embrace EVERY moment

Studio Calico Challenge

2011-10-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

a reFRESHing Easter

2011-04-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

Todays service at church was about starting FRESH experiences - whatever we are experiencing today - bad or great - we can make FRESH. We all have a past that needs forgiveness, or challenges that we can make better.

Happy Easter!

my minds eye card

2011-04-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

My mind's eye card challenge - my version for mother's day.

MME product: stella rose paper, bohemian paper for base, lost and found button, bohemian transparency border and bird, adorn it letters and american crafts rub on letters.

easter showers - mme challenge

2011-04-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

MY VERSION:

Easter egg hunts in Oregon can never be predictable. .. our biggest challenge is the weather!! And as much as i wish Jadeline could be wearing a pretty dress during easter, we resort to jackets and rain boots for an easter egg hunt. sigh...

my mind's eye products: "just the girls" garden party paper - 2009, never enough alpha paper for frame and title-2010, bohemia all boy frame, scroll and butterfly -2006, stella rose "fancy" paper-2011 for flowers, lost and found buttons-2010 for flower center, little one label stickers -2011. OTHER: stickles on title and acrylic paint brown and black for title, maya road chipboard swirls.

scrapbooking

2011-04-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

My HONEY

2011-02-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

an understood lingo between my husband and I. .. "my honey".

We almost never call each other by our first names.. and when we do, it still shocks me because it doesn't sound right. In fact, when we do, we giggle, and we repeat ourselves and smile.

I personally haven't been able to call Bobby anything else. I never call him 'babe' because he's not a pig (i think of babe of that pink pig i grew up reading about - remember charlotte's web?), I don't use 'sweetheart' because i refer sweetheart to Troy, and 'sweetie' - i often refer to the kids.

Bobby is my honey. And its never just 'honey' but "my honey" - understood by both of us because in return I'm not just his honey, I'm also referred to as "my honey." I know its silly, even a bit crazy.. but I love it.

2011

2011-02-27T22:34:00.001-08:00

New year full of hope and changes...

I realized that last year, I spent more time writing about how busy i was than anything else. Boring if you ask me.. yeah, yeah... we are all busy. And nothing new right? This year, I am making more time. Having the quality time with my family. Quality as in enjoying every single minute rather than just running thru them to get things done.

Last year was the fastest year yet! And I can't remember the details until i look back at my pictures. I need this year to be different. I want to remember the details. I want this year to be different...

Vegas

2010-12-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

I'm someone who doesn't like to gamble - so its odd for me to be in Vegas. But for the life of me, its a mutual place to meet family and friends. Its odd to meet my mother here, when she's never flown to Oregon. . . . and it's okay. She's just one of those that will travel to 2 places in this world. 1) Las Vegas and 2) Philippines

It's been a pleasure hanging out with my mom. We are both older. She knows me. She gets me. She sees what I heart. And maybe i have to speak a little louder and sometimes be her eyes to see things. I love this moment.

giving thanks...

2010-11-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

Because for the first time, i really didn't take pictures on Thanksgiving - well, i took this one and i actually love it!!. I enjoyed the moment. I lived the minutes. I sat back and appreciated what Thanksgiving is about...I was very thankful on that day . . .

More than appreciate technology!! We were able to talk to Marie and Erna through Facetime!! It was heartwarming to just not hear them thru the phone, but to actually visualize the conversations.
That my children are "getting it." . . .this year has been so much easier. The routines are being accomplished, and the expectations are being embraced.
That I have a honey who meets me half way. . . . the meals, the chores, the few quality time we have with each other, the short and quick laughter.
For my patience. I've learned to let things go. Its not really worth it to get worked up over the little stuff.
For holidays - it brings me back to family time with my sister in Oregon. She lives so close, yet are lives seem so busy!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

its my favorite time of year . .

2010-11-29T02:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa....

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wish me some magic!!!

2010-11-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama (link to: http://bit.ly/tmwishlist) and GameStop (link to:http://bit.ly/gamestop10) are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? . . to appreciate what is being given. ;)

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? . . getting up before the kids, waking each one of them up with a "Merry Christmas!", followed by a home cooked breakfast... then opening gifts.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? it would have to be cosmetic surgery to the area between my clavicles and waist...and i am serious!!

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? reminding my children by reflecting on the memories and reactions (its not about the gift - its about how that gift came about). .. remember our white christmas when it snowed - we dropped everything we were doing, dressed up, and played in the snow??.. or the year that "dad had to hunt for his xmas present with clues?"

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? hands down. SCRABBLE!! - all the time!

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? i still play board games with my children.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? disney cruise, because it is magical!!

8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? MY WISH LIST would be the 1) Kinect 2) PS3 3) my own pink dsi that i don't have to share with my kids. ;)

SERIOUSLY!!!

2010-11-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

is it November already?! Seriously!! Gee, time went by fast! It never seems to end, that as soon as school starts, we are busy! Boys are older and they have that endless amount of homework! And as much as Jade wants to be independent, she's still my baby who needs her hand held.

But around this house, we have a new member in our family - Koa. Bobby wanted him at 6 months old, and I am glad to have him part of us. Its nice to have a dog, who actually is a dog - plays outside, plays and chews on his toys, and yet at 3 months old, he literally is still like a baby.

Creating hasn't been at my peak... Been making gifts - the caterpillar quilt is always a hit and i enjoy making it. I am just dying to scrapbook - and that part of my creating is pushed to the bottom of my list . .

For November, i have a few things to accomplish:

Create Christmas cards
Take a family photo
Decorate house for the holidays
Finish up xmas gifts

sewing..and making stuff

2010-09-08T13:23:00.001-07:00

now that the kids are in school, i'm finding some time to make stuff... some for birthday gifts.. and some for just because.... Found a class on Dear Lizzy's site. And am very impressed that i have completed this project... already working on a second one.

allowance

2010-09-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

how much do you give your children? what is fair? how do i teach them the value of the $$??

Right now, I'm trying $20 for the boys and $10 for Jade. ...every 2 weeks

$20=$5 for their phone + $5 to save + $10 for whatever they want.

$10= $5 to save + $5 to whatever she wants.

what do you think? is it too much?

scrapbooking...

2010-08-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

short fast summer!

2010-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Our summer is close to an end, and it feels like it just got started! I finished reading my book - the girl with the dragon tattoo and managed to scrapbook a few pages. But entertaining the children sure is a lot of effort without breaking the bank!.. parks, pools, bike rides, bbqs, and hanging out with friends. Cheaper but seriously, i like it. Its more quality time. Moments i want to remember... that it will become, "summer of 2010 was the time you...."...

mid 30s

2010-07-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

I turned 36 this year, and yet i still had to figure how old I am! you know.. the i was born in 1974 and what year is it right now?? And sometimes i do wonder...

I am in the greatest shape in my life right now! I have 3 kids, but gave birth to 2. I don't believe in the excuse of, "well, i did have kids!" There is no reason to blame your children for your weight.
I do think having a social life is important. But nothing beats having dinner or watching movies in 3D with your kids...
I use to look forward to having drinks with the girl-friends and having a little hangover. My best drinking moments have been with my honey during happy hour and I do look forward to our date nights. Even better when its just to have a drink at starbucks.
I hope that I am raising my kids right. I am afraid that if I've said something or shown them a wrong example, it will affect their future.
As much as i do enjoy my job in respiratory, I often wonder if I could have made a better doctor.... and i wonder if should go back to school.. but the thought of having to go to school ... the clinicals... oh boy and the homework!

i wonder...

...not creating

2010-07-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Not permanently. Its just that I haven't really been making anything. No motivation to sew. Not thinking twice about beading... and have turned to digital scrapbooking. I've been forcing myself to not buy any paper and any fabric.. and it doesn't keep me motivated. I am enjoying playing with my lens... and now my photos sit on facebook, my phone, and computer.

My routine has changed. Spending more time with family and new friends. Lately my life revolves the gym, and i think it takes every piece of energy from me. I've found sitting on the couch reading a book.. (and hence i've finished reading the lost symbol, and heart of the matter) my current book: the girl with the the dragon tattoo. . . .and watching more movies than usual: Sex and the City 2 and Eclipse. . . . How on earth can I fit in some creating time? But its part of me, and one way or another, I have to find it in me to make the time...

new lens

2010-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

got a new lens for my birthday this year. nikons 35mm f/1.8 NOT expensive at all but this will be my prime lens and it will remain on my camera body...Been taking some portraits, so far so good. we'll see how this goes.

Jadeline is 7

2010-06-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Jadeline is 7 today! ... and seven little facts about her right now:

she loves reading books! if she has to choose, she spends her money on books than toys. Even if she only reads a few chapter, she is happier with a book.
she is determined! she requested a bike WITHOUT training wheels. We'll see how that turns out.
has a sense of fashion. Sometimes i'm not sure if that is a good thing. She knows what she likes and she knows whats in style. Others may not think so - but she wears it proud.
she is thoughtful. Anytime she wants candy or slurpee, it never passes her to think of her brothers!
she is unusually tall. I am 5' tall and when she stands next to me, the top of her head is above my shoulders. This feature she gets from her dad.. skinny and all leg! And i am blessed that she did not get my height.
she is adored... especially by her friends. I am amazed how many voicemails that i received with her friends or friends mom, asking, "can jadeline have a play date?" or "can jadeline go to the movies?" . . . . i have to remind myself that she was only 6 years old at that time??
she is a social butterfly. We can be at the gym, restaurant, or park, and she will find a little girl to talk to!..

seven little facts for now... seven distinct things i can see in her right now . . . 7 things i hope she will continue to own for a lifetime. Happy Birthday sweetie!!

humbled

2010-05-15T23:04:00.001-07:00

Jadeline is still in the middle of t-ball and so far her season has been great. What's even better is her Tball coach. You see, we all meet someone in our life who in one way or another touches our lives. Coach Gary is my age and so far is surviving brain cancer. He mentioned that it all began with a migraine headache in 2008 when his wife took him into the hospital, encouraged to have a CT scan, and his life changed forever. Coach Gary said, he use to take his life for granted. And looking into his eyes, it was humbling for me to see that he was living his life for every minute and is thankful that he is able to be coaching. We are lucky to have him coach our daughter - and i hope he'll realize that he is her first tball coach!

May already??

2010-05-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Seriously? and i do mean it. . . did the past few weeks just pass me by? Can we desperately stop time so I can enjoy the joys of mothering my children for every single second and minute .. or maybe having a date night with my honey... or maybe finding that joy again to create something??

How do you find the balance? Do we just put a few things on hold while life moves on??

American crafts and scrapbooking

2010-04-22T15:12:00.001-07:00

supplies: American crafts dear Lizzy fabric paper, patterned paper, and stickers, martha stewart butterfly punch, creative cafe pearl brad, making memories alph stickers.

Supplies: american crafts dear lizzy patterned paper, sticker brads and thickers, making memories pattern paper and brads.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASH!

2010-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

15 things about our second child:

..loves basketball!
..favorite color so far is red.
basketkball team: Cleveland Cavaliers
..favorite food: anything with shrimp
is an animal lover. someday wants to be a vet.
..hopes to attend OSU after high school.
prefers hard candy than chocolate.
is as tall as his daddy
struggled in math - and now gets A's in that class.
encourages his big brother that "he can do it!"
caters to his little sister.
..if given a choice would prefer to play outside than on the xbox
.. enjoys running! outside and on the Wii.
idolizes Lebron James
... is shy.

scrapbooking

2010-03-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

I've been having a scrapbooking block. Not so much digitally. But using paper, glue, embellishments, etc.. So i thought, well, i will resort to scraplifting. I just need to copy right?

My inspiration: Iris Babao Uy. I love her work!

It's a saturday

2010-03-20T22:54:00.001-07:00

and I'm already in bed! What a change in lifestyle, now that i'll be working every other Friday night. But today I:

woke up at noon.
got ready to take Jadeline to her first tee ball practice.
and the family went to watch Cody play in his baseball game.
had a snack @ Bobalicious - had a halo halo.
went to craft warehouse to find scrapbooking stuff and found nothing.
went to the mall to pick up a few things.
made shrimp jambalaya for dinner and it was really good!!!!
made 1 scrapbook page.
read my book - the Last Song

.. a bit productive if i say so myself!... and now am feeling lazy and sleepy!

Blink of an eye!

2010-03-20T00:44:00.001-07:00

Same 'ole, . . . time is going by way to fast! I wish I could make time stop, you know, make it slow down a little. But its darn impossible! Kid's are growing so fast! They change, they test your buttons, they love you, .. and yet i can't seem to enjoy it as much as its worth!

Ashton's basketball season is over! Just when I wondered, .. how much longer?!! And it felt like the beginning when tryouts were in November of last year! Anticipating him being on the freshman team, to screaming and cheering at games, to being frustrated in hopes that they win the next game, to being hopeful that he starts a game, to sigh and wonder when it would end....

It's different to see him home all the time when he had practices 6x a week. Now, you find him joining us at the gym in hopes he gains strength and stamina for next season.

Bobby.. sigh! What can i say? He sprained his ankle coaching the our boys with basketball. Correcting techniques, breaking bad habits, improving their game to only find himself rolling his ankle. Um, .. yeah.. to bad he wasn't wearing his basketball shoes when he stepped on Troy's feet.

Troy,.. this transition has been well. I think he's slowly finding himself in school. Realizing that school and education isn't really difficult. He's been hanging out with us in the gym at 24Hour for nearly 2 months now. And amazingly with hard work, and an easy change of his eating habits, he's lost 15 pounds!

The princess. Sometimes I wonder if she's really 6 years old - more like 6 going on 21! She's beyond independent and knows what she likes or does not like. This year, we put her ballet shoes away, and bought cleats for tee ball! Practice starts tomorrow!

And myself? I told myself I would not but any clothes. BUT I needed jeans. I really had to retire the 3 jeans I've owned for 3 years. (Hence, i only own 4 jeans and now its just 3 because i only replaced 2.) Anyhow, do you realize how hard it is to find jeans? I was hoping to head back into the store and but the exact jeans I'd retire. Unfortunately they don't make those jeans anymore. So the hunting began. And it was painful! 7 jeans, citizen of humanity jeans, gap jeans, joe jeans, etc.. but the ones that did fit and like- I sure wasn't planning on paying almost $200 for one pair! (How can i justify paying that much when it cost as much as a 5 day hopper ticket to Disneyland!). SO we walked into the levis store, and I thought, what the heck, I've never owned a pair, i'll try them on. But when you are petite, a mid-rise jean does not fit well! The sales person suggested i try on some 'skinny' jeans. And i told her, "oh no! I'm not fitting my short legs in skinny jeans!! and tapered? no way!" But she insisted and what she called 'skinny' wasn't so skinny as i thought. It was 'skinny' jeans with a boot leg. ... and they have become my favorite jeans!.... ... I know.. i have no life ;)....

a sweet 16

2010-03-05T15:04:00.001-08:00

My first born is 16 years old today. . . . Happy Birthday Troy!

Longer days

2010-02-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

I really wish the days were longer! When you work 12 hour shifts, the day is never long enough. You would think i would have adjusted by now working in healthcare for 12 years with 12 hour shifts. And its not that I don't like my job at all, because I really do. I just want my days to last. To give quality time to each of my children than having it rushed. Or to sit with my husband, talk and laugh a little longer before i start dozing off. Or to work with my hands and create things that run through my head that i know i can make... If i just had the time.

Have a great Valentine's~

2010-02-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-12T22:35:00.001-08:00

our life in january

2010-02-01T23:02:00.001-08:00

completely digital!

2010-01-26T02:22:00.001-08:00

the pink purse

2010-01-08T00:08:00.001-08:00

This is my christmas present from Bobby - the fuschia Coach peyton purse. A color i never thought I'd walk around with. But it has grown on me. What I like about it most is all the pockets! AND for once, its not a big purse like my others which i can carry my laptop. ;) I think pink will suit me.

As for resolutions I've settled on:

1. Continue to exercise to stay healthy while maintaining my current weight.

2. No buying clothes for myself. ONLY necessities - like the socks, undergarments, etc.

3. Use my pink christmas present for at least 4 months!! This makes it achievable.

4. Create something once a month.

5. Fast food ONLY once a month.

Happy New Year! 2010 is the year of the tiger!

2010-01-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours, have an awesome NEW YEAR! No, that isn't Troy. Troy is in Hawaii with his dad celebrating the holidays. This is Cody -Ashton's and Troy's good friend and like another son who celebrated the year with us. Still thinking about my new year's resolution...

thinking about resolutions.

2009-12-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

Exercise. Yes, done. Been working out at work. And tonight i'm working on my cardio at my hip hop class. Yes, you read that right. So quit laughing.
Create something once a month. That is definitely done! Anaheim scrapbook, thank you.
No fast food. Phew, thats the hardest one. Because that means I'm having to cook or put together more meals at home. So far so good.

.. this has been 2009 resolutions... I've accomplished 2 of 3. No fast food is hard when you get busy. Its so darn convenient. I am glad that i stuck through the exercise and creating. Made cards in November and made canvas photo things for gifts. Saved by that one.

Now that a decade is over, still pondering on 2010. What are yours?

HOLIDAYS ALREADY?!

2009-11-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Normally I would be on top of things. But lately, it feels like I don't have time for everything, and I sigh and say, "can't the day be longer?" And now, . . . in a blink of an eye, the holidays are around the corner. What happened in the last 2 months? What is different this year? And when i look back . . .

Bobby and Ashton playing softball/baseball this year.
Jadeline is a first grader. hmm. more homework?
Troy is now at Glencoe High school.
I have 2 boys in high school, with a lot more homework.
I find myself in Hawaii for 9 days for a women's workout retreat.
Work is busier with sick patients.
Ashton is now playing basketball.
Finding time to scrapbook and store memories.

So maybe i didn't realize that 3 kids are a house full and i honestly love it. I grew up with 3 sisters, this is suppose to be normal. We played together, we did homework, and watched shows togther. My parents did it. So I can too, right?

Maybe i just need to find a different routine, .. and change with the economy. We'll see how this goes through the holidays.

a change in routine

2009-10-25T15:05:00.001-07:00

a BIG change in routine!! our family is complete. Troy is now living here in Oregon. Many changes in our school routine. And going through a whole lot of food!

October 1 and i'll be a better blogger

2009-10-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

phew!! september came and went in a flash!!! Did a whole lot of scrapbooking!! But besides that.. September was a whole lot of baseball. Bobby finished his season playing on a co-ed team "code 99". I personally loved watching him play. I really admired how athletic he is at his age. Ashton also jumped on a baseball team. It was a rough start since he hasn't played baseball in a very long time. BUT we thought as long as he has fun, then at least he was able to experience it right?? His last game, although the team lost, Ashton brought in a run. It was exciting! After 3 weekends, he finally hit the ball. And while her daddy and brother are out in a field playing ball, Jadeline waits patiently. She finds a way to keep busy and preoccupied while she waits and waits every weekend. And did i mention she is also taking hula lessons?? She is also having her moment!!

No routine!

2009-09-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

This week, I am out of my routine. And I am actually lost without it! This was a long week - and it began on Sunday with a mandatory class for work, 2 extra shifts, schedule is due, and I'm working my last patient care shift. Phew... can't wait. It will be better next week.. hopefully.

Celebrating his birthday tonight with great friends!!

2009-09-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Honey!

2009-09-16T10:30:00.001-07:00

Happy 38th Birthday Honey!!

And to think, i met you when you were just 29!! So here are 38 reasons that you should celebrate!

You're not in your 40's!
Your birthday falls during hunting season!!
You have a daughter who is more excited that its your birthday than yourself.
It's your daughter who would love to have you take her hunting than your 2 boys.
You are as athletic today as when you were in your 20's.
You get to watch your son walk in your shoes playing basketball and baseball.
You still have all your hair and yet you cut your hair bald.
You don't have a beer belly.
You are never 'absent' in our hobbies.
You coach our Ashton's basketball team.
You dance and sing to Miley/Hannah songs with Jadeline.
You treat Troy as if he is your own.
You bite your tongue when you see my craft mess.
You are always there for your friends.
You continue to call me, "Honey". Not Jeannie, and never 'babe'(I'm not a pig).
You love eating candy as much as your children does.
When you play a sport, you give more than 100%.
You amazingly eat all you can and never gain weight!
You love Disneyland as much as I do.
You listen to a song, you sing it to us, and make us laugh!
When you remember to, you still give me the last bite of a dessert.
You are competitive!
When your daughter ask you to kiss her stuff animals.. you actually do!
You really have a genuine heart!
You will carry your daughter's purse, and not mines!
At this age, you can still wrestle with your boys.
You are the main cook in our family.
You're okay with me not cooking.
You still tolerate my snoring!
You've grown to being in front and behind the camera.
You are still smoke free!
You are the biggest kid in the family.
You now drink wine.
You're growing into your body now that you are working out.
You have a great sense of humor.
You still believe in nap time.
You created 'slurpy saturdays' and 'french toast sundays.'
You've still got many years ahead of you!!....

Happy Birthday Honey!!

THE ROUTINE!

2009-09-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how much time i have on my hands when the kids are in school, and the husband works 6-2pm and in the middle of his hunting season.

My routine has changed.. still trying to adapt but I think it will work:

500am: Bobby gets up and gets ready for work; leaves house by 545pm

630am: get kids up, i lie in bed because they tie up both bathrooms. And I really don't want to get up before them and make all that noise right?

700am: kids eat breakfast, i get dressed to head to the gym. Get their lunch ready.

730am: Walk Jade to bus stop.

745am: Ash heads to the bus stop

(yes, 2 kids and a husband out of the house by 745am!)

745am: figure out what to make for dinner, and get it prepped; clean house (vacuum or clean bathrooms or put things away)

845am: head to gym

1030am clean myself up from the gym. have lunch. if i've worked its bed time....

1200pm: craft time!! or project time...

230pm: get Jade from bus stop. bobby gets home from work.

300pm: homework and snack time; i get dinner started

500pm: dinner. OR i get going to work.

700pm: family time..

800pm: jades bedtime

1000pm: ashton bedtime

.. and it starts all over again............

it's back to school!!!

2009-09-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

It's back to school!! Jadeline is now a 1st grader @ Jackson Elementary School. Her teacher is Miss Roemer.

At the school, getting ready to take the big leap into class.

They don't waste anytime. It's back to writing your name and coloring!!

The golden rules in being a 1st grader.

And while his sister has a new leap in elementary, Ashton has a new beginning @ Glencoe High School as a freshman.

When I dropped him off to school, the Tide Crew welcomed the freshmans with a whole lot of screaming, high 5's, and live band! They have so much love here!!

Let's see how this year will go... wish us luck! ;)

my life lately...

2009-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

I think summer just passed me by in a flash! And yet this summer has been different compared to previous ones. No camping.. no lake.. no rivers.. what the heck right? And i thought.. its okay because summers became routine and its okay that this summer was a little different. Kids in Hawaii without us.. Bobby and taking a trip on our own, and us experiencing our hobbies more often than usual...

Lately i've been scrapbooking a whole lot:

Making stuff:

Watching Bobby play softball and Ashton play baseball while i've been scoring his games:

Being patient with hunting season...

On-line window shopping: really loving the ruffles from jcrew!!!

and really dreaming and thinking of this and reminding myself that clothes can really wait!:

But then it would cut into the disney fund!!

Its the last day of summer for the kids. School starts tomorrow! And as excited as they are to be back in school I am as estatic as they are! Back to school also means, MY time until 3pm.. Sleeping in after a nights work till 3pm.. what the heck will i do with myself!

Hunting season already....

2009-08-31T02:48:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, when our lives stop for several weeks while Bobby bow hunts. It's the children and I .. on our own with meals, chores, and playtime.... and it's really okay. I think right??!! Every year, I remind myself that I can do this. We build a routine and as soon as it gets comfortable, Bobby is back to 'normalize' our life. And its really okay... but its a little different this year. Jadeline heads back to school as a first grader, and will be in school all day. And as soon as i can figure out the swim schedule, Jadeline will get a few swim lessons before winter. Ashton is now in high school and needs to adjust in a new school as a freshman. And this year for 2 months, he will play baseball until basketball season comes around. While I've been use to heading to the gym everyday with Bobby, who allows me to nap for 1 1/2 hour while he gets my energy drink ready,.. I need to do this on my own. Our routine is different when elk/deer season is here. And its okay because I'll have this blog to journal with.... ;)

a bucket list challenge

2009-08-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

We used the making memories vintage line. I used up one kit and equally divided it in 4 and challenged friends to make a page using all items. 4 perspectives, 4 creators, 4 points of view, 4 visions... with 4 different styles. And a list of dreams and goals that will follow each one of us until we hit the bucket!

they are back

2009-08-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

the kids are back and life is how we like it. the constant hugs and kisses, the racket of jadeline playing with her toys, the chatter of xbox live, the 'momma's and daddy!'.. i wouldn't want it any different.!!!

I heart this vacation!

2009-07-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not suppose to be loving it this much right? NO kids, no obligations, no momma duties.. just playing and crafting! I really didn't realize how much there is to do! .. But deep down, i miss my children.. I miss the responsibilities. I can't imagine my life not being a momma (what Jade calls me), a mom (what Ashton calls me), or a mommy (what Troy calls me). Yet this break was what Bobby and I needed. For almost a month, we continued to make each other laugh, we talked a whole lot about life in general, and we still learned about our dreams and hopes.

On vacation....Celebrating my 8th anniversary @ Disney.

2009-07-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

when the all the kids are away...

2009-07-11T03:56:00.001-07:00

its time for a little play.. okay so we may be over doing it, and a bit excited. But in 10 days and in between working we:

.. had voodoo doughnuts! Yum!

..celebrated July 4th!

.. had a quick road trip to Astoria.

(i love this picture of my honey!)

..had softball practice. (that is- Bobby did and i watched).

..celebrated Brandon's birthday at Coyote's. We had the chance to test Rock Star drinks with the owner. And I learned how to play shuffle board! That was fun!!

.. and i got to watch American Idol with Cyn!

And between all that, we made it to working out at the gym. (sigh. i am forced to take a break since i've injured my back muscle again!!!) And found the time to watch the movie, "the Hangover".

Wait to you see the rest of our adventures! For now, its time to get back to work for 4 nights!

the Hang OVER

2009-07-09T22:35:00.001-07:00

We had date night and watched the Hang Over. It was hilarious!!

Note: it's not for kids under 18years old

another haircut... not mines.

2009-07-04T23:58:00.003-07:00

When Jadeline said she wanted a haircut, she meant it. Not a think twice, I want a haircut or a 'should i cut my hair?' thought. It was a day of "please cut my hair already, i want it short!" Well, her ballet recital was a month ago and it had to be put in a bun - so i suggested we wait. Ballet recital was over, and when i thought she would forget about cutting her hair,.. was another reminder of, "when are we cutting my hair?" So i thought, if you can remember this, then you really want you haircut! The photo on the left was Jadeline having breakfast at Starbucks. By 2pm, I drove to the nearest beauty shop and asked the girl, "can you give her 'bob' but with a little a-line?!" .. the hairdresser cut away, and gave Jadeline this adorable haircut. She cut off 10 inches. We didn't donate it because I thought we donated her hair twice.. this time, this was all about Jadeline wanting a haircut. Its amazing how adorable she looks. Its amazing how much older she looks. Its amazing to see that she really isn't my baby anymore. Its amazing how she isn't attached to her hair like i am... Now i want my haircut. And anyhow, it grows back right? *photos taken with my iphone*

enjoying the kids...and a little of everything.

2009-06-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Kids will be in Hawaii on for nearly 6 weeks! And my daily routine will absolutely change(more on that in a few weeks when they are actually enjoying the hawaii sunshine). So in the meantime we've been enjoying every minute with them. But i think Bobby will miss the hugs and tackles he gets everyday so he's been overdoing it. The kids give me that little look of "what is wrong with dad?" Or Jade telling me.. "take care of daddy, okay?"

In the mean time, the month of June involves birthdays and it keeps us busy!

This year we thought Jade was finally ready to have a birthday party with her friends. So we spent a Saturday morning at Build a Bear with 5 of her friends, and one of her favorite cousins.

And on my birthday.. although it will be day masked by Farah Fawcetts and Michael Jacksons death (R.I.P to both)... I was also lucky to survive my mother's difficult labor on that day.... sigh.

And of course, Bobby will find the time at the crack of dawn ..(ahem.. he gets up at 4:30am to drive to the mountain)...to scout elk and deer. I guess driving by and seeing deer on our way to the gym doesn't count.

Bags that i made for Jade's birthday party holding their sandwich, drink, handwipe, and candy.

And when its hot and you want to tire your children out.. take them out in the sun to cool off at a water fountain at Hillsboro Civic Center.

its about being 35 today.

2009-06-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Honey! We love you a whole lot for many reasons!!

. . . because you love the Laker's as much as I do. Go Lakers!

because your daughter can bring out that sweet and silly side of you. And between just the two of you have a secret lingo of, "Daddy, say what??!!"

because you can be one of the monkeys in our household, and hang around.

because at your age, you are still athletic! And even after a morning of working out for an hour in my gym class full of steps, weights, abs, and surviving.... you make the time for 2 hours of softball practice.

because you've grown to love desserts as much as i do.

You're a wonderful father! Have a great day because you get to be king for a day. ;)... :p

exhaustion!

2009-06-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

This past week was incredibly busy! Graduations, work, birthday parties, functions.. I really wish there was more time in the day! And it all began like this...

Ashton graduated from 8th grade. It was nice to see, yet very traumatizing to see 300+ eight graders graduate from middle school. They sure don't like my 8th grade class - some wore suits, and prom looking dresses. I can't even imagine how it will be when they graduate from high school! Great job, Ash!!

And although i missed a few days in the gym, i still made some time to head to the gym. But missing just a few days, sure hurt when i went back to the gym for kickboxing last night and my lift class this morning.

Last Friday, Jade had a spring fling at her school. It was nice to be out and about with the sun out! It was hot! But great to see Jadeline's little friends that she often talks about and parents that we normally see around the neighborhood. I think Bobby and Ash had more fun playing in playground, more than Jade.

And of course made some time to watch the NBA finals!! Go, Lakers!! Kobe now has his 4th championship ring! It was a great season!!

After Jade's picture taking on Saturday morning, we headed to our first birthday party. Always nice to see how fast the kids grow up!

The second birthday party in Vancouver - i believe the adults had just as fun as the birthday girl. I think the guys were playing a game called, 'caps.'

And after a great weekend, it was back to work. My bare essentials to work 'efficiently' - code pager, phone, and stethoscope. But my last shift was crazy!! Can't believe how many sick patients i had to see!

And as school ends, Jadeline graduates from kindergarden! woo, hoo! NO half days anymore. This princess will be in school from 7:25 till 3:00pm when the bus drops her home when she is in first grade! I think I'm more excited!!!

Graduation, birthday parties, work, gym, allergies, and chores.. I really could use a vacation. I think my body is finally telling me to just STOP and take a vacation. I'm sore, i was sleep deprived ( i finally made up some sleep yesterday - 6 hours during the day and 8 hours last night)), and this allergy meds can make me so shaky. I have to admit, it was a crazy week... and now it begins all over again!

Summer Soiree with us..

2009-06-09T21:43:00.001-07:00

Summer Soiree with us..

Posted using ShareThis

Night OWL

2009-06-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

I was born a night owl at exactly 9:37pm. My mother says she was able to get all her chores done because I slept all day long.... BUT then I would be awake all night (which meant mom didn't get her normal sleep hours). I gave birth to my children at night. I am most productive at night - crafting, cleaning, reading. While the world and my family sleeps, I am awake. I work 12 hour shifts from 6:00pm - 7:00am - i find that very normal. If Jadeline has an accident in her bed - i know exactly what to do (Wash her up, wash her sheets, clean the mattress, get her dressed, and have her climb into our bed) without missing a step. I can have 12 patients to see at work - and have the greatest bedside manners, give them the care they need, and can memorize how they are when I pass on report. BUT if this was all done during the normal hours of the day, I have to think really hard what I need to do, make myself a list, and need a whole lot of coffee to stay awake. This is my life. My family finds this normal. . . and luckily its like this 3-4 times a week when I have to turn myself around and be normal. Are you a night owl???

Scrapbooking...

2009-06-08T03:51:00.000-07:00

Finally got to scrapbook... should i say more.. Was very excited!! Can you tell??

Reading

2009-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

During the month of May, I spent my time READING. Very unlike me, as most of you know, I am the slowest reader! I managed to read and finish 3 books. Lisa Kleypas's contemporary romance series. I loved it! I made new friends, got attached to them,.. and lol, am very sad that i need to wait till next year to run into their lives again!

Random stuff...

2009-06-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

For the life of me, i still feel like i don't have enough time for anything. I thought working out would give me more energy (and it has) but I've noticed that I haven't had the time to craft - sew/quilt, scrapbook, or bead. I created one thing last month and i was a scrapbook page - that's about it.

Last month involved different things due to the sun being out. Not a bad thing. We hanged out at Multnomah Falls, Sake One, watched Angels of Demon and Terminator, had a ballet recital, lots of visits to parks, lots of get togethers with friends and co-workers.

I'm thinking I need to set my priorities different. Not working out is not an option. But crafting is part of me. I'll start with 2 scrapbook pages a month, and sew some sort of project.. let's see how this will work out.

Loving these...

2009-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Brighton charms.. hoping to grow my charm bracelet.

Smashbox mascara primer. Never believed in using a primer. But since I've been using one, my mascara actually stays on and dark circles aren't so bad anymore. Its now because its lack of sleep than mascara.

Nikon D90 - still admiring this. Wish i could find the D70 or D80, but hard to find. For now, I'll just drool and admire.

Nike's Lunar Trainer. I've never been into athletic shoes. I think I use to buy just one every 3-4 years and they had to be on sale/clearance. But working out has killed my shoes. Now I'm loving these! It's light and made for my wide feet!!

Brown bear fabric. Still looking for the other fabric in this series to make a bunch of quilt blankets. Need a trip to fabric depot....

Baseball and Bobby

2009-05-24T02:23:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers asked Bobby if he would be interested in playing in a baseball league. So naturally he said yes. And when he was asked "How good are you?" - he sure was not modest at all, and said, "I'M GOOD!! and on a scale from 1-10, I'm "10" good." He sure wasn't modest.

I've known Bobby to be athletic. He plays basketball. He's can golf. He knows how to surf. He can bike for hours. He can run miles... on a treadmill. He can hunt - rifle and archery. Teach him how to waterski, and he can do that too. I knew he played baseball. But when I saw his expression on his face when he looked at some bats, it was different. When he held that bat, he had that sparkle in his eye. I asked him, "i thought basketball was your thing?". And he said, "if i had choice, i would rather play baseball." You think you know someone after so many years. And realized I'm still learning a lot about him.

Brighton - charm braceletsi

2009-05-21T20:23:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a few books, and coincidently a charm bracelet has been involved. Not exactly a big part of the story. But the idea that someone - normally the daughter would want when their mom or aunt died. Each charm of the bracelet had a story behind it. And it got me thinking. You see, I'm not a big jewelry person. I don't have anything 'antique-ish' - something i could past down to my kids or something they would want of mines. So i thought, for this to happen in case none of my children would want my sewing machine (grrr..), then I need to allow something to someday call an antique right?

I went into the Brighton store with a friend to pick up her watch. A watch which was given to her from her mom - 10 years ago. A piece of watch that will someday be an antique, . . a watch which one of her daughters would want. So then i came across their charm bracelets, and saw this. (photo above). I contemplated, and contemplated. Even talked to Bobby about it which i later found out that his own mom has charm bracelets. Hmm.. am i the only one who doesn't have one? So I told Bobby that I don't want this bracelet, but that I NEED this bracelet. So I bought this bracelet.. And this is the beginning of a story for my charm bracelet. A charm bracelet that someday Jadeline will want - hopefully.

FIREPROOF

2009-05-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

I must be the last of the bandwagon to watch the movie, "Fireproof". A good friend of mines highly recommended the movie, so of course I rented it. And it was great!! Tear jerker? More like give me a box of tissue and I'll cry through the entire movie thank you. ;)

Say "I do" all over again? OK. Argue about housework, finances, and hobbies? Absolutely. Having faith in God? um.. YES!!! Realizing that marriage is hard work? I believe it. Do I still love Bobby even if he makes me laugh, cry, and giddy for 8 years? Without a doubt I still love him!

L.O.V.E. defined

2009-05-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Our church is going through some changes and is hoping we will find 'love' with this change. Yesterdays service focused on LOVE. And although the focus was on these changes, i found it very deep in ways I would like to use in my life.

Love is:

a choice and committment
unconditional
hard work and long term
transparent and trusting
unselfish
lived out in actions

Love is not:

easy/instant
based on feelings
a dating mentality
self-focused
just talk

Love applied:

Accept God's assignment
choose to be a team
lay the groundwork (be flexible, give respect, embrace changes)
committ to the process
experience the results

LOVE'S RESPONSE:

"SIMPLY LOVE" - a covenant with God and each other

Happy Mommy's Day!

2009-05-10T14:48:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day - I'm a proud mom of 2 boys and 1 girl. Its the greatest feeling and honor to hold this title. Mother's day mean more to me than my own birthday. Not everyone can be a mom and not everyone wants to be a mom.. I love being a mom. Each of my kids have their special name for me: Troy calls me 'mommy', Ashton calls me 'mom', and Jadeline calls me 'mama'. I respond to all 3.

For my own mother - thank you for showing me what its like to be an honorable mother - i am who i am today because of you. And for my mother-in-law - thank you for showing me that there are many different ways to be an unconditional mom.

Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there. Its our day!

Getting back into the routine

2009-05-04T14:01:00.003-07:00

My mother in law was in town for a few weeks. It was incredibly nice to have her here. .. but now that she's back in Hawaii we have to get back to our routine. We were all spoiled to have her here. Its amazing how mom's can get things done better than we can. She was always up to make breakfast - normal right?? but not when she's the last person to fall asleep. I admired that. She always had some sort of snack we grew up with, or made a meal that brought back my childhood memories. I personally loved that when I was under the weather, she was able to fill in with the household chores while i slept in. She's back in Hawaii, and we need to get back to a routine... sigh....

..Reading Time..

2009-04-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Been a little busy. My household is full of colds, coughs, and allergies (okay just me). So not a lot of excitement around here at all. But there's been a lot of reading!!! I'm now reading Lisa Kleypas modern series - I'm on book one: "Sugar Daddy". Jadeline is reading the Junie B. Jones series. And my mother-in-law just finished Nicholas Sparks, "The Choice."

Dandelions

2009-04-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

Remember doing this as a child? One of my simplest memories growing up.. And its great to see my children experience the same.

SUNSHINE!!

2009-04-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

For me, my world can STOP when the sun shines in Oregon. I love it! It reminds me of home less the humidity. Its amazing how i have adapted without the humidity - i just still miss the daily hawaiian sunshine.

So when the sun decides to show up in my life. ;), no crafting, no sewing, no uploading photos. But finding every little thing to do outdoors before the sun decides to disappear....

Photos

2009-04-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday of course begins at church ......I always enjoy our easter service and as many times as you are told of his story, it is always amazing! In our house, the easter bunny still visits. .. which brought a lot of candy and toys. Jadeline loves the candy fundip - she had a box of fundip containing 16 packs. She loved it! Ashton had a sleep over the night before but sure had a great time at the NIKE summit! (*more easter pictures to come; i took pictures on my friends camera who has all the Easter pictures*)

I woke up from my afternoon to see Jadeline's wonderful art which she created. I love that she taped papers together and drew this. Right now, she is loving the word - FANTASTIC!!

Still working out @ 24Hour and still loving it!! This is the shirt some of us wore (those who were helping out with the class) when the Nike Training Camp went live on April 6. I really thought that class was easy - to my surprise I hurt all over the next day!

Skating world. Jadeline's first time rollerskating at her friend's Adithya birthday party. Can't believe how quick she learned this!

Now what do we do when its raining and we are stuck indoors?? you play Twister!!

Ashton loving his birthday present! Lebron shoes.

Hmm.. a little to much technology here???.....

Remember that contest i had won? This is the layout that I created for the April scraplift.

And ever since I got my iPhone, i have been loving all the apps thats out there! When I saw this at the Apple store, i was in 'awww'.

My day:

2009-04-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

in 24hours my normal day can turn out like this:

430pm: get ready for work - get my bag ready, pack my lunch/dinner, get myself looking decent.

515pm: on the road to the hospital.

600pm: clocked in for my night at work.

700am: time to clock out and head home asap - depending on traffic, i get to see Jadeline before she gets on the bus.

730am: wash up, get out of my nasty scrubs, and take a nap,

830am: get up to work out at the gym

915am: @ 24hour working out; save time by showering at the gym

1100am: @ home, have a protein drink, get Jade's lunch ready if Bobby hasn't

1125am: Jadeline's home from school

1200pm: BED

4:00pm: make dinner, get Jadeline's & Ashton's dinner prepped.

What a long day!!...... Thank goodness that this happens just 3 x a week. But day 4 is spent catching up on sleep!

a 14th Birthday

2009-04-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY ASHTON!!

Being 14 is about:

basketball
hanging out with friends
watching movies
LEBRON JAMES
xbox live

Jade's Very PINK room

2009-04-02T22:06:00.001-07:00

(a few projects from school)

(Way too many dresses!)

For some reason, I stopped taking pictures for a week. Odd, because I'm doing that photo a day for a year project. Well, to my surprise, I found a lot, and I mean a lot of pictures on my camera taken by Jadeline. And on one of those days - she went to town taking pictures of her room. When she told me she took a picture of her room. She forgot to say "PICTURES". So i thought I'd share her view of her room. Remember last year, when Bobby had that crazy idea of painting her room PINK. Her room is still pink! Today we spring cleaned her room. And educated Jadeline about 'giving' and 'donating'. We talked about how important it is to not waste, to give to those who need more, and to show her that her cousins have given her their things to share with her (don't you love hand me downs?). After 1 1/2 hour of cleaning her room - we had 2 bags of toys, 1 bag of clothes, 1 bag of shoes...and drove down to Goodwill.

a little scrapbooking

2009-03-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

March Bulletin

2009-03-29T15:50:00.001-07:00

For March I've been loving:

Hillsboro Library : the movies, the books, the adventures.
Been reading the Total Money Makeover
A future date night with my honey on April 10 to watch the Lakers vs. the Trailblazers.
A Hello Kitty Toki Doki blanket - way too expensive!
Looking for Hello Kitty fabric
Still love Coach.
Grey's Anatomy Season 5 - been a tear jerker!!
Hoping to someday upgrade my nikon camera.
Digital scrapbooking. Haven't started that yet - not wanting to shell out the money for it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a fun filled Spring Break! We finally have sunshine!

M. I. A.

2009-03-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Been quite preoccupied with LIFE these days. Lots of changes but of course just as many routine stuff. It's spring break around here, and keeping the kids busy can be a lot. But this year its different. Boys are older - and sometimes its not cool to hang out with mom. So Ashton and Troy been bonding together on XBOX live, and been hanging out with their friends. Jadeline has been my other half - more like a tail if you ask me.

....And of course with this economy have been creative with our adventures. Hanging out at the library to watch movies. Borrowing the cultural pass for visits at the Children Museum. Playing at the park. Tomorrow is a visit at the zoo and hopefully a visit to the coast over the weekend.

Been completing a few craft projects. Finished up ANOTHER caterpillar quilt. Made birthday cards. And getting ready for that scrap layout that i need to scraplift for winning that layout a few weeks ago. Just waiting for that kit that they need to send me.. woo hoo-something free.

Will post pictures as soon as i can upload them. Jadeline has been my personal photographer.

stinkin' busy!

2009-03-15T13:39:00.001-07:00

To think i had lots of time to do things.. but man, things are piling up!! I've been productive but wish i could complete them... where shall i begin? **lots of pictures to keep this as a quick post.

Schedule time... need to get this turned in by tomorrow!! Need to make that deadline! And that means I'm back at work tomorrow night.

House chores: Bobby is still working that 6-3pm schedule (covering someone whose family died a few weeks ago). So that means, I've got laundry to do. One more load of towels, and its done! Bathrooms, carpet, kitchen - clean and done!

Craft time?!! No scrapbooking! Need to get this quilt and another quilt done by end of March!

I'm still working out at least a minimum of 5x a week (915-1030am). I'm 101# and don't want to lose any weight! So been drinking some protein shakes to keep this weight! On Sundays I take a break - and find myself in another home - its church day. ;)

To top it all off... Jadeline got that ear infection! At least we don't struggle having her take her medicine. It would be my child who looks forward to and reminds me of her medicine!

Bobby's arms has grown.. and its sure stronger!! .. I wonder how long it will last for him to lift Jadeline that way - she's 50#!!!

A family favorite... enchiladas! It was yummy!

Knee is better.. that photo was a few days after i banged it. Bruise still got bigger and darker! Its finally better - doesn't sting anymore. BUT i haven't tackled that cycle class again... maybe wednesday??

And of course, decorating for St. Patty's Day. We've already built a trap to catch that Leprechaun for Jadeline's class project.. she believes we'll catch him!

Have a great week.. and i better lay off Facebook!!

A bucket list - check...almost!

2009-03-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER THIS . . . just a few days ago???? The one night that I chose to scrapbook while Bobby went out drinking with his friends?

One of my lifetime goals is to someday get published in a scrapbook magazine with one of my scrap pages. Well, I entered a contest for fun... and honestly thinking I could win this!! So check this out!!

Scraplift Contest - Winner Announced here!

by klink ink on Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:54 pm

Congratulations to Jean Rivera!! Her "Date Night" entry to the Scraplift Contesthttp://www.cocoadaisy.com/forum/gallery/pic.php?mode=large&pic_id=1282 is our winning layout!

Jean will win a free April kit and will be asked to create a layout for our monthly Scraplift column. Jean - please email me at krista at cocoa daisy dot com and I'll send you the details.

Thanks everyone for participating. We have some more great contests coming your way, so stay tuned!

-Krista

Now if i can really get published in a magazine!! Then i can really check that off my bucket list!

Lakers 94 - Blazers 111

2009-03-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Alright.. so the Lakers didn't win. Its okay... although its so unlike them to not win. . . although i did wish Kobe had played to the point where I did want to be screaming . . . and I am still a Laker fan. I won't be jumping on the Blazer band wagon because they won. I still love watching the Lakers. As much as i enjoyed watching them with mom and dad when Magic played.. or when Kareem played. I'm still a laker fan - .. . . although I live in the home of the Portland trailblazers. (hmmmm... I need to recover with another Laker game on April 10th!)

scrapbooking...

2009-03-07T20:41:00.001-08:00

Found some time to scrapbook. Bobby had a boys night, Jadeline was sound asleep, and Ashton was playing xbox live... and i thought, "wow, its a ME TIME." So i found myself scrapbooking just one page and got myself caught up watching the Bachelor and Ugly Betty.

(By the way, my knee is better. It just looks worse than the last picture i posted. I've now got a huge black and blue bruise!!)

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!!!

2009-03-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

My first born and now a young handsome teenager,

Happy 15th Birthday Sweetheart!!

Spin class... gone bad!

2009-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Went to a spin class @ 24Hour Fitness. It was my second time cycling. It was suppose to be easy. No big deal right? I even got into it and joined the class singing "I love Rock and Roll." Well, when the instructor said to give 100% - i gave more than 100%.!! I cycled and spun my knee into that resistant knob, and knocked my water bottle out of its holder onto the floor. I was amazed that i continued cycling - thinking it was just a big scratch. Until I came home to find a huge bruise with a throbbing pain in my knee... No cycling for awhile.

our date night

2009-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Our date night was on 2/27. We use to do this at least twice a month - you know to help keep our marriage sane and strong. It began when my coworkers (who has been married 20+years) told me that its healthy and its something you NEED to do. I agree. Being married for 7 1/2 years now - lots of happiness but also lots of obstacles, challenges ... IS a lot of work. I want to do whatever it takes to keep my marriage strong. And if my own parents have survived it this long without a divorce, I am very inspired to do the same.

So Bobby and I went to P.F. Changs for happy hour. (With this economy, you still have to watch what you spend right). My favorite is the asian pear mojito ( I order it with light ice - more Etoh) So one drink does me good all night. And of course can't go home without having their tiramisu. But since Bobby, wasn't in the mood for their desserts, we head to Baskin Robbins where he has a banana split, and i have a scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge - another favorite.

24 hour fitness

2009-02-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

Schedule @9:15am:

Monday - circuit training

Tuesday - cardio/strength training

Wednesday - cycle class

Thursday - strength/lift training

Friday - turbo kick box

Saturday - cardio/strength training

Bobby and I are still working out together. That is, he has his own routine with running on the treadmill and working on his weights. While I complete my 1 hour cardio class then work on weights and abs. Its great that we enjoy working out together. We have similar goals - not willing to buff up - just hoping to tone up. We don't watch closely what we eat - but of course keep a balance of what we're eating. The hardest part is being hungry all the time and forcing to eat 5 meals a day while drinking a lot of water. I didn't realize how hard it can be - sometimes it feels like we have to force ourselves to eat something. And its been a chore because I didn't want to lose the weight and yet Bobby keeps gaining all that muscle.. sigh.

Results since we've started: Bobby - 158# (gained 3#)

Jeannie - 101# (lost 4#)

a blissful weakness

2009-02-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

I love desserts.. and cupcakes are one of my favorites. So when an associate from Starbucks mentioned that a new cupcake shop opened just a few weeks ago, I had to make an adventure to BLISS bakeshop. I chose the Red velvet and Jadeline chose the Lavender lime. It was so good that i can honestly say, i can't describe the taste of the red velvet cupcake - i inhaled that cupcake so fast!! I think I possibly swallowed it.

Remember this?

2009-02-22T11:33:00.001-08:00

I posted this photo awhile back. Its not me of course - but something I admire and someday want to achieve. I've managed to get those horizontal lines - its now a matter of maintaining it. Still working on getting that vertical line across my abs.

Anyhow, I'm posting this for another reason. I have a similar top that i do use to the gym. I wore it for the first time when Jadeline said, "Uhhh.. mommy!! Does daddy allow you to wear that? I see your stomach! Uhh... Daddy's not allowing you to wear that!!" Jadeline can be so observant. And she can say the cutest thing and I had no idea that she knew how to use the word, "allow". And "ahem, Bobby did allow me to wear that top - we workout together remember?"

February Bulletin

2009-02-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

It's something new. My favorites or things I admire this month. Things that make me all giddy.

My children.. they can be so lovable. So silly and crazy. They can stay the darnest things to make you laugh.
February is suppose to be the month of roses.. but i prefer tulips.
I'm reading, "Love, Rosie" this month. I'm on a roll in reading one book a month. That's a record for me.
COACH. I still admire that coach watch - my youngest sister has one. But what i love better is my bag that Bobby got me for Valentine's. Its a very different style for me. Oh, and its not black for once.
An IPHONE. wish i had one.. i have another month to wait to get one.
Candy. My niece and nephews sent us a bag of goodies. And they thought of me. Wasn't that so thoughtful.
24H Fitness. For the past 3 weeks this gym has been our favorite past time.
Facebook.. um, who hasn't been on facebook these days?
Red Robins. Since we've lived here, we've never been to this restaurant. The sandwiches are amazing and huge!! My favorite: COD sandwich.

It's their 65th Birthday!!

2009-02-18T22:13:00.003-08:00

School function - BINGO night!

2009-02-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

I really don't remember school functions like this. Jadeline had Bingo night @ Jackson Elementary School - we all went. And we all had fun!! Blackout - 5 in row - "U" - "T" - postcard. B.I.N.G.O - our kids screamed!! We went home with 3 high school musical dolls. BINGO!!

24hour Fitness

2009-02-17T03:29:00.000-08:00

Our happy place these days has been @ the gym. It feels like an obsession! If Bobby and I are not working, we have the 'need' to be at the gym. For instance, we thought we'd take a break on Valentine's day, but @ 9:30pm, it felt like we were obligated to go and we did!

It's an incredible feeling - a natural high. We walk into the gym, we both work on cardio, and walk in separate directions to complete our workout on various equipments and weights.

What's much more admiring is seeing a whole variety of people there who are determined to stay healthy or perhaps have the same feeling as I do in simply feeling great after a workout. Its even better to see several individuals who are probably 5x my size work out with their trainer - with expressions on their face that they are exhausted or defeated; but still come back the next day to complete their session all over again. That is very admiring!

You'll never see me in public running a marathon, or cycling hills on my bike. But you'll sure find me at the gym.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

I married him just 2 1/2 months after I met him. It's 7 1/2 years later and I am thankful to still be in love with Bobby. And there's so many reasons to . . .

Bobby knows when I need a cup of coffee in the morning or something sweet after dinner.
He still lets me fall asleep in his arms while I snore.
He knows how to comfort me when I'm angry.
Bobby knows me enough to get me something to eat when I'm stressed.
He is absolutely supportive that I don't do laundry.
He will take a detour home for 10 minutes to watch me dance hip hop.
Bobby lets me sleep in while he gets the kids up for breakfast and gets them to school.
He spoils me with out of the ordinary things - oakley shades (remember when he said this would be his version of tinting the car), a twix peanut butter bar, or a Starbucks card.
He accepts that I love COACH - that sometimes one bag is not enough. ;)
Bobby will often finish my train of thought.
He knows that I move like a turtle in the morning.
He still can make me laugh with his facial expressions.
Bobby can seriously sing a romantic song for me... and minutes later have me cracking up while he sings, "Encarnacion" from Nacho Libre.
He volunteers to coach a group of 13 and 14 year olds to play in a basketball league.
He will do his best in putting his daughters hair into a bun for ballet while I'm at a respiratory conference.

Habits someone else may think is not enough for them. But habits that only 7 1/2 years can build which i can only love today. "Happy Valentine's Honey!!"

Rock Bottom and Aura

2009-02-10T20:11:00.002-08:00

Had a night out with friends on Saturday @ Rock Bottom and Aura. Dinner and drinks were great. But hanging out Aura was odd - it made me feel out of my element. Yet the company, the dancing, and the drinks, can make any place be your element. (to note: Melinda and I went to Fabric Depot before our night out. I have to admit i had just much fun in a store filled with fabric!!)

Valentine Crafts

2009-02-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

February Craft #2 (any interests??)

Decorating for Valentine's . . .

Keeping busy with daily life and of course my crafts. Still wish the days were longer to keep myself going with things around here. Ashton had his championship finals last week. They didn't make into the Final round but they did well. They had 2 wins out of 3. I'll miss the games - screaming my heart out along with the other parents. Watching each of they boys improve in their position. And of course seeing Ashton maintain his average points of 15. This last game he had 27 points out of the teams 41 points.

Jadeline has been loving Valentine's. But I believe its because kindergarden requires that one of their homework is sending cards to each other (the goal was to practice writing names and being able to hold their pencil right), working on math by adding "hearts", and creating a lot of art work with hearts. Its no wonder when she said, "do you know that Valentine's is on Saturday??" So . . . I thought I'd support this whole Valentine's idea, and decorate the house with Valentine's decorations. And i actually like it.

new haircut - and a little updating...

2009-02-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

In need of a new haircut and color. Been feeling a little blah - don't you ever get like that? Not sure if its this acne thats getting to me or perhaps feeling the age of 34. So yesterday, spent 2 1/2 hours at Tres' Bon to get my hair done. It was funny when the hairstylist (who specializes in asian hair), with all his accent said, "Oh... who cut your hair!! " Which made me think, "gee, was my current haircut that awful??" He cut, thinned, trimmed, and colored . . . . and did his best to save me. ;)

Bobby was a bit shocked and reminded me that i once told him that I wouldn't color/highlight my hair because i'm not in my 20's anymore. . . . Go figure, its not like i'm in my 60s or something. We're still young and still have to look presentable right?

On another note, Bobby and i started working out at 24 hour fitness. It felt good! It was great to see that he can keep up with the big boys playing basketball! He'll start with a trainer on Sunday. It was cute to hear him say, "that felt good. my lungs didn't hurt like it use to!" Yes, he's still on the Chantix. And its been working - he hasn't smoked for almost 3 weeks now.

Sunshine!!

2009-02-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

What a ham! I look at this photo, and it makes me smile because she loves the camera. Her first year of life. . . .let me tell you was the most difficult to capture smiles. Thats the reason we don't have a one year old picture. We went to get her photo taken, and she cried and cried. Four months later, she agreed to have her photo taken professionally.

woo hoo!! Portland sunshine!! But its not like Hawaii sunshine. The sun may be out, but its still cold.. brr...

February already??

2009-02-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Man, I can't believe how fast January went! For a moment, I thought it would be hard since we were making a few lifestyle changes, but it wasn't as awful as I thought.

We made it through a month of not eating out at a fast food restaurant! There were still times, when I thought, it would be just easier to eat out at McDonalds. But Bobby would simply say, "we'll be back in time for lunch to make sandwiches."
Still working out at work. But I know its not as often as i should be.
Bobby is still smoke free and still on his chantix. That is an amazing drug!

1/21 - Ashton finally got to enjoy his Christmas gift. He had tickets to watch the Blazers play the Cavaliers. Cleveland won that game.

Dinner with the girls and Bobby @ Hall Street Grill.

This chocolate dessert was tooo pretty to eat.

February project done! I'm back into making these again. Anyone interested in buying some?

41-43. We lost. But it was a great game! They were down and Ashton and Tristen had back to back 3point baskets. Wish we had more time to come back!

New school project. Jadeline gets to read to me. We practice a few times. She reads to me. Then she gets to read to her class.