Reminiscing on the Mysterious Christmas Nights...

While visiting my friend Deanne today, we were sharing the fond and funny memories of when her, her husband Nazar, and the Biehns had plotted "the 12 Nights of Christmas" for Jason and I back in Dec. 2005. It was so hilarious, because we have security cameras set up in our courtyard, and we didn't catch on that they were dropping off a gift for us every night at our doorstep. So it wasn't until night 6 we decided to look at our recordings to capture the mischeivious Christmas phantoms that were leaving gifties at our doorstep. First thought that came to my mind was...wow he is covering himself up pretty good...and he was bolting so fast! So one night, I decided to leave bottles of gatorade on our doorstep...seeing how much energy they were expending for this task. Other nights, there was an umbrella to cover their identity...then there were 2 of them in Ski masks! I was literally frightened! I remember we had a candy cane in our window that year...and then suddenly it started to shake. I was so scared, I actually tried to hide somewhere and I was convinced it wasn't the same people dropping of nice gifts at our door anymore! Anyway....UNFORTUNATELY there were two other nights that I couldn't find the video clips for so I can include it in this blog...however...in these clips: Norm had sent his son Tayler to our doorstep dressed as YODA to deliver a cute plant...and the last clip was us trying to catch the masked bandits. Jason was so determined to catch these guys...and he literally hung out at the side of the house...IN THE DARKNESS...and it was cold outside. He had huge floodlamp positioned in one hand and a camera with the other. I was hiding in the bathroom...but the window was open so I can hear what was going on. The funny part is...we didn't end up finding out the identities, but what we got was a confession by Nazar and Norm...because they thought we actually caught them! Anyway.... If anyone wants to see that part of the video...I guarantee you would get a great laugh, but i can only show it on the DVD. It was a difficult Christmas season that year in Dec 2005 since Jason and I found out I had miscarried what was to be our first child. I must of admit, I didn't know how I was going to get through that time. What truly helped was the laughter, friendship and compassion that uplifted our spirits that year. Enjoy! P.S. don't forget to pause my playlist so you can hear the video.

TEAM FRESH vs TEAM FAKE

Despite overwhelming results from the poll of Fake Tree vs Fresh Tree, I was amazed that a lot of people go for the Artificial Trees- Pre-lit. I mean, there are so many advantages: convenience, no dried pine needles littering the carpet, no worries about disposing the tree. I thought the major disadvantage would be lack of scent, but it was suggested that we just get a candle that smells like one. Another disadvantage is that you have to store it...and it's a huge box that takes up room! Jason and I have always loved Fresh Trees, but with lack of Time etc etc, the thought of convenience of an Artificial tree was alluring. So the verdict is in....We decided to stay with FRESH this year. The idea of going to the Christmas tree lot...to pick out a tree brings about Christmas childhood memories...it's fun to pick the tree right? (Despite the fact that Jason happened to pick the first tree he saw which ended up to be perfect anyway! Hmph!)...It smells nice, only small inconveniences of vacuuming those little pine needles that drop on the carpet...and it's beautiful. Anyway...we'll see who wins the battle next year....as the Saga continues between FRESH vs FAKE.

Strollers

For the past couple of days, the "stroller" has brought me some smiles. I love the stroller.....Strollers have become very useful since our lives changed when we became foster parents to a toddler. It is a very useful device....or in better terms...it's a "Caregiver's assistant". How can any parent do without one? Here are a couple of recent photos that I just love that has to do with "Strollers":

1) TITO ALAN: Seeing My Brother Alan (Tito Alan now) pushing a stroller...and ENJOYING it. It's such a heartwarming image for me to see the love for his new niece that has joined our family just 8 months ago. I can envision him being such a wonderful father someday, he has such a big heart for children. Below is a pic of him pushing the stroller as we go celebrate Birthdays at the Cheesecake factory in Thousand Oaks:


2) Between Birthdays at Disneyland: Well, Jason had previously planned a trip as a surprise for me and Emily for our birthdays. Unfortunately, it decided to RAIN that day...but we came prepared...with a waterproof barrier for the stroller, and a thick jacket for the little one so she was bundled up and couldn't move. She was a little bubble girl...and you can see the happiness in her face beyond the plastic. She did have fun, especially riding it's a Small World.

3) MAUI the BABY BENGAL CAT: So, Emily loves babies. She absolutely Loves them, so she got her birthday wish and was an instant mom of 5! She couldn't beat Octomom, but I think she holds the record for the youngest mom...at just the wee age of two. She also inherited another baby, but this time it had fur.....Maui just wanted to be her fur baby in the stroller!

So glad it was just a dream.....

I know I have reached R.E.M sleep when I start dreaming. Somehow, I seem to have vivid dreams that can be off the wall...... Weird. Ever since I was a child I had dreams that were so crazy. I remember the time I dreamt of myself riding my red tricycle on the 101 freeway (It was scary! I ran off the cliff!). Then there was that dream of my childhood pet Kitty Cat....Jake....doing backstrokes in our pool of strawberry jell-o. I've had dreams where I was literally enveloped in an environment that was cartoonish...like Toon Town. Oh yes....I can't forget.... there was that dream when I had the power to control the weather. (I believe I was around 8 years old...but I thought that was pretty cool!) ANYWAY....I had reached the R.E.M dream state this morning. I was dreaming....that I went to the spa at Glen Ivy....to get a nice, relaxing Facial. You know....something to REJUVENATE my skin. It seemed relaxing, until I looked at myself in the mirror to find out that the results were similar to what happened to Sammy Sosa (That baseball player). Please refer to the following photo:



I.....Was.......M-O-R-T-I-F-I-E-D. I mean, I didn't look like Sammy Sosa in the literal sense....but I was just as pale as Edward Cullen...the Vampire. I'm so glad it was just a dream......................

Really....I'm not Twenty anymore...or Am I????

So My dearest hubby asked me out on a date to go to the Laker Game, and as a supportive wife for his love of basketball (which I in turn, have been molded to love), I thought sure why not. Then he tells me, oh yeah I also got tickets to opening night of NEW MOON to premiere at the brand new theater at LA LIVE across the street from Staples Center. (A MIDNIGHT SHOWING??? ARE YOU CRAZY.....That's what went through my mind) Jason knew that The Twilight Saga has been my guilty pleasure and I have to admit I read all of the books in 4 days. YES...4 days. HOWEVER, despite reading the books in record time, I know i'm not a spring chicken anymore. The last time I was able to stay awake past midnight was over a DECADE ago...when Jason and I were still dating. (Well, i'm sure that there was a time between where I probably did stay awake past midnight...possibly due to heartburn or indigestion). I wasn't too excited because Jason knows that I like my space...I don't want to be amongst the crowd, especially around little Teen Twilighters screaming over these new "heartthrobs". My ideal situation is to wait a couple of weeks until all the excitement dies down....go see New Moon during a MATINEE show when I'm awake. Jason argued that whenever he plans something that is "out of my comfort zone" I always look back and say that I had a good time. TRUE. Well....I had to tap into my early twenties again. We had a chance to double date w/ some awesome friends, who I warned, that they had to keep me awake because I doubted that I had any special powers to be alert during the midnight showing. Well, it was definitely a big deal spending an hour waiting in line to get into the theater and people watching. We saw George Lopez interviewing people on the street. Once we entered the huge theater, people were reserving seats...but thanks to our hubbies, they were able to secure some awesome front row balcony seats where we could rest our legs & enjoy our buttery popcorn and other healthy snacks. I actually had to defend our seats while our spouses went to get refreshments....there was a Twilighter with an attitude that was trying to modify our seating arrangements...but I had to stand my ground and told her what's up. We did have a great time, New Moon was definitely Hollywood Spectactulous...and Hilarious because all the Twilight teens went GaGA over the mighty torsos plastered on the big screen. Some fans were dressed like Edward! Crazy. It was a memorable night to be able to feel Young again and to spend it with great friends...Thanks Coral & Matt.

Horsey Dance

Why do they have too many cute things?

Somebody stop me. Please....I'm not sure if our little one really wanted it anyway...I thought it was cute! It even makes noise! I liked it because even the rocking part of the horse matches our furniture. Why do they have to make so many cute things....it makes me want to spoil this child rotten which is NOT what I wanted to do in the first place!

Ma-Mah

It's interesting with time....there is usually never enough....or the opposite: Things take too long. I'm just pondering this thought because it seems when you experience these polar opposites at the same time, it becomes emotionally taxing. For instance...I'm racing against my biological clock. Unfortunately, my biological clock is sort of broken so my chances are reduced. There is still hope there but it's a long shot. I guess if I stuck to the biological route of hoping, I doubt I would have ever be called a mom this soon in the game. At the same time... It's been a long time....to be able to be called referred to as a mom...and to Actually hear those words be directed at Me....It is VERY surreal. We have our foster daughter...and she is growing so fast...it's incredible....sometimes it's not fair to see her grow this fast. At the same time, it feels like it's taking too long to fully comprehend the feeling of "motherhood"....because of the required time it takes the system to have her legally be our daughter. What a roller coaster ride. When she woke up this morning, I was cooking her little pancakes for breakfast. Just as she was rounding the corner into he kitchen, I heard her little voice saying "Ma Mah Ma Mah Ma Mah". Wow. It's been too long...it's been too long shedding tears to actually comprehend such a touching moment. I'm a mom. Yes.... I am a Mom.

Future Shot Putter

So...yes...when I was in high school, I participated in Varsity Track & Field. I did do a few running events, such as the 4 X 100 relay and was the anchor, 100 meter dash etc. But I loved my field events...and participated in shot put & discus. I even had a chance to participate in State CIF finals. Well...this evening I had a great reminder of what a good thrower is, and it came in the form of a 35 inch tall, 21 month old, brown haired toddler. She has a pretty good arm when she throws...with a killer aim. Which I now realize can be very DANGEROUS. Tonight's participating Projectile was this:

So Yeah...I was watching the TV and all of the sudden I see this projectile coming at my face and it was too late. It hit my mouth & I ended up with a little split lip. So...tonight's lesson was on knowing the difference between Soft objects & Hard objects. Now I have to put some Vampish red lipstick on to cover up the wound. Great. What a happy day.

NEW MOON....The countdown begins!!!

Don't forget to shut off my playlist to listen to this awesome trailer!

So Long Fish Tank....

Well, after about 8 years, Jason wants toget rid of our 55 gallon fish tank. It has provided some serenity in our home. It's a pretty nice tank, acrylic and easy to care for, but we wanted to expand our office space so Jason and I can have our own computer (which will bring us harmony in the office). Jason has been patiently waiting for the fish to die off one by one....I have a little empathy for those little buggers. Currently we have 5 fish left....One beautiful orange Australian rainbow fish (which are the best fresh water fish ever! Especially their personalities)...an algae eater.....and a couple of small schooling tetra fish. Jason consolidated them into a smaller desktop tank that I had given to him originally for his office at work. They look like they have been confined to jail...it's so sad. From a big Mansion to a small puny little Jail cell of a tank, it's pretty sad. We would be happy to give them up to a happier home if anyone is interested....and we have a nice fish tank if anyone wants to start a new hobby. ;)

2nd half of Trip- San Diego

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So yeah....the 2nd half of our Vacation consisted of Trips to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Once we arrived at the hotel at the Embassy Suites in La Jolla, I completely realized....wow, I have to childproof this hotel room. Being a foster parent...we have to be EXTRA cautious...so I was busy moving around the furniture...covering all the exposed electrical outlets/plugs. Plus, I wasn't use to our little one being in the same room....So we got a nice suite that had a private master bedroom then an extra living space area/dining. I had purchased a tent/crib for Ryanne (emily) to sleep in. Thank Goodness! She slept fine in it....and we had brought a Yo Gabba Gabba DVD...so she felt comfortable. We didn't take many pics at Sea World...because as you can see, it was quite uneventful for her. We realize that she may be way too young...maybe in a couple more years we'll bring her back and she'll enjoy the dolphins, rather than just have interest in her sippy cup. The best part of Sea World...was participating in Shooting the water cannons at innocent people that I didn't even know & soaking them while they were riding the rapids ride. We, unfortunately couldn't ride that ride...because our little one wasn't tall enough. But hey..... That was the highlight of my day! So Fine....if I couldn't go on the ride....might as well take it out on people I didn't even know. It was great!

Pierce Brosnan's Singing

I just joined netflix so I can catch up on movies that I've missed...especially all the chick flicks. Yes...and I love musicals......and I finally got to watch that Mama Mia Musical. I was considerate to watch it without my husband (I'm sure he is very appreciative of that fact). Anyway....I wanted to talk about Pierce Brosnan who was casted in this movie. I particularly want to review his singing in this musical. Ummmm...so yeah...when he started to break into song...my first impression was that he sounded like a Moose who was shot in the lungs, trying to wheeze out the words of the song. Was it me? Did I hear his voice correctly? Here is a link to a youtube clip of one of his songs that he sang in the Movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZrccOX4fGs


Sounds like he can't even breathe. They must have had to use special effects to keep his skin tone natural looking because he was really turning blue. He's good looking, and charming...but he sounds....He just sounds...he doesn't sing.

1st half of the Adventure....

Our first day of our adventure began at Disneyland. Our little one was on sensory overload....can't blame her as she is only 20 months old. We tend to forget how young she is, because she is in the 85th percentile in height and could automatically pass for a 2 1/2 year old. We did meet our friends Glen & Jen Lakin, with their children Haley & Jared there and had a great time meeting Minnie Mouse and flying the Dumbo Ride. She even went through the Haunted Mansion! Mommy had fun on that one and used it as leverage for good behavior in the future. I'm sure she will behave nicely because she doesn't want to have a time out at the Haunted Mansion....although she did well and didn't freak out too much.

Our 2nd day...Saturday, we went to Bolsa chica and met Brian, Tara and their boys. Emily had a wonderful time getting her hands in the sand for the first time...and she didn't mind the cold temp of the water. She just wanted to run straight for the water. All the cousins were so good and making sure Emily was safe, and enjoyed teaching her how to put sand in the bucket and just plain having fun!

The latter half of the adventure will be posted soon. San Diego Zoo, Sea World & 2 overnight stays at a hotel with our toddler was definitely a learning experience for us novice parents....but I think we all did well for the most part. ;)

P90x or the alternative workout

Okay....I'm hearing all this stuff about P90x and after reviewing it and knowing I'm in sub-par shape, I probably know that I will develop some type of injury if I went with P90x. How do I know I'm in Sub-par shape? I just experienced the Toddler workout (over the course of a few days)
1) Just have a clingy toddler that wants to be held isometrically with your biceps while you stand in lines at Disneyland. Don't forget that you also work your triceps as you slowly, yet carefully put her down to prevent from any injury.
2) Work cardio and gluts by placing child in a stroller and walking briskly.
3) Work core musculature by pretending to be some type of merry go round holding onto toddler tightly while you go in circles.
4) Work calf musculature while ambulating over sandy beach, work out pectoralis & core musculature while carrying all the beach equipment at the same time to save a trip to the car.
5) Work your pectoralis musculature, back extensors, core muscles while ensuring your wiggly child sits safely in aerial tramway at the San Diego zoo.
6) Bonus workout: Workout 2nd digit finger extensor muscle (index finger) as you say "shhhhh!"

Result= Strain & soreness! ;)

The New Experience

So yeah, being a first time parent & traveling with your child is a little scary to me. Especially if your first child happens to be a toddler. For those who know me, you can say that I'm a little paranoid...maybe just a little. Ohkay Ohkay...I'm just freaking out here. ;-p Questions that arise are: How much stuff do I bring? What if she gets whiny all the time? Or worse, what if she gets sick? Is this really going to be a vacation...really? Gone are the days where there is quiet, peace and relaxation. I hope I have not taken all those wonderful cruises and trips to hawaii for granted....and I'm sure this trip will make me value those times even more! My co-worker said to view this little get-a-way as "A New Adventure" or "Experience". First Concern....accomodations. Wow...she still sleeps in a crib...what to do, what to do. And she sleeps well throughout the night in her OWN room. Ah Ha! I found a solution-Since we don't have a traveling crib, I got a traveling sleeping contraption, that almost reminds me of the cat carrier we use when we bring our pet to the vet's office. It looks like this:

I guess it's kinda cool because it has a air mattress and it Zips up to prevent her from escaping. It's her own "mini Room/Crib". I'm sure the inventors of this had to have some influence with the pet community. I mean, come on: This is what a cat carrier looks like:

Of course, we need to bring a stroller. How does this one look?:Ohkaaay......she has a normal stroller. I promise I won't bring the cat bowl either. =) As we venture for a 2 night getaway trip this sunday (after the big meeting), I just pray that this will be a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Bring on Shamu and all the monkeys and apes....San Diego here we come!

Yo Gabba Gabba

Since having placement of little Ryanne (Legal name for right now...just bear with us as the courts are taking their lovely time) it's been quite a process...she has transitioned well so far....and in the beginning, she was like static cling. Per her Social Worker...she is thriving, and growing & learning. Part of it is because she is mesmerized by a show on TV. Thank goodness for Yo Gabba Gabba...She LOVES that Show. I know it's an awesome show because not only of the excellent producers behind it....but the basic principles it teaches to the children via music & dance. The songs are so Catchy. If I need an hour...I just record those Yo gabba Gabbas and she just sits there! It's a miracle...and helps me for sure! I wanted to share a video clip with my dad (Lolo/Grandpa) dancing with Ry-Ry it's pretty funny. Thank you mom and dad for your help last Wed!

Farmer J

When we first moved to Corona....Jason had time to plant all different kinds of stuff....like pumpkins, watermelon, strawberries, roma tomatoes, green beans, cantaloupe, sweet white & yellow corn as well as having fruit trees such as Avocado, Guava, Orange & apple trees. Well...since we decided to put a hole in the ground & fill it with water, Farmer J had sacrificed his land as well as some of his fruit trees and only a few areas remained to grow his crops. We have 2 apple trees which definitely have fruit growing....and his infamous Grape vine. It's a hideous looking monster....it overtakes the side of our house....and I worry that it may infiltrate the pool equipment. Nonetheless...this year, His grape plant finally bore some fruit. The first one he picked off the vine was really puny...and really tart. Then he waited....and finally was able to pick some scrumptious grapes off the vine this sunny morning. He is so proud of his yummy prized grapes. They are sweet, juicy....with enough crispness when you take a bite. They are indeed perfect. What a gift...to be able to grow your own fruit. He is definitely an excited farmer this morning.....So I had to post a blog about his prized crop. He loves his grapes.....and I love my farmer.

New Chair & Walking with LoLo (Grandpa Abrio)

So we got a new chair for the little one...and she seems to like it:It also serves duel purpose for another cat bed:

Emily had fun walking with Lolo (Grandpa Abrio):

And even got a flower in her hair:

She was kind enough to share with Lo Lo....how does he look?

4th of July Splash!

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Enjoying a fun summer 4th of July day with the Sage Family! It was a great time to spend with friends!

Trying to say Da-Da!

She had said it a few times earlier....BUT Oh how I wish we had our video camera! It can never hurt to ask again .....you think?....... YEAH RIGHT.

Gorillas, Fish and Elephants

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So this was Emily's first trip to the Rainforest Cafe. I'm sure she will dream of butterflies and fishes....or even Big Gorrillas and huge Elephants! Enjoy the show

Bottle Brush...A good thing?

So...yeah....I really think this baby bottle brush is a good thing. HOWEVER.... what I can't stand is that everytime I pull this sucker out of the bottle it sprays my face with leftover milk residue and suds...It's really gross..and I can't stand it, especially because I have clean dishes drying in the adjoining sink....then it gets all these white spots due to the "After-spray" from this brush. Maybe I should just stick to the dishwasher...WHICH I'm trying to convince hubby that the sub-par appliance that came with our house is accessible to the curiosities of a Toddler. It's a pretty good reason in my mind!

Moldable

So Jason and I had a date night for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets last Tuesday. We couldn't resist the cute little Laker Jersey, or the little bibs & onesies that they had...so we decided to get all the cute little outfits. We also got her a little Laker Ball. I wouldn't call this brainwashing, we are just setting an example for her so she realizes that it's okay to set her standards a little higher for certain things. ;) I realize I'm going to eat those words if the Lakers lose....but I'm willing to sacrifice that for our Lakers! Lakers all the Way!!!

Random Humor-The Greatest Ab Workout

Have you ever laughed so hard that it literally works your obliques & rectus abdominus musculature? Sometimes in order for me to laugh this hard, it takes some random humor that comes out of nowhere to make my tummy & ribs hurt so bad. So I was lurking on my facebook...and one of my friends posted this random video of what is suppose to be an homage to Michael Jackson's "Thriller". I don't know if it was just the silly face in the initial part of the video that cracked me up....but then I found a version that had also provided an interpretation of the sounds in English. (You can check it out by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtJRNyPK-lc&feature=PlayList&p=EB3459B4C695982D&index=0&playnext=1 ). Why this makes it random humor to me is because this video came out of nowhere & at the same time, the interpretation to the audio in english doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Plus...that cool techno sound & intricate plucks on the sitar helps too. I literally have the song stuck in my head now...

Beautiful Kauai

So we decided to take a last minute trip (literally) to Hawaii......we thought geez....since we might be settling down really soon...we thought we should have one last big trip....it's been so hectic for Jason at work and additional responsibilities...last weekend was our chance to get away for a little bit before our lives will change forever! Kauai was our target...and my awesome husband set up the trip for us. We stayed in a beautiful condo that overlooked Hanalei Bay. We just relaxed...went to the beach...went to an awesome luau w/ Great entertainment. Jason happened to be chosen to hula away in front of the crowd...it was pretty funny. At least he got some practice from his 30th birthday party. He looked like a giant compared to the rest of the people on stage! Jason enjoyed being Hula man!

Bittersweet Nursery

In preparation for the adoption process, we have to have our home "ready for children". Part of the requirements is to have a place for a baby to sleep. So thus, we had to get our nursery done. This was an emotional morning for me. (Yes....I did shed some tears) Part of me feels this emptiness due to my two miscarriages....I should be excited to put up nursery furniture up, yet I feel I don't want to get connected because we are still in process with the whole adoption thing (which can take time). I guess I want the certainty that we will have a child placed in our home....and I will feel better. For now, I can probably just stick a stuffed animal in a crib. Maybe I can request to have one of those octoplets in our home....Anyway....we have to plug away with the process...and continue to be "patient". I can't dwell on the fact that I'm not pregnant, and although there is always a time for miracles, I feel that sometimes life doesn't always turn out the way they planned. There is hope though, and I have fully accepted whatever plan the lord has for us.....because it really is in his hands. I remember part of the 13 article of faith in which it states we follow the admonition of Paul: We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

So we continue to seek to be parents...And someday we will.

P.S. Thanks Mom & Dad for my rocking chair that you have passed onto us. It fits perfectly.

FAMILY

It was a wonderful Saturday having the chance to spend time with extended Family. First to celebrate our nephew, Cameron's 9th birthday at the Corona Batting Cages. Time Flies! It was fun to play ping pong...and to see my hubby try to hit fast balls and at the same time... relieved he didn't get hit in the head! We then were able to spend time at Ray & Wanda's new home to get the "official tour" & so the grandkiddies could see where their grandparents will be hunkering down. It was fun to see the children running around and having fun going room to room. The Wach Boys were talking about TV's of course, and we got to know Ray & Wanda's new neighbors (Friendly people!). As a surprise, Jason, Ray & I had planned the previous night to put a Wall Quote that I ordered from my friend. (3 John 1:4) We enjoyed Wanda's reaction (I'll post it below). After touring the new Wach estate....we then stuffed ourselves eating at Islands in Corona with all the Fam. Thanks Rob for treating us! I know now to order the carnitas & nachos! After the restaurant, we bummed a ride from Mike & Maria in their cool high tech van (those DVD players are pretty cool). It was an awesome day to spend with Family!

Welcome to your New Home!

Well...after several years of contemplating and waiting to get the bargain price, Ray & Wanda have decided to make that move to Corona! I'm posting the play by play of when they received their keys & their reactions. Don't forget to pause my music in my playlist so you can hear the conversation on the video. Enjoy!

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