allowance

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...

short fast summer!

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

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

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

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

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!!