Road Less Traveled

I received this blog update (Zen Habits) in my inbox and immediately had to find a way to save it for Sophia to read later on =) This is something I wish I had read or was told WAYYYYYYY before (I've read something similar to this years ago)... better late than never! :D

I'm going to share the post here in case some of you may have not clicked on the link ;P

Letter to an 18-year-old on the Career Path Less TraveledBy Leo Babauta 

Recently an 18-year-old who is finishing school wrote to me, asking for advice on choosing a career without enough life and work experience to make an intelligent decision. 

He said, “Should I take the road less traveled, which may be risky and fearful, or choose a college course that interests me to some degree and see where that leads to. I suppose I don’t want to end up as the typical everyday-joe at the office from 9-5. I want to be different from the masses, to make an impact on this world, to be fulfilled. How do I get the best start into adulthood?” 

It’s such a great question. And what I love is that he’s asking the question in the first place — most 18-year-olds just take the safe route. 

Here’s what I’d say: take the career path less traveled. 

If you don’t want to be the typical Everyday Joe, in a 9-to-5 office job, don’t go the route that everybody else takes. 

If you want to be different than the masses, you have to take a different path.I took the safe path when I was 18, and got a job and went to college, and it didn’t screw me up … but it also took me nearly 20 years before I finally found what I loved to do. It was a struggle, being on the road that’s well traveled, because I was consigned to a career I didn’t really like. 

Yes, the career path less traveled is scarier. There are no guarantees. You are sticking your neck out, taking risks, being different, probably to the scorn of others. This is lonely. 

But the loneliness is temporary. Soon you’ll find others who are doing things different, and you’ll connect with them in a way you’d never have connected with the people taking the safe path. You’ll be inspired by them, and inspire them in turn. 

And the scariness is a lesson worth learning — if you can overcome a bit of fear, you can do anything. You’re not limited to the world of comfort and safety. 

So what do you do on this scary, lonely, exciting path? 

That’s totally up to you — you are empowered to figure things out on your own.But here are some ideas:

• Learn about who you are. Meditate, and blog. Those are the best two tools for learning about yourself.

• Teach yourself stuff. The Internet has anything you want to learn, from writing to 3D animation to programming to carpentry to guitar. Never stop learning.

• Find out how to motivate yourself. There will be times when you don’t feel like doing anything. This is a good problem to have, because you’ll have to figure out how to solve it or else go get a boring job where someone motivates you. Solve it. You’ll be much better prepared for the road.

• Figure out what you’re passionate about. This isn’t easy, because it takes a lot of trial and error. Try a lot of things. When you get good at something, by the way, you’ll like it much more. You’ll suck at everything at first.

• Help others. When someone doesn’t know how to do something, teach them. When they need a hand, lend it. When they’re stuck, offer yourself up. Seek ways to help. It will teach you a lot, including who you are and what you’re passionate about. It’s also good motivation.

• Connect with others. Find people who love what you love, who are doing weird things, who travel, who make their own path. They are awesome and fun to hang out with.

• Learn to need little. If you need very little, you don’t need to make much. This frees you up to learn and explore more.

• Explore the world. You can travel very cheaply if you need little. Meet new people. Learn languages. Work odd jobs.

• Get really good at something. Practice, read more, watch others who are good, steal ideas and make them your own, work on projects that excite you and learn as you work on them, practice more.

• Teach something valuable. If you learn to program, teach a beginner. If you learn poker or guitar or martial arts, teach that. People will thank you.

• Get paid as a freelancer. When you’ve learned a skill, hire yourself out online. You don’t have to be awesome yet, just don’t charge a lot. Try to really deliver. On time. Be trustworthy and your reputation will grow.

• Sell something. Make a small product, whether digital or real world, and sell it. You learn a lot by selling.

• Learn to be a good person. Show up on time. Try your best to meet deadlines. Be honest. Learn compassion. Keep your word. Especially to yourself.

If you do half these things, you’ll love the path. If you do almost all of them, your impact on the world will be palpable.

I know that was a lot to read, but it is definitely worthwhile! As I get older, I'm constantly reminded of the importance of living life the way one WANTS rather than the way one SHOULD. Of course, I would never tell Sophia to just drop everything and not be sensible about the journey to her dreams... there's always a way if she'll just be smart about the trek! 

To my sweet Sophia... even though the road to your dreams is most likely going to be lined with challenges and you'll definitely have to overcome fear that might slow you down for a tad, it will be those times that you will learn THEE most and it'll be what you look back on to reaffirm your strength and capabilities. When fear begins to show it's face, that's a sign it's time for you to muster up your courage and stare fear right in the eyes and show it who's boss! Let it be your north star... yes, I said that... let fear be your guide... because when you see it, it means you've gotten too comfortable and need to get out of that hazard zone. I know you will feel safe and secure in that box, but who wants to be in there when all the colors, fluffy marshmallows, ice cream, and all the fun excitement is right outside of the boundaries?? There's a saying--"A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships were built for."  

It has taken me such a long time to let go of fear and all the "shoulds" and start living the way I want to live--with fierceness and passion! It's still a work-in-progress but I'm definitely more ahead of where I was, and that was when I started stepping outside the walls I had built myself.

I started thinking of all this a couple years back when I thought of how I would love to teach Sophia to value life experiences and to travel the world (an eye opener!). As most of us know (and if you don't, listen up!), we teach by our actions, not our words. If I want to teach Sophia to be the best person she can be and to not be afraid of the unknown, I've got to be the one to set the example... and so... my journey to betterment began =) I definitely still have a lot of learning to do--it's a never-ending process--but I'm just glad to be on the trail =)

With a little moral support (that made the biggest impact--thank you to my cousin and Eli!!), I let go of the fear and started inching outside of my "safe harbor." Looking back, it seems like I took leaps to get to where I am now; but in the process, they were just little steps... every little bit helps!

Anyway... moral of the story... 

Sophia, live the life YOU want to live, not the one you SHOULD live. Be sensible and smart about the process and always keep taking a step forward, no matter how little it may seem to you--because those little baby steps will accumulate to become leaps and bounds! And NEVER let fear determine where you don't go, let it show you where to go =) Live outside the lines--it's more fun to play in the rainbow and the field of endless possibilities!

Okay, lecture is over... phew! ;P

BUT!! Before ending this, we know that no post is complete without some pics!

LOVE of my life!!

A little gift from my cookie! Warms my heart!!

LOVE,

COOKIE & MAMA

Blog Order and Cookie's Fashion Sense

This blog has totally gone out of order... I try my best to keep the entries in order as much as possible but I just don't think it's going to happen... sorry, Sophia =/ 

There are just some posts that are quicker to put up than others. Going by previous experience, I am easily able to get carried away on a post that was suppose to have taken 5-10 min, which then turns into 3 hours. Then there are those other times (bloggers inevitably go through) when I spend the 3-4 hours (writing, editing the pics, editing the rough draft, and repeat) only to find out that the blogger site decides to not function properly and all the work IS GONE!! That's the worse!!! 

When I go to click on the 'save' button and all my work just disappears, that's one of THEE worse feelings in the world!! I get frustrated and head off to bed at 4 AM without anything to show for it; but (!!) no matter how angry I get, we all know I'm going to head back in front of the comp and put in another 4 hours cause I'm definitely getting the post up!! Thinking about it now, all I can do is laugh... Haha... it's funny (a little bit) now but, in the moment, I want to cry and pull my hair! 

In the end, it doesn't matter how many hours it takes, I'll always love updating this blog for Cookie!! Something that her and I can come back to, to relive memories, cause I know I won't always be able to remember everything (even though I WISH I could). I also hope I am able to convey the feelings that I felt in these moments when they were strongest. 

There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't LOVE my Sophia with all my heart (!!!); but there are other moments that just literally takes my breath away (I sound so friggin' corny right now, I'm aware) - I am kind of in a disbelief that I can feel so much love for her - during these times I wonder if she can feel the warmth emanating from inside when I hug her. Even now, as I write and think about it, I become so overwhelmed that I want to just cry... is that normal??

Anyhow... before I start bawling... haha...

 Back to what I was saying...

I have decided that I'm going to post little in-between cutie moments that I can't help but share... such as the below... 

Why am I so eager to share?? Who knows? HAHA!! Probably because I think Sophia's choices of clothes/fashion is AWESOME!! I love it!! (I might be biased, but I don't care!) =) I want her to dress me... hmm... actually, there has been times that she has, haha! 

As I'm getting dressed, she'll come to my closet and pick out pants and/or a top and tells me what I should wear because "it's pretty." The expression on her face when she looks up at me as she's saying that with a 'pleassssssse (and a big grin)' makes me want to squeeze her to death and give her a million and one kisses!

 I love bein' her mama!!

And here comes that overwhelming feeling of overflowing love again =)

**This was suppose to have been one of those short 5 min posts... look at what it has turned into... (sigh)... I guess I can't shut my mouth when it comes to bragging about Cookie =) Btw, this post consisted of multiple trips back and forth to the comp, haha... I LOVE IT!! Ya tired of me going on and on about Sophia yet?? Haha...**

'til the next "little" outing!

COOKIE & MAMA

One Last Hug...

...with the bestie (Ella) before take-off! So much love!! 

}}} cookie & mama {{{

Precious Gift

Sophia just handed this to me and said that she made this when she was little and that it means 'I love you.' One of thee most precious gifts to receive and absolutely WARMS my heart!! :D when she gets older, I know I'm going to miss little gifts like this... I have to enjoy it as much as possible now!!

Chinatown Nights with Dahlia

HELLO ALL!!!

During the summer, LA was promoting different parts of the city, and one of the events going on around town was 'Chinatown Nights.' Never planned on going because I am not a fan of crowded areas and craziness but when we were invited to go with Heather and her entourage of two others (haha), figured Sophia would have a blast with Dahlia and, really, I shouldn't knock it 'til I try it... so... Chinatown, we went =)

Decided to go by subway (yes, LA has a subway, not a lot of people outside of LA are aware of that) to save the bother of parking and traffic. Turns out that the time it took us to figure out the subway pay system and which line to take didn't save us that much time... at one point, we saw our train take off as we were stepping onto the platform; so, needless to say, we had extra bonding/standing around time =) It was a memorable ride to and from, haha... but don't think we'd do that trek again, but definitely something worth looking back on =)

We were 'traveling' long enough that the girls needed to rehydrate with sugary artificially flavored beverages =P

When we got there, we made our rounds to the various food trucks that were there. And got to grubbing...

Model: Dahlia / Photographer: Sophia

Yeah, she still needs a little practice... but I suppose we could always photoshop Sophia's hand out, haha!

No festival can be complete without a popper or two or three or... TEN! That's just how these little kiddies roll =D

Started off with one and then...

...this happened o_O haha

Love Dahlia's pose and smile =)

As a kid, I loved watching the dragon performances, especially acrobatic kind

They even went shopping!

I know, not a great photo and Sophia looks possessed (haha), but just showing that the poppers went well into the night. And, as usual, Eli was kind enough to carry all of Sophia's purchases =)

The girls would have stayed longer, but us old fogies were tired o_O

But the night didn't end there for the girls... sweet Dahlia came over to continue to 'party' with Sophia with a sleepover! YAY!!!! I love how excited Sophia gets when a friend spends the night... she gets so full of excitement, I can feel it in my heart... if you that makes sense =)

Before bed, they were getting their turns on the massage chair to relax them, haha... all the kiddies love sitting on that thing!

Phew! That was a long night!

Dahlia suggested they try to stay up all night... that lasted for about a little over an hour and Dahlia knocked out cold, haha. 'A' for effort ;)

'til the next outing...


:: LOVE ::

xxoo cookie & mama xxoo

Busy Bee

There has been so much going on lately... Or I feel as if there is 😳 I've recently just began using iPhone's reminder list... All I've got to say is--"why the heck have I not been using this friggin' thing sooner??" It's the perfect pairing to my calendar that is accessible in various places--without it, I'd be terribly lost. Now, with the reminder list, I'm able to keep track of EVERYTHING that needs to be completed and by when... Technology--I FRIGGIN' LOVE IT!! 

Um, how did I get so far off track?? Oh, who knows??

Anyhow... Ah, yes, I had began by mentioning about being so busy lately. I feel like I've been on the go with and without Cookie ever since the school year began! I feel like school just began but it's already 2 mos into it!! Seriously!! Where did the time go?? And there are so many activities going on, this mama sometimes get confused. I feel like I'm going to miss something 😳 not a good feeling, boooo...

Even when it's not my week with her, I try to get my butt over to Cookie's school as often as I can--either to volunteer or just to watch her have her violin/hip-hop class. Gives me an excuse to get my dose of Sophia hugs and kisses 😍😘 And I enjoy volunteering in the class so that I can see how she is in class and I know that kids love and enjoy seeing their parents volunteer ☺️ 

As I'm sitting here typing away, I keep on kicking myself cause I keep on saying that I would update this blog more so as to not fall behind... Haven't been so successful with that 😞 Hmm, but now that I got the blogger app on my phone, I think the updates will be happening more frequently. And probably even more so when I get the new iPhone (in 4 weeks, back ordered) that has a 8 MP cam, I believe. 

This post has definitely been a weird turn than what is normally on here... Eh, whatever... Mama will do what mama wants 😜 I think it was more to test out this blogger app, haha!

Well, can't end this without posting AT LEAST an uno (or dos) pic of Cookie! 

The LOVE of my life for forever and ever!!! 😘

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

I know this is overdue considering that first grade... wait, wha??? FIRST GRADE?!! WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?? It snuck up on me and kicked me in the shin and ran off... or that's how it feels like =P Anyways, back to what I was saying...

Cookie has now been a first grader for a month now (yikes!! A month?? ALREADY??... Apparently, I'm in awe at the speed of time... wish every work day went by that quickly, haha).

**I apologize... I'm easily side-tracked tonight... it's late but I wanted to post this**

Let's try this again, shall we?

SOOOOO.......

My little Cookie is a FIRST GRADER **tear, sniffle, sniffle** 

First Grader Cookie & Mama

Found Sophia's seat and settling in...

Soon after, the parents had to be shoo'd away... I would have stayed there all day if they would have let me, hahaha!

Squeezed in another final shot before all the parents were 'kindly' kicked out =P

I know I will be missing these days tremendously in the future... sometimes, I wish I could bottle up these moments and revisit them whenever I want... 

I squeeze and hold her tight as much as possible because I know it's not going to last forever... so, I might as well take advantage of it to the fullest extent for as long as I can. Also wish my memory could record every single moment with her, which would allow me to rewind and replay any part I want!

Whenever I go back to older pics, I find myself already forgetting certain things during her baby and toddler times =/ **Sigh** Kind of sad. As time moves forward, these days will soon be filed along with those earlier moments--the moments that I want to have the ability to hold onto and recall whenever I want at my disposal (wishful thinking). But in reality, we only remember so much and that is why I am cherishing these times whole-heartedly and living in the moment more than I ever have in my life.

And for those moments that I won't always be able to recall, I am so grateful that we're living in this day and age where pics and videos can be taken quickly and easily =) I am definitely thankful for that!! 

Well... until the next time...

~~ LOVE ~~

COOKIE & MAMA

Meditation & Cherry Picking w/ Nylah

Hello friends!!

The events of this post actually happened a couple months ago during the beginning of summer... that's how behind I am with the posting =/ BOOOOOO!!!

Beginning of our day... Sophia did her own hair, she did a pretty good job... not how I would have done it, but doing it for the first time herself, not too shabby! =)

We were heading to our usual Sunday meditation class... I love going to those classes with her. I love the lessons they teach! I love how they teach that we ultimately create our world--situations may happen to us, but it is up to us to decide how the story will continue... we'll either grow or we'll be torn down by temporary circumstances. I also love how they teach self-awareness and compassion (especially at this age and being an only child, Sophia can definitely learn a thing or two about the world around her and that it's not always about her). I know I keep on using the word 'love' in the past few sentences, but I just can't help it!! I really do LOVE that class and how they gear it towards children =) Adapted to their attention span and presented in a way they can understand, relate, and apply =D

When we first started going, she was resistive (as any of us would be to new things and change... interesting how we still act like that as adults) but with each trip there, she learned the technique (even corrects my posture!! Haha) and has grown accustomed to it--and absolutely enjoys going. Phew!! I'm relieved and glad. At first, she would voice how she didn't like it because 'it's boring,' but I would keep on repeating to her in different ways how I enjoyed it because it could teach me to be a better person, to have the strength to be the bigger person in challenging situations, and to accept challenging moments with open arms since those are the instances that helps us grow by learning a lesson <<< just a few of the benefits =)

This class has also thought me a thing or two also... I had a time of unpeace internally and I knew that it had to be recognized and addressed because it was slowly hurting me from the inside... what motivated me the most to get myself better was Sophia--I can't be the best mother I can be if I'm disturbed inside. So now, when Sophia is with Eli and I, we make our Sunday visit to the meditation center and always come out more knowledgable with an inkling more of inner calm than when we walked in =) Being the best person we can be is a lifelong process and only happens step-by-step (we have our habits and change doesn't happen overnight, as we all know)--as Laozi says, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with single step." That's one of my fave quotes! Anyway, I figure that it's best to give Sophia the tools and knowledge to lead her on a better path than my own (and, not to brag, but the path I'm on is pretty darn good--I'm fortunate to have all that I have, both good and bad, because without the bad, I wouldn't be able to appreciate the good!). As parents, we always want our children to do and be better than we were. But, don't get me wrong, I do all this while keeping in mind that I also cannot control the decisions and actions Sophia will choose on her journey, I can only hope that she leads with her heart, ethics, and morals.

Well, this kind of turned into a deep post, didn't it? Let's lighten it up a bit here...

Following the meditation/lesson, there's always a craft to follow to reiterate what was taught...

Following that... breakfast!!! I think this is Eli's fave part of the morning even though he claims he learns and likes going to meditation, haha!

Sophia's such a team player, hahahahaha!!

FAST FORWARD AN HOUR OR TWO... and after getting lost for about an hour (oy)...

CHERRY PICKING TIME!!

Nylah and Sophia

They were so adorable and so excited!! Definitely a memorable experience =D 

It just came to mind now... when we had gotten home, Sophia had froze some and I think they're still in the freezer as I type this, hahahaha!! Wondering if they're still good... hmm...

You know it's not a real Sophia post without a video! =D

This video took almost an hour to upload (yikes!) and it's not clear!! =/ I'm going to have to figure all that out... this is a little annoying but hopefully the next video up will be much, much clearer... sigh... 

At least the pics are good! =D 

::: LOVE :::

Cookie & Mama

Making Dad Feel Special

Hello, there...

** I actually started writing this post near the end of June and finished it but due to some technical difficulties, the Blogger site didn't post it (boooooo!)... I was so frustrated since I had spent so many hrs on it (till 2 AM) that I haven't returned since. Too much time has past and a few things have gone on and now I feel like I have to catch up! So, onward to the updating... **

Glad to see you here again! 

As you might have guessed from the title, this post will be about DADDY! We spent part of the day making a personalized, one-of-a-kind gift for Father's Day.

Let me tell you!... this little girl is so freakin' creative and totally lovable (last description didn't have anything to do w/ the gift-making process but I had the urge to add it in there, as if you didn't already know, hehe). Cookie ended up using so many mediums to create her masterpiece... as you will see below...

First... fueling up...

First things first, the rough draft...

Eli trying to get Sophia's music going while she's working on her art

Now, she's sketching on canvas after having drew the original on paper

Getting her paint on...

Was the finished product till we came upon some other art mediums...

And, finally, TA-DA...........

Try to tell me that is not THEE best art work you've ever seen =D

Little cookie thought having that piece of hair in front gave the pic a final touch, haha

And that's all for now folks... thanks for stopping by...
Till the next time...

LOVE,
COOKIE & MAMA

Last Day of Kindergarten

OHMIGOODNESS!!!

I've got me an almost first grader!!

WHAT THE HECK?!?

When did this happen?? What is going on?? Where did the time go?? Seriously!!! 

I swear (!!) just a couple months ago I was picking up Cookie from her daycare (the pre-kinder days) and now I'm picking her up on the last day of her kinder year!! 

OH...... MY...... GOODNESS!!! 

**Breathe, Crystal, breathe** 

I think I'm starting to hyperventilate...

~~~~ a good ten minutes pass~~~~

Okay, I'm back... had to pull myself together. I feel like I'm going to walk to the kitchen and come back to a sixteen year old!! I feel like I'm totally taking on that Asian stereotype--I can't go anywhere without a camera in-hand or around my neck. If you thought I was crazy at taking pics before... oh... OH (!!)... you have no idea the damage I can do to a camera's memory card! 

As of late, I find myself uploading from 3 different devices nowadays. In any given night, you'll see 3 USB cords connecting 3 cameras and me at the keyboard either reviewing or editing (actually, both) pics and videos and then I'll eventually get to posting them up on this here blog. I'm not about to miss out on any moments with Cookie!! (As if you couldn't already tell, sigh...) With all the technology that surrounds us these days, I better look into investing in data memory for the thousands upon thousands of pics/videos I'm going to have... and a little tidbit for ya--in Cookie's first month of life, I had taken almost 300 pics!! Granted, I'm nowhere near that number these days, but it can get a bit up there... yikes...

Ever since I met my wee one, I've been told by numerous parents about how quickly time passes and before I know it, burping, changing diapers, sleepless nights, first words, first steps will only be distant memories. They pretty much are now and Cookie's only 6! Who knows what I won't be remembering by the time she's 10, 12, 15, 18! That's another reason I record and have a camera on-hand at all times... LITERALLY! (But I bet most of y'all kinda already knew that, didn't ya? Hehe. And if not, then we must have just met, haha.) 

When I had gone to pick up Sophia at school, I was kinda sad myself (okay... more than "kinda" but let's not talk about that now) that Mr. V won't be Sophia's teacher anymore. She loves him and so do I. Of course, I didn't spend nearly as much time w/ him as she did, but there are times that you get a person's vibe... and I can feel it and from the bits I've seen - that he is definitely one of those rare teachers that's made a mark in Sophia's life... as anybody can tell by the letter she wrote for him (below). I feel fortunate that Sophia began her school life with a teacher like him!

Reading her letter to him makes me want to cry... she mentions how he is "the bestest in the whole wide world" and how she will miss him when she's in first grade, then asks if he will miss her... (excuse me as I wipe my tears... so bittersweet!). She ends it with "I love you the mostest." AWWWW!!! How endearing is that?? Seriously!

~~~I'll be right back... gotta grab another tissue.~~~

What I don't understand is why can't the school just move up the teacher and the class all together?? C'mon! Is that so hard to ask for?? Just to have one teacher for all 13 years of school?? Hahahaha! I know, I'm being dramatic; but this is the process you'll have to bear with me as Cookie hits highlights in her growing up... and I ain't gonna lie, it'll probably get much uglier than this down the line, haha.

Along with having to say good-bye to Mr. V for the summer, we also had to say "see ya soon!" to Sophia's after-school care teachers (who are freakin' AWESOME and a half!!!!)

Again, I cannot stress enough how grateful I am that Sophia was under the care of such wonderful teachers/individuals!! Though Cookie's developed a bond with all four teachers, her strongest bond is with Ms. Karen (far left)--Sophia will mention how she lovvvvves Ms. Karen... it is SO SWEET!! Absolutely warms my heart!!! This program did so much for all the kiddos... can't tell you how many shows I've been to and to even hear of the things they teach the kids... nothing less than awesome!! 

Okay, I'm sorry... I feel like I'm just repeating myself over and over and being all sorts of emotional. For the rest of this post, I'm going to try to calm it and tone the dramatics down a bit... BUT, I ain't promisin'... cause it's unlikely to work out that way. So, just a little warning... haha...

Back to Sophia and some various shots...

Just a quick snap with Ella (Shahaf's sis) before leaving for summer break

One of my MOST FAVE sounds in the whole wide freakin' world is to hear this cutie laugh whole-heartedly... need to capture it to make it into my ring tone, hehe... nah, I'm not that obsessed about my kid......... uh... actually, yeah I am... and I'm cool with that, haha.

Had NO idea she was doing this face! Was totally cracking up after looking at the cam to see how the pic had turned out, HAHAHA!!

We walked out of the store having found an awesome deal on this purchase, hahahahaha!!

Um... yeah... not sure what's going on here. And that man in the back is totally pic-bombing, haha.

Your guess is as good as mine... I don't know why Eli's posing like that either, haha! Maybe I caught him while he was getting ready to pose...?? Oh, well... random awkward pics are okay, too.

YAY! Mama and Cookie... LOVE!

And lastly, we ended the evening with one of Sophia's fave things.........

ICE CREAM!!!!

Couldn't have it any other way!

Okay, folks, that's it for now. This mama is t-i-r-e-d! But had to get this posted--been sitting on this too long. There's so much more I want to post but trying to do my best to get it in chronological order... but I can see that not always happening. Ah, well, we'll see...

Anyhow...

Thank you for checking out this closing chapter of Sophia's life... 

'Til the next time...

:::LOVE:::

Cookie & Mama