My Wonderful Life

Giving Up Facebook for Lent!!!

2011-03-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

As part of Lenten obligation, I have decided to give up Facebook and my fave Peppermint Mocha for 40 days and 40 nights. The mocha is easy but FB? So far, so good. I hope I can keep it up, and if I can, that would be a big deal. The weird thing is that when I did give it up, I felt so relieved. Weird. Can't wait to be back on it on though on April 25th (-:

My Little Girl is 5!

2011-02-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

We moved to the new house the day before Leila's birthday so we could not have a birthday party for her. We did take her to a monster truck show on her birthday and loved it. We were supposed to have a party on the 29th but we all got sick so we decided to have it on the 12th of February! She wanted a horse-themed party and she got it. We had 2 ponies and a petting zoo but she didn't know anything about it. When she saw the animals, her reaction was "what are these animals doing in my backyard?" Then it dawned on her and ran to ride the pony. She was so excited and her reaction was priceless. She told us that that was the best part of the day.

We kept the kids inside while the pony and petting zoo was being set up.

She saw the animals and off she went.

Big smiles.

Daddy made her birthday cake.

I still can't believe she's 5!

Happy Birthday my love. We love you so so much.

A New Home

2011-02-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

We had decided to foreclose our home since we were just losing money on it. It was sad to leave our first home but it's for the best.

We received a note from a broker that our home was bought back by the bank. We could fight to stay or they give us "cash for keys" to leave the house trash free. Since we didn't want an eviction record to haunt us forever, we opted for the "cash for keys." We did have to leave the house at the end of January.

We had 2 weeks to look for a place to stay and since Roger is only home on the weekend, I was left with the looking and packing. It was very stressful for me and I don't deal with stress really well. Thanksfully, I found a house on the 18th. We signed the lease on the 22nd and started moving after the signing. We were able to move the "big" stuff that day and spent the night on the new house. We had a week to clear the other house. Whew!

We've been in the new house for 25 days and I couldn't have been happier with the place. It's a bigger and newer house and the backyard is huge (well, compared to the other backyard). We'll be here for a year and hopefully, we could stay longer.

I miss the "old" house. I drive there once in a while. I miss our neighbors. It was, afterall, our first home but it's a new year and life goes on.

Here's Hoping for a Better Year.

2011-02-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

2010 was not my favorite year at all. My family lost 4 members of our family weeks after each other. First, my mom's brother had a heart attack. The day he was buried, their sister succumbed to colon cancer. Two weeks later my Aunt's (mom's sister) husband passed away. A week later we found out that my dad's sister passed away. We had to fly to the East Coast for my Uncle's family. It was nice to see my family again, I just wished the circumstances of seeing them was a happy one.

Me and the kids stayed there for 2 months. We decided to stay for Thanksgiving and since it's been 8 years since I spent Christmas with them and the kid's first time, we decided to stay. We had a fun time with the family and we were sad to leave but was eager to get back home.

So, I really hope that 2011 will be a good, if not better, year for our family. But whatever God's plan for us, we will take wholeheartedly.

A Very Happy Birthday Party for William!

2009-06-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

Instead of a goody bag, I opted to give the kids a cars shaped chocolate covered pretzels.

William really wanted a Lightning cake and he got it.

Stop it, Daddy!

I covered the tables with craft paper and bought tons of crayons. It kept the kids busy.

With his new pals.

My William is already 2! We had a "Cars" themed party for him and I'm proud to say that it was a very successful party complete with family, neighbors and a few close friends. We look forward to next year!

Mommy, What's Wrong With Your Shoes?

2009-04-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

April 1st, the kids and I decided to go to the Galleria since we were in the area already. We played at the play-area, had lunch and walked some more. I decided to check out shoes at Nordstrom. When we got there, I tried on a pair of flats. All of a sudden, Leila said "Mommy, what's wrong with your shoes?". I was confused with the question so when I looked down, I was wearing the wrong pair! My first reaction was "OMG, how embarassing", so we left Nordstrom as fast as we could. For those of you who are familiar with the Galleria, it's a long walk from Nordstrom to Starbucks.

So now, I was concious of it and tried to hide it (you don't notice it when you are walking). I got over the embarassment and I thought it was hilarious that I started laughing at myself. Everytime Leila says "Mommy, stop laughing. It's not funny", the more I crack up. She was concerned about other pair and hoped that it was at home. I thought she'd forgotten about it but the moment we got home, she ran into the house, opened the coat closet and found the other pair and yelled "Mommy, I found it."

I guess I will be double checking my shoes before I leave the house again (-:

Craft Day at the Lakeshore Learning Store

2009-03-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

Making her Dr. Seuss hat...
...then making her animal journal.
Dr. Seuss story time.

My kitty cat.

Time to play!

The cat fishing for fishes.
Her hat and animal journal.

My Little Puppy Dog!

2009-03-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

She was so happy with the end result.
The transformation began.
The dog, the bunny and the birthday girl

Leila and William were invited to their friend, Chloe's birthday. After the yummy cupcakes and opening of the presents, we were treated to face painting. I never thought Leila would actually do it. She get to choose what she wanted and she chose to be a dog. Mommy nonchalantly insisted on butterflies or flowers but she was determined to be dog (she knows what she wants, boy). She was very good sitting quietly and doing what she was told to do. The end result was amazing. It transformed my sweet little girl to an adorable puppy. She was crawling and "woofing" the whole time we were at Chloe's, the grocery store and at home.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-16T16:55:00.001-08:00

My Valentine creation courtesy of Martha!
My Valentines.
Leila and William gave each other this stuffed dog.
Craft that Leila made when we went to Lakeshore Learning Center
A Valentine art that Leila made at LLC

The card they made for daddy.

We had a special V-Day because daddy get to come home. It was a pretty relaxing day for us. Leila and I went to a birthday party in the morning, while daddy hung out with William at home. The rest of the day was spent at home. Daddy requested his favorite meal, which is my spaghetti from scratch. We've had a pretty relaxed weekend just spending time together until daddy leaves for work on Tuesday.

A Cool Toy

2009-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

Leila got this toy for her birthday and they love it. It's a foam construction toy and you can build a lot from it. We already built the clubhouse and the helicopter. We have yet to make the rocket, space ship, UFO, castle and super jet.

My Little Photographer

2009-02-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

Leila loves taking picture of anything and sometimes she does a better job that me. This could be something that she will interested in doing maybe now or when she's older. Oh, she has this thing about feet!

Where's William!

2009-02-06T22:24:00.001-08:00

I was calling out to him one day and he wouldn't answer. I got concerned so I went to the living room to look for him and this is what I found. He was playing hide and seek with Leila. No wonder he was being quiet. My silly kids.

My Little Princess

2009-02-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Olivia's influence, Leila is into dressing up already. She REALLY wants a lot of princess outfit. To start off, she got this make your own twinkly tiaras that she got for Christmas. She really enjoyed making it and didn't need my help. She wears it everyday now and William is not allowed to touch it. The other day, she came home from a birthday party and she excitedly showed me her sparkly nail polish! She said she likes it because it was really pretty and she didn't want to wash her hand because it might come off. So, we are on a mission of finding princess outfits and maybe some high-heeled shoes too. Sigh!

I'll Go Get Him Mommy!

2009-02-02T23:51:00.001-08:00

Every time William wakes up from his nap, Leila would tell me that she would go get him. Once we get to their room, she would climb up to his crib and they would play for a few minutes. Leila is actually much more affectionate and attentive to William now. I guess she is getting used to her role as the older and protective big sister. Yup, ladies, it's something to look forward to.

Play and Lunch At The Clubhouse

2009-01-31T23:56:00.001-08:00

Sshhh, my baby is sleeping.

It was a nice day today, so I thought it would be nice to have them eat their lunch in the backyard inside their "clubhouse" and get some fresh air. I think they had a great time. It's so nice to see my babies interact with each other more everyday. Sure they have bad moments, but the good moments outweigh the bad.

Night Out With My Leila

2009-01-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

My good friend Lorie has invited me to her birthday dinner and since her daughter Leiana, who is also Leila's bestfriend, is going to be there, she asked me if I could take Leila with me. I thought it would be a great opportunity for Leila and myself to have a mommy-daughter time. Grandma gladly watched William for us but we did miss him.

It ended up to be a night of good food and a lot of laughter. Most of all, a rare chance to be alone with my little girl.

My Little Girl Turned 3!

2009-01-23T16:55:00.000-08:00

We had french toast for breakfast and I surprised her by putting a candle on it and singing the Happy Birthday song. By the look on her face, I think she was tickled by it. We look forward to more birthdays to come.

My Little Old Guy

2009-01-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

William has this thing about glasses and he would try to grab mine or Roger's every chance he gets. Finally, daddy let him borrow his glasses. Everytime he puts it on, he'll open, close and squint his eyes as if he is adjusting to his vision (it's funnier when you see it). I think he got his fix that night and never tried to grab our glasses since then.

Riding the Cho-Cho Train

2009-01-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

While I was getting a massage for my birthday present, daddy drove around with the kids and they happened to drive by this park that has miniature trains. The train ride is free, but you can give donations if you want to, on every 3rd weekend of the month and you can ride them for as long as you want (we rode every train). They even stop by Santa's house and see him, but Leila and William wasn't ready then. It was a great day, I was relaxed and most of all, it was free.

Me Too Mommy...

2009-01-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

We were in my car and I was putting my lipstick on and Leila wanted her own. Luckily, I found an extra one inside my glove box. So here's her first attempt. Daddy thought it was cute.

Rainy Day At Work With Daddy

2008-12-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

Look how happy she is.

She loves daddy's "green car".

A picture of daddy taken by Leila.

This is our "front yard". Not bad, huh.

This past Monday was our biggest rainy day since we got here. That didn't stop daddy from checking out the work site (our home away from home). So, it was a great opportunity for Leila to accompany daddy (which she does when opportunity allows) and play in the puddle, which the "old me" won't ever allow. They were gone for a while and when they got home, she was wet, cold and ready for a nap. If only we had hot chocolate. Inspite of being cold and wet, I think she had a great time.

Gentlegirls Start Your Engines!

2008-11-25T00:30:00.001-08:00

Leila had her cousins, Hadley and Millie, over last Friday, which she always enjoy. We had

breakfast, they played, had lunch, went for a walk, napped, had dinner then bath. It's a nice feeling to help family out when needed. The most important thing is that Leila and William get to know their cousins better.

Lazy Sunday

2008-11-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those "lazy days" wherein we stayed home, wore our jammies all day (but changed to a different one by bedtime), watched Tim Allen's "Santa Clause", had popcorn and just enjoyed each other. It's good to know that we can have those days and be ok with it.

My 3 Musketeers

2008-11-11T23:41:00.001-08:00

I'm chopped liver when daddy is home (-:, but I've come to terms with it. They miss him too, terribly. You might think that William is too young to remember him? Oh, no. He remembers his "dada". When Leila is having a bad day, she would say "I miss daddy". It breaks my heart but we have to do what we have to do to provide them a better future.

After Breakfast Dessert

2008-11-11T01:31:00.000-08:00

That's my girl.

Messy face.

We went to Baskin & Robbin the night before and bought ice cream cones for them (the Rocky Road ice cream for mommy). The deal was they couldn't eat them that night but they can only if they finish their breakfast the next day. And they did.

Dress Rehearsal

2008-11-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

Three days before Halloween, I decided to have them try their costumes on. Both costumes were long and I almost panicked. I didn't want to buy new ones. Thank God for safety pins, I was able to save myself from buying William a new one. Leila had to practice picking her skirt up. The "old" me would have freaked out, but the "new" me was more rational and decided that it'll be just fine, and it was. Thanks again, Kelly, for letting William borrow Tyler's Chewy costume.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

The finished product. Perfect!

Decorating her pumpkins.

Bouncy, bouncy.

I wish I know what they were discussing.

Leila took this picture.

My William is growing up so fast.

Found the perfect pumpkins.

His first time riding as well and he had mixed feelings.

Riding a pony, aka "Candy", for the first time.

Gotta ride the cho-cho train.

Daddy is home this weekend so we were determined to do something with the kids. So off to Bishop's Pumpkin Patch we go. It turned out to be a hot day but we didn't let the weather dampen our spirits, despite wearing long-sleeved shirts, and just make the most of being together. At the end of the day, we went home content and happy to have that rare moments of daddy being home.

Daddy's Little Helper

2008-09-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

We visited daddy back in August and it was a great week to see him and show Uncle Sam around Laguna Beach. Leila loved riding daddy's "green car" as they go and check the job site. This was the highlight of her day as well as watching all the "chump-chumps" pass by. We can't wait to go back there again.

Goodnight Hugs (-:

2008-09-25T00:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, after reading them their bedtime story, Leila and William gave each other a great, big, goodnight hugs. They always say their goodnights complete with hugs and kisses and I love yous. William was so comfy that he didn't want me to get him. These are one of the things that makes me realize that maybe I do a great job in raising my kids. Watching them love each other is rewarding.

Guess Who's Potty Trained

2008-09-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yup, 26 days later, Leila is completely potty trained. Sometimes she tells me that she needs to go but most of the time she just goes to the bathroom and do her business. She even got the poopin' part down pat, although I still need to be there for "support" (she hugs me while she pushes). After all the messes and after a LOT of patience on both our part, it's so worth it. One down, one more to go. So to all mommies out there who are/will potty train, this too shall pass and you will be so proud of both of you.

Another Fun Sunday

2008-09-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I had Heather's 3 kids again today. This might become a regular thing but I don't mind. My kids love playing with their cousins and they will probably remember this forever. Someday they will say "remember every Sunday we spent a few hours at Aunt Mabel...". This time though, I didn't have to feed them but I love giving them baths, which they enjoy. Well, until next Sunday...

My Funny Girl

2008-09-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Leila found these haloween fake rotten teeth and decided to show it to me. She thought it was too funny and frankly, I thought so too. These are just some of the things that shows her sense of humor, which she inherit from daddy. My silly girl, gotta love her.

I Survived Watching 5 Kids!

2008-09-19T01:11:00.000-07:00

Later that day after our trip to Bounceopolis, my sister-in-law Heather, dropped off 3 of her 5 kids. It was the first time that I had to watch Kate, who is 10 mo. old. I was nervous but I had to it. Heather has been graciously watching one or both my kids since they were born, so it was time to return the favor. It turned out be no big deal at all! First, Hadley (9) was there and was a great help with Kate, who, I didn't know this, can walk already. Millie (3) plays well with Leila. So, really, I just have to keep an eye on William and help Hadley with Kate.

They had fun playing in the backyard. They rode cars, tricycles and played house. Since we had plenty of time before they get picked up, I gave William, Kate, Leila and Millie a bath, after dinner. Before I know it, Heather rang my doorbell. 3 hours went by so fast when you have 5 kids. It was chaotic and loud but in a good kind of way. Leila get to bond with her cousins and proved to myself that I can watch (not have) 5 kids.

Bounceopolis

2008-09-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, the 14th, we decided to burn our energy and went to Bounceopolis. The kids have been waking up at 10:00 despite going to bed at 8:00/9:00 (yay for me). By the time we're done with breakfast/lunch it's almost noon. I figured that in order for them to nap at 2:00 (always @ 2), I have to wear them out, so off we went to Bounceopolis. It was our first time so we were excited. I forgot it was a Sunday so I had to explain to Leila that we might not be able to play since they save the place for parties. Luckily, you can play in the Kidzone during the weekend, which was great 'cause I don't think I can handle 2 kiddies in the Bounceroom. So off we play.

I was proud of Leila that she tackled the moonbounce (?) this time. She landed on her face at first but got the hang of it after a few tries. William loved it and was saying "booing, booing" the whole time. I had a great time just watching my babies being brave and trying new things. It makes me sad because these are the little things that daddy is missing. Thank God for videos and cameras. After 2 hours of having fun, we were ready to go home and take our nap (again, yay for me!). We will definitely go back again, hopefully with daddy, and try the Bounceroom. I also got phone numbers of the girls who work there and are possible babysitters. What I thought to be a lazy day turned up to be an enjoyable day.

My 1st Sewing Creation

2008-09-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

My friend Jenny, organized a beginner's sewing class at her house. I wasn't going to go since I didn't have a babysitter. After a long day at home, and still in our jammies, I started calling around for a babysitter at 4pm. I was desperate and needed time for myself and thankfully I found not 1, but 2 sitters. I made it to Jenny's just in time.

Jenny had everything ready for us. The fabric was cut and we just have to choose from a variety of pretty colors. As usual, being the indecisive person that I am, it took me forever to pick a fabric but I did find the perfect one for me. Since I didn't have a sewing machine, I patiently waited for an available one. Hey, I didn't mind. I had Jenny's delicious red velvet cake while waiting. By 10:30, I finally finished my creation and I loved it. After I dropped the girls home, I excitedly took pictures of my pillow, posted it on my playgroup site, and sent it to Roger. It was a great night with great friends and great food.

The next day, Leila notice the pillow. She asked me where I got it and I told her that I made it at Jenny's. She gasped and said "you made it for me, mama?" What can I say, but yes. Then she told me that I have to make one for William (she is always thinking about him, my sweet girl).

I am so proud of myself for being able to create something with my own hands. Maybe the seamstress in me kicked in (my grandfather was a master seamstress). I can't wait for next month's class.

Thomas the Tank Engine

2008-09-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

After being away from our playgroup for a month and a half, we were finally able to go to the one at Lesley's house. When we got to the house, somebody familiar greeted us. It's Thomas! The kids can actually ride him and go around the track. Unfortunately, when we got there, Thomas needed a break and needed to be "charged". Leila got upset of course, but Lesley promised her that she will be the first one to ride him once Thomas is ready. So she moved on to lots of toys that was waiting to be played.

2 hours later, when almost everybody else was gone, Thomas was ready. Leila had a big smile on her face as she went around and around the track. It was hard for her to step back and let William take his turn, but she did. What a pro! So we went home happy and we would like to thank our friend, Lesley, for saving the last ride for us.

William is finally standing on his own!

2008-09-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

This week was a milestone for my little William. He finally stood up unassisted. I found him in the kitchen standing and having a drink. Good thing I charge my camera in the kitchen, otherwise, I would have missed it. He even "posed" for me. Like any milestone, I was ecstatic and so prould of him.

He may have done it at 15 mo. (Leila walked at 11 mo.), but he did it on his own term. Needless to say, I am so excited. My little boy, just like Leila, is growing up. It's just a matter of time before he starts walking and running, and it may be more "work" for me, but they are both worth it.

Potty Training

2008-09-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today is day-16 of our potty training and I must say that I am happy with her improvement. She got the pee-pee part with no problem at all and we are improving on the poo-poo part. She doesn't go poo on her underwear anymore. What she would do is hold on to her butt and go "eh-eh" and at the same time looking at me. That is my que that I have to take her to the bathroom. I have to stay with her until she's done. She used to say her butt hurts but now she just goes. It's still exciting when she goes poo and pee. It makes me sad at the same time 'cause I realize that she is growing up. All-in-all, I am just so proud of her for being such a good sport (can't say about me sometimes).