c i e l

Taking time, to spend some time.

2014-01-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

"You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God."

This past week, the Lord offered some incredible opportunities to bond with both my immediate family as well as my church family, which was so encouraging and uplifting that it must be shared. At my home church, Community of the Word, I was able to host a DIY day (Do It Yourself) and asked that all the ladies of the church who were interested in joining to bring pieces of fabrics, cloth, and/or accessories that they weren't using anymore to take apart and put back together. My hope was to be able to show them what I do in my business and teach them some ways to recycle old, unused items into something new. At the same time I was very excited to be able to spend time with these sisters of mine and build our relationship through a fun and funky type of fellowship.

Armed with one sewing machine, a few different sewing kits, and quite a few enthusiastic participants the day was a success and I was able to show a little love to my sisters in Christ through an avenue of love and creativity the Lord has given to me. It was certainly an enjoyable way to "Pay it Forward".

I praise God for the opportunity to share a little bit of myself with these ladies and, more than that, get the chance to learn a little bit more about them. Seeing them express themselves creatively was an insight into how beautifully unique the Lord has made each and every one of us.

Lord willing, we will be able to do many more events like this at CW and of course at other churches. If anyone out there, oh lovely readers, is interested in having a DIY day hosted either at a church or at some other venue, let me know! I would be more than happy to see what I could do for you.

But that, of course, wasn't the only blessing to come out of this week. One outing, on a more personal level, was a day out with my boys to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Homeschooling all three of our boys affords us the opportunity to make every special outing a learning experience. Like a field trip, but more inclusive since we get to learn right along with them.

Watching your children nteract with the world is an underrated and under-appreciated blessing in this world. Having three boys with very different personalities gives both Ray and I a glimpse into who they are and the kind of men they will become. The decision to have them home schooled continues to be reiterated to me as a good choice and I praise God for the blessing of patience, endurance, and the ability to see the things I may have never noticed if we had put them in school.

Their curiosity is something that I hope never fades. Their ability to stay engaged in the world and to learn from every experience that God allows them is my hope and prayer for their future. And more than that I hope that we continue to have the opportunity to be an active part of their education.

The world is changing and growing just as our boys are and I cherish these days when we can spend time together and grow stronger as a family. I will never get tired of these moments and I hope that I never lose sight of just how fleeting they really are.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with the chance to strengthen the relationships in my family both biological and spiritual. You really are a God of providence who is more gracious than I deserve. Here's to many more weeks like this.

-Ciel

Merry Christmas!

2013-12-21T18:30:00.001-08:00

With the holidays fast approaching, I just want to take a moment to step back and truly praise God for the blessings He has provided this year. With everything going on and with how busy life can get, it's easy for the the true meaning of Christmas to be covered by all the "extra wrapping".

So, as the old song goes,

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

This year has been full of changes, but each and every one has been a reminder of God's sovereignty over our lives.

The boys continue to grow both physically and spiritually, which in it of itself is such a joy to watch. And having them home, watching them discover the world through their homeschooling, helps me to appreciate the way the Lord has built them, each different and yet still in His image.

More than that, having them exposed to ministry life and having them see what both my husband and I strive to accomplish within our church family and ministry community keeps me accountable to the responsibility we have been privileged with to both our children and to God's Kingdom.

Lastly, on a personal note, I praise God for His continuing gift of endurance and strength. Starting your own business is never easy, but CIEL has been such a huge undertaking as well as an enormous blessing that I cannot wait to see what else the Lord has in store for this coming New Year.

So, there you have it, so many changes, so many blessings, so much to thank the Lord for. How about you? I would love to hear about the blessings in your life.

When Disaster Hits

2013-11-14T10:25:00.003-08:00

And tough has definitely been on the island of the Philippines! At least 10,000 and counting lost their lives through a tremendous natural disaster the world has ever seen. But I am reminded today,

Psalm 46: 1-3

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride."

Recently, I've been getting news from a friend of mine whose family has been greatly affected. It is devastating to hear details how people, children and old, struggled to survive the Typhoon. That is why my family and I have been praying for a way to send help. We know we don't have the luxury to fly out their ourselves. We also know that there are those who are sent there and responds to the need of being there physically to help. So we have found other ways to help in a way we can. If you are on the same boat as we are we hope this blog finds its way to give you an idea how to also help. Follow the links we recommend to support financially. It will continue to build as we go. But it's all up to you to be directed. We know ultimately God will use all the resources He has given us to show His faithfulness to the people in the Philippines.

Samaritan's Purse

International Mission Board

Shop and Swap Boutique

2013-08-09T23:48:00.001-07:00

This event is already coming next Saturday. The days are going too fast. Don't miss it! I have a list of New things to display and share!

Picture Day at Vanguard Academy

2013-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a short story of how we envision 2013-2014 will be like at Vanguard Homeschool Academy:

A lot of reading!

A lot of searching!

A lot of discussing! Literally!

Some silliness!

And of course, eating healthy food!

Baked Kale and Beet chips

2013-08-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

It takes some getting used to reading the ingredients on the back of every product before purchasing. Even when I buy my ingredients to make it from home I still have to make sure it doesn't contain any allergens. What I find easy to make, and be for sure it doesn't contain soy, soy lecithin, tree nuts etc is making veggie chips. So far the boys are loving it. My list of home made snacks is adding up. And so far I haven't had to buy from the store.

So thanks to my friend, Maureen, who lately shared with me their harvested kale and beets from a farm close by. I was able to experiment for the first time with making kale chips and beet chips. She also was the first one to show me how easy it is. But it's also all over the internet.
Here's my version:

Ingredients-
A bunch of Kale, deveined
Beets
Salt or garlic salt
Olive oil

Direction:
Preheat oven at 300.
Prepare the vegetables. Make sure to toss out the branch. This part is too tough to eat. For the beets, I peeled it and sliced thinly. In a bowl I drizzle with olive oil and garlic salt. Be careful of too much salt, because it can get really salty. Spread all around the baking sheet.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check every now and then, so it doesn't burn.

ENJOY!

Back to School at Vanguard Homeschool Academy

2013-07-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to get back into the groove again. The summer vacation trips we made had the kids looking forward to what's next on our schedule. But telling them about hitting the books soon wasn't going to be too exciting for them to hear. Since we are an all year school calendar, everything counts for their learning! What a beauty homeschooling makes!

So first on my list was to get my scope and sequence from Abeka and write down what goals we are looking at for this coming year. This really helps as a guide for me as I look for sources and methods to teach and help them apply it in life.

Here are a few other things that helped me get me going.
- www.homeschoolfreebie.com, I've been following this website for a couple of years now. Every week they send me a new list of free resources to use. I totally recommend it. And it's free to subscribe!

-www.educationworld.com, this website is recommended by Homeschool Freebie of the Day. The 5 minute lesson plans is a great list of suggestions! I actually followed one plan to teach spelling. Made a little tweak to it. Instead of drawing the alphabets on a fabric or a shower curtain, I used our school closet door and made the alphabets out of contact paper. It was quick and easy. The boys helped stick the letters. They enjoyed it!

So as I prepare for this year's lessons, I also try to find ways to get them ready by getting them involved.

Happy Back to School!

A Summer's Adventure

2013-07-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

I wouldn't have thought a summer could be so busy as we had it. That's not a complaint it's a great feeling of appreciation. It's been a blessing to have had this experience with my family. First a trip to New York with my one and only loving hubby, while my kids had their trip to Palm Springs with their grandparents (my on laws). And then off to a trip to Yosemite with my loving family. If there's anything these trips have brought to me is the thought that God's glory is so revealed and yet so rejected by many.

What a beautiful sight of the awesome city scrapers of New York that was built so many years ago and still standing so grand. Then a sight of the Sequioa, Mariposa, Red Wood and Pine trees, and probably other trees I have yet to find out standing so high and mighty. As we drive through these trees and be surrounded by it gives such a peaceful feeling. Then be in awe after an attempt to climb the boulders of Bridal Veil falls with my two boys. Then get cooled off as we swam at the cold streams of Cathedral Beach after a hot sunny hike. And in the end of the day be speechless as you stare at the view of Half Dome from our favorite site, Glacier Point.

But in the end I must give praise to the One who made it all work out.

Colossians 1:16 "For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible..."

A cancelled flight

2013-06-19T04:26:00.001-07:00

So this is how it feels like when your red eye flight gets cancelled! You're stuck at the airport for how ever many hours until the airline's next available flight. And it feels like traveling all night long except you never left the terminal area. You get to sit down at one spot and see the crowd die down and get busy again. It seems like a hassle! But in light of it I know God's sovereign plan is behind it all. I couldn't complain too much, because other people around me were doing enough of the complaining, loudly. They were really making it know to the whole airport how they want their money back and all that. Like it helped any! Getting mad over a flight being cancelled wasn't worth a moment. Yes it was a long line to get a new boarding pass, but I learned that patience is a better route to go. I know I'm still blessed, I have these chairs to sleep on, a blanket and pillow the airline provided. I just can't go to sleep. Hey I gotta count my blessings to get thru the day and enjoy GOD in the midst of trials.

Summer fun snacks

2013-06-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

Because store bought snacks are not always the healthiest for my kids I'm always in a look out for home made snack ideas. Specially now that it's summer it's the best time to make popsicles from scratch. It is always tempting to buy the ready made popsicle, but have you looked at the sugar content? I just gotta push myself and make it at home!
So I've had these ice tray that makes different kind of fun shapes. I would freeze fruit juice for the kids to munch on. Lately I've found it to be useful for freezing frozen yogurt. So much better than those popsicle mold with a stick. It was cheap but it was a waste of money, and it didn't really do what it was supposed to do.
Anyway, here's my easy recipe that the kids keep coming back for!

Ingredients:

Fage Greek plain yogurt (you can find at Costco)
Fresh strawberries (buy organic)
Brown sugar or honey
Ice tray or mold, soft kind can be found at Big Lots)

Then I use my magic bullet to mix it all together. Then scoop or pour it in the mold/ice tray. Freeze and serve.

When your kids have allergies

2013-06-12T15:26:00.001-07:00

My son, Jacob, had his skin test for allergies last summer. He didn't show much allergy reaction to the things he was tested with during that time. So we weren't too strict on what he eats. He would eat snacks that would indicate it was processed in a facility that processes products with tree nuts and soy. Since he didn't show traction we didn't worry too much. Then this year as he turns 8 years old we notice his eczema was showing on his finger. We track back his eating habits and found out it was his allergy to soy. We started eliminating soy from his diet. This mean looking at ingredients more intentional during grocery time. Did you know that even soy lecithin could trigger allergy reaction too? So we decided to avoid those too. Jacob learned to read these ingredients on the back of the item. It's a bit disappointing for him, because it seems like there's nothing he can eat. This is why we had to start making our own snacks from home. Our latest snack we made from home is granola bar baggies with marshmallows.

Individually pack and conveniently bagged for each kids. Great for taking along on a trip, and enough to share with others. SIMPLE RECIPE: 2 cup rice krispies 1 cup oats 1/4 cup wheat germ 14 oz can condensed milk 3/4 cup Nestle dark chocolate morsels. (Optional: add dried cranberries and nuts) Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a big mixing bowl. Use 1 inch baking sheet cover with parchment paper. Spread the mix onto the baking sheet, flatten it as much as you can. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Cut in pieces, let it cool, and serve or bag it using Ziploc bags. Note: I used Nestle dark chocolate morsels because all the other chocolate chips contain soy lecithin. I have yet to find chocolate chips that doesn't contain this ingredient. If you know any please pass it on. Leave me a comment.

A healthy cheese melt

2013-05-30T11:48:00.001-07:00

I love making sandwiches at home. Sometimes it takes more time than just cooking, because of all the preparation of cutting the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, drying the lettuce, etc. But when I'm hungry for a sandwich I will make time. It's so refreshing! This particular sandwich I made today is a cheese melt.

Ingredients I used:
Monterey cheese
Cucumber
Chard instead of lettuce
Roma tomatoes
Red onions
Oroweat buttermilk bread slice

I put everything together, there's really no trick to it. Then put it in a sandwich maker. I also would use a frying pan and toast each side of the bread until cheese melts. Which ever way it will be a good and healthy cheese melt. YUM!

A morning prayer in disguise

2013-05-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

I've been awake since 7am today. And how tempting it was to stay in bed, and check my phone. Well, I did stay in bed. Then I automatically slid into prayer. Somehow that seem easy to do. But sad to say it wasn't a joyful one. It was more like "let's get it over with" kind of prayer. I knew deep inside the Holy Spirit, my comforter, one who reminds me that I am new in Christ, was nudging me to pick up my Bible. Yet in my naturally disobedient heart picks up The Valley of Vision, a collection of puritan prayers, and started reading from the page I last read it. As I begin to read it I was still distracted in my mind. Talk about an unwilling spirit! But as I continued to read this prayer it became mine.

"Sanctify me in every relation, office, transaction and condition of life...Balance my mind in all varying circumstances and help me to cultivate a disposition that tends every duty a spiritual privilege. Thus may I be content, be a glory to thee and an example to others." -The Valley of Vision

How I need this kind of prayer. I feel that I'm taking on new endeavors everyday on top of what I already have in my plate. I always say in my conversations how in my life it takes a lot of balancing act. This prayer just hits it. I admit my prayer can easily turn into wishful thinking because my worldly desires seems to weight more than God's will. But ultimately I know this will always be my prayer, that I will be a glory to God.

Freezer Meals, a great idea!

2013-05-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

So I was going on a trip that would require me to leave the boys with my husband for a good 4 days. To me that's like a thousand years and the children will go hungry! I had to do something. Freezer Meals! Thank God for the internet I learned that I can put together recipes ahead of time, freeze it and pop it in the slow cooker or the oven to cook. Sounded like a pretty easy plan for the husband to feed everyone without issues. So I went to work 2 weeks before my trip. I normally plan meals ahead and write them on my planner. I looked up recipes from the internet that included vegetables. Put them in Ziploc bags and freeze them. The turn out was successful, and just as how I imagined it! The husband and kids were able to prepare it and enjoyed the taste.

Recipes I found helpful and that turned out really good you can find them on pinterest or Allrecipes, but I also recommend this site http://www.sixsistersstuff.com.

A Request

2013-05-12T07:53:00.001-07:00

I was busy preparing things for the day and it seems like the world is in chaos. Children are arguing. My eyes can see the details of every particle of dust on the corner of the floor, and I'm about to lose it! Then my third son, Titus, who is 4 years old asked, " Mommy when you're flying can you touch the clouds?". What could possibly be happening in his mind while my world is in chaos? You just have to love their imagination. I get so busy sometimes that I forget that their moments are not in the same rate I'm going. I look back in the years I spent with my children, how much of it did I spend my time trying to bring them up to my level instead of me going down theirs to see where they're at. I think it's a lesson God has been teaching me all this time and still have yet to learn. He is the greatest example that I must always remember! Philippians 2:6"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage". Lord help me to be like You! I pray for all the Mother's out there, we need Christ everyday! Happy Mother's Day. not

Random Picture

2013-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

This was taken by my son, Ezekiel, on our way to music school. We thought it was really awesome to see the clouds so low and the mountains so tall. Praise God for camera phones!

Expo Favorite list

2013-03-17T17:36:00.001-07:00

Here is a quick share of what me and my little boys loved trading from the Natural Product Expo. All the free product samples was such a great treat! And this snack was very tasty. When I brought it home and opened it for the kids to try, they couldn't stop eating. What a bunch of muncher! We loved the crunchy-ness, lightly sweet and salty half-popped corns. Just as it's titled! The best part about it is it's a healthy snack.

Natural Product EXPO

2013-03-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

It was my first time going to the Natural Product EXPO WEST last weekend at the Anaheim Convention. It was an awesome experience! Very educational! I was able to speak to people who worked for these companies and asked them questions. I have to say the more I'm exposed to natural products the more I find myself educated of how to take care of my family's health. I can't wait to blog about the products that I learned about. So keep posted! Thanks.

Always Buy Organic

2013-03-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

I have never been so adamant about what we eat and where our food comes from. Lately, it's been that way. My best friend, Armenia, gave me this quick cheat sheet to know which fruits and vegetables are high in pesticide. She opened my eyes to buying organic. Yup! It's another transition for us. This guide really helped me. Since I don't buy fruits and vegetables in bulk, I'm realizing it's actually better to buy individual from a local organic farm store. Awesome!

What a Wonderful feeling

2013-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

My son, Ezekiel, went on a ride by himself that swings him around and around. He was the only one on the ride. I thought this was a great capture that depicts his independence. Ever since he turned 10, it's been a transition for me as a mom. I have so much expectation because he's the eldest, but at the same time I realize how much I need to remember God has plans for Him bigger than mine.

"Mommy and me" time...

2013-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

As my children are growing up fast, I find our day getting really busier. With homeschooling and other activities we have taken on, it seem as if I don't have time with any of them. Even though I am with them practically every moment of the day, I find it hard to have that quality time with each son. There is always a fight over who gets Mom's attention first. So every week I have set a time to take one son at a time and have a special time with just the two of us. This way it gives less distraction from other siblings, and each one gets to speak to Mom without interruption and competition for my moms attention. So far they love going out with mommy.

Where do I take them? To Starbucks, to the library, and sometimes to the store for a quick grocery run. But the point is, it's just "mommy and me" time.

Safe haven is your home.

2013-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to express how much my family care about the environment we live in. My boys love to play outside. They love it when it's a sunny day. I remember how paranoid I was when they where much younger, running around at the front yard picking up dirt with their bare hands. I was never really at peace with our surroundings. Even with the cleaning products I use to buy I wasn't 100% satisfied. I only bought it because my mom use to buy it, or because it was cheap. Were you the same way? I wonder. As mom of three growing boys, I find myself always looking for the best deals, but more so now for the safety and wellness of whole family.

Outside may seem like a clear blue sky, but ask yourself if you're home is clear from harmful products. I encourage you know your products. Don't settle for less. It's for you and your family's wellness.

So when you find the right products you stick with. I'm so glad to have found the brand I can trust, Ecosense household cleaners. It's affordable and effective compared to store bought brands.

To be Healthy or not to be Healthy

2013-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm such a late bloomer. All along I thought I was being healthy enough in my own ways. Here I am thinking I'm smart enough to know what's best and what's not. Little did I know that I really wasn't. It takes constant knowing, by constant reading, by learning from others, or by experiencing it the hard way. I find it that life will be a never ending learning. Which I now appreciate and agree with that statement, before I would think it be dreading. I enjoy learning now, oh how I wish I had the same enjoyment back in grade school. Well, as the saying goes "better late than never". So, what am I jabbering about at the peak of a new year? Why did I title my post the way I did? Maybe because I just want to tell everyone that I have been liberated to a healthy way. Now I agree that what we breath and take in is serious. With all the technology out there we seem to think it's all trustworthy. I guess what I'm trying to share is that through the past months I've been learning about what is healthy and what is not and announce that I've become an agreeable GREEN! Greener than before, I guess you can say. Happy New Year to the world of blogging!

December 2012 Recap

2013-01-01T01:16:00.000-08:00

I realize that the Christmas season came and go, and I haven't shared what came about my vendor event. So here's a recap... I enjoyed every part of it! BeanTown Cafe, is a nice coffee house located in the town of Sierra Madre, CA. Having 8 vendors set their stuff inside the cafe was a great touch! A live music was playing at the same time. I met new people as they browse and compliment the work. It was a great night! I made more sales that day than in a month online. I thank God for that! Portions were given to my church, Community of the Word, as part of the year end offering. I was glad to be a part of it. Thanks to everyone I know who came. And thanks to "Happily Ever After" team for the invite!

A nice view of my table in between my friend's view of his work. HAIKU succulants by JP Martinez.

I have to say that one of my favorite set up here was my wall hanging frame of clips.

Ciel's Annual Vendor Event!

2012-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to announce that CIEL handmades will be showing at the BeanTown Coffee House on Saturday, December 15, from 4:30 to 8:30pm. I'll show pictures after the event.