Well, I am truly thankful that the Lord has blessed me with my children, and equally so for my wife, Erika, of 10 years this Friday on the 27th. Without her, I couldn’t even fathom what my life would be like now! Back in September we were fortunate enough to have the time and childcare available to spend a week in our favorite island, Maui in Hawaii, to celebrate our anniversary. There was no way we would be able to really get away this weekend! It was such a memorable and relaxing time!
Anyone that has met Erika knows we’re polar opposites. We’re talking the extreme opposite ends of the spectrum! You just wouldn’t think we were together considering how far apart we are from each other on the spectrum! Well it’s true. I think we compliment each other very well. Almost too well at times. We’re like each others counterbalance. A well oiled machine! Now I hate to break it to you, but no marriage is perfect. We’ve had our roller coaster of ups and downs, struggles, triumphs, heartaches and heart to hearts. And that roller coaster is never ending, neither of us able to anticipate the next turn. The one thing I know that has been the magic formula to keeping our marriage going strong is having a Christ centered marriage. I’m not trying to preach or anything, but considering all the good times and difficult times that we’ve been through, the Lord has been there and been the answer and guide to solving our every situation. I am blessed beyond imagination to be given Erika as a gift from God. She is an amazing mother, wife, and best friend. I love you baby! 
That was us 10 years ago!
A truly blessed 10 years of marriage!
Having said all that, we have been truly blessed with three AMAZING children with qualities and characteristics totally unique from each other. A few weeks ago we were hanging out at the Huntington Beach pier to get our family photos taken by my man Jack Ratana. While Jack is working his butt off to get all the photos of his hundred or so other clients he had that day, I though I’d post up the ones I took with my camera before and after our session.
First up Baby A (Yes, on the internet, I refer to my children by a nickname and initial..) This little man is turning six months this week! It’s crazy how fast the time has gone! It’s around this age where you really can’t miss a moment. He’s learning so much and quite the inquisitive one! He has a fascination with ceiling fans and loves watching football with me. No lie. He will sit still during a game!
This was taken on my wife’s iPhone + a little Photoshop!
Next is our middle child, Princess A. It’s impossible to not know her personality by these photos. A larger than life, totally girly attitude, all rolled up into a tiny little package. But don’t let that cute little face fool you! She can be a hard headed one at times! But does it bother me? No! She’s daddy’s little girl!
And finally, the oldest, tween A, or shall I say, teen A. The fact that he will be a teenager frightens me!! Not really. Honor roll, plays the bass clarinet in the wind ensemble at school, such a huge help at home as well as at church and an extremely loving big brother. I see a lot of me when I was his age! Despite our similarities, he’s such a momma’s boy!
Along with my wife, these three are the drive and motivation for doing what I love to do!
Facebook comments:
Very cool Alfred. Beautiful family pics! Congrats on 10 years!
aww that’s one of the most sweetest blog entries I’ve seen in a long time. Congrats on such a happy marriage and family!!