Heartache

My heart and soul go out to all those that lost a loved one last Friday. As a parent, the tragic events of that day hit very close to home. It really terrifies me. Though I know that incident is but one of many tragedies that happened that day. Wars are still fought here and abroad. Whether tragedies occur on a school campus, street corner, in a mosque, in the jungle, anywhere, there is heartache. I can only share that I appreciated what our pastor said in regards to the tragic events on Friday, that no matter where you may stand in terms of gun control, the world needs a little bit more of "God" in our households. Even if you're not religious, having some sense of spirituality in our lives can bring us together to learn to appreciate one another, to forgive, and to love.

Our lives are a gift. Let us learn to treat one another as such. My prayers are with you Newtown community.

Gingerbread Architecture

 
During the holidays, I'm always trying to find ways with my family and friends to do something festive with or without kids. Last weekend, we had the pleasure of building a gingerbread house with Ms. Lolli and Mr. Charm. It was in Corte Madera at the mall where you could also take photos with Santa. 

Our friends booked an appointment ahead of time so we wouldn't have to wait. Let me just say this, we all enjoyed a sugar-high well into the afternoon. Each set of siblings got to build a house with a cupful of candy from their candy bin. You can purchase additional candy as well. This is Micro's second time making a gingerbread house and Micron's first. It was a joy to see them create and play. Of course, they snuck in some candy-eating. Whoa! Don't eat the decorations! Despite my hopes of an awesome-magazine worthy creation, their house (with the help of adult "elves"-aka "parents") turned out pretty cool. They did most of the decorating and we helped put icing on the house. It was tons of fun and something I look forward to doing each year with our friends.

I must say, Mr. Fliz and I, would have loved to make our very own gingerbread creations. We are a competitive couple. However, all the adults did enjoy eating the leftover gingerbread scraps with the icing. Oh my, sugar high! Thank you dear friends for such a fun day ;)

What'd I tell you? After awhile, sugar high.

What we've been doing . . .

Battle Ready

Are you still recovering from all the Thanksgiving yummies and resting your wallet from all that shopping? Well, it's December!!! Yikes, how did that happen? We've been spending some major family time before it gets unruly with preschool ending for the fall session this week for Micro, finishing up Xmas shopping, doing some winter activities with friends, and packing for our next adventure. It just never stops. Never. Ever.

That's ok, it's to be expected. I just make sure to set time aside to appreciate all the little blessings in my life everyday. These chilly days have me busy in the kitchen whipping up treats that are seriously sugar-inducing. Mr. Fliz even brought down our bread machine...man oh man, I've never used one and this has been sitting unopened since before our wedding. I'm a little intimidated when it comes to making bread. However, nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked goodness in the morning. I have fond memories of my Aunt's house during the fall/winter of baked bread. Growing up, we were fortunate enough to have a sweet neighbor (Tita Edith) who always baked croissants, rolls, breads, etc... almost every week. She'd call my mom to send my sister and I over to pick up stuff she made for us. Her house smelled liked heaven. I could sleep there blissfully surrounded by the smells of cinnamon and butter. Omg, I'm like salivating just thinking about it. I'm hoping to recreate that in my home as well. Any must-try bread recipes, please send my way.

In the Philippines, Christmas is practically there. They start celebrating and decorating for the holiday season in September. You can hear Christmas music being played in the malls then. Our tree is up and looking pretty sweet. Our mantle is decorated, stockings are hung, and we only have to put up our Xmas lights outside the house. I love the holiday season and all the joy it brings. Though stressful at times, my family and I have plenty to be grateful for. I'll post pics soon of things we've been up to.

Turkey Trot

It's Thanksgiving Week and I'm looking forward to hanging out with family and to score some deals this weekend to kickstart my Christmas shopping. I may squeeze in some movie time as well with the hubs ;) 

I began this week by doing some early Turkey Trotting...basically, I exercised. I did the Awesome 80's run in San Francisco. I will take pity on your eyesight and save you the eyesore of my neon outfit. But below is a picture of the ultra-cool medal. It was fun, and though my body is paying for a mere 10k (sorry legs, I haven't run in 3 weeks), I'm glad I did it. Nothing like a little head-fake to convince myself that extra serving on Thanksgiving is "ok."

Micro is off this whole week from preschool (and boy, does he miss his friends and school) and is happily being my helper around the house in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are cleaning up and putting up Christmas decor. I've recruited the munchkins to help me bake tons of goodies in the kitchen. Their little hands are helpful and, when you involve them in making food, they're all too happy to eat it too.

Happy Thanksgiving All!! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with much joy and may your bounty be plentiful. To all those who are not so fortunate, you are in our prayers and thoughts. This season, because Micro is of an age wherein he can understand that there are others out there who are not as blessed as he is, I will be encouraging him to give up some of his toys and do one kind gesture each day to someone. I think it's important to teach our little ones compassion, sacrifice, and the rewards of 'giving.'

I heart Organizing

Finally finished the bookcase in our dining room

Two months ago, I was surfing the web trying to find inspiration for organizing and handling our cumbersome mail situation. We currently use a nice wicker basket below a console table near the front entry to house all that crap we get in our mailbox. I do my best to open, recycle, trash, and organize the mail once I get it. But there are times, I just don't have the patience and enthusiasm (who does! unless it's personal letters) to deal with mail. It's often junk. Mr. Fliz and I have seriously thought about signing up for those services that offer to remove your name from junk mail lists (I'm talking about you mass marketers and advertisers!), but you have to pay a small fee. We have not done it, but if you have, please let me know if it works and what service provider you used. I'm very curious. 

Anyhow, my point is, I came across an AHMAZING blog that I just adorbs!! Oh my gosh, it's so refreshing and inspiring. I Heart Organizing, is full of design and organize ideas that are fairly budget friendly and more importantly, offer practical solutions to everyday messes. It's great inspiration to get our house in order. I am bit put off by how, author, Jen, has her home seem like a model home. To me, too much organization can seem surreal, and not liveable to my expectations. Call me a realist. I have young kids and a mess here and there is expected and welcome at times. But, I can appreciate a beautifully used space with nice decor, and orderly. My favorite part about her aesthetic, is the amount of color she infuses in her design and creativity. I love me color!! Of course, you wouldn't know that if you came to our house and saw our brown sofa, but there are plenty of touches of bright colors around (yellow, blue, and green lamps, multicolored rug, etc). And we're still in the process of painting and organizing the rooms in our place.

Check it out, and if you know of other wonderful home organizing blogs out there, please let me know. I'd love to browse.

Randomness

I'm trying my best to keep up posting. Below are some pics of what's been going on with us in the past month or so.

Seriously cute

Birthday brownie cupcakes...nothing says love, like these do.

The Artemis

Lola and her little buddy

Have you seen a cuter sailor around? I dare you to refute

It's Boots!

Littler Batman

Voter fraud? Ha! Ha! Hope you voted!

Holiday Hullabaloo

So, here we are, November, with Thanksgiving practically breathing down our necks. It's kinda crazy to think of all the things on my "to do" list. Every time this year, I get a little overwhelmed as holidays and birthdays approach. Long gone are the days where my girlfriend and I can make holiday shopping an "event,"which means we plan our shopping excursion by starting off with holiday favorites, such as peppermint mochas in hand as we shop, and ending the day with a nice sit down dinner with drinks.

I also don't have my right hand man to help me out with holiday shopping (though, truth be told, he's not that much help) as he's temporarily out of service til he can fully walk on his right foot. On top of that, we're spending the holidays in the east coast. Last time we were out there we encountered "Snowmageddon." Trapped inside the house for a few days because of the crazy amount of snow that we got overnight. Of course, being out West, I'm always hoping for a "White Christmas," just nothing like last time. But before all that, I plan on taking the kids to our annual trip to Zoo Lights with friends, photos with Santa (please let Micron not freak out this year, just once, ONCE--I'd like a decent photo-I have enough of the crying ones from Micron), Lola insists on taking my babies to the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose (read my review here), a trip to visit the Christmas tree in Union Square with the kids (last year was fun, but this year, Micron is mobile--God help me), and of course, muy importante, choosing our Christmas Tree.

Here are a few tips to survive the Holiday Hullabaloo:

1) Mark your calendars. You know that trusty iPhone, Android, HTC, or whatever smartphone you've got, use the apps that allow you to set reminders for important events. Christmas Parties and Jamborees. Oh and Holidays Sales!!! Save money.

2) Lists and Tasks. I love lists, especially when you can cross off a bunch of "to do's" on them. I make lists for all the people I have to give gifts to and my budget for each person.

3) For some people, having to deal with family during this time of year can be a nuisance. I say, break out the holiday movies--you know, the ones that make you feel all good, warm, and gooey inside. Or the ones that crack you up so bad, that hanging out with your family seems like Pleasantville.

4) Treat yourself to sweets. In moderation. OR NOT! 

5) Don't be a Scrooge during the holidays. There's enough distress and heartache around the world that a polite smile to a stranger or helping out someone unselfishly can make it a bit better. Give to a cause or donate your time, toys, and cheer.

6) Revel in the chaos of it all. Laugh when you want to cry because you have to stand in that line one more time because you forgot to buy so-and-so that gift, and the price just can't be beat. 

7) Wear Christmas socks (my in-laws got me into them). Seriously. It'll make you giggle. And if you're like me, a bit embarrassed to wear them out for show, I rock mine with tall boots or at home with cozy pj's.

8) Enjoy early-morning walks. Bundle up and enjoy your parks, even if you're freezing. Fresh air solves most of life's problems ;)

9) Bake bread. Have you ever walked into a home that has bread baking in the oven. It smells like Christmas. 

10) Use your fireplace accordingly and appropriately. If you have little ones, ensure safety precautions first. We used ours last year quite a bit and it saves on heating bills. 

Priceless Reactions

At Rockwall Winery celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday

We celebrated Micro's 4th birthday party with a small party (though it felt bigger than it was) at our humble abode. I made some lasagnas, lemonade, decorated, and played games. We did surprise the kids with a balloon entertainer who came to showcase some mad balloon-making skills. James, you rock!

But the best surprise, had to be my in-laws coming in after Hurricane Sandy and surprising Micro on the day of his actual birthday (right after preschool let out!). When I became a parent, I had all these visions of how I was going to be a mother and how I couldn't wait to celebrate all the little special moments that come with raising kids. Micro's surprise reaction to seeing his grandparents from the east coast probably tops the list so far of awesomeness. Mr. Fliz and I had known for some time that they were planning a special trip out for Micro's birthday. The hubs and I debated whether we should tell the kids or not, or let them both be surprised. In the end, just as we had rationalized to ourselves about not finding out the sex of either of our kids because there are too few surprises in life, we opted for the surprise reaction. And peeps, let me tell you, it was worth it. 

Standing in our living room with the blinds slightly open, my back facing the windows and front door, as I spoke to Micro about his day of fun at preschool celebrating with birthday brownie cupcakes I made, he looked away from me for a split second, screeched like a piggy and said, "I saw Ninny and Papa!!!!" I followed by saying, "That's impossible, they're not here, they live so far away, it can't be." Micro was so insistent, he began jumping up and down and gunning for the front door, all the while, screaming, "Ninny and Papa are here!!!" His enthusiasm seriously melted this mama's heart. He opened the door much to his surprise and welcomed his grandparents with open arms. 

It's these rare moments, when I begin to realize just how mature my little boy is becoming. He understood that Ninny & Papa live far away and that somehow, this moment he was experiencing, was truly something magical and memorable. It was what Mr. Fliz and I had hoped he would feel. This was "our present" as parents, seeing and sharing these moments with our kids. I can only imagine what a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth would do to him. Still, it might not top the surprise visit. To M&D, thanks for coming out and sharing this special occasion with Micro, for all the love and support you give to Mr. Fliz and I, and for being such sports when it comes to this Mom's neurotic-ness (is that even a real word?) about party planning and prepping! See you all soon!

Party prepping

Batman meet Micro

No party is complete unless cake is served

Four years old the wiser

Dearest Micro,

For some reason today when I look at you, the soft round edges of your face are becoming more angular, your hands are not as pudgy as they were before, I don't see too many baby hairs, and the chubbiness in your cheeks are beginning to slowly disappear. When did you go from being a toddler to being a little big boy? Does time really move that fast? Have I been so caught up with the little nuances of everyday life, that your seemingly baby features are now maturing to more angular ones?

I can't ever explain to you how much you've changed my life. I never would have imagined my conversations would revolve around how many poopy diapers I changed that day (and what kind), that the milestone which warms my heart the most to date for me as a mom, was hearing you say "Mama" for the first time, and realizing what real sacrifice and unconditional love is. 

You, my beautiful little boy, is growing up too quickly. Our conversations have gone from mumbled baby talk to lengthy conversations about dinosaurs, preschool activities and friends, and why eating candy/chocolate does not equate to having had a legitimate meal. I love that curious and imaginative mind of yours. Everyday, at least 2-3x a day, you surprise me with your candor. Watching you help your sister take her shoes off, wash her hands (often without me asking), and teach her things you learned in preschool, do amazing things to Mama's heart. When I tell you that you're my buddy, I mean that through and through. I'll always be here for you, no matter where you are and how far. 

I hope you'll always continue to share with me your dreams, big or small. I know at some point there will come a time when you won't come running to me with open arms and give me one of your "super hugs," the goodbye kisses before entering preschool will disappear, and you'll want to close the door to your room more often. I can wait for those days. 

There are no words that could do justice to how Daddy and I feel about you. Just know that with each passing moment, we love you more. Even the really hard moments. Really.

Happy four years around the sun my precious Micro! May today bring with it plenty of magical and memorable moments for you. Daddy, Kaia, and I love you so much.

Holy Halloween Batman! Where's the Batmobile?

Just when you thought the Dark Knight couldn't get any scarier . . . 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

J.E. Perry's Pumpkin Patch

We've been going every year to J.E. Perry's Family Pumpkin Patch since Micro was a baby. It's become a tradition to go with Lolo (since Halloween is his birthday) to frolic on hay batches, zip through the hay maze, and find that perfect pumpkin to carve. 

This year, it was a bit tricky since Mr. Fliz had to maneuver the pumpkin patch on crutches and Lolo didn't join us. We all still had a lot of fun, missed the chance, yet again, to do the haunted tractor ride. I'll be posting pictures of our pumpkins after we've carved them. We're all set for Halloween in terms of costumes. It will be incredibly busy next week as it's Halloween, I've got 4 birthdays to celebrate all in a row, and the most important one being, Mr. Micro's. 

I'm already knee deep in festivities and I can't believe October is flying by so fast. We're managing fine, given Mr. Fliz's physical state. Please share in comments below how you'll be spending your Halloween with your loved ones. 

Ready for TWO WHEELS

 
Our Micro is ready for a two-wheeler. It only took him 3 weeks to nail down his balance bike that he received from "Ninny & Papa." We got lucky as they found it second-hand at a local toy store in our area for a steal. Ever since he received it, Micro has perfected doing little tricks on his balance bike to keep himself entertained, while Mr. Fliz and I deliberate as to whether we get him his first two-wheels for his birthday or for Christmas. Serious stuff, folks. Money is a precious commodity and as we enter into the busiest time of year for my family, I am very budget conscious about spending these days. 

Anyhoo, back to balance bikes. I totally love them. They do assist in helping your child learn how to balance and prepares them for riding on two wheels. Micro learned to ride his tricycle at 20 months and pedaling came easily to him (not so for Ms. Micron--she's a bit lazy). So the transition from pedals to no pedals was somewhat easy. Since he mastered pedaling, the Skuut bike allowed him to focus on learning how to balance, perhaps the hardest part of learning how to ride a bike. There are several balance bikes out on the market and if you're a whiz with bikes, you can just remove the pedals and turn any bike to a balance bike. We have the Skuut (the original wooden balance bike). My in-laws found it second-hand and got it for less than half the price it normally retails for. I would encourage you to shop second-hand or borrow a balance bike, because kids generally pick it up fairly quickly. Anywhere from a month to 3 months (perhaps more), depending on how comfortable the child is on a bike. Of course, we'll be passing this balance bike down to Micron and our possible "third" child.

I can't wait for Micro to get a two-wheeler because I anticipate a lot more bike rides with him in the future. We do plan to be a "biking" family because we love being outdoors. Also, bicycling is such a cheap and easy mode of transport that is great to do solo or with groups. Btw, I've been enjoying my bike too, and look forward to plenty of bike rides with my kids. 

Micro at 20 months. First learned to pedal on his tricycle.

Micro with his Skuut. He and Micron checking out a caterpillar.

Status Update: Injured

Hmm, what's going on with The Kardashians PinayNanay? Well, as summer came to a close, we've been kept busy by an unfortunate event. Mr. Fliz ruptured his achilles tendon playing basketball and is on the injured reserve list. It's kept this pinay nanay pretty busy. 

I now kid that I have my 3rd child (who are we kidding? he's been it all along). Mr. Fliz will be out of commission for quite some time on crutches, a walking boot, and some physical therapy. We're looking at 6 months of recovery. It seems our happy home organizing and sprucing up is on hold for now. And we were on such a roll! I had hung up some pictures, installed a closet organizer in our guest bedroom, and was in the process of finishing up the kids' playroom.

Ah, well. Keep moving forward right. Tough times. For better or for worse. It's been a bit hard keeping the kiddies from seeing Daddy as a human totem pole and more as limited participant in play times. However, I have to say, the kids are doing amazing. They are little nurses to Mr. Fliz. Especially, Micron. 

So as we enter the holiday season, you'll forgive my few and sporadic posting. But never fear, I'll be sharing more tales of mommyhood soon.

Daddy loves

He's got his own cheer squad

 
I often post so much about things I do with my kids, I forget about my other half! In honor of Mr. Fliz, I thought I'd do a little photo essay of all things "With Daddy." I'm sure there are plenty of hubbies out there that are truly AWESOME papas, but I'm partial, and I think Mr. Fliz is TOPS!

As soon as he walks through the door, he is 100% there for me and the kids. Even after a rough day at work. Always has been the case since I was pregnant. Being a SAHM, I applaud all the working mamas/papas who put in a full day of work, spend quality time with their kids & partner, and still make a homemade dinner. All part of parenthood, right? As parents of young ones, we have little time for ourselves, since we are at the beck and call of people who are most often 4 feet and under. They make all the rules and are the bosses. We're just living in their world. 

But it does get easier in some ways, and more complicated and difficult in others, as children grow up. However, it's key to honor the relationship you have with your spouse or partner because, they too, sacrifice a lot. Remember that little gestures of love and affection for your significant other goes a long way in remedying a day full of frustrations, hardships, and challenges. Besides, you should "high five" yourselves every now and then for having some pretty freakin' cute babies and keeping up with all their attitude! 

Storyteller by bedtime

Handles the teeth brushing/flossing