I was scheduled to post our Maine Travel Diary today, but I am pushing that one off until next month because it’s not quite finished yet. Instead, I am switching gears and taking some time to look back and share a few winter highlights before the new year goes on any longer and we dive into all things spring. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

December Highlights

Christmas Eve Mass

We were invited to attend Christmas Eve Mass with a few family members at the Fellowship Church in Brentwood, CA and it was such a treat! Not only was the service beautiful, closing with a candlelight singing of Silent Night and reminding us of the real reason for the season – the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, but there were also fun and festive decorations everywhere you look.  On top of that, outside, in front of the church entrance, was 50 tons of snow for all the kids to enjoy.  #howcool

Arnold Trip

Murphys

The day after Christmas, we ventured to Arnold for a family getaway.  The past few months have been so busy so, it was a treat to have some time to slow down and not stick to any schedule.  While we mainly stayed in, we did venture out a handful of times.  I’ve already shared the details of the property from our trip there two years ago so, today is more of snapshots of the few new things we did (and enjoyed!) in case you find yourself there.    

We stopped at Murphys along the way to help break up our time in the car, stretch out our legs, and to grab lunch.  We ate at The House of Pita and enjoyed it.  The atmosphere was cozy, and the food was great.  So much so that we also grabbed a gyro on our way out! As for what we ate for lunch, we ordered the Mediterranean Chicken and their beef kebabs.  

Shortly after lunch, we made our way for wine tasting per hubby’s request and ended up at Broll.  It is a small tasting room located across from Murphys Historic Hotel that is beautifully decorated and charming.  Even if you don’t drink, it is worth a visit.  Speaking of which, I do want to note that they do not allow anyone inside under the age of 21.  

As such, my son and I went on a little adventure on our own.  We spent our time walking around, visiting a few shops, stopping for a couple of photo ops and getting ice cream at JoMas.  Mint chocolate chip is his favorite ice cream flavor so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we got a double scoop of their Jiminty Cricket! It was creamy and flavorful.  I’d love to try their Wake Up Murphys next time!

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

The following day, we visited Calaveras Big Trees State Park and made an afternoon of walking through the North Grove Trail.  It is about a 1.5-mile loop and the trail was flat and easy to navigate with markers.  Along the way, we saw the famous Discovery Tree, the iconic Pioneer Cabin Tree or also known as the tunnel tree, as well as many others.  These majestic beauties are truly grand, magical, and we all left feeling amazed.  Trust me, when I say pictures don’t do them justice.   

Bear Valley

Of course, a trip to Arnold isn’t complete without skiing! So, the next morning kicked off super early with a trip to Bear Valley.  This is my son’s 3^rd year skiing, and his first time on the intermediate slope! 

Snowsuit

Giants Hamburger

The icing on the cake, though, has got to be our meal at Giants Hamburger in Arnold! Even though it took a while to get our meal, the food did not disappoint and was worth the wait.  Not only was the hamburger huge, but it tasted amazing.  The patty was thick, moist, and cooked to perfection.  And if that’s not enough, the fries were crunchy and nicely seasoned.  My only regret was not getting a milk shake.  

New Year’s Eve

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, we don’t make a big deal out of it and it’s very low-key.  Usually, we watch the ball drop in New York and call it a night.  But considering it’s our last NYE celebration in our home (more on that below) I wanted to ring in 2025 in a festive and memorable way.  So, I took that as an opportunity to decorate and set up a small treats table.  We even invited my parents to join us, and it was a wonderful night filled with yummy goodies, UNO, a movie, and catching up!

January Highlights

School Field Trip

Once a year, my son’s elementary school has a field trip and every time, my husband or I would volunteer to chaperone and drive him there.  This year, we decided it was a good time for him to spread his wings and to let him ride on the bus with his classmates.  

8th Annual Early Childhood Education Conference

At the end of January, I attended the 8^th annual ECE Conference in Stockton, and it was great day of meeting, learning, and growing.  

February Highlights

Brown Belt

The weekend after that was my son’s martial arts graduation and he advanced to brown belt.  #waytogo  

To celebrate, we ate at BJs Brewhouse and got hamburgers!

Louis Vuitton Bum Bag

Introducing my new main sidekick – the Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag!

Isn’t she a beauty?

Bum Bag

March Highlights

CSEA 28th Annual Para Educator Conference

When I got an invitation to attend the CSEA Annual Para Educator Conference in Ontario, CA, I jumped at it. I am so glad I did because it was so much fun! There were 1406 professionals who came from all over California to attend. So, not only did I meet so many different men and women from a wide range of ages and background, but I also completed seven classes for a total of 13.5 hours.

I’ll share a full recap of my experience soon so #staytuned!

11th Birthday

My son is ELEVEN!

He is a fan of soups so pho was a must. To celebrate, we went to one of our local Vietnamese restaurants to enjoy some yummy goodies. But the fun doesn’t stop there, this week, we are having his waterpark adventure party with his crew.

Life Ramblings

Move

When I announced that we are moving last year, what I failed to mention to you was that it was still one year away.  I did that so that I could mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for it.  Today, we are officially down to about less than six weeks before we move into our new house and more than ever, I am struggling with my emotions. While there is a certain excitement to new beginnings, I can’t help but feel very sad to leave our home of twelve years, a job that I love, and my family.  And as the clock continues to countdown, I am finding myself stressed and worked up over the future. So, I have been praying on it and asking God for guidance. Thus, it is no coincidence that I came across this scripture.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Now when I start to feel anxiety creep in, I remind myself of this verse and know that God has my back.

And that my friends wrap up this monthly rambling post!

Okay, it’s your turn! What’s one random thing you are loving lately, dying to try out or looking forward to?

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