Glad Tidings and looking forward to Twenty 12

Omg, we are down to the wire folks. Down to the wire. To all those I did not get an opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (to my non-Catholic friends) to, hope you had a wonderful weekend (or week, for that matter) full of love, laughter, and glad tidings.

testing out our fireplace--first use

This year, my family and I hosted my Dad's side of the family for Christmas. We comfortably fit 30 people in our humble abode.  A bit comfier than the almost 80 people we had in our house for Micron's baptism (gasp!! and that's when we hadn't even finished unpacking from moving in and had one small sofa). It was festive with lots of merry-making in our house and lit up a fire in our fireplace (shhh--no telling on us). Vino was flowing, there was a multitude of dishes and desserts to choose from, and our Christmas tree looking like it threw up a bajillion gifts. No complaints there!

I'll never forget this Christmas as it was the first that Micro TRULY exhibited excitement about gifts. Not to take away the true meaning of Christmas, which is to celebrate Jesus' birth and God's blessings, but Mr. Fliz and I couldn't help marvel at his every giggle and awe with everything Christmas. We wrote his letter to Santa and mailed it. Last minute, though. 

We started off the season with Zoo Lights at Oakland Zoo, cozy nights recording and watching Christmas movies together, hiding gifts all throughout the house, and Mr. Fliz putting up lights this year around our house. His special assistant for the chore, none other than, Micro. And what a great helper he was. Daddy has his "Russ." Looking forward to many years of this. We paid two visits to Santa--both successful for Micro, but not for Micron. She'll wave to him and smile from afar. And that's about it. 

Our Christmas party 2011 was very fun, and though the hardest part was prepping our house and cleaning up, Mr. Fliz and I would be happy to do it again. Hopefully, the kids will be LOADS more helpful ;) Santa was very generous this year, despite some difficult economic times.

Maraming salamat to our good friends and family, because this year would not be much of anything, if it weren't for their continued love, friendship, and support. A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful husband of five and a half years (going on 8 years together!), who has been my pillar to lean on during tough times, my greatest cheerleader, and love of my life (sound vaguely familiar like my wedding speech? ha!ha!). To the other loves of my life--Micro & Micron--this year, I received the most awesome gifts--many memorable moments of watching you two grow closer and closer and loving each other like besties.

 

This is only the first batch of gifts from the hub's family

A different Christmas list

As some of you parents out there know already, the best part of the holiday season is reliving your own childhood memories and creating new ones with your kids. Having little ones around (whether you're a parent or not) gives plenty of excuse to watch classic favorites such as, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story (one of my faves)," and plenty of others. If you're an avid reader of The Poop, then you won't be offended by Hartlaub's silly and somewhat pretty awesome list of "Best Christmas Movies of All Time." 

In fact, Peter, if you're reading this, my husband and you, really should be friends. He in fact, has a running list in his head of Christmas movies, that don't necessarily scream Christmas. I see some overlap in your list and his. I thought I'd share with everyone else Peter Hartlaub's post on this and have you guys thinking what your favorite holiday/Christmas movies are. 

In our household, we like to start Christmas early. That entails getting our tree right after Thanksgiving, and blasting the Christmas music all season long. Christmas is big for my husband, and since I've had kids, it's big for me too. It's not just spending quality time with family and good friends, but watching "Elf" like a bazillion times (guess what we're all watching again on Christmas, family! muahaahaa!!), drinking hot chocolate and cider, and lots, and lots of lights.

Then again, Christmas really is giving God thanks for his many blessings and celebrating him. But that doesn't mean you can't watch a little "Die Hard" either.

Oh you pretty things

I am an avid blog reader when I find time to go online. Currently, my "obsessive" blog readings tends to favor fashion and graphic designer blogs. Eye candy is so important to me. I would love, love to hire a graphic designer to restructure the layout and look of my two blogs. Until I can afford to do that, I'm ok with how my blogs look. But I thought I'd share a few favorite posts I've come across recently while surfing the internet. 

Her posts always feature such pretty things, and her love of design and color force me to be more creative in my life and wardrobe. This post (ok, the entire blog, really) inspired me in more ways than one. I'd really like to cut down on the amount of clutter that seeps its way into my life. My husband, who is an absolute neat freak (yes, he's one of those people that will spend THREE HOURS cleaning up his office before he'll begin working), has forced me to be more organized. Our house is fairly clean about 70% of the time, but I'd love for it to be more like 87.3% ;) I absolutely see the value of organization and appreciate the effectiveness and practicality of it in everyday life. However, I have two small kids that lack that kind of insight, so it goes without saying, my life is full of clutter. I'm hoping to achieve an organized closet in my future. Sooner than later.

We're about to celebrate a WHOLE YEAR of living in our first home. Job well done family! Though we've yet to hang our picture frames and organize our garage, play room (aka "extra storage"), and a multitude of other things, I'm looking forward to decorating each of the kid's room. As with all things in my life, I take my time and I want to make sure that the rooms are a reflection of my kids and is infused with color, multi-purpose furniture, and hand-crafted decor. I can't wait to begin a project in creating a comfortable, kid-friendly space for each of them and the fun we'll have picking out furniture and decorations. I'll be looking to this blog for plenty of inspiration.

To all you colorful, creative peeps out there. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas and creations. You truly encourage and inspire me.

Sparkling Lights Everywhere. Christmas Tree Lane

As you can see in previous posts, my babies are back, and that Mr. Fliz had a very successful solo trip with them to the east coast and back. He's truly my hero. I, the lucky girl, wasn't too lucky. Though having not enough time to myself, and no rugrats to look after, I did end up watching my goddaughter and her sister for a few days. Right at the start of my "vacation." But that's ok, because it was quality time with them and I was helping out my bestie in her time of need. I did manage to enjoy some time by myself, actually go Christmas shopping using a purse and no stroller in sight, go for a run, tidy the house a bit, and sleep in. Ohh, sleeping in...how I miss you so! So, in case my bestie is reading this, I think she can watch my babies for a few hours while i do some "making up" me time for what was supposed to be a break from "mamahood."

But I couldn't wait for my family to get back because there was a little something special we were all looking forward to--driving down Christmas Tree Lane. This little part in our neck of the woods has been doing this since 1938. Though residents admit to peer pressure to join in on the fun (hey, who wants to be the Scrooge during the holiday season), they do realize how much joy and spirit they infuse to the season. Often, we'll go down Christmas Tree Lane to brighten up our uneventful night or just to keep the merriness going after a long day of being out. A thank you from my family to the residents of Christmas Tree Lane, keep bringing it strong every year.

Oakland's Zoo Lights 2011

Our only successful family photo of the night.

Less than TWO WEEKS til Christmas!! This year, we'll be hosting the party and hopefully celebrating it in comfy pj's with our kids. But regardless, we've been running around like chickens with their heads cut off, scrambling to get Christmas gifts while doing our best to enjoy all the festivities this holiday season has to offer. Including, slowing down and appreciating each other. Last week, we managed to enjoy what's easily becoming a holiday fave for my family and I. 

It was on my list of things to do this holiday season, and somehow, between 5 adults, 4 kids, and some frigid California weather, we all enjoyed Zoo Lights at the Oakland Zoo. It was chilly. And since we went earlier in the season, we managed to avoid crowds, and pretty much had the place to ourselves for a few hours. If you're going, bring or buy some hot chocolate or hot cider as you and your family stroll the zoo in darkness marveling at all the beautiful lights and festive holiday music. This is both my kids' second time (but the first at which Micron got to enjoy a bit more-since she wasn't stuck in a stroller the entire time) and went with 'Ms. E & Squid.' Thanks you guys (+Auntie Lanie) for joining us in our nighttime adventures.

We can't wait to do it again next year! 

*pardon the blurriness of the photos

Light show

Riding the "Christmas Light" train

Busy baking

When we had that spell of lots of rain a month ago, I knew my kids would get cabin fever. I needed to make sure I kept the days interesting besides letting them watch a bit of T.V. So I made use of Micron's nap time for some one on one quality time with Micro. Baking. Muffins. Brownies. Cornbread. It was a lot of fun and something I plan on doing more often with the kids as they grow older, because if you don't know by now, I looove to eat. 

Our first baking endeavor entailed making mini cornbread muffins. I really like using my mini muffin pan because it's perfect for little hands (like Micron's) to enjoy our baked goods. Allowing Micro to help me encourages his autonomy, confidence, decision-making, and eating. So, in the days that followed our first batch of mini cornbread muffins (which would've been perfect with soup, chili, or slathered with honey butter), we made brownies, and mini zucchini bread muffins. See, there were vegetables involved. Sometimes, Micro even helps to make his own breakfast--be it pancakes, butter/sugar toast, and yogurt with honey. The best part is how proud he is once our goods are done cooking and how he proudly serves it to Micron and Daddy. What have you made with your little ones lately?

A bit of a Getaway

Every parent whose honest with themselves, understands the importance and necessity of getting away from their children, once in a while. More if you can swing it ;) It's important to rejuvenate your soul. Date nights are a must. For this mama, it's an opportunity to reconnect with my husband without us having conversations regarding poop, or if certain people were "good" today, or if someone peed or pooped in the potty. Yeah, very grown-up, important matters we discuss in our beloved abode. So you see, children can suck the life force out of your marriage, just as much as they infuse it. 

We managed to book a Vegas getaway without our kids last weekend. Thank you Lolo and Lola for watching our cuties while I remind myself what it's like to actually eat food served hot, carry a purse, and have real conversations with Mr. Fliz. Though Vegas wouldn't be the first destination that comes to mind when one needs to rejuvenate one's soul, it has plenty to offer and you don't have to do it up party style. I mean, c'mon, Mr. Fliz and I are not in our 20's anymore. But hey, we scored a promotional deal and took advantage of it. So go over here for a review of the Encore, where we stayed. And for an in-depth, page-turning account of our adventures, click here.

Snippets of the last two weeks

Totally behind in posting pics. But here's a few pics from the past two weeks or so. Crazy holiday schedules and once again, the little rugrats are both sick. Pathetic. But I'm determined to make sure they get better soon because we're traveling, yet again, next week. Enjoy!

Trick or Treat. Micron as a spider & Micro as a dinosaur

Making mini zucchini bread muffins

Our precious Micron making her debut as a flower girl

See, my little girl is definitely MORE stylish than Mama!

A busy life

It's chirping crickets over here. Sorry for the slow posting as of late. In the past week and a half, I've had to deal with two sick kids and having 3 out of 4 family members in a wedding. Suffice to say, it's been hectic in our household. This time of year always is. We pretty much have every weekend booked til the end of the year, and well into the first few weeks of January 2012, too. So goes my life. 

However, I've got quite a bit of "happenings" going on. So there may be more "crickets chirping" on this end than I'd like. This weekend, the hubs and I are going to Vegas, SANS KIDS. Uh huh, you read right. This will be the first time we are leaving BOTH babies with Lola & Lolo. It will make for an interesting weekend, but it's something that needs to be done. Mr. Fliz and I are in need of some serious quality time together. Our little escapades are few and far between. I'll be posting about our Vegas adventures over here next week. 

Oh, and next week is Thanksgiving! Oh geezles! After that, Mr. Fliz is taking both kids with him for a quick trip to the East Coast to visit family--while I, (yeah baby!!) will be doing a girlfriend getaway to San Diego for two days. I would've loved to go with my husband and kids to visit family in the greater D.C. area, but because we're 1) now homeowners, traveling is getting to be very pricey 2) I had promised my best friend we'd take a trip together (long overdue) without our children or our husbands 3) we're going to the Philippines in January (which pretty much ate up a lot of our Xmas funds-so, to my friends & family-pardon the simple gifts this year). It is unfortunate that we're not spending Xmas in the East Coast as we do every other year. This is the second time we'll be missing Xmas over there. Blame it on pregnancies and birth. We'll have to resume our schedule next year. However, huge kudos to my husband with willing to travel with two very young kids all by himself. Even I, have yet to do that. But he's experienced, as he's traveled with he and Micro once before. 

So, you can tell I've got loads on my hands the next two weeks. I'll do my best to post as often as I can.

Stagnant

I've had two babies in three years and that's pretty freakin' tough on my formerly-petite body. So, if you've read some earlier posts, I'm in pursuit of restructuring my life once again. I was a pretty active person before all the baby stuff and am still a runner. Since Micron's birth( having a girl put unattractive poundage on hips and butts), losing the baby weight has been difficult. I had 10 more lbs to lose from baby #1 before getting pregnant with #2. So, I've had to tack on losing those insufferable 10 lbs to my post-baby body. 

As you know, I ran my first race after both pregnancies earlier this year and since then, bought myself a double-jogging stroller and have been running fairly frequently 3-4 days/week while pushing about 40-50 lbs--sounds impressive, right? I began to lose weight and some semblance of toning started to appear. THEN, I joined Bootcamp. It's been two weeks and I've only managed to run twice. TWICE! Bootcamp, ladies, is no joke. It's painful, excruciating on the body, and rewarding in a sick way (if you live by "pain=pleasure"). It's 3 days a week for one hour. And, it sucks kicks ass. I figure, I've grown human beings and organs and pushed those out, what can be worse than that? Bootcamp. 

Unfortunately for my sorry butt, I have missed three classes already because 1) I came back too late from a hair appointment (my instructor would kill me if she read this) 2) it was my son's 3rd bday (not even apologizing for this one) 3) my instructor canceled a class. So here I am, sore as ever. Every other night I come home with a bruised ego and body aches. But all this in vain for a better, healthier me. Granted my lower body is doing surprisingly well (all that running had paid off), but my upper body is discovering pain it didn't know it had. If you've joined any fitness class, regimen, or committed to something you realize after-the-fact has you less than enthusiastic, please share. After the next month or so, I'll let you know my progress (did I just sabotage or help myself considering it's holiday season?) and whether I'll be signing up again for this insane class. As for now, my running has been stagnant and I'm hoping that will change after a few more classes.

Tough Days

I knew it wouldn't take long for Micron to get her "footwork" down. These days, she's been walking a lot, which only translates to, "No, Mama, I'm not getting back into the stroller OR my car seat. Suck it!" Ok, she doesn't "say" that last part, but it sure feels like that's what's going on inside her head as she watches me with beady eyes. Micro, as an infant, would always cry when we put him in his carseat. It became a habit for me to tune him out for the entire 2-4 minutes it took (often depended on how hard I fought back his punches and kicks) to strap him in. It was not pretty, people, not pretty at all. Micron, on the other hand, wasn't so bad. In fact, I know my son was way worse. BUT NOW, NOW is Different. In the past few days since she's enjoying her newfound freedom. She no longer wants to be "contained." And we all know how important containment is to us parents.

The kiddos have been under the weather the past week and it's been no fun for me either. That means we've had to cancel usual playdates and limit being outdoors. The weather has begun to change with early mornings and evenings being cold. It also means frequent meltdowns and lots of frustrations. What's worse is, I've got to get these two in decent condition because they'll be in a wedding this Friday. That's right, my babies are making their debut as the awfully cute twosome they are. You've seen Micro in his first tux in my previous post and this will be his second time as a ring bearer. As for Micron, she'll be wearing her first official "princess-like" dress as a flower girl. I will post pictures once the affair is done. No high expectations for perfect photos. I'll be happy if both can sit still. But, I'll be thoroughly impressed if they look in the same direction too. 

One good thing about all this time Micro & Micron have had, is that they're beginning to play with each other more. At times, it's not always peaceful, but I can see their relationship grow as each spends more time with the other. Each sharing their toys and somehow, they communicate--even though one can't speak words yet. Somehow, Micro understands Micron. It's really heart-warming to see. And that, is my reward.

Happy Birthday to Mama & Dada's Little Man

Micro's 1st tux fitting. Yet again, he'll be a ring bearer. He's making quite a career out of it.

 Each day when you greet me in the morning, I get a little bit sad. Just a little bit. It's because it means you're one day older and becoming less and less a toddler. You'll eventually grow into a "big kid" at some point. But today, Today, is something extra-special. Three years ago, you turned my world upside down and filled my heart and my soul. I get teary-eyed just thinking about you coming into this world and how the first moment I laid eyes on you, I learned the other side of love, a love beyond unconditional, a love so pure. 

You fill my days with joy, sadness, anger, happiness. And plenty of laughter. Lots of it. You say things that take me by surprise that indicate how much you've grown and are still growing. You are fiercely protective of your baby sister even though you're beginning to realize that sharing your toys isn't as fun as Mama says it is. If I were to show any kind of anger towards your little sister, you gently come over to me and say, "Don't get mad at 'Micron' Mama, she little." That melts me each and every time.

Though we teach you plenty of things everyday, you teach Daddy and me so much more than you can imagine. You've taught us a whole new meaning of "love," how to find laughter in the most mundane moments, you've given us a greater appreciation for Choo Choo travel, and you've shown us that a little wink, smile, slight nod here and there, is your way of showing love and affection for us. 

There are days I wish I could bottle you up and keep you just as you are. Well, it won't matter, you'll forever be my baby.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Love! 

Happy Birthday Lolo & pumpkin fun

 
Happy Birthday to my Dad, whose birthday will forever be associated with pumpkins and all things orange--at least, in my children's eye for now. We wish you a very special day and look forward to celebrating later this week. 

It's become a yearly tradition since Micro was born to head out to the pumpkin patch with my Dad. This year was no exception, and we were in search of The Great Pumpkin for us to carve. Growing up, my parents rarely took us to the pumpkin patch (can't recall even one time-thank God for school field trips!) and I wanted to make sure that my kids get that opportunity. My sister and I never even carved a pumpkin and I remember growing up, wanting to so bad, but my parents were never very much in participating in holiday fun. Well, that won't work for me in my family at all! We ended up leaving with two pumpkins to carve and enjoy.

I think part of parenting is getting to relive (or in my case-"live out") some of your childhood fun with your own children and make it special for yourselves. Below are bits and pieces of last week and Micro's first, as well as mine, first pumpkin carving! Though it was last minute (yesterday, ya'll), we allowed our little man to stay up late and enjoy and partake in it. It was fun and I can't wait for my pumpkin carvin' skills to get better through time-I shall master this! lol! (Mr. Fliz carved the white one and I did the orange one)

*all photos below taken with the iphone 4s--pretty freakin' amazing!

Happy "eat-your-heart-out" Candy Fun today!!

my little buds!

man, this kid grew in a year!

over two feet tall already!

enjoying his 1st pumpkin carving

First Steps

Sometimes I feel totally sheepish posting about my children's milestones. Once you become a parent, it's hard to resist "announcing" to the world every little accomplishment your baby does. Exciting. Surely. Certain milestones are just worth noting. So without further ado, I'd like to share with the entire interweb that Micron took her first few steps this past Sunday afternoon. October 23, 2011. And to most of the world, who really cares, right? Well, I do. It signifies that this little being I created out of love, and who I brought into this world, whose bottom I am constantly cleaning, this baby girl, will not remain a "baby" much more. And since I missed Micro's first steps by mere seconds (will write about that later), witnessing Micron's, was truly something special. Parents, you understand me, don't you?

We even managed some video of succeeding steps. I've replayed those videos over and over because I just love seeing my little girl's face light up with pride. She knew she accomplished something. We were so fortunate that Lola was even there to see it happen. There was plenty of love and jubilation around. So,I truly applaud when my friend's, relative's, or anyone else's children/child reach certain milestones, because I know it means so much to those parents to feel that love, support, and cheer. More importantly, I know how pleased those wee ones are when they've achieved something great. Those milestones come quickly and celebrating them along the way is part of raising your child. Congratulations Micron! 

Silly Pumpkins

Orange, orange, everywhere. Peeking out of corners here and there.

It's almost time for candy galore, and

Trick or Treaters knocking on doors. 

Grab your coat, head on out,

Discover what fun is all about. 

All Hallow's Eve is almost here,

This is my favorite time of year.

Halloween is near!

(my attempt at poetry;)

This past weekend was full of fun. We got to see some much missed friends and hang out with Ms. Lolli and Crazy CJ. A birthday party held at a pumpkin patch, oh what fun! There were 3, yes 3, bouncy houses for the kids to enjoy and plenty of pumpkin crafts to keep the little ones busy. The weather was cooperative but eventually cooled to a bit of a chill in the evening. Mr. Fliz and I even had a great time eating dinner out with Miss Lolli and her family at a delicious pizzeria surrounded by giant redwoods near Mt. Tam. A bottle of wine at the table and plenty of laughter to be shared. And, (gasp!) all the kids were so well behaved. They all stayed seated and happily ate their food. Thank you bouncy houses.  We could not have asked for a more perfect ending to our day.

Chug-A-Chug Choo Choo

We thought we had hit all major train rides in the greater Bay Area, clearly, we hadn't. For those of you who are train enthusiasts or happen to be related to some that are, definitely bring them to the Niles Canyon Railway. It's a decent, though not always comfortable (depends on how many people are riding that day), but certainly affordable, train ride that lasts for an hour and a half. It comprises of original steam trams (maybe diesel too?) that provide both open and indoor seating. The caboose can be rented for private parties too. I gathered my gang up this past Sunday to do the train ride since Micro still has a soft spot for trains. There are two stations you can board on/off for the train ride. One is in Fremont in Niles Canyon, and the other is in Sunol.

They offer train service year-round on Sundays. They offer a popular train ride called, Train of Lights, that runs during the Fall/Winter season in the evenings. The trains are all decorated in Christmas decor and lit from the outside. When we rode this past weekend, the car we were in already had garland up.

Micro & Lola getting ready. He loves looking at maps.

Look at the amazing sky

The ride was relaxing and enjoyable, that is, if you score a coveted seat. There is a car where it's standing room only, but for the most part, it's difficult to get a seat. It's first come, first serve. The railway is run by volunteers. The conductors onboard and all the staff are quite friendly and happy to oblige the little ones. Lola came along for the ride as well. We went through the Niles and Sunol Canyons full of lush greenery with beautiful hues of blue above. We were lucky to get seats and managed to keep the kids entertained throughout the experience.

For the most part, we enjoyed it. Micro, missed his nap which accounted for his sour mood and fatigue towards the end of the ride. I plan on taking my gang on the Train of Lights.