In early August of 2009, Potty training was not going smoothly...
My little darling knew when she has to go. But instead of heading to a toilet, she decided to hide while doing her business. Talk about driving me crazy. Her attempt to keep me from getting frustrated despite her wrong-doing was to sing to me Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. According to her, it made me happy. She is a clever little thing.
Miss Elle finally conceded to the potty-training war in mid August. Victory was OURS (her loving parents). But again she surprised us by taking it a step farther. She decided to forgo all diapers...day AND night.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Daily Face Routine and Tint Moisturizer - Check
Title says it all ... This year, I finally spent my money on things that will benefit me for years to come not just instant gratification things like clothes that I may or may not like in a season/year. Curiosity about the lightening of the sun spots is killing me. How good will it work? Do I see improvement or not? I can't tell. When do results usually appear? How dark was that spot before? However, my tint moisturizer is a blessing in disguise. It is fantastic. My face has a more even complexion - not so rosy on the nose and around the nose. But better yet, after a week, NO NEW zit breakouts. I am in cosmetic heaven.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Past Stories: Rewind Monday - FIRST GRADE
Disclaimer: Writing in present tense about 1 1/2 years ago.
Kev,
First of all, I am so proud of your ability to take new things in stride. Your social and outgoing personality will serve you well in life. While other kids were nervous about the new school year and/or being at a new school, you were as cool as ever. Relaxed. Happy. Outgoing. And Ready. As your mom, I am looking forward to the change that comes with growing up. First grade is a big year. I promise to help you along the way. I suspect you will be reading chapter books and writing paragraphs with 4-5 sentences.
Love, Mom
Kev,
First of all, I am so proud of your ability to take new things in stride. Your social and outgoing personality will serve you well in life. While other kids were nervous about the new school year and/or being at a new school, you were as cool as ever. Relaxed. Happy. Outgoing. And Ready. As your mom, I am looking forward to the change that comes with growing up. First grade is a big year. I promise to help you along the way. I suspect you will be reading chapter books and writing paragraphs with 4-5 sentences.
Love, Mom
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Happy Birthday, Steve
This year, I wish you a happy birthday with all my love. I am truly a lucky lady to have you as a husband. You really do know how to love your family.
Thank you so much for being my LOVING HUSBAND. My OCD antics can be stressful at times but you handle it with such patience and discipline (on occasion). At least, we will have many many hysterical stories to keep us entertained for years. Falling into your arms for hugs and snuggles make me feel so happy and safe. I love you.
You are my partner in crime. My partner in parenthood. Thank you for being such an incredible dad to the kids. I hope to see our life in a more upbeat way. Not that I am expecting to hear a catchy, move to the beat type of song in my head every single day...
Cheers! To our life my sweet and loving babe...
Your birthday two years ago...not pretty
Yes...I got the "Worse Wife of the Year" award. I may have forgotten your birthday by accident but just know I did remember it was coming the whole week before. You know me, sometimes the important things are left out of my overloaded head when crazy ocd thoughts, moving chores, kid schedules, work items, and absolute trivial information is crammed in there. I definitely had to make it up to you.
Here is to hoping it never happens again...
(note: this helped me but not him, at least i was not the only one who forgot his birthday. so did the rest of the extended family. this helped my guilt about 0.1%...)
Thank you so much for being my LOVING HUSBAND. My OCD antics can be stressful at times but you handle it with such patience and discipline (on occasion). At least, we will have many many hysterical stories to keep us entertained for years. Falling into your arms for hugs and snuggles make me feel so happy and safe. I love you.
You are my partner in crime. My partner in parenthood. Thank you for being such an incredible dad to the kids. I hope to see our life in a more upbeat way. Not that I am expecting to hear a catchy, move to the beat type of song in my head every single day...
Cheers! To our life my sweet and loving babe...
Your birthday two years ago...not pretty
Yes...I got the "Worse Wife of the Year" award. I may have forgotten your birthday by accident but just know I did remember it was coming the whole week before. You know me, sometimes the important things are left out of my overloaded head when crazy ocd thoughts, moving chores, kid schedules, work items, and absolute trivial information is crammed in there. I definitely had to make it up to you.
Here is to hoping it never happens again...
(note: this helped me but not him, at least i was not the only one who forgot his birthday. so did the rest of the extended family. this helped my guilt about 0.1%...)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Keven's Travel Plans
About 3 years ago....
One night on the way to indoor, Keven thought of a great way to visit Hawaii.
Keven: "Mom, I know how we can get to Hawaii."
Me: "You, do? How?"
Keven: "We can take that Hawaii bus. See? That Hawaii bus will take us to Hawaii?"
The bus in question was white and had green palm trees on it. It looked like a senior citizen bus. Over the years, wisdom came with age and Keven ;earned the logistics of traveling over oceans...so I am sure we now can take a plane or boat.
One night on the way to indoor, Keven thought of a great way to visit Hawaii.
Keven: "Mom, I know how we can get to Hawaii."
Me: "You, do? How?"
Keven: "We can take that Hawaii bus. See? That Hawaii bus will take us to Hawaii?"
The bus in question was white and had green palm trees on it. It looked like a senior citizen bus. Over the years, wisdom came with age and Keven ;earned the logistics of traveling over oceans...so I am sure we now can take a plane or boat.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Crossword Puzzles Are One Way To A Happy Marriage
Steve may be older than me and I may dwell on the fact that we will not technically spend our golden years together but I am happy knowing that we will make up a significant amount of time. Imagine our life...
Carpooling together. Working together. Eating lunch together. Playing soccer together. Taking our RDO together.
There is never too much of a good thing in my mind. waah...hah...hah..hah...
Yes, I was kidding. There are times we need to get away from one another. Or else...something along the lines of cussing, strangling, and beating one another may occur.
And yes I know you are trying to figure out where crossword puzzles come in...well...without the puzzles, our talking could turn into a fight if we are already in a bad or stressful mood.
Crossword puzzles allow us to have a relaxed and enjoyable lunch...
And now I am off to enjoy my lunch date with my husband.
Carpooling together. Working together. Eating lunch together. Playing soccer together. Taking our RDO together.
There is never too much of a good thing in my mind. waah...hah...hah..hah...
Yes, I was kidding. There are times we need to get away from one another. Or else...something along the lines of cussing, strangling, and beating one another may occur.
And yes I know you are trying to figure out where crossword puzzles come in...well...without the puzzles, our talking could turn into a fight if we are already in a bad or stressful mood.
Crossword puzzles allow us to have a relaxed and enjoyable lunch...
And now I am off to enjoy my lunch date with my husband.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Past Stories: Rewind Monday - Dad Retires At 60
Disclaimer: Writing in present tense over 3 years ago!
October 12, 2007 happen to be the actual retirement date. His work retirement party was 9 months ago. People may have started to wonder... or likely may have wanted their gifts back. But rest assure family and friends, he did not go to work this morning.
Lets rewind to my thoughts shall we...
Back in December 2006, my thinking went something like this...who would of thought that this time in my dad's life would actually come. Not very many of us. My dad is a work alcoholic. As a kid, he worked a normal 40 hour week or is that what I remember since he was at EVERY SINGLE one of my soccer games whether at home or away at 3:30 pm. To tell you the truth, now that I actually focus on the hours he worked it came out to 48 hour work weeks. Normal work day would be 9 hours plus 4-5 hours on Saturday morning while I was sleeping in. On a soccer game day, he would just go in early. Once, I left the house for college...8-10 hours on a Saturday became the norm. A part of me always respected and envied him for being a responsible and dedicated person. After being blessed with my two beautiful children, I truly know what it means to appreciate time with your family. So for the last four years, I have been sad for my dad believing that he is missing out on so many experiences in our daily lives. For him this retirement will be bittersweet--less time at work with his friends but more time to truly enjoy all the world has to offer for I know he will travel to places he has only dreamt of for years. Thank you dad for teaching me that the small things such as soccer games really do matter. That memory is the most cherished memory I have from my childhood.
It may have taken 9 months for him to cut the cord but he finally manages to be reborn. Reborn into retirement bliss I hope. Only time will tell...
October 12, 2007 happen to be the actual retirement date. His work retirement party was 9 months ago. People may have started to wonder... or likely may have wanted their gifts back. But rest assure family and friends, he did not go to work this morning.
Lets rewind to my thoughts shall we...
Back in December 2006, my thinking went something like this...who would of thought that this time in my dad's life would actually come. Not very many of us. My dad is a work alcoholic. As a kid, he worked a normal 40 hour week or is that what I remember since he was at EVERY SINGLE one of my soccer games whether at home or away at 3:30 pm. To tell you the truth, now that I actually focus on the hours he worked it came out to 48 hour work weeks. Normal work day would be 9 hours plus 4-5 hours on Saturday morning while I was sleeping in. On a soccer game day, he would just go in early. Once, I left the house for college...8-10 hours on a Saturday became the norm. A part of me always respected and envied him for being a responsible and dedicated person. After being blessed with my two beautiful children, I truly know what it means to appreciate time with your family. So for the last four years, I have been sad for my dad believing that he is missing out on so many experiences in our daily lives. For him this retirement will be bittersweet--less time at work with his friends but more time to truly enjoy all the world has to offer for I know he will travel to places he has only dreamt of for years. Thank you dad for teaching me that the small things such as soccer games really do matter. That memory is the most cherished memory I have from my childhood.
It may have taken 9 months for him to cut the cord but he finally manages to be reborn. Reborn into retirement bliss I hope. Only time will tell...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy 63rd Birthday, Mom!
My mom is a very kind, generous, giving and helpful person. She will lend her support to the family in so many ways. Uhhh...some of the ways may mean Steve and I are spending countless hours of our lives searching for household items that have a new special and hidden place. But for the most part, our dishes are done, our laundry is washed, our house is picked up, and our kids are fed and alive.
In the last ten years or so, I realize the relationship is strong yet tested. Seeing each other 5-6 days a week does have its moments. But in the long run, there is no where else I would want to live besides 8 minutes away from my mommy. The relationship my kids and I have with her is priceless.
Mom, I love you so so so much.
In the last ten years or so, I realize the relationship is strong yet tested. Seeing each other 5-6 days a week does have its moments. But in the long run, there is no where else I would want to live besides 8 minutes away from my mommy. The relationship my kids and I have with her is priceless.
Mom, I love you so so so much.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Parted Hearts Grow Fonder
Or it could just be desperation that wants to yield your man back home from a trip. Either way, I miss him. Are you here yet?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Past Stories: Rewind Monday
(Isabel - 10/3/06)
Disclaimer: Speaking in present tense over 4 years ago.
Mr Kev, you are experiencing your first day of preschool. There are no words to describe this feeling. Let's just say after 1 hour and 15 minutes I went to check on you and you were having so much fun playing with two boys and some worms. To say the least your worm was dead but I am sure he would of liked the feeling of sliding down the plastic play dome. The other kid knew but he must not know pretend play when he sees it...
In my related news, my OCD decided to rear its head. No surprise...I know. You had another kids jacket on and a bit of dirt on your pants. Mommy is trying to keep calm and relaxed. It took alot of effort not to tackle you and rip it off your body in order to put yours on.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Must do this again - Amateur Photoshoot
New Year's Day 2008 - Where does the time go? I need to make time to do this again. 
New Year's Day Coloma, California: Amateur photoshoot with our new D80 Nikon. Pictures with great clothing, natural light, soften background, frozen action, and colorful landscape. Must admit I did good for the first time. However, back flashing, shutter speed and aperture setting needs work. That photoshoot which included quality time with the family made me happy. Nothing materialistic about it. A great start to a new year..... 
New Year's Day Coloma, California: Amateur photoshoot with our new D80 Nikon. Pictures with great clothing, natural light, soften background, frozen action, and colorful landscape. Must admit I did good for the first time. However, back flashing, shutter speed and aperture setting needs work. That photoshoot which included quality time with the family made me happy. Nothing materialistic about it. A great start to a new year..... 
Isabel
Firecracker is a word that comes to my mind along with others, such as.....spicy, independent, observant and determined. But, I love you more than you know.
At 1, you had a music and dancing obsession. Pole-dancing was one of your favorite things to do since you were not to sturdy on your feet. A career as an exotic dancer would not surprise us...joking of course...don't get any ideas when you turn 18. Below pic of you at 1 yr and 4 mo:
You were whole-heartily a daddy's girl. He was your one and only. A role reversal that was definitely hard to stomach...dad was HOT and I was NOT. Of course, I did become your favorite at about 2 1/2. You have been my attached tumor ever since.
At times, I will walk into a room and for a split second I will look and think you are me. It is quite eerie at times but also amazing. I can't wait to see who you become and how you change.
Love, Mommy
At 1, you had a music and dancing obsession. Pole-dancing was one of your favorite things to do since you were not to sturdy on your feet. A career as an exotic dancer would not surprise us...joking of course...don't get any ideas when you turn 18. Below pic of you at 1 yr and 4 mo:
You were whole-heartily a daddy's girl. He was your one and only. A role reversal that was definitely hard to stomach...dad was HOT and I was NOT. Of course, I did become your favorite at about 2 1/2. You have been my attached tumor ever since. At times, I will walk into a room and for a split second I will look and think you are me. It is quite eerie at times but also amazing. I can't wait to see who you become and how you change.
Love, Mommy
Keven
I ask myself, where do I begin?
Keven, my first baby... the one that launched me into the mommy world. He is the one that sparked the fire that now burns fiercely inside my heart for my two little angels. Peering over your crib as you slept only a few weeks old, I was overtaken by this thing they call a mother's love.
Anxiety. Fear. Love. Joy. And happiness that consumed me all at once. A collection of emotions that simply made me cry.
At first we called you our little mexican pistol...a bundle of energy that could turn from angel to hellion in a split second. But to my surprise, as you grew you became my little casanova so charming and sweet; kissing and hugging me everyday, telling me "I love you, mom" and "Mom, you are so cute", and letting Ms Coretha, your teacher know that you like her new hair (newly highlighted and cut). Amongst the description of Casanova, you also are a smooth talker (lawyer style), street smart, comic, and savvy. As I write more about our life you will know what I mean.
At 8, all of the above still applies. Teachers and parents alike are so pleased with your kind, generous and helpful ways.
Even though I have a glimpse of the person you are becoming, I still wonder who you will become.
Keven, my first baby... the one that launched me into the mommy world. He is the one that sparked the fire that now burns fiercely inside my heart for my two little angels. Peering over your crib as you slept only a few weeks old, I was overtaken by this thing they call a mother's love.
Anxiety. Fear. Love. Joy. And happiness that consumed me all at once. A collection of emotions that simply made me cry.
At first we called you our little mexican pistol...a bundle of energy that could turn from angel to hellion in a split second. But to my surprise, as you grew you became my little casanova so charming and sweet; kissing and hugging me everyday, telling me "I love you, mom" and "Mom, you are so cute", and letting Ms Coretha, your teacher know that you like her new hair (newly highlighted and cut). Amongst the description of Casanova, you also are a smooth talker (lawyer style), street smart, comic, and savvy. As I write more about our life you will know what I mean.
At 8, all of the above still applies. Teachers and parents alike are so pleased with your kind, generous and helpful ways.
Even though I have a glimpse of the person you are becoming, I still wonder who you will become.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Keven and Isabel
You two are my "Heaven On Earth". I miss every moment that you are absent from me. My love for you will always be wit
h me wherever I am. Being your mother is a dream come true, I only hope that I become better with time. I want your memories of me to be filled with adventure, laughter, hugs, kisses and unconditional love. But at the same time, I hope you can say that I was a good listener, a helpful teacher, a fun playmate and an understanding mother. As your mother, I hope I can say that I taught you to be a well-rounded person; kind, generous, loving, social, energetic, hard working and respectful. You may make mistakes and bad judgements but learning comes with error. Despite what wrongs may come along in your life, disappointment will be extremely short-lived but my love for you will never fade. No matter your age, you will be my baby boy and baby girl now and forever. Remember, my love for the both of you can only grow. Loving you forever, Your Mom
Let's Give This A Try...
I hope to actually keep this writing gig up for awhile. Mostly so I can relieve stress through writing. I have a whole lot of stressful crap, useless crap, and crazy crap swirling around in my head. Hopefully I can leave it here in this pretty little storage area...
If I happen to end up with readers, I hope you enjoy my craziness.
If I happen to end up with readers, I hope you enjoy my craziness.
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