I was sad that I couldn't give Anika what I'd bought for her and wanted her to have.  It doesn't pay to be naughty for the giver or the receiver.

Christmas Eve

Since Kelly has plenty of time to find incredible deals around SF, he also scored us tickets to a new chocolate factory in SF pier 17 called TCHO.

So we hiked up to Coit Tower (with Anika whining and pouting the entire way).  It was a clear perfect day we barely even needed out jackets.  We also headed off to Pier 39 to eat our picnic lunch and

enjoy the festivities. 

A Christmas Carol

Since Kelly has two weeks off (for furloughs), he's been keeping us on our toes by coming up with great things to do.  Wednesday he purchased tickets for all of us to see "A Christmas Carol" at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco ( buy one get one free!).  It was incredible and the kids loved it!  This was something we'd love to make a Sessions' tradition.  Since we were only a block away from Union Square, we spent the rest of the evening window shopping and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. 

When Paul finally flew in (he has several flight delays including mechanical issues) we headed over to the airport.  YAY!  He wasted no time in getting together with friends so we picked up his friend Ben at 11:30pm.  Paul has really missed his friends.

Engagement Off

Apparently, Michael and Diana have called off their engagement.  Even though Kelly and I are sad about this, we recognize the blessings that come from making difficult decisions before you dig yourself in a hole you can't get out of. 

Michael sounded like he was heartbroken. However, we could detect some excitement in his voice as we discussed the prospect of going up to BYU-I with Cory as a "free man". 

Trampoline!

 Earlier this week, my friend from work (Jody) asked me if we'd like their trampoline.  I thought, "Sure!  Anika has just gotten off Dr's orders for chipping her elbow doing a back handspring!  Let's see if we can do more damage!" 

So Saturday morning, Jody and her husband Brad, came over and we set up the tramp.  It's 15'x15' square!

Bummer is that Anika was given a choice earlier in the week and she chose to be on house arrest for a week.  I even warned her that the "Circus" may come and set up in our backyard and she would not be able to take part in it.  So as you can see, she got to watch all the festivities from inside, while I displayed my best areal splits, kung foo karate chops and, my "Oh what a feelin' Toyota jumps! 

Kelly claims that this is what I will be doing with my spare time when no one is looking!  I'm thinkin', "As long as we have this 70 degree California weather, everyone can look!" 

Hey lookie here!... Is Emily still jumpin?... Come on over, the jumpin's fine!