Birthday Recap

My birthday wasn't until after Labor Day, but the celebrations started that day.  I went out to Aodake with my parents & my brother & of course my kids, who are glued to me on my days off.  This is Ryu's favorite place to eat!  Kira was scared of the guy cooking, so my mom had to put her hand over her face, just so she could sit & eat her food :).  We love this place & it was great to spend time with my family.  Birthdays still mean a lot to me & I'm glad that my family is all here to celebrate with me!

After lunch, we all went to my house so I can open up my present from my mom, a brand new high tech sewing machine!!! It's the coolest thing ever, all these buttons to help make sewing so much easier.  I was able to make a duvet for Kira's bed & have loads more of other projects to tackle.  Weekends are going to be my craft days & boy do I have plenty to do!!!

Don, the kids & I were planning to get the most out of our season passes to Great America, & we were going to call the kids out of school to have a last family fun day.  After I had everything packed & ready to go, I was ready to go to bed & enjoy my YA book, when I just had this feeling to check the website to see what the hours where.  Thanks goodness I did bc the park was f*ing closed!!! Argh!  I was so excited to go & now what do we do???

Well we....Don, suggested we go bike riding on a bike trail near our house.  We just got a bike trailer for the kids & he was excited to try it out.  So we did.   I had fun surprisingly, I enjoyed watching my babies enjoy themselves.  Then we hit up, Steak & Shake, for happy hour, (1/2 priced milkshakes....YUM!!!).

Then, Don bought my birthday gift....YAY!!!

We went home for a bit to freshen up before dinner.  Don suggested that we try this all you can eat sushi buffet.  I was a little skeptical, but when he looked up the menu online, I couldn't resist!  I thought the sushi was laying out there, but it is actually made to order & you must finish what you order or you get charged extra.

It was so yummy!!! Not worth the price of what we ate, ( I should have skipped all meals that day to get the full benefit), but it was so good.  If I had more time I would have had another plate of what you see above!!!  One thing you should know about me, I love DUMPLINGS!!! Korean, Chinese, or Japanese dumplings, I love them all & I could've had like 6 orders of the dumplings & that would have been worth every single penny.  At least the option was there to get more, but we were just way too full!!!

I had a great birthday & I still need to post some pics from out bike ride.  Thank you mom & dad for the awesome sewing machine & Tita Luz, my brother for my early gift (courtesy of  Nordstrom anniversary sale) these awesome Sorel boots, & my husband for my Pandora charm & photography class!  Also to all my well wishers on FB!  Thanks!

Weekend Recap

I have so much more to add to this but here is part of it for now!

My close friends dad had his surprise 59 1/2 birthday party on Saturday. (more pics to follow)  He was totally surprised!  1) it wasn't his actually birthday, 2) his out of town friends were here & he thought he was bringing them to a wedding!!!  The look on his face when everyone yelled out surprise was absolutely priceless!!!  He was pointing to his wife & saying "You did this?!?!  I was totally clueless!!!"  It was great!!!  I was glad to be there & hang out with my old partner in crime, M (we had some crazy clubbing days!! i.e. chugging down frozen mudslides in the middle of winter before we got our dance on!  Hey...we were college students & drinks were hella expensive in the city) , her big sis, N, who's preggo with #2 & her daughter, L, who I cant get enough of!!! I was alone for a change & glad I didn't have my babies to chase after.  I had so much fun hanging out with them & their hubbies!

Before all this fun started, my morning was busy taking Kira to her first dance class.  I was a little worried because I told her that we were going to ballet, she said "No, its too boring".  Apparently, everything is boring to her these days.  But then she saw her outfit & shoes....then she was ready to go!!! She did great & made some new friends, too.

 Today we went to T's Bday party.  The kids had a blast.  I'm glad they had some fun this weekend since I was out partying the night before.  But I did have to chase them around the park & prevent Kira from going home with anyone who had a dog.  I think at one point she even took over a little boys sand castle making & took his sand pail away.  Then a few minutes later Ryu comes & joins in on the other kids sand construction, kicking the other boy out of his inital project!!!  I was too embarrassed to claim my kids, but eventually the other boy went home & took his sand pail with!!!

I have done a lot this weekend that I haven't taken enough pics to show you.  I started back up with my scrap booking & working on my christamas decorations for the house.  (yes, christmas decorations.  It will probably take me awhile to finish, so I might as well start now!)

I will have more fun stuff to post later, after all it is my birthday weekend, & the celebrations start tomorrow!

Nine Lives of Chloe King-The Book

So, it tool me a lot longer than expected to read these 3 books but I finally did it.  That cliffhanger on the show really left me hanging so I just had to read the book.

It was wonderful!!!  I already think that the show is pretty great but the book was different enough that I love both versions.  I like how they only kept the similarities to the basics, like who she is & what not, but I love how they made Brian in the book.  So much more drama in the book!!!  So for all you Chloe King fans out there, pick up the book & give it a try.  Trust me it will satisfy that curiosity from that summer finale!

Weekend Recap

A friend of mine, who got it from a blog that she follows, posted on her blog "Insta Fridays", basically she was posting her mobile photos & recapping her week.  I thought I would do the same.  Yeah, I know I am a total follower!  I admit I am not very creative but I look like it because of my friends & family & of course whatever I find on Pintrest!

Anyways here's a recap of my weekend.

Meet Cesar, my brother's new puppy! He's basically had him for a week, & since he had to go to a wedding this weekend, I was more than happy to babysit him.  Little did we know that hurricane Irene was on its way, & instead of watching him for 2 nights it turned out to 4 nights.  No biggie, nothing I can't handle, until I wanna go out with the kids & my husband who works nights can't sleep cuz the Cesar is barking up a storm.  I will miss him when he finally goes home tomorrow.  He was so much fun to cuddle with!

Here is my Kira.  What can I say about these pics?  If you don't already know she is my little hoarder!  She loves to carry these little toys with her & I finally told her she needed a bag to carry all these little toys in.  Of course I get her a little bag but she has her mind made up that she needs this enormous bag!  She also can't leave the house without her ginormous pillow.  Yes, she did go into the store with it, as many mothers out their know, there are just some battles not worth fighting!

Last week, Ryu had his belt test.  I was so nervous all week, cuz they said if you don't hear from them by Wed night, than your child has passed.  I swear it was like nursing school all over again, waiting for the results.  I do not miss those feelings at all!  I thought I would be done with the worrisome waiting, but now that has just transferred unto my kids.  Arghhh!  I will never get rid of that crap!  Anyways on a brighter note, he did pass!!! ( I always knew he would do well, but if you see how he does his front roll, you would have doubts, too)  He said good-bye to his white belt & now he is a white +( white belt with a black stripe, they also call it half black belt). Since he is only 6, that's the belt he advances to, instead of the yellow belt.  If he was 7, he would've gotten the yellow belt, but with his age they go through striped belts.  Very proud of you, Ryu Kai!

Ever since my SIL introduced me to Pintrest I have been so hooked.  In one of the things my friend pinned, (a old picture frame, with scrapbook paper & hot glued a metal clip, so you can easily interchange pictures), I thought it was a great idea for the wall that Ryu's bed is against.  I am so tired of looking at the plain white wall, (since he has no headboard), & he can also put his favorite artwork up, too.  So that was my project this weekend.

I seem to be doing a project each weekend, which is awesome since I have been so inspired lately ( AKA taking other people's ideas from Pintrest ;) )  I need to post my DIY camera bag!  My dad, (yes, my dad) taught me how to use the ancient sewing machine, & I made my own padding for a camera bag that I can interchange with my other bags.  (Guess where I got the idea from???)  Anyways, after putting the ancient machine through my torture, it finally said good bye. ;(  So my parents, are getting me a new sewing machine for my birthday!!! YAY!

Thanks to terratalking.com, for all your inspiration lately, especially for the Insta Fridays!
TTYL!

Photo shoot with the Paguia girls

Mommy says I like to look at myself

I had the opportunity to take pictures of my best friend's girls.  I'm still practicing & hopefully someday people will flock to have me take their kids pictures.  Wishful thinking!!!  But seriously I just love kids pictures, I love their faces & the character they bring to a photo.h I have been so addicted to Pintrest, & getting some awesome ideas from there & just about pinned everything that had to do with family pictures.  The girls were a pleasure to photograph.  Here are a few of the 100+ pictures I took. Enjoy!

Baby Scarlett looking up at her big sisters

Kira's First Day of School

A couple hours after I put Ryu on the bus, it is now Kira's turn. She didn't object to taking a bath, having me pick out her clothes, fixing her hair or taking pictures. So it's actually turning out really well. The other day she told me, she didn't want to go to school or ride the school bus! But she went downstairs herself and started to fill her backpack with her little knick knacks, which is what she always does. I managed to take out most of her toys and lowered it from 5 toys to 1. :) When the bus finally arrived, she didn't cry & just went on the bus. Thank goodness!!! I was not ready for an all out meltdown, which she had on her last first day of school! To give Kira a little credit, last time was her first day ever of going to school and she just turned 3 & was put on a bus with strangers. So she has accomplished a lot and knows her routine.

I can't help it if she is my favorite photo subject!

That photo on her first day last time really cracks me up!!! What a difference a few months makes!  Hopefully those meltdowns are long gone!!!

Ryu's First Day of School

My baby boy starts First Grade today!!!  It was so hard putting him to bed last night, because the deal this summer was he was going to try & sleep in his room by himself.  I even gave him an herbal sleep aid to help him out.  Just when I see him fall asleep by himself, so proud that he did it, he wakes up as soon as I turn off the lights.  Now he's upset & starts crying that he doesn't want to take the school bus this year & that he won't have any friends.  This is coming from the same kid, who last week was so excited to see his friends & couldn't wait to start first grade.  I ended up laying next to him until he falls asleep.

We had a great morning! Ryu ate breakfast & got himself ready.  My boy is growing up.  So here are some pictures i took this morning.

This one is a comparison from last year to this year.  The one on the left is this year & the other one is last year.  Thank goodness for uniforms!

the next ones are concepts that I have been seeing on Pintrest.  I love that site! My SIL showed me that site when she was helping me plan a party for the kids.  There is something for everyone on the site, so you should check it out.  I can spent hours on that site.
Anyways the picture on the left, Ryu is holding his picture from his kindergarten first day of school.  Saw this idea on Pintrest for anniversary pictures.  I think it will look great with birthdays. first day of school & for Ryu's belt test (he's going from white belt to white plus)  Great way to see how they have changed year to year.  Maybe me & my husband can do that for our 10 year anniversary. ;)
The picture on the left was an idea that my SIL forwarded to me from chicabug that was featured on http://www.howdoesshe.com Great picture to put in your scrapbook!

Well I will do another post in a few hours when I get my princess ready for school!  See you then!

The Nine Lives of Chloe King

I just finished watching the summer finale of The Nine Lives Of Chloe King. OMG!!!! So many questions! As usual I just have to read the book because I am so impatient I can't wait until it comes back. So, I will keep you posted on how the book compares to the show. I already think the show is pretty good so I have high expectations for the book. There's only 3 books in the series so hopefully I will be done by next week , so I can give you my input.

The Lying Game

I wanted to read this book before the show started. I really enjoyed the book. I seem to be obsessed with YA books ever since I read the Twilight series a few years ago. This book was written by Sara Shepard the author of the Pretty Little Liars series. To me this book is a little darker than PPL, & at times I am scared for the main character, Emma. I can't wait to read the next book!

As for the show..... "the book is always better". I need to hang that quote somewhere in my house because it is so true!!! The show is pretty good, it has it's own take on the series that I have to respect since they are thinking outside the box, but I'm a little disappointed how some of the characters meet in the show compared to the book. I will continue on with it just to see how it develops.

If you want a quick book to read, try The Lying Game, after that try the show on for size.

More Pictures!

I have become really lazy this summer.  So much going on, and that fact that my internet is super slow has kept me from blogging.  I just wanted to post some pictures up that I have been working on today. 
Enjoy!

Sweet Valley Confidential

Sweet Valley Twins/High fans......this is a must read!!!  I grew up reading these books & loved them.  So I had to know how everything turned out.
For the first time ever, the twins are in a HUGE HUGE fight & haven't spoken in months. You would never believe what happened!  I don't want to give too much away, but I was surprised who ended up with whom & who wasn't there anymore.  I liked how it flashed from the present to the past & how Jess & Liz had their big blow-up. Of course in any teeny bopper book there is always a happy ending.  A must read for all those Sweet Valley fans out there!

My New Camera bag

I came home today & my new camera bag arrived! I ordered an Epiphanie Clover bag, courtesy of my dad! Thanks dad!
It even came in a cute pink cover case!



I can fit my camera, flash & extra lens plus much more! My iPad as well as wallet, phone & Kira's diaper & wipes can fit too!




My SIL has a very cute bag from Kelly Moore, that I absolutely love! But I wanted something a little bigger. The ones from Jo's Totes are nice as well. The price was good on this bag, kinda in the middle of the price range for Jo's Totes & Kelly Moore.



I can't wait to use it this weekend!

**sorry for the quality if the pictures, they were taken with my iPhone

My Hero

My dad suffered a heart attack this Monday. He was golfing and he just didn't feel good, so he went to the hospital. They found 4 arteries that were blocked & he had bypass surgery today. He's doing well, but he has a long recovery ahead of him.

He is so strong that 4 blocked arteries didn't keep him from doing the things he loved, I feel that the flu last month took it's toll & weakened him. The doctors couldn't believe that he has never lost consciousness & was able to be coherent to call an ambulance. I' m glad that it was caught in time before any major damage could happen.

I admit that I was really scared. Being a nurse, you know all the worse case scenarios & at times like this I would be happy to live in ignorance. My dad is everything to me & I could never imagine my world without him. I'm just so thankful that he is a fighter & got through this. He is the rock in our family & to see him hooked up to all these tubes frightens me. Even Kira was too scared to go near her beloved Lolo. We are just not used to seeing him like this.

The next 3 months will test our strength as a family & now is the time for us to be my dad's "rock" after all these years.

Thanks to all our family & friends for their prayers & for visiting him. He has a long road ahead & I know he appreciates all your love & support.

I love you dad!!!

Gomez Clan

I've been really lucky the past couple of weeks, spending time with the family.  Last week, we caught up with our Sukan relatives & this week we got a chance to catch up with our Gomez clan.  Unfortunately, we still weren't complete (Janel, Jordan & Jay Jay missing, & Laura & Jr currently on the plane trying to get home)  But we had all the dad's together in one place, at least the one's living in the US.
I have really missed the crazy get togethers & all the loud noise the Gomez brothers make when they are all together.  (Holidays have been pretty quiet lately)  Just to warn you there will be plenty of pictures!!!
Hopefully someday in the near future I can have a complete picture of the grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Ryu with my aunt, Juna.  She used to take care of me all the time before Jay-Jay & Jordan arrived in the US.  Its so nice to see her with Ryu.

Ryu couldn't remember who his Uncle Justin was, but as soon as he saw him he knew & wouldn't let him outta his sight.

Ryu with his uncle Jherry, this picture reminds me of me & Jherry's dad, Te.  Uncle Te used to take care of me around this age.  Its nice to see my kids bond with my cousins.

Ryu was by Jherry's side most of the night, & Ryu is just so comfortable with him that he just helped himself & fell asleep on his lap.

The Gomez Brothers

The Gomez Brothers with their sons. (Jr & Jordan missing)

The Cousins

Laura just arrived from the airport from Cali.  Welcome home Laura!

Of course my post isn't complete without a picture of Kira!  Happy Mother's Day mom!!!!

Kira giving uncle PJ one of her rare hugs!

Growth Chart

Had a great idea from my SIL about a growth chart, just using cardboard tags in cut shapes, writing down the info & taping it to the wall. It's a wonderful idea!!
Then Kira somehow pulled off her brother's growth chart & used it as a slide & broke it in half!
So now I'm thinking what else I can do, because if I do the tags, she will just rip it off, so I thought about vinyl & using the circut to make some cute shapes , but as I shopped for vinyl I could not find the one I liked, so I was able to buy adhesive contact paper.
OMG!!! I love this stuff! I can do so much more with it , & I was able to by about 10 ft of it for under $3! So this project of mine only cost me less than $3 , even less because I didn't even use all of it! Mindy would be so proud!

The picture isn't so could since it was taken on the iPhone, I was just so excited to show my work

Just More Pictures

***warning there are a lot more pictures from this weekend!

Kingston & Kira jumping on the bed

Ryu trying to play piano while the other 2 are playing, too.

Family Fun

We had family over this weekend.  We haven't seen them in 4 years.  It was great to meet my nephew Kingston.    The kids had a blast!  We can't wait to see them again soon!

Auntie Mindy never gets a chance to be in pictures.  It was nice to get her in all these shots with the kids.  Kira & Mia just love the hammock!  Of course Kingston & Ryu had to join in the fun, too!

New Hiding Space

We just got our basement fixed & the kids just love it! Kira even found a few new hiding spots.  After she ate lunch today she just went off on her own.  This is where we found her.... in her favorite new hiding place!