Amaya's 1st Birthday!

Hello Mama,

I turned a year old today and can't wait for my very first birthday party this Sat.! My family is planning like crazy and I know I'll have plenty of pictures and stories to write about after the weekend. But for now, I'll rest up and say (just in case I forget to tell them later), "I had a great time!"

Love you,

Amaya aka "Mai-mai"

My Big B-day Surprise

Hi Mama,

My daughters wanted to do something extra special for my birthday this year and thought what better way to surprise me than to give me what I've always wanted...My very own Louis Vuitton bag. Here's a few photos of just how this beautiful moment unraveled before my eyes! -Love you, Maria

I didn't realize what it was until I read the back of the card!

And then I saw the box! I couldn't wait to open it!

I needed a moment to catch my breath! (I didn't want to cry on the bag).

You know we couldn't walk out of there without putting it back in the box! Look I even had my own personal bodyguard.

Baby Gee's Celebration 01/23/10

Hi Mama,

I wanted to drop in and share a few photos of my beautiful Baptism/Red Egg & Ginger party held on Sat. Jan. 23rd, 2010. This special occasion celebrated both my Filipino & Chinese culture. We had a wonderful time! I can't wait for more parties to come!

Love Always,
Baby Bailey Gabrielle

A Poem For Mama

I thought I saw her face today
In the sparkle of the morning sun
And then I heard the Angel say, "Her work on earth is done."

I thought I heard her voice today
Then laugh her hearty laugh
And then I heard the Angel say, "There's peace for her at last."

I thought I felt her touch today
In the breeze that rustled by
And then I heard the Angel say, "The spirit never dies."

I thought that she had left me
For the stars so far above
And then I heard the Angel say, "She left you with her LOVE."

I thought that I would miss her
And never find my way
And then I heard the Angel say, "She's with you every day."

-Anonymous

Connie Aves, the youngest daughter of Mama, sent an email today requesting for this poem to be posted in honor of Mama. Her friend Mark came across it and wanted to share this with all of us.

Thank you.

Alzheimer's Foundation Announcement 2010

Alzheimer's Action Summit

2010: My Experience, Our Voice
Register March 7-9, 2010

MORE INFO: www.alz.org/summit

Email: advocate@alz.org

Political strategist Brazile headlines Advocacy Forum

Veteran political strategist, syndicated columnist and commentator Donna Brazile is the keynote speaker at the Advocacy Forum of the 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Action Summit in Washington, D.C., March 7-9. Named one of the nation’s most powerful women by a number of influential publications, Brazile began her political career at the age of 9 when she worked to elect a City Council candidate who had promised to build a playground in her neighborhood. The candidate won, the swing sets were installed and a lifelong passion for political progress was ignited. Brazile will bring her fervor and knowledge of advocacy and the political process to our passionate gathering of Alzheimer advocates.

A growing chorus advocating for change

If we can make our voices heard, we can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The stakes are growing higher. It’s time to add your voice to the cause.

Register online for the Advocacy Forum.

Advocates in Action
Learn about advocates using their voices for change.

Become an Advocate
Can't go to D.C.? You can still be involved.

Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Action Summit

© 2010

Happy 2010 Mama & Papa!

Hi Mama & Papa,

Happy New Year! It's my very first New Year so my Lolo took me to see the Pasadena Rose Parade.


Flowers, flowers everywhere and not a petal to pick!

We also got a glimpse of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim float! Go Angels! My mommy & daddy are huge baseball fans. But me? Oh, I just like to throw things & make a mess!

I had fun just watching so many people gather around to see all the beautiful floats and loud marching bands! It was a bright, sunny and colorful day and I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in 2010!

Love and miss you,

Amaya

Dizon Cousins' Xmas Gift Exchange '09

Hi Mama,

This year the Dizon Cousins decided to do something different to celebrate Christmas Eve and it was a HUGE success! You would've been so proud to see how much fun this holiday season turned out to be!

The EMAIL that Started It All:

Happy Holidays Dizon Cousins! We all know it is a rough time right now, but as a family we can definitely find ways of showing our love an appreciation for one another by being a part of this fun activity and rejoicing in Christmas cheer. Let the Cousin Secret Santa Exchange begin!

Details:

• Minimum $20.00/Maximum $25.0o
• No gift cards! Let's try to think outside of the box!
• Try to include gift receipts just in case.
• Shhh...this is a secret so don't tell the person you got!

How it Works: Joan and Bea will randomly select everyone's Secret Santa by drawing names out from a cup. If anyone gets their spouse or sibling, we will just reselect for that person so each of us gets a cousin.

Wish List includes:

• Shirt size
• Hat size
• Pant size
• 2 of your favorite colors
• Top 3 wish list items

See you Christmas Eve! - Bea

How It Came To An Exciting End:

Bea & Omar start the exchange!

Marc just wanted to jump up and down to pump up the crowd! And it worked!

Princess unwraps cute shorts from Michelle O. while Myrnelle poses with a bottle of Heaven.

Marc and Joan continue to jump around for the sheer joy of jumping!

Erin shows off her velour pants while Rowell sports his new white hat.

Ate Krys and Joseph give each other a BIG hug for getting each other!

Michelle O. & Bea say, "Cheese!" While Joey Joe shows off his new lime green.

Gino holds up his gift from Joe.

Neil and Omar get ready to open gifts.

Kuya Allan and Gino take a breather from all the craziness!

Whew, I hope you followed it all!

Thank you, Ma for showing us how special giving can really be!

With Love,

Your Grandchildren