tinypoem

So This Is Christmas

2010-12-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

It's been raining and our little wonky tree looks the way I feel right now. I miss the sun and I'm hoping it's true that we may see it on Thursday. The shopping is almost done and the only thing left on the agenda is to do something Christmas-y with the kids.

Our tree is small so it's very plainly decorated with silver and glass balls, delicate wooden snowflakes, and white butterflies. What makes me happy is the one gold ornament hanging right in front. We received it as a gift from Mia during the Pancake Breakfast with her class. It's her actual handprint but was painted to look like five little snowmen on a bed of snow. I smile everytime I look at it.

Halloween

2010-11-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

Someone's getting older and isn't so enchanted with dressing up for Halloween anymore which makes me a bit sad. But looking back, he was never really into wearing costumes. I remember when he was about four years old, he used to run around the house with his plastic swords and bow and arrows inside the back of his shirts. Ask him what he wanted to wear for Halloween though and the answer was always, "I don't know." Was this his last year for trick-or-treating? I guess I have to stop thinking of him as a little boy now?

She really shines in whatever she wears. I was extremely happy that she agreed with me to not wear a princess costume for the 4th year in a row! Plus, this is totally her. She loves ladybugs. Every spring when they suddenly appear she gets so excited when we find them in our garden.

I think they had a good time trick-or-treating this year. We were at CH and spent about 30 minutes roaming the streets. I'm glad my kids aren't crazy wanting to have their buckets filled to the brim with candy. It was just enough.

First Week

2010-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today was the first Family Friday in Mia's class and we got this! I love this picture! Mia's hair looks super-long because of the shadow behind her :)

She's doing well so far. She's met a few friends already and I got to meet those friends' Moms today. I think she's excited to be going to school because during the afternoons she'll tell me, "I want to go back to school!"

Aidan is without a doubt doing well too. His first report is due today, but it was really easy since it's all about himself. He says his teacher is funny and he's made friends with the other two 5th grade boys in his class. I'm sure he misses being with his old classmates but he still gets to play with them during lunchtime.

First week is almost over. I'm sure we can look forward to doing actual schoolwork very soon!

Sweet Dreams, Momo

2010-08-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Success!

Mia let me leave her room tonight without her being sad and crying!

The last three nights were rough with Monday being the worst. I had left her asleep and ten minutes later she woke up bawling. I would tell her to go back to sleep, but she'd find every excuse to get out of her room. She needed water...she had to go to the bathroom (twice)...the cats were being loud. It was like an episode from Supernanny! Her crying was so terribly loud that I almost caved in, but I knew I couldn't once we started. I think the last time I put her back in her room was around 3:30 AM and it left me so exhausted for the next day. We went through the whole ordeal again on Tuesday night. Same exact thing...so many tears shed...only she relented a bit earlier. Last night as I was about to leave her bed she began crying again but this time I decided to talk her through it. I told her that even though she was sleeping by herself it didn't mean that I didn't love her any less. Sleeping on her own was just something that big boys and girls did. I think I spent 45 minutes reassuring her with how much I love her and how much everyone else loves her. I left her at about 11 PM and she was sound asleep 'til I woke her up this morning.

So this is what we did tonight that I guess is her nighttime ritual. Toothbrushing and bathtime at 8:15 PM. I blow-dried her hair. Then we went to her room and she picked out two books to read. We lay down together in her bed and, since she said she was tired, I was the one doing all the reading. After reading I got up and I told her I loved her several times and we gave each other goodnight kisses. And before I closed her door I told her I loved her again.

I honestly didn't think I could convince her to sleep in her own room, but now it's happened. I'm so relieved! For being brave I promised her that we would take her to Toys 'R Us to pick out "a little something". I'm just so super-duper proud of her right now that I feel like I'm going to burst.

SHINee(샤이니)_LUCIFER_뮤직비디오(MusicVideo) HD

2010-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm going to listen to this everyday until a new MV comes out and then I'll probably listen to that everyday too. I love SHINee.

first night

2010-07-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

shhh...she's finally sleeping in her bed tonight. but it's in my room. we had to put it here because we were going to paint the kids' rooms (back to white). i thought she would make a fuss, but she didn't. after one story she went to sleep right away. hopefully when it's time to move her bed she'll finally be ok with sleeping in her room. perhaps? i'll just hope...

Not Yet

2010-07-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

We haven't tried again yet, but I think I feel better now to have another go at sleeping in her room tomorrow. In the meantime, look who's taking advantage of the new, pretty, unused bed. They've logged more hours on it than Mia.

Pip. Every time I look at his face I think "silly cat."

Doesn't she look pretty, though? She really makes such a pretty ballerina.

Moving On

2010-07-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

OK. Maybe I shouldn't care whether Mia sleeps in her own room or with me right now. Me trying to force her into doing something she's not ready for is giving both of us a hard time. I get upset. She thinks that I don't love her. There are ghosts that might float into her room through holes in the walls. How do you persuade a four-year-old that those scary things in her mind are non-existent? So I'm not going to force the issue. We'll just try again a little bit later.

Facebook games are sucking up my life. I need to just stop and back away. If I can just get my mind to stop wanting to "check what's on the feed"... There are things I'd like to do - the first being to get rid of all the extra clutter around the house. I'm starting to get back into checking all the websites that inspire me to live beautifully and, although I know the images they post are highly stylized, I don't think it's so bad to strive for the same kind of perfection in my own life and home. Gosh...I WANT TO GET BACK TO REALITY!

Calming down...

Getting into bed now with my baby girl right beside me...

Reminder To Myself

2010-06-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

In just two days the four of us will be on a little summer vacation. I didn't realize how badly I wanted to spend time with my family until now. We're practically with each other all year, except for whenever Allan goes on his business trips, but there's always a schedule to manage and so many things to do and places to go. I've arrived at this point where I can stop and check my surroundings and all I can do is ask how we got here. Sometimes we see each other without really seeing each other. I just want to make the most of these next few days when us is all there is. I want to remember the smiles on their faces and tell them how much I love them and how happy they make me and how thankful I am that we're together.

These are reminders too...

Hi, Grandma and Grandpa!

2010-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Do you like my hair?

The Princess of Make-Believe

2010-05-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Those are socks on her hands.

And I was looking through old pics again and came across this one from February. I miss her two front teeth.

After A Long Day...

2010-04-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

She said, "I know what I can do! I can listen to music before I go to sleep just like Olivia." (Olivia, the cartoon.) She brought the iPod and headphones with her upstairs and, after we brushed her teeth, she climbed into bed with them on. After 10 minutes I turned around to look at her from my desk and she was already sound asleep. The last song before I turned off the iPod was the one by Leessang and Lee Hyori. I guess Korean music is just as good as any lullaby.

Last Year's Bedroom

2010-04-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through PSE and I found this picture from June 2009. This was probably the last time Pip got to cuddle with another cat. He was just a baby and was used to curling up in his cage at the shelter with his roommates. One of them was his brother and now that I think about it I'm a bit sad that we separated them. I remember his name was Midnight and I hope someone was kind enough to adopt him too. I wonder if Pip ever thinks about him. Sadly, Lola wasn't a very good replacement since she's use to being alone and is already set in her ways.

Another thing that struck me about this picture was how nice my bedroom looked! I miss the cleanliness, the bare floors, the serenity that I feel when I look at it. Oh, to have it once again! To be rid of the endless clutter and the furniture that belongs elsewhere! I miss you so very much, my simple and beautiful room.

Aidan Aidan Aidan

2010-03-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

2.14.10

A Most Beautiful Smile

2010-02-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! (Better late than never!)

Mia got her two front teeth pulled out yesterday :( I took her to her regular dental check-up two weeks ago and her x-ray showed that they were both fractured. Rather than risk infection, the dentist recommended they be extracted. So here she is now. I have to say how lucky I am to have two very good and smart children. The dental assistant said that Mia was the youngest and the best patient she had that day. Her dentist called her "the princess of all princesses" because she was so good. As for me, I wanted to cry as her teeth were being pulled out. It'll be like three years until her permanent teeth grow out so until then she'll have a bridge to fill in the gap.

She's eaten three bowls of oatmeal since yesterday because she can't eat anything hard. This afternoon I was eating french fries and she really wanted some so I mashed them up for her. For dinner we had pot roast and I cut everything up into tiny pieces and mixed it with rice for her.

She's had to go through a lot these past few months. Getting hurt, getting sick... She's a strong, little girl but I just pray that this year will be kinder to her.

Mia's Make Believe

2009-11-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

When Mia takes a bath, I let her play for a bit after we finish soaping and shampooing. Lately she's been pretending to be mixing up some drinks for me with her cups. Yesterday she made me tea that she proclaimed would make me sweet and then asked me, "Would you like it in a large cup?" I couldn't help but laugh!

Tonight she made me various drinks that contained lips and pee and poo because gross things are funny. Of course, my pretend drinks were served super-sized.

(BTW, today I was so proud of her at the doctor's office. Four shots (2 on each arm) and she didn't even flinch or cry. Wow.)

I Love Them

2009-10-26T14:41:00.002-07:00

y silly and beautiful babies.

Inspired

2009-10-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working on something new.

A Silly Quiz I Wanted To Do

2009-10-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Your Life As A Playlist. Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if they don't make sense.

How am I feeling today?
BIGBANG - Remember

Will I get far in life?
Marie Digby - Better Off Alone

How do my friends see me?
Sade - Kiss Of Life

Where will I get married?
Emerson Hart - Bad Case of Lovin' You

What is my best friend's theme song?
Party - That's Why

What is the story of my life?
Utada Hikaru - Hikari

What was high school like?
Sting - Fortress Around Your Heart

How can I get ahead in life?
Loreena McKennitt - The Old Ways

What is the best thing about me?
BIGBANG - Everything (LOL!!!!)

What was today like?
Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said

What is in store for this weekend?
Ashanti - Unfoolish

What song describes my parents?
Wonder Girls - Nobody

How is my life going?
Roselle Nava - Mula Sa Puso

What song will they play at my funeral?
Evita - Don't Cry For Me, Argentina (No lie!!)

How does the world see me?
Loreena McKennitt - Night Ride Across The Caucasus

Will I have a happy life?
Gloria Estefan - Anything For You

What do my friends really think of me?
Christina Milian - Dip It Low (LOL again!!!)

Do people secretly lust after me?
Jodeci - Come & Talk To Me

How can I make myself happy?
Colbie Caillat - Fallin' For You

What should I do with my life?
The Backyardigans - Go, Go, Go

What will my children be like?
Nicole Scherzinger - Whatever U Like

What will you name them?
Disney Princess: The Ultimate Song Collection - If You Can Dream

What will the person you marry be like?
Danity Kane - Strip Tease (hehe)

Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Lea Salonga - Minsan, Isang Kahapon

Will you have a fulfilling life?
Avril Lavigne - Too Much To Ask

How will you die?
Tori Amos - Silent All These Years

Dress-up

2009-09-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

(Her "shhh" pose)

More...

2009-09-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

(I re-did it.)

Three. I did three today! I'm having lots of fun with scrapbooking again!

I haven't been on Facebook lately which I guess is a good thing. But I found something else that has me glued to my chair, in front of the computer. Boys Over Flowers. It's a Korean drama and I am oh-so-addicted. It's such a cute story. Thank you to the English subbers on YouTube! And just in case you want to see what I'm talking about...

Going Digi

2009-09-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am really feeling like I want to get back to scrapbooking again. Not paper, but digital. I think it'll be so much easier to just upload to Shutterfly and have the pages printed into a book. I just have to get used to PSE 9. I was so behind on the times but, geez, I'm really missing my version 3.0!

I'm vowing now to spend more time taking pictures and scrapping rather than playing all those time-sucking games on Facebook!

I Really Have To Put Away The Laundry

2009-09-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

I took this just before I drove him to school this morning. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's his longer hair but he's changed on me again somehow. Notice the stacked sweatbands (that he got from his school's fundraiser), The Diary of A Wimpy Kid in his hands. He's adjusted well to his new school.

She's ready to go again after missing three days of school (due to our vacation and then getting sick). She was so happy this morning and even woke up early.

I'm slightly obsessed with BIGBANG. I found them on Youtube when Iwas looking up the Wonder Girls. How is it that I can love their songs when I can't even understand a word of what they're saying???!!

She's Growing Up

2009-09-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the report:

1. They played Duck, Duck, Goose.
2. She hates the boy who stepped on her finger while playing Duck, Duck, Goose.
3. She said she traded her juice with another girl's yogurt.
4. She was extremely thirsty when I picked her up.
5. One teacher asked me how old Mia was because she was so well mannered and so outgoing.

So far, so good!

I'm Still Here

2009-08-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Pip is curled up between my arms as I'm typing :)

Life has been busy and I've been neglecting to write even though so many things have happened since my last post.

Aidan started 4th grade three weeks ago. New school, new friends to make. All of us were excited about this and it would have been a fabulous beginning if I hadn't written down the wrong start date. Yes, he missed his first day of school. I agonized that night, hoping that everything would still fall into place...and surprisingly it did. While we were waiting for the school's doors to open, we met a Mom and her son who also missed the first day. He was in the same grade as Aidan and in the same class. Instant friends. They even sit next to each other in the classroom.

Aidan has adjusted really well. He has a few other friends he talks about. Once a week he stays after school for Chess Masters - a chess-playing club. He's been doing well with his homework too so I have nothing to worry about with him. He's still on his way to finishing his black-belt tests for taekwondo. He starts soccer next week. I couldn't have asked for a more well-rounded boy.

I enrolled Mia in Tiny Tots at the YMCA and that begins next month. She'll be going to preschool every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for three hours a day. I know she'll have fun because she just loves to be around other people and especially other kids.

Speaking of other kids, Mia has been going to My Gym every Friday and for the past three weeks a certain boy has become attached to her. At a certain point during classes the kids are separated into groups and he always asks to be with her. Last week they were picked to be in different groups and the boy got upset. So upset that he just sat there and pouted and he didn't want to listen to the teacher. It was surprising because he's one of the more well-behaved boys in class. His Mom pulled him out and gave him a little talk. After that he was fine and he and Mia got together during free-play. My girl...already causing trouble for the boys.

Table For Six

2009-07-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Image from Dottie Angel

My Mom and brother are moving in.

Our house is going to be full come the end of this month and I'm looking forward to having more company. I'm currently re-organizing a few of our rooms. My brother will be taking over the loft so I'm moving my office downstairs. Mia will be losing her room for now too, but she's really not missing anything since she still prefers to sleep with me. My goal for today is to move all her belongings into the master bedroom. I'll have to share my space with all of her stuffed animals and My Little Ponies.

With my Mom being available a new possibility has opened up. I can go back to school. I can look for work. It's a little overwhelming since I have neither gone to school or worked outside of my home for nine years. I'm having to ask myself that question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I should know the answer to that question by now but I don't.

Happy 9th Birthday, Aidan!!

2009-06-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Disneyland. Splash Mountain, Astro Blasters, the arcade, Astro Orbiter, The Tiki Room, the crazy Indiana Jones ride. Tiring, fun. The chimichanga was good.

"Let me make a wish!" You can't beat me in a staring contest but you made me laugh out loud with this one. What a party!

You are one of the best things in our lives and we really love you so so much. We are extremely proud of you and what you've accomplished so far. We have no doubt that you'll do just as well, if not even better, on your ninth year.

We hope you had lots of fun!

ooxxoxOOOXXOoXoXOOxxxx,
Daddy, Mommy, and Mia

Progress

2009-06-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Carlsbad Flower Fields, 4.2009

I miss the sun. Just a little bit. It's such strange weather we're having, but I do hope it stays this way 'til next weekend.

I was missing the way Lola used to be before Pip came into our lives: the way she'd announce herself with a short "Rrr" before coming into my bedroom, her sleeping form at the foot of the bed, her purrs, her kneading. All of that was gone last week. It was only a few days ago that she started sleeping on my bed again and she's actually OK now if Pip is there too.

She fell asleep with Mia and me last night, but must have went away sometime later. Then she came back early morning when Allan came into the room and she followed him in. I heard her meow a little and she jumped on the bed. She walked on top of me like she used to and kneaded on my hips. She's slowly coming around and it makes me happy.

Baby Lola, 7.22.05

She Grew Up Pretty, 4.10.08

Cats on the Brain

2009-06-04T15:57:00.001-07:00

Hello, Pip. That's short for Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

There were so many cats at the shelter. We were there a week before and I was overwhelmed. How do I decide which one to rescue when they all needed rescuing? The older cats that meowed at us as we passed by their cages tugged at my heart, but I wanted to get a kitten because I thought Lola would feel less threatened by a younger cat. On our second visit, Allan spotted this little tuxedo kitten. Out of all the kittens, he was the only one that purred and rubbed himself along his cage to get our attention. He was named Lightning at the time and he's 3 months old. We waited a long time to fill out the adoption papers and all the while he slept so soundly in Allan's arms.

We kept him in Mia's room at first. I didn't heed the advice to keep the new cat separated for two weeks. I was too eager to see what Lola's reaction to him would be. She's seen other cats, feral ones that pass through our backyard, but never one up close and personal. She walked into the room ever so slowly and my hopes of a fast friendship were dashed when she began to hiss and growl at him. Deep, low growls. I've never heard those sounds from Lola. Ever. And it scared me a little that my sweet kitty could do that.

On the second day I kept them apart for most of the time. I supervised them when they were together and it wasn't any better. Pip would try to come close to her and Lola would have nothing to do with him.

But then it took a turn for the worse. Pip was a rambunctious kitten and was use to being around other cats while Lola was likely feeling threatened. She was set on establishing her dominance. For two days, I was a stressed-out mess. They fought so often. I was scared for Pip but Allan said that if Lola had really wanted to hurt him then she would have already. Pip gave as good as he got. It was a cat thing that I couldn't go between although it killed me to just let it happen. Lola ignored me and I was so sorry for bringing such a change on her.

Here they were seemingly fine.

A minute later, combat begins.

And on the fourth day, they tussled still but only a little. I went upstairs to look for them and I found this sweet scene.

And the day after...

This Is Me

2009-05-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty

2009-04-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Mia is taking a nap in her new bed right now. All by herself. I want to take a picture but I'm afraid I might wake her. Shhhh...

Her New Bed

2009-04-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

She promises to sleep in her new bed all by herself. Let's see how that goes. I think I'll miss her being in my bed actually.

I think this picture comes closest to the color of the walls. It's still a bit too pink for me. I'd love it was more of a powdery pink. If only there was a way to magically tone it down instead of having to do the actual labor.

Her room is still a bit bare. I'm really in love with her bed though. It has so much character.

This the sitting window next to her bed. If I could sew I'd make a cushion for it and I'm sure Lola would never leave that spot.

She's arranged most of her animals already! Sweet dreams, Momo!

The More I Explore...

2009-04-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

...the more I fall in love with Flickr. I could stare at my favorites all day long. The thing is that I could never find all these images on my own, so most of them are borrowed from other people's favorites. I could spend hours clicking away if I didn't have anything to stop me.

1. Monorail train arrived, 2. "close your eyes..., 3. ***, 4. Provensen Illustration, 5. Untitled, 6. L I G H T N E S S, 7. you are my favourite, 8. white, wood, poodle, 9. {45/365} i heart you., 10. Oink!, 11. i wish we were, 12. Ikea Inspiration, 13. Little Shoes, 14. More office, 15. Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise!, 16. in the afternoon light three, 17. nook outside, 18. cozy.corner, 19. Bless you, 20. By Kathleen Lolley

1. The butterfly garden, 2. onwalk72207.jpg, 3. postcard / rare device, 4. Untitled, 5. you may be my lucky star, but I'm the luckiest by far, 6. Happy Bokeh Wednesday!!!, 7. {mothy}, 8. Monday Monday, 9. Vanilla Sky, 10. Untitled, 11. Fabric Inspirations, 12. stars, 13. Mary, 14. wishing you this kind of day, 15. from lisa, a.k.a. bird in the hand, 16. Lovely paper umbrellas, 17. Untitled, 18. Royal Quiet De Luxe, 19. Sam's former apartment, 20. 214: 9.2.07

Knott's Berry Farm

2009-04-17T23:21:00.001-07:00

this is pretty

2009-04-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

i wish we were
Originally uploaded by i.anton

I think I'll use this photo as inspiration for Mia's room.

Lola Cribbies

2009-04-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Mia calls her that sometimes.

They have a new game together too. Mia runs around the house trailing a shoelace and Lola chases after her.

Play School

2009-03-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

The other day Mia and I were just sitting at home when I thought "this girl needs a little something more in her life." I remembered the Gymboree classes Aidan took when he was a tiny toddler and looked to see if there was anything like that near us. The closest I found was My Gym in Chino Hills and even if it was a bit of a drive it would be worth it to me if Mia ended up liking it. I signed up for a free trial class last Friday and happily Allan was able to come with us too.

This class is for 3 to 4 year olds and parents are relegated to sitting and watching in the lobby. They started off sitting in a circle and everyone was asked what their names were and what was their favorite breakfast. (Mia answered "cereal".) Here she is sitting nicely, listening to the instructors. Even though it was her first time ever in a group setting she was so good. Super-duper good. She followed directions and even raised her hand when she wanted a turn.

This was the "circus ladder".

She climbed all the way up and then the instructor flipped the ladder over so she could jump down. Look how happy and excited she is! Several times during the class she smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up.

They practiced jumping and balancing skills. She got to swing on a bar and jump on a trampoline. They got free time to play and she spent most of it in the ball pit.

This was the very last part of the class where all the kids took a turn sliding down the zip line. I was scared she wasn't going to be able to hold on and I could tell she was scared too as she was going. But she held on to the end. Phew!

My face was beaming the whole time. She really took to one of the instructors, "the one with the rainbow shirt" is what she called her. In the end she was so upset with me that we had to leave because she wanted more time to play. What I like is that she has a chance to just be around other kids now. *sigh* This is me just letting her go a little bit. So once a week for sure...My Gym...that's where you can find us.

P.S. We were at Borders yesterday, hanging around in the kids' area. Mia was walking around and there were two boys in her way so she goes, "Excuse me." The boys moved and one of them even said sorry to her. Such politeness from little kids. I was just surprised that Mia knew to say that to others because she never says it to me!

Show and Tell

2009-03-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

As she was driving away with Grandma and Grandpa this evening she yells out to us, "Don't forget to kick your own butts and kiss your boobies!" She makes me laugh!

I bought scrap stuff. Maybe I'll use them someday.

Finds from the Rose Bowl Flea Market: dice, a jar of marbles, a yardstick, and an old, stained globe. The jars were bought from The Container Store. That place is cool!

Here We Go Again

2009-03-12T10:42:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Dr. Joel says the cause was most likely something she wore because the rash is in the same area on both her arms and body. I haven't changed our laundry detergent so I doubt that that's the problem. I don't remember letting her wear anything that was unwashed. Honestly she has so many clothes she could go for two weeks without wearing the same thing. So I can't pin down what caused it, but at least we have a prescription for anti-itching cream. (Something I just thought about...I wonder if Mia will appreciate me blogging about this when she's older. LOL.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just made an appointment for Mia to see the Dr. because I'm pretty sure she has hives. It's been about five days since the welts started appearing and she's keeps scratching herself. She's red under her armpits down to the side of her chest, under her upper arms, and now there are little bumps on her lips. Just like Aidan last summer and that was a horrible thing for him to go through. Thank goodness I've never had hives, but I think it runs in the family. Arg.

Prizes

2009-03-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Oh how I miss her smallness!

About three weeks ago as we were laying in bed I had told Mia that if she stopped sucking on her thumb that I would take her to Toys 'R Us and buy her whatever she wanted. She stopped that very night and hasn't sucked her thumb since. How easy was that? I didn't think it was possible for her to go cold turkey but she did it!

So I took her to her most favorite store and she picked out this really cool keyboard. It has a turntable, a mic, and a removable player so she can listen to her recorded tunes on the go. Then before leaving she had to ride on this Mickey car at the front of the store. She was a happy girl and I was a happy Mommy. Her left thumb is looking better but it's still calloused and I'm putting lotion on it all the time.

Fricky-fricky fresh!

Yesterday was a big day for her too. Only three years old and we had to go to the dentist for over $500 worth of treatments. Her molars have deep grooves so we got sealants for them. Unfortunately they weren't covered by insurance because they're baby teeth. Better to be safe than sorry, I guess, but I'm glad we were able to afford it. She also had to have a frenulectomy. (More information here.) The frenulum underneath her tongue was too far forward and this limits how much she can move her tongue. I didn't even notice this until her dentist pointed it out last month. Allan and I were so nervous about the procedure, but it took all of 30 seconds to perform. They gave her local anesthesia and the little knife he used cauterized the cut at the same time so there was no open wound. He cut about 1/2". She was able to eat normally afterwards but we did have to wait until the anesthesia wore off.

She'll have to go through the procedure again another time because the frenulum underneath her upper lip is also too low and that's causing her two front teeth to grow apart. Now that I know how it is, I'm not so worried. Plus, I'm so thankful that we found such a great dentist that I can totally trust with my kids' oral health.

Mia was such a good girl. She spent about 45 minutes on the dentist's chair without a single fuss. All she wanted was to hold my hand the whole time. She totally deserved a prize for that so I took her to Target, her other favorite store. She picked out a mini Etch-A-Sketch and bubbles.

OMG

2009-03-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

What is this? Two pages in one week! I must be coming down with something... This one's all digi and it just took me waaaay too long to do. (Will update with credits later!)

Redo.

2009-03-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Some of the items on this came from a collage that I didn't like so well. Now I like it well.

March

2009-03-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Already? But weather-wise it's one of the loveliest months.

Mia loves to pick flowers and to her dandelions are pretty. She'll pick them and hand them over to me saying, "Here, Mommy, these are for you!" So sweet! But maybe it's time to visit a nursery so she can more choices.

---------------------------------------------------------

Here they are from last weekend. Aidan got a haircut and I love it because it's not as severe as we usually get it. It's much longer on the top.

The little fashionista. I don't know where she gets it from. Obviously not from me. She's stylin' with her HK watch from McDonald's!

2.20.09

2009-02-20T23:08:00.001-08:00

Souza : For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This persective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

The Huntington Library

2009-02-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

With a bit of time to spare during our Valentine's Day jaunt, we took a spontaneous trip to The Huntington Library. The last time we were there Aidan was only 9 months old. We had just 1 1/2 hours to explore before closing time but there were still so many people in line to get in that Allan made another spontaneous decision. We became members. We have one whole year to come and go as we please. We can bring just Aidan along to peruse the library and art galleries. Allan and I can go by ourselves on a photography adventure. The possibilities... Right now the magnolias, camellias, and plum trees are in full bloom. Next will come the roses. I can't wait for the roses.

Mia enjoyed the Children's Garden for a while but in the end declared, "I don't like this park. There's no swings or slides." It's true, but I'm sure she'll get it later.

2.12.09

2009-02-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't like any of the Valentine card options at Tarjay so I decided Aidan's cards this year will be original! I made this bag topper on PSE and it practically took less than ten minutes to create. The bird and branch brush was free from here. The lighting is terrible inside my house at this time so here's what it really looks like. I guess I just feel good about making something (even if it is just a little something) after such a long creative drought.

And, oh no, I'm not sure I even want to open it knowing that it's the last dose of Domino goodness I will get. I think it needs to be savored when the kids are asleep and there's a nice, hot cup of white chocolate mocha coffee in my hand.

Oh The Dilemma!

2009-02-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

from Urban Outfitters

from Fossil

My name is Michelle and I am a bagaholic!

I Brake For Rainbows

2009-02-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

I should have a bumper sticker on my car that says that. As I was driving home from bringing Aidan to school, I was noticing the beautiful morning light. The day was absolutely glowing inspite of the gray clouds. Then Mia and I saw the most intense, amazing rainbow, from one end to another, and we drove right underneath it. I had to call Allan and tell him to get the camera because I wanted to capture the moment. Unfortunately by the time I got home to pick him up the clouds began to take over the sky again. I drove around for a bit to get a good vantage point but these pics were the best we could get.

I love rain. I love rainbows. They leave me feeling so grateful that I'm able to witness something so beautiful.

She loves them too.

I Want

2009-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie

West Elm

2.3.09

2009-02-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

The correct lyrics:
Disturbia
It's like the darkness is alive.

Mia's version:
Disturbriella
Stick it down to lemonade.

LOL

I'm thinking...

2009-02-02T23:37:00.000-08:00

1. about a pretty scent.

2. of feeding my obsession.

3. this will make for sweeter dreams.

4. this is much nicer.

5. old and yet new.

6. like we need juice.

7. about how much I love that paper I used for Mia's layout.

8. that after two layouts I really should go to sleep.

1.26.09

2009-01-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

Bowling was a bust yesterday but hanging out with the Reyes' was fun. Polly's. Pinkberry. Just hanging out in our living room while the kids played Wii. Mia loved them and asked where Victoria was after they left.

Magical Thinking. Why didn't I think of this?

It's another chance at celebrating a new year today! Faith and love...those two things will get us through.

Finally Outside

2009-01-15T21:10:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how warm it is in the middle of January. I'm hoping this is just temporary. I don't think I can handle coming from such a short winter and jumping straight into summer already. What's worse are the Santa Ana winds constantly blowing through our area. Even though it has been nice and sunny we couldn't go outside. We were stuck inside for four days! But thankfully today we got a reprieve.

Mia reigned over the backyard in her castle. For about ten minutes she stood there and sang a song only she could understand. It was full of emotion though with lots of gestures and pretty poses. I told her today that I might have found a dance class for her to go to and she got so excited.

Aidan was very willing to be my model today and I love these shots! His face is so sweet.

They worked off some more energy jumping off our little wall. A few months ago I had asked Mia to do this and she wouldn't. She was too scared to even stand up. But now she had no hesitation.

My little birdie can fly.

Painting

2009-01-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

24 colors. Nothing but the top of the line.

Her paintings are just expressions of color right now. Sometimes she draws faces. I think the middle one she said was a parachute. I set up the PB table again because she needs her own workspace downstairs.

"Mommy, Lola's licking the paint!"

A New Favorite

2009-01-11T23:22:00.001-08:00

We went to Jacob Reyes' birthday party yesterday and got to bowl. We decided it was so much fun that we had to go again and so we did. Brunswick Classic Lanes in Norco. It was nice and clean and the games were at a great price since it was Sunday morning.

Aidan and I shared a seven-pound bowling ball. I really need to buff up because my arm was starting to wilt after our second game. Not good.

This was only Aidan's fourth or fifth time bowling so he's still trying to figure out his approach. It looks like he's doing a back kick here! Combination TKD and bowling...now that would be a cool sport.

Yeah, we need to work on our scores. I'm happy if I can just come close to 100. I admit I suck...for now. Allan's so much better because he can get at least three strikes per game.

We didn't eat breakfast so we devoured the nachos.

He looks so much older here. I forgot he's already 8 1/2. Well, he loves bowling now and hopefully we can make it a monthly family outing!

1.10.09

2009-01-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Luck Dragons 1.10.09

Mia told me today that she wants to be a rockstar.

Aidan now knows he's going to a different school for 4th grade and he said I shouldn't have told him.

I think bowling is going to become a family pasttime. It's so fun.

I can't help but wonder about the future and what's in store for me. What is the right answer?

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

A Clean Slate

2009-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, I hope the Advil works soon. I feel like an old lady because every time I get up my back and the back of my thighs hurt.

Allan and I did alot of work today and I'm glad that we're going to start the new year with a clean house. We put away all the Christmas decorations AND got most of the garage in order. I've made a list of all our donations and we're going to call soon to get all of it hauled away. We found a place to donate our old, broken electronic equipment and what's great is that the Corona Public Library will benefit from it. We've thrown away the cardboard boxes (from all my online shopping) that had been piling up in our smaller garage and everything is almost in order there so we can finally use it as an exercise room.

Aidan and Mia just ran around while we were doing all the work. Aidan scootered while Mia ran after him. That little girl sure can run!

The kids are in bed. I've got my robe and boots on because it's chilly. I'm sipping a cold glass of Diet Pepsi. I'm watching Supernanny. Go, Advil. go.

Bookworms

2008-12-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

The kids and I went to the library today because Aidan has to do a report about the Oto Indians. Really it means I have homework about the Oto Indians. Not only does he have to write a report, but he also has to construct a model of their type of dwelling. It's not that it's a tough assignment but honestly I think third graders are a bit young to do this sort of comprehensive report. I guess parents are expected to help them.

What will make this tough though is that there's barely any information on the tribe he chose. There were absolutely no books in the library to help us. We're going to have to rely on the internet for the entire project.

Anyway, so the trip to the library was exhausting. The little girl exhausts me. Mia was just all over the place and I had to lay down the law several times. I hate laying down the law. Aidan found a book to read that will hopefully be on the A.R. list so he could take a test for it. Mia went away with two and I found a book in the children's section that I had to take home to read called Ghost Wings.

Doesn't she look so sweet? Nah...she's still a Sourpatch Kid! Not listening and leaving my side even after I told her to stay put. Then when we got back home she said to me, "I'm sorry about the library, Mommy." How can I not forgive her when she looks so cute and pretty? I think I love her hair best like this.

This was a frozen dinner that I had for lunch. It's called Methi Malai Chicken from Fresh and Easy and it was really, really good. I didn't eat the beans though because I'm just not partial to beans and I only ate half of the rice. I finished it all off with a tall glass of ice-cold caffeine-free Diet Pepsi and I was a full and happy girl. I can't wait for the Fresh and Easy to be built down the street from us!

Sign

2008-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:00

The Hummingbird's Daughter, The Underneath, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. Hummingbirds. I wonder how many people can say that they have held one in their hand. I have.

Oh, Aidan

2008-12-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

We spent this morning at the dentist. Aidan had to get two baby teeth extracted so the new teeth beneath them could grow out properly. We were both pretty nervous about it but I have to admit that I was relieved it wasn't me sitting on the chair. His dentist is really good though and those little teeth came out so quick. Aidan sat up after the procedure and he said, "That's it?" He didn't like feeling the numbness in his mouth afterwards.

I think the happy gas was still working on Aidan even through dinnertime tonight. I swear he can be so silly. Note to self: Hyphen. It's just a word but think of him laughing like a crazy weirdo and saying this word over and over.

We went to our parent/teacher conference tonight and as we expected our meeting was very brief. He's practically an A student with an exception in science (88%, but he loves science so much. I think it's just his memorization skills he needs to work on.) and handwriting (sadly, a C). He tested at ninth-grade reading level. I felt a bit sheepish going into it unprepared. I honestly didn't have any questions for his teacher, but leave it to Allan to think of something quickly on his feet. He asked about the curriculum of the school in comparison to public schools and she told us that St. Margaret Mary is definitely more advanced. The students are given a proper foundation and I believe it because I look at Aidan's homework everyday. And now I'm not so sure about putting him in public school next year. Still there's other factors that we have to consider. I just pray to God that we make the right decision.

Poetry

2008-11-27T00:19:00.000-08:00

A Vase Stands Still

It's Shadow Moves
Poems from Hollingworth Elementary School
Rowland Unified School District
Spring 1983

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SORROWFUL MUSIC

The music sounds
sorrowful and it
makes you want to
write about something
that is sorrowful, as
if someone died, or if
someone was very sick
and may never get well
again, if you lost or
broke up with someone
you might love, it will
make you sorrowful
or if someone that you
liked very much had
to leave you and you
would never see them
again for the rest of your life.

By Herbert Saralegui

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MY FRIEND

A white mouse live in a hole.
Every night he came out to visit.
He would sit next to me
And tell me his problems.

My dad took me to the pet shop.
I wasn't thinking about my friend.
Now we have a cat.

One night I was waiting for my friend
And he never came.
How lonely it gets at night now.

By Jessica Dominguez

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TREE TRUNK

Being a tree trunk would be
a weird feeling. Having a
giant piece of broccoli growing
on top of you.
The animals would be like
giant leaves in all different colors.
The branches would seem like
giant pieces of cauliflower.
and the streams would seem
like giant blue crayons.
I know this for I know the tree.
I am the tree.

By Jan (Shirley) Lafeen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MY DREAMS COME FROM

My dreams come from
a place where fields
of flowers grow.
Beautiful daisies cover
my dreams.
As one daisy dies
It lets go of one of my dreams.
But it always grows back
over and over again.
No one will ever find this
Beautiful place.
The sky is as blue as ever
over there.
The pond is like crystal
that's shimmering
in the sun.
It's beautiful.

By Czarina Atangan

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DANCING TO MUSIC

Dancing to music
Lifing your feet as freely as a bird
Feeling as if you were a feather
So light and soft
Just flowing across the room
But then you drop to the ground
Then the wind blows by
It lifts you up
To touch the sky
Back and forth
Again you flow light as a feather
Beautifully you could dance
Free as a bird forever and ever.

By Kathy Sanchez

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I SEE UPON A TURQUOISE SKY

I see upon a turquoise sky
A little sparkling crystal light
Shining over the Philippines
It leaves a beautiful glowing road
To me the star seems to smile
I feel like reaching out the window
I start to imagine how it feels
Soft silky edges
A yellow satin body
Beaming out of nowhere
You can call it an illusion
To me it's like a tender friend
I know I'll be fine during the night
Because my friends is always there
You just can't see it
Because she's at home with her love bright
B E A M I N G
family.

By Katherine C. Concepcion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOST SIGHT

In a zoo
You can get lost
While you are petting a duck
Your mother and father
Are out of sight
You try to find them
But you can't
You get tired and sleepy
Then finally you sit down
You turn your head
And see that your
Mother and father are next to you
you call out for them but
They don't hear you
You go to them and
They see you
But they don't say anything.

By Priti Dugal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUTTERFLY

Sweeping in the air
A bright magenta and turquoise color
As the sun of dawn letting
Dew drizzle
As his body whispers soft music
In the foggy aspens
As the butterfly by himselfon
An illusion dome
As dusk falls upon the earth
He's rested.

By Sandra Alvarez

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE BOLD SUN

I'm resting in the blue-house
Burning off my hair
I'm lighting up the whole world
Just wanting to be there

Trying not to be so hot
Trying not to be so cold
Trying to be just perfect
And be above so bold

I go to sleep for the night
Sleeping by the cards
I wake to find myself
In my mother's yard

I fly right back where I belong
And then I sing a little song
"I'm the bold sun
Sitting in the sky
Lighting up the world
And flying so high"

Then it's the year 5000
And my cousin and I
Burn to a crisp

By Stephan R. Martinez

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A VASE STANDS STILL

A vase stands still
with it's shadow on the table
The pretty roses show
more lightness on the vase
What I see is real
and touchable to my hand as
it is to an animal
But my shadow goes through it
like I am a ghost
or a person from another world
As I pick it up
water splashes like the sea
while the sun shines
from an open window, I feel something
ghostly because I am alone
I feel someone is here from another world.
Then suddenly the roses dry up
the water becomes blue.
My shadow went away.
Also taking life from the
roses to another world.

By Michelle Alcantara

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the first poem I ever wrote. It was for one of the GATE classes I had during 5th grade. I remember being so proud that the title of my poem was chosen as the title of the entire book. My inspiration was a picture of a vase of roses, but I don't recall why I wrote those lines. The grammatical errors make it sound so silly, but I love it nevertheless. Wherever that teacher is now, I owe him a thank you for introducing me to the world of poetry because it was from that class that I fell in love with it. (And a thank you also goes out to one of my classmates from then who posted the poems in Facebook.)

11.24.08

2008-11-24T21:48:00.001-08:00

I love this Christmas tree. marthastewart.com

I've been very lax with picture-taking lately. So sad. But the holidays are just around the corner so I'm sure I'll end up with more than I know what to do with. I'm hoping to take the Christmas card pic this weekend. The theme is "gray sweaters". Gray=Guray.

I find myself singing High School Musical songs even with Mia gone for the day. It's all good, all right. See you later doesn't mean goodbye. She's not here commanding me, "Sing, Mommy!" She probably misses hearing the songs too and we'll probably listen to them throughout the drive home from Grandma's house. I really miss her when she's not around and I can't sleep very well at night without her. I miss my baby girl.

Being on Facebook has been quite an experience so far and I've only been on it for a few days. I didn't realize that there were so many people using it. There are people there that I knew at grade school. It's another reason why I love the Internet.

My day tomorrow will consist of doing a few store returns and putting the laundry away. I just want to hug and play with Mia and hopefully it will rain since the clouds started coming in this afternoon. Crossing my fingers that the cold weather is finally here to stay.

Mia's Lunch 11.15.08

2008-11-17T11:18:00.001-08:00

Mia's Lunch 11.15.08, originally uploaded by star+flower.

I love divided trays. I love making meals like this because I know it's healthy. She ate most of it except there was way too much hot dog so I had to gobble them up myself. She doesn't usually eat vegetables either but she took a few nibbles of the broccolli which to me was a kind of victory.

I'm so excited about the bento box supplies that I ordered from Ichiban Kan. I'm going crazy for all things bento. I want to play around making lunches like these more often!

What Can You Do?

2008-11-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

Aidan wants to quietly look at his book but Mia wants to do the same thing right next to him. It's so funny how she does to him what he does to me. And he hates it! Haha.

I just received a call from the school principal and there will be no school tomorrow because of the poor air quality. (Aidan will be so happy.)

Fires. It's hot and windy in the middle of November. We went outside to relieve our boredom even though I knew it wasn't advisable. I kicked the soccer ball around with Aidan, watered the plants, and realized how much I loved the smell of wet earth. It wafted up to me and it was as if it had just rained. We were only outside for about half an hour, however, when the smell of smoke suddenly became overwhelming, like when you're in a casino and you can't escape the stench of cigarettes. I truly wish it would cool down soon. At this rate we'll probably get only two months of actual cold weather. It makes me wish we were living somewhere else, someplace with an actual change of seasons. I want winter. I want to wear sweaters and fuzzy socks. I want to use the down comforter. Please, winter, come! Please! I'm ready!

Princess Momo

2008-11-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

I asked her to give me a pose after I counted to three and she told me, "I want to stand this way with my head like this." OK. One, two, three. Click. And as I'm looking at the display I could feel my pitter-pattering heart swelling full of love for her.

Potty-training is now over and done with. I thought it was going to be hard, but she surprised me once again. Actually, I shouldn't be surprised. In the span of two weeks, she only had two accidents and they were in the very beginning. She knew what she was doing all along.

Portrait of Mommy Wearing A Gown by Mia 11.13.08

She still loves the same things: Dora, princesses, pink, ballerina dancing (her way), pretty dresses, playing on the laptop, playing outside.

Now I can add: going to Target (she asks at least once a week), string cheese, mandarin oranges, an obsession with the HSM3 soundtrack with her favorites being Now or Never and Can I Have This Dance (a.k.a. the pretty song) and she wants to wear make-up.

Oh my goodness, how she wants to wear make-up! I bought her a set of play make-up but then I had take it away from her after ten minutes to prevent a disaster from happening. So I told her she couldn't use them until she was five years old because that's what it said on the packaging (duh, I know). After she went potty tonight, I gushed again about what a big girl she was and then she asks, "Am I five yet?" She has to settle with lip gloss and nail polish for now. She's already growing way too quickly for me.

Go, Aidan!

2008-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the video from Aidan's TKD tournament accompanied by one of our favorite songs right now from HSM3! We sound like crazy parents but we had to yell loud because he was so far from us...not that he heard us anyway. He's the one in blue!

I Still Scrap

2008-11-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have newfound enthusiasm for scrapbooking. I'm going back to the beginning of the year with my pictures and my goal is to make pages for only the photos that deserve to be scrapped. The rest I will just print out and put into photo pocket page protectors. And it's been nice. No pressure. No deadlines. No more having to put product first. It's simpler, relaxed, and gratifying...the way it was before and the way it should be.

The Competition

2008-11-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

The day we've been waiting for finally came! It was so exciting not knowing what to expect and then seeing so many people from all walks of life at this competition. Grand Master was waiting for us outside the gym and then we went inside and met the other parents and kids from our group. There weren't many of us and half was from the school in Rowland Heights. I was nervous for Aidan because you can say that I pushed him into entering. He wasn't sure if he wanted to do it but I really felt that this would give him a boost in his confidence.

Seeing him walk down the stairs and onto the arena was surreal. There was my sweet baby, now a young man (in his own words), and I had thrust him into the world of competitive sports. I hope he wins. But of course it's OK if he doesn't win. I hope he doesn't hate it. Did he get a good warm-up? Did I do the right thing? Is he ready for this? Yes, he's ready. I think he's ready.

There were only 3 kids in his group and he ended up challenging the winner of the first match. The matches were two minutes with a 20 second break in between. My heart was beating so fast and Aidan came out on fire. We had been talking about his stamina for the past week and I was worried that he would get tired. He was dropping off in the end and he lost his lead. They were tied at 16-16 and with only 2 seconds left Aidan was able to get a kick in that pulled him one point ahead.

My throat is a little hoarse from yelling, "Go, Aidan! C'mon, Aidan!" I can't describe the joy I felt seeing that score. 17. It must be a magic number because that's his number in his class at school. He came back to the bleachers with a gold medal around his neck and I couldn't have been any prouder.

He told me later, "I tried my best, Mommy." And his best this time was really the best.

And when we said goodnight the last thing he said to me was "thank you for taking me to the competition."

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

The kids are out trick-or-treating with Allan right now while I'm here at home passing out candy. Mia is so excited about wearing her Sleeping Beauty dress and Aidan, well, he needs the costume to get the candy. He's a ninja...again. (I wasn't able to get a nice picture of him because Allan took him to get his chest x-ray during the afternoon.)

And again I'm feeling a little bad for not decorating. Some of our neighbors really go all out. I never want to because I think Halloween is just one day and we don't really have the room to store decorations but then I regret it when the day comes. Luckily Aidan came through with this ghost made of a wire hanger and a cut-up garbage bag he made at school and I've got it hanging by our front door. So this weekend I want to go to Target and Michael's to find decorations. At least they'll be on sale and I'll be ready for next year. And we will have Jack O'Lanterns next year too! Yes!

The kids also had their yearly check up this morning. Mia weighs 26 lbs. and is 34 inches tall. She's in the 5th - 10th percentile for her height and weight and cross-referenced with her BMI she's a perfectly-proportioned petite three year old. This is her first time seeing Dr. Joel, Aidan's pediatrician, and it's the first time that I've seen them chart BMI. I think it's great because now I'm not worried about Mia being too small. It turns out that she's just right the way she is!

Aidan is steady at around the 50th percentile for his height and weight. His BMI is within range but close to the high point. He's not chubby at all though and he gets lots of exercise but he just loves his snack foods, especially the cheese crackers. I know I should be watching him more closely about that. Sometimes I'll find empty Goldfish cracker bags that shouldn't have been finished so quickly. And he loves Lunchables. I'm definitely not going to indulge him with that anymore.

Mia's second day of potty-training has been OK! Unfortunately there was so much stuff to do today that we weren't really able to concentrate on it. A little progress is better than nothing though! She's getting so much better at telling me when she needs to go.

Well, there's more family fun tomorrow with Aidan's TKD competition! Can't wait!

Finally....

2008-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

We are in potty training mode! We had a couple of successes yesterday so I'm hopeful.

Senior Red

2008-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Aidan had his belt test today for Senior Red belt. The tests are always so much fun to watch and I'm just glad that Aidan is enjoying learning TKD.

This is him doing the taegeuk yook jang. It's so funny how all this information is on the internet and I've only looked it up now. Everytime they start a new form I'm always wondering what they're saying. I would ask Aidan and he doesn't even know if he's saying it right! But now I know. "Taegeuk yook jang, Sir!"

Breakin' the board (on his second try). I think this is the Jump Back Spinning Kick. I'll have to clarify later.

Mia was wild throughout the whole test. She kept being naughty, running around, and yelling. Maybe it was because she missed her nap and she got a sugar rush from eating a whole pack of Gummi Bears. I don't know! Watching her was like watching one of those kids on Super Nanny and she just left me exasperated. She even cried!! When Allan tried to hold her down she let out this huge, wailing cry and I was so embarrassed. I had nowhere to take her except to the back of the room but everyone could still hear her. Ugh. Aidan was easy compared to this girl. She's so willful! She'll say sorry and then go right back to doing what we told her not to do. Crazy child...

I Need To Work On This

2008-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my patience runs thin. It's a bad thing I acquired while growing up and even though I'm aware that I have to control it there are times when I forget. It's like a big, green monster inside and it's terrible and ugly and I hate it.

Today in Pictures

2008-10-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

1. The dirty dishes were piling and creeping along the counter. I just couldn't deal with them but thankfully Allan did. What would I do without him?

2. He finished his first nine vocabulary words in record time today. I couldn't believe it. And, yes, no shirt again. That's why I hardly have pictures of him.

3. We had to go to the mall this weekend to get Mia's costume. First she told me she wanted to be Sleeping Beauty but then she changed her mind and wanted to be Tinkerbell. Then she changed her mind again. The girl drives me nuts sometimes! But there it is. Pink. Pink. Pink.

4. My cute little cactus.

5. I haven't scrapped in so long but I got the new Ali Edwards book anyway. There's Mia's light-up shoes to match her Sleeping Beauty dress and a little lamb from Bath and Body Works that I had to have. It was free with a $15 purchase only so I bought lots of hand soap.

6. These flowers are very photogenic. I love their fall color.

7. Lots of deflated balloons for Lola to mess with. Actually, it kinda looks sad. Like they're saying, "The party is definitely over."

8. Catalog shopping! She wants everything! Of course!

9. The Tres Leches cake from Red Ribbon is dangerous. I had two slices today.

Happy Birthday, Princess...

2008-10-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

My lovely girl is three today. I carried her up the stairs tonight as she fell asleep on the drive home from Grandma and Grandpa's house. I had to stop in front of the mirror and look at her. I loved carrying her when she was a baby, so perfectly small and portable. Now her feet dangle, brushing my thighs, and she is heavy enough that I can't carry her for too long. Kids growing up...it's always a bit bittersweet.

This is her second birthday cake. We spent tonight just with Grandma and Grandpa.

Yesterday she had the best time at her party...princess style.

These were decorations I put up above our dining table. Mia called them cloud flowers.

And the Princess herself with one of her pretty guests.

We had a jumper for the kids (thanks to the Ferrendelli's) and lots of yummy food (tacos, pancit palabok from Grandma, chicken wings, nachos, candy apples). She played the entire time. I know she felt special and I'm so glad that we were able to give this to her. She was so excited with her presents too. Lots of clothes, pinkness, Dora, and Disney Princess things to keep a girly-girl happy.

Aidan Loves Me

2008-09-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today I brought Aidan to Grandma and Grandpa so he could go with them to St. Paul's Harvest Festival. Everything was fine. He was playing games on the computer as I was leaving, too busy to even get up and kiss me goodbye. The plan was to pick him up tomorrow so we could all go to church together.

It's 10:20 p.m. now and I just hung up on the phone with him. He said he couldn't go to sleep and he wanted to go home. We tried to persuade him to stay. It's late. Allan was almost asleep. I couldn't take Mia out on the drive with me. He spent fifteen minutes crying to the point where his words where unintelligible. Mia was on the phone with him saying, "What's wrong, Kuya? It's OK. Just go to sleep." This girl is a pro at spending nights with Grandma and Grandpa and she loves it. But Aidan said he can't stop thinking about me. That it's weird when I'm not with him. That it hurts.

It hurts him to be without me.

Allan caved in and he's on his way to pick him up.

Venturing

2008-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

According to Mia, mushrooms are "oogly, wobbly, gobbly".

We finally managed to head outside on this bright, warm, and sunny morning. I'm going to try to do this as often as I can. There's nothing like being outdoors. She loved pointing out all the different things she saw and she got a bit of exercise riding her tricycle all around the block.

Tonight we are headed to a beloved place: Ikea. Meatballs for dinner!

Kid Stuff

2008-09-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Time is moving at a steady pace now that we have our routine set. Monday to Friday has become extremely predictable. The alarm clock is set to 6:20 a.m. and I give myself five minutes to slowly rouse myself out of sleep. I always walk slowly to the door because I don't want to wake Mia up before I have a chance to make Aidan's breakfast. My first stop is at Aidan's room and he is usually half-awake already. Then I walk down the stairs and open the sliding door. It maybe my most favorite part of the morning because I truly love feeling that rush of cold air on my face and arms. Aidan makes choosing what kind of breakfast to make very easy...either waffles or cereal with a chocolate milk drink.

We're both getting used to doing homework again.

He got another sticker today at sparring. I think he's doing really well. He's very good with his defensive moves.

Mia doesn't like receiving attention from adults although she loves being around other kids. Today at TKD one of the parents tried to say hi to her by tapping her on the shoulder and she took a swipe at him. But at the Chinese restaurant we were behind a Dad and his little girl and Mia was saying hi to her and jumping with her and holding her hand. I guess it's good at this time that she's wary of adults. It's crazy though how things change. When she was younger she was so outgoing and willing to talk to anyone. Now she's really selective.

She loves Grandma and Grandpa and she always wants to call them several times a day.

She plays with her new Mermaid Barbie when she takes a bath.

36

2008-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Something new for another year of being me. I want this to be a good one.