Lovanh Family

post baby blues?

2012-02-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

There has been a lot of things going on here with us for the pass few weeks. My mother-in-law has been in the hospital for a few weeks now. Everyone is stressed out over her care. All her kids have been here on and off.

I had a baby while my mother-in-law was in the hospital. So you can imagine how things have been. It has been a roller coaster ride for sure.

I've enjoyed the company after coming home from the hospital. I was relieved to have the company. In fact i still wish i had the company..........i feel alone. My sister-in-laws were here too so they kept me occupied.

But what and who i missed the most is Lien. He has been very busy since his mother came back and has been in the hospital. He has been very worried about her and have been going back and forth to the hospital checking in on her. He loves his mom dearly.
I am so sad to see him so stressed and worried.............I wish there was something i could do to help him. But there isn't........
All i could do is give him support.

There have been times i feel like being a selfish wife and just tell him............"hey i need your attention too."
I know when he looks at me {whenever he has the time to take a look} he can see how i feel but i'm trying to stay strong for him.
I want him to know i'm here for him whenever he needs me.

But i'm really feeling the pressure now.
Since the birth of our 3rd child, i have not had the love and companionship from my husband so i feel left out, unloved and alone sometimes. I know that sounds so selfish of me but that is how i feel sometimes.
I only wish that i could just have some time with him..........
It's been lonely without him here with us. I feel alone, sad and hopeless.......
It's like i'm walking in a daze just trying to figure out how to survive the day.
I really wish he could be home with me. I feel scared all the time......especially at night. I get this feeling and i can't shake it off. I wish he was here to hold me and tell me that everything will be alright.
I just miss my husband so much.
Again that's me being selfish.
I understand his need to be there for his mom and family. I WANT him to be there for them and her.

But man, i sure miss my husband.
I can't function straight without him. I only get him for a few hours of the day and he is so tired and sleepy at night, there's not even time for us to talk.

I hope things will improve soon and i hope/pray/wish that my mother-in-law will get well soon.

And i hope i get my husband back, even for just a few hours.

I'm not being selfish, i just want everything to go back to the way it used to be. With every one well and happy. We need some happiness right now.............all of us.

Baby baby baby!!!

2012-02-07T10:44:00.000-05:00

There past few days/weeks have been so hectic i don't even know where to began. It's been such a blurr for me......

Baby shower 1/14/12

My baby shower was nice. It was nice to get to mingle with some friends and just enjoy some time with them. Thank you to my good friends Lynn and Rochelle for throwing me such a nice shower and i'd like to thank all my friends who made it out there too.
It meant a lot to me!

I got lots of cute girly outfits!
Pink galore i tell ya! :)

Thank you Rochelle! This is gorgeous......

wish i had taken a group photo before everyone left.

I am grateful to have such wonderful family and friends! Truly am blessed. :)
And even more blessed to have my family: Lien, Nilun and Naree............
They were supportive throughout the pregnancy. Yes even when i had my mood swings. But i promise there weren't many of those. I swear! lol

Also my sweet husband! I love you Lien........
Thank you for always being there for me. Giving me foot rubs and belly rubs. Cooking me my favorite dishes and helping me with the kids, dishes and every thing else. How did i get so lucky?
Yep i know, i think i will keep him! :)

The birth of my much anticipated baby girl! 1/27/12

I went in to do my regular check up with my OB on 1/26/12.....
She checked me and said i was 3 centimeters dilated. Oh boy right? LOL
I have history with this. See every time i go in to see the doc and she checks me down there........usually means i'm having my baby.
The day she checked me with Nilun: a few hours later i had him.
Same thing with Naree i had her the same day she checked me.
And they were both a week early.
So when my doc said it could be another week...................i told her "no i know it'll either be today or tomorrow".
I just know it.
All day that day i have contractions. Although they weren't labor contractions but i knew it was soon. That night it was very uncomfortable. I couldn't sleep at all. So around 7 am i couldn't hold it and Lien and i headed to the hospital. My contractions were only about 10 minutes apart.
Doc checked me again around 9 am and i was at 5 centimeters. She was surprised for some reason. I'm not sure why.
At around 10ish my contractions started getting really bad and i was in pain for sure this time. So nurse checked me and i was at 7 centimeters. The nurse said she wanted me to wait until i was at 10 centimeters to push. Crazy i know!
Lien told the nurse "my wife's a small person i don't think she can wait til 10 centimeters. She is ready now!"
So the nurse said "ok, i 'll get the doctor."
So doc comes in and i'm literally in lots of pain by now.
She says "let me get my gloves and i'll pop your water and i'll start delivery."
Literally a min after she said that my water breaks.
But now i'm like in pain, real bad pain.

"um my water just broke and i feel something coming out, i want to push."
"no don't push yet."

3 minutes later:
{breathing in and out and in pain} " i can't hold it i want to push, she's pushing me."

The nurse and doctor is now hurrying up to get their stuff and the nurse takes my bed off and gets me ready to push.

Lien: "breath honey, you're doing good."
Me: "oooohhhh............i can't, she's pushing. I have to push now."
Doc: "ok when you're ready just push."

And that's when the fun part begins!
2 pushes in i feel my toe cramping up.
Me: "my toes cramping up."
Nurse: "ok i got it."
4th push and the baby is out at 10:49 am!!!!!!
Yay!!!!

And she is here! On my stomach staring at me and i can't help but fall in love. She is precious.......
Just as i imagined her to be. This perfect little thing is all mine! How did i get so lucky?
Her hair so thick and there was plenty of it too. :) {i know be jealous!}
9 months of waiting and she is here.

Oh and if anyone was wondering. NO i did not scream, yell or anything. You know how some people yell or scream? Well i'm not one of those people. Never was. I mean i might have been a little loud on the pushing part but other than that No i'm not one of those. :)
Oh and i did it naturally too. No drugs or anything. Yep be jealous! j/k
Just to clarify.............

We are enjoying our little girl! She is perfect in every way. Even when she sleeps. She sleeps a lot and poop a lot too...........but that's what babies do!
She had a little jaundice but she is doing well now.

Her brother and sister are eating it all up.............she is gonna be one spoiled little sister.
Naree always wants to hold her and she is changing her diaper already. :)
And that's a good thing!
Nilun talks to her and i think he just can't wait til she's a bit older so he can do more with her. Right now he likes talking to her in a baby voice and he is holding her.
I'm still working on him changing her diaper.......we'll get there....i hope!

Ice Ice Baby

2012-01-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

You know how woman get really weird cravings when they're pregnant?
Well i'm no exception to that. I've had some pretty crazy weird ones.

When i was pregnant with Nilun all i wanted was orange juice and watermelon. I drank orange juice all the time, every waking moment. Never water. : )
And i had to have watermelon even though it was a pain to ALWAYS have to go to the bathroom.
I had other cravings but nothing as major as these two. I had to have them!
When i had Nilun he came out smelling like orange juice....literally NO JOKE!
I even asked my husband "what's that smell? It smells like orange juice!".
He smelled like orange juice for a week! {sorry nilun}
And his head was shaped like a watermelon. Again I am not kidding you. Don't ask me why, it just did.
And to clarify.....his head is shaped just fine now! : )

With Naree i had all the usual cravings.........
EXCEPT for two very weird, wacky and crazy one!
I wanted Monkeys and Rabbits.
Ok so i know what you are thinking.
"WTF?"..............right? lol
Yep i did, that was a CRAZY craving.
And NO PEOPLE i DID NOT satisfy my craving for that.
First of all......where would i get a monkey?
Anyways i wouldn't try it. YUCK!!!
Monkeys are my fave animal i wouldn't want to eat it let alone hurt it. Well unless you hurt me or someone i love. That's a different story.
That's when they aren't cute anymore. :)
I did however tried the Rabbit and it was yummy! Taste kinda like chicken. Yes it does. So yummy! :)

Wait! Now i can't remember if the Monkey craving was with Nilun or Naree.
OH well it doesn't matter which one because i did have cravings for them. lol

So with this one i have the usual cravings too. But nothing sour or no papaya salad like the typical Asian pregnant woman do. :)
If you're Asian {Thai or Lao} you will understand what i'm talking about. I didn't have a feel for them. In the early stages i did eat lots of sour mango but it stopped around the 6th month.
I don't crave those things. I eat all the regular stuff, nothing too out of this world.
What i crave are fruits, especially Honeydew. I love Honeydew even before i was pregnant but now even more.
And the number one craving of all this time around is......................{drum roll}

ICE!

Yep these frozen suckers!
I can sit on the couch all day and just munch and munch on these things. I think i probably irritate the heck out of my family sometimes. Because i'll even munch on them when we watch movies or TV.
Sorry guys!
Now it's not that much of a crazy craving but i crave this all the time.
My ice maker broke so now i'm reduced to having to buy the ice at the store.

I'm so crazy about them.
Case in point:
Today i went to the store to get some fruits. And i bought a bag of ice. While at the register i looked at my bag of ice and actually thought of opening the bag and eating some right then and there!
I'm a nut case! The girl would have thought i was psycho or something. :)
Glad i resisted the temptation. But all the way home i couldn't wait to get to my ice.
And while putting the groceries away i actually opened the bag and snuck in a few. It was ooooh so good. :)
When i'm drinking water or juice i add a lot of ice but just enough juice or water to drink just so i could get to the ice quicker.
Yeah i know i'm crazy.
But hey at least i have a friend who understands. Yuki loves the ice too. He'll munch on some with me too. :)

So what is or was your crazy, wacky pregnancy craving?

Snowboards and count downs.....

2012-01-02T04:46:00.000-05:00

This year we took Nilun to snowboarding....for the first time! He's never been. So we headed out to Findlay to see my husband's good friend and his kids so we can go snowboarding with them. I think Nilun was pretty excited about it.

It was also nice for us to go too, since we were cooped up in the house since winter break. We NEEDED to be out and it was the perfect time.

Too bad when we got there, there wasn't much snow. In fact there was no snow at all. :(
I added the snow in this picture. :)
But there was enough for them to still snowboard.
Nilun looked like he had fun......
So much fun that he didn't even want to come inside the building when it started raining. They were the only three still out there!
Silly kids! Boys will be boys!

Naree didn't want to do it......probably because she didn't have a friend on do it with her. But i think next time {if there is a next time} she will try with her daddy. :)
He is always up for something. He even offered to go with her if she wanted but she was a little hesitant and then decided against it.
So we just walked around, took some pictures and then hid out in the car when it started raining.....
The boys took a while, they did not want to go home! :)

After hanging out at our friends' house in Findlay for a few hours after snowboarding, we decided to head home that night/morning {1 am} because we wanted to rest before our annual Cleveland Laos Association New Year party.
It was fun even on our way home. We talked and joked..... The family had a conversation about life and responsibilities. It was a nice and productive drive home. :)
We got home at around 3 am. We were pretty tired.

At first we didn't really want to go to the party.....for many reasons. One major reason was that i was still getting contractions once in a while and such and we felt the loud music and excitement might affect the baby. But all in all we decided to go anyways. Simply because Lien needed/wanted to help out {he is to sell tickets for song dedications} and i also didn't want to stay home. :)

It was a good choice. I got to see some people i needed/wanted to see that i haven't seen in a while and Lien was able to hang with his friends whenever he could. The kids hung out in the lobby with their friends, as usual.

I didn't dance like i usual do but i did get one slow dance with my busy hubby. :)
Too bad we couldn't get close.....my tummy is out there!
The baby did, on the other hand, get to dance.......and dance did she do! She did not stop moving. I think we have a dancer here! lol
She's already got 2 dads' reserving her for their son! lol

They didn't do a count down, too busy with the music going on and on and on. :)
But i did get my kiss from Lien.
We had a good time even though i didn't get to spend much time with my hubby....

When we got home we were hungry so we made surf clams and shrimp and then the kids made cupcakes! We ended up sleeping at around 5 am!
We enjoyed our New Years celebration! :)

I am blessed to have such a loving and wonderful family. Even though there were times we struggled with things but we always had each other for support and we manage to get through the tough times. And that's what matters to us.
We might not have much money but we manage to deal with it. And i'm glad/blessed that we have kids who understand that sometimes you can't always get things. I hope that quality will always be with them.

Cheers to a new year! May our lives be blessed with health and wealth throughout. May we always have our laughter, tears, joys and happiness. May we always have our families to give us support and love. May we always have our friendship give us smiles.
May we always have LOVE and HAPPINESS to last us a lifetime!

I am truly blessed and i hope i will continue to be blessed throughout my life.

Happy New Year!

Break

2011-12-30T01:02:00.000-05:00

We are in Findlay right now. We decided to 'gift' our kids with snowboarding. Our friends in Findlay have been asking us to come out here to snowboard with their kids for a while now so we just decided why not since we will be busy soon, what with the baby and all.

Nilun is pretty excited and i'm not sure about Naree. She is still a nervous i think. I'm not even sure if she wants to do it or not. We will see tomorrow.
Too bad there hasn't been any snow here in our neck of the woods. Ohio hasn't has much snow. It snowed about a total of 2 days this year for winter. I have a feeling we will get hit hard sometime in January or February. Not looking forward to that.

We had wanted to leave a little early for Findlay but we had ordered shoes for Naree for Christmas and it was to get here today.
So we decided to stay home and wait for the package to get here before we head off since my sister-in-law wasn't home either.
We ended up waiting till 6 pm!!!! OMG i was a little frustrated. I wanted a head start on our drive. Lien was pretty mad.

I had tried to call them 3 times around 3 pm and 4 pm to try to see where the package is now or if we were even going to get it. I couldn't get any one on the phone.....just the machine. {i really hate these automated calls} Seriously why can't a live person just pick up the phone now a days? Is it that hard?
Anyways i couldn't get through.....
Lien got up from his nap around 5:30 and he was getting irritated. We really wanted to get going. So he called them up. I will spare you what he said or did. He was upset and ok so he yelled into the phone a bit and demanded to the automated voice that he wanted "a representative dang it!"
2 minutes later he WAS TALKING to a live person!
WHAT?
I tried 3 times and couldn't get through!
I guess i will have to learn to yell and scream my way to a live person! lol
Hey whatever works right?
He talked to someone and he demanding to know how the status of the package was and if he was even going to get it.
The other person on the line said they didn't know when we would get it but they know it's been in the truck out for delivery.
Lien was livid....on the line of saying "you saying you want me to wait around ALL DAY for you to bring me my package? What if i have something to do? I've been waiting all day and i have to be out of town. YOU need to have some kind of system that will at least tell me what time the package will come or between what time it will come...."
The guy made the mistake of telling Lien "you can come pick it up."
Bad idea!
"if i wanted to pick it up i wouldn't be waiting for you all day long. I would be there this morning already. YOU were suppose to delivery, that's your job."
He then said this is the worst customer service ever and hung up on them.

We decided to just leave. So i left a note for the delivery guy to just leave the package by the back door. My sister-in-law would be home by then of course.
While we were packing up the car, just only 15 minutes after, the call the UPS guy shows up.
He was rude.....
We were outside by the car loading and up and he didn't even come give us our package. He just left it at the front! Jerk......
We are usually not mean or bad customers. We are the opposite, we always think of other people and such and try not to give any trouble but this was beyond ridiculous.
We didn't mean to be rude but it was just too much. They really need to work on their deliveries. Get some kind of time system or something. Technology is booming right now, there's got to be a solution.

But we did get an extra package! We also got a package from my dear friend, Bori and her boyfriend. Christmas presents!!!! {i forgot to take pictures.}
I knew the package was coming but didn't know it was coming with the shoe too. Two in one.....not bad!

I am blessed to have such a wonderful friend. She is so thoughtful to send us Christmas gifts. She didn't have to but she did and we appreciate that.
She is also my children's' Godmother.

How's that for a day huh?
So now I'm all showered and relaxing. Hubby is out in the living room chatting with his buddy and the kiddos are in their buds' room playing.
Tomorrow morning we head out to the mountains and maybe get some snowboarding done. How exciting is that?
It's been a good Christmas break so far!
I'm so blessed to be with my family.......there's really not much i could ask for. :)

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T03:29:00.000-05:00

This year has been an adventure for us. Some bad and some good but we have made it through. I'm so blessed in so many ways with how my life has turned out.
I have such a wonderful family who loves me and cares for me so much. How did i get so lucky?

I am grateful for my family and my friends. Grateful to have a life full with love, laughter, and happiness.

No amount of gifts or money can buy me those things.

This Christmas we were able to get the kids some things that they had wanted. The kids seemed pretty happy to get everything that they wanted.
To see my kids face while they open their presents......that's a great feeling.

When i was a kid, we didn't get many presents. One for each of us and it was pretty much something cheap. But we were still excited to open it. A barbie from the dollar store, t-shirt or underwear.....we were still happy.
We didn't have much growing up so to see my kids happy and having more than i could - that is a feeling i can't explain.
I am grateful that i have a life that enables me to provide for my kids and to give them what i didn't have growing up.
I know that i am blessed. I have a wonderful husband who works hard to provide for us and i thank God every day that i have him.
Did i mention that i'm a very lucky girl?

I hope every one had a very Merry Christmas and i hope every one was/is as blessed as i am to have such blessings.

As usual we went over to mom's for Christmas Eve so the kids can open their set of presents from grandma. And then we had dinner.

They were pretty spoiled. :)
We stayed and chit chat for a few hours and then off we went for our annual Christmas lights outing. I try to keep that as a tradition for our family to go every year around Christmas time to see all the holiday lights.

I was pretty disappointed with downtown Cleveland this year. They normally have lights on every tree on every corner but this year there was nothing. The only holiday lights they had up were in the middle of downtown and that was it. We were disappointed. Only shows how our economy is still in the shits. What a shame.

At midnight we let the kids open presents at the house. They were pretty excited. After presents we hung out and ate {again} and then we watched a movie {i forget what movie it was}. We didn't sleep til about 4 am but we enjoyed hanging out as a family. :)

See, even Yuki got presents but he was only interested in only one. A toy gingerbread. :)

Lien bought me a Coach purse. Had no idea he was going to do that. Didn't even think he paid any attention to what kinds of purse i liked. He picked the right one. I like big bags. :)

This time around next year we will be celebrating Christmas with an addition to our family. Can't wait!!!

Merry Christmas!

photo challenge

2011-12-13T12:19:00.000-05:00

A picture of your most treasured item.

My Monkey pendent zodiac necklace.
For over 7 years i've had this necklace and i've never taken it out. It is my prized possession.
The Monkey is my Chinese Zodiac sign.
Sad to say i've lost my necklace. After over 7 + years i can not recall where i've lost it.
One day i was showering and i was wiping my neck and realized it was gone. I just don't know where it went. I searched and searched and searched but i still can not find it. It is a sad situation. I am so mad at myself for losing it. I wish i can recall where it is or when was the last time i remember wearing it. I know i didn't take it out.
It has gotten loose a few times but i've always managed to catch it in time. I'm so bummed {even now, after 2 months} and sad that i've lost my most valuable thing. This is the only piece of jewelry i like to wear constantly. I don't even wear my wedding ring! Well now i do simply because i wore it before finding out i was expecting and by the time i wanted to take it out, i couldn't. My fingers got too big! lol

Hopefully one day while cleaning or something i will find it. I hope it is somewhere in the house. I really miss it. I feel weird without my Monkey necklace. :*(

Have you seen it?

Christmas Concert

2011-12-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from Nilun's Christmas Choir concert a few days ago. He has been into getting dressed up lately. Ties and all. I think it's pretty cute! My little boy isn't such a boy anymore is he?

Did i mention how much i hate my camera right now? The blurriness of my camera is really irritating me. The diopter that adjusts the blurriness of pictures is right where my thumb goes and it has been moved a few times. Now i just can not adjust it to where it was when i first bought it.
Now all my pictures are turning out not as clear and crisp as they used to be. I'm so mad and annoyed. I need to take it in to Dodds and see if maybe {please please} maybe they can help me with this before i pull my hair out.

Lights and gingerbread houses.....

2011-12-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas! It has to be the best holiday of the year. I love looking at the lights. I love the music/sounds all around the mall. People mingling and enjoying themselves. I love the atmosphere of this holiday season. There is something about it i just can't explain.
I love that we get to be with our families and share traditions. What's not to love about that right?

When we were living in Idaho - back when we were kids. Every year for Christmas dad would take us girls and head out to find us a real Christmas tree. Mom worked two jobs so she wasn't able to go.
Every year we get a real Christmas tree. I really don't know why but it seems that was the tradition in our house back then.
When we get home with our tree dad would go about making a stand for the tree. He would nail it to the tree so the tree will stand and we'd decorate it.
Dad wasn't around much....or should i say he wasn't much of the kind of dad that would spend time with us. He was more of the provider type and not the 'there' daddy type..
So this was always a welcome treat for us.
That's about the only time we actually do spend time with dad: Christmas tree shopping!
We didn't mind at the time. We knew our parents were busy parents. Working a lot to provide for us girls.

We didn't have much presents around the tree because we couldn't afford much but we were still happy just to get something.
A barbie from the dollar store, socks, underwear.....etc.....
It was just awesome to unwrap those presents. And back then, let me tell you! I was as excited as a kid in a candy store to get a barbie from the dollar store! Seriously.....i thought i had won the lottery.

The kids made gingerbread houses a few days ago! I am trying to get this to be one of our tradition. So far so good....

And now i feel like my kids are having it so much easier than we did. They are some lucky kids. So i hope this holiday season and for many more holiday seasons to come.....They will remember how it is to be grateful and remember that there are some out there who aren't as fortunate as they are and that they will appreciate all that they have.
I also want them to always remember that it isn't what you get, it's what you give. And never expect anything in return.
I hope to start many traditions with my own little family. So far we are doing good. :)

We will be adding one more to our family soon. This Christmas we are enjoying the time for the 4 of us....
We are going to celebrate having another year with us each other.
We celebrate having another year of health...
We celebrate another year of love and laughter. ...
We celebrate another year of friendships - old and new..
We celebrate being a family....

We celebrate being able to provide for each other....
We celebrate life!

This time around next year, we'll have another reason to celebrate! It'll be our baby's first Christmas! We just can not wait.

29 weeks

2011-11-14T01:15:00.000-05:00

You are moving like no other. Every minute of every hour. But i love that feeling. Sometimes you hurt me sometimes you just love me.
Right now you move like crazy - all over the place. Your brother has felt you {he loves it} and your sister too. She was a little freaked out but she loved it.
Your cousin Jasmine felt you and went a little nutty.......She's dramatic like that but we all know she loved it. :)
Grandma is spoiling mommy like crazy. Buying mommy whatever she wants to eat so that you can be healthy and fat {hey grandmas are like that}......she is so excited to just meet you.
Daddy loves to feel you and sometimes tease you by trying to wake you up just to feel you move. He secretly wakes up at night and rub mommy's tummy and gives you kisses.
You are truly one loved little baby!

I can not wait to hold you in my arms and give you kisses............
But i do love the time i have right now with you in me. I love the feel of you- knowing that you are protected in there. I hope that every time i talk to you or when daddy talks to you that you will hear us and love our voices.
Your brother and sister also can not wait to see you.

They have nick named you Piccachu for now! lol
We do have a name {we think} but we also want to wait to see your sweet face to give you that perfect name. I hope that you will love your name and your family as much as your family loves you!

We hope that you will be just as excited to see us as we are to see you. But lets wait until you are suppose to come out okay baby. So as much as we'd love to see and hold you right now, we'd also want you to grow and be the healthy baby that we know you will be.

See you soon my little Piccachu!

Makeover

2011-11-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

This is way overdue but at least I'm finally putting it up right? lol

Naree's room is all painted and everything.....beats the wallpaper! The color was her choice and where each color goes was her idea too.

See this space here? This is where her bed goes. You just can't see it because of the drawer there.

the other side of the room.

Gotta say she does have the biggest room of all of us. It used to be our room but we wanted the kids to be across from each other when they have their own rooms. Nilun's is across the hallway. :)
Actually it's just so that they can't sneak out of the house at night, because it's upstairs and it's pretty high too! Hey don't judge! lol

here is Lien inspecting the burn site!
I was washing dishes {back when Nilun was around 4 or 5} and Nilun was playing upstairs. He was pretty quite but i figured he was just having fun. So i see him come down and go to the bathroom. He comes out and i look and he looks suspicious. So i ask him "what are you doing?"
He's looking at me and he has something behind his back "nothing mommy."
So i go back to washing dishes and he goes upstairs.
A few minutes later i spell something burning and Lien does too. We both go and look up the stairs and by this time the smell is strong. So we run up the stairs, get in the room and all we see is Nilun trying to water down the flames with a bowl of water he had gotten from the bathroom. {what he was hiding behind him}
We run over to him and get him out and i Lien gets a blanket and put the fire out. Good thing it was a small one.
Apparently he was playing with my candle i had lite and he must have dropped it or something. But the candle was still lite and just standing there on the table. So who knew what he did.
We were just glad that it wasn't anything big.
My son is fire dude! He loves playing with fire....that's my fault. I oh so love fire! :)
So we still have evidence of that day for him to see.

So how do you like it? It's not fully done, she is still decorating little by little. She still wants a desk and a chair for her room. Still a work in progress but we are doing it a little at a time.


Me painting the trims white. Because i think it looks better white. I will post a picture of her room soon.....i just need to take a picture of it. :)

Halloween

2011-11-01T23:23:00.000-04:00

For Halloween this year Naree was a Monster High girl? {i'm not sure}, Jasmine was Niki Manaj and Niilun was a glow alien.

This year Naree ended up going alone with us. One of our close friend was suppose to bring her daughters to join us but they got in an argument- one wanted to go with her friend and the other wanted to come with Naree. So they ended up not going and stayed home.
Lien and I took Naree around the neighborhood. Nilun was with his friends and Jasmine with hers.
We did ran into Nilun and his friends trick-or-treating......booger tried to snatch Naree's candy! lol

I think she enjoyed it, i mean she did mentioned that this year it wasn't that fun- wonder why? But i think she made the most of it.
We still stayed with tradition and went to my parents so she can go trick-or-treating there and then we {well i kinda felt bad} went to our friend's house to share some candy with the little girl who didn't get to come with us.

my alien and monster girl. I didn't get a picture of Jasmine because she left before i could get one. :)

Next year we will have to be more prepared and have Naree ask one of her friends if they want to come with us or if Naree can join them.

When we got home i found this at the top of the stairs. Freaky huh? :)
this is Nilun's costume! Awesome right?

Special visit with a quilt and some Cheesecake!

2011-10-19T09:50:00.000-04:00

A few days ago i had the privilage to attend a dear friends' baby shower. She is due only a few weeks before me! :)
The shower was nice filled with lots of people and laughter, not to mention the food and dessert- i was in heaven! lol

the mommy-to-be and I

the proud parents-to-be and grandma

Isn't she a beautiful mommy-to-be? I think so!

can't wait to see our babies!

I had wanted to make something special for her baby shower and asked Lien one day if i should make something. He thought it would be better if i just bought what was on the registery and maybe make something for the baby when he/she comes in January.
So i said ok.....but i gave in and made something. Simply because i really wanted it to be a personal gift and i knew that she would be getting lots and lots of presents from every one else anyways.

I'm so glad that i decided to go with my choice and make something.........the outcome was great and i love it! I must admit i had to pat myself on the back for doing such a great job. Bragging moment i know, but hey i don't do it too often. At least i don't think i do! :)


here's what i made! I'm pretty proud of myself too.....no measurement {can you tell?}

I was a little nervous, i didn't know if she would like it or not......but i didn't mind, because i really wanted to make her it.
She did like it though! :)

We had a special visitor to our home this pass weekend for the baby shower. Our close friend, Latsamy came in from Texas to visit for the baby shower.

I was so happy to see her.....So glad i could spend some extra days with her and play catch up and eat our faces off. And that's exactly what we did! We ate and ate............fun times i tell ya! It sure was an interesting adventure!

And then to top off her visit we had a girl's night at Cheesecake Factory. Didn't i mention we love to eat? :)
Always stuffing our faces i swear............such pigs! lol
The night was great and a great way to end Latsamy's visit.
I am glad she could make it....until next time!

I know i look pretty big here! lol
I love these two girls, they have made my life interesting and wonderful. Wouldn't/couldn't ask for better girlfriends. I'm a lucky girl. Too bad we were missing one more lovely girl, Miss Margie! We miss you!

It was also Tina's birthday week!

I am truly blessed with some wonderful and amazing friends in my life. There's always an adventure! I am also blessed to have a best friend who's been with me since 3rd grade. How lucky can a girl get right? :)
I truly am blessed and i love them all.

Mushrooms anyone?

2011-10-10T23:04:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we headed out to Michigan to visit Lien's uncle who isn't feeling well. He is very ill. We also got the chance to go mushroom picking with his cousin and her husband too! I like being out door and in the woods- stuff like that. But this time my allergies got the best of me and i am also pregnant too so it made it extra hard to walk around the woods and stuff.

Plus i had packed pants for naree but they ended up being too small. So she had to wear her capris and that wasn't a good idea. She was getting scratched up real bad so we didn't get to do much mushroom picking. Just Nilun and the others got to do it. It was still fun though!

Every few minutes you would hear someone shouting out names and someone else from another direction answering back. That's how you do it there, gotta call each other once in a while so you don't get lost. It's in the woods and all the woods look alike, you might think you only looked down for a minute but in a minute your direction might have changed. But we try to stay close to the group as much as we can.

This year it rained a lot so we weren't able to get a lot like the other years. Most of em' had rot from the rain or the others that live there had already picked them during the week days. But we got enough to bring back home to share with some family members who weren't able to make it.

On a different note; his uncle is doing well. Better than we last saw him. He is able to hold his neck up on his own and his talking sounds a lot better.
Last time we went to see him in July, he was having a hard time breathing and talking and his neck was pretty weak. Hopefully he'll continue to improve. He use to be such a strong and sociable man, now all he does is stay in his room. He comes out to see us but can't stay too long.
We will keep on praying that he improves and gets healthy again.

We enjoyed the trip. It was a short one but we always love our little family road trips! Too bad it is getting a little harder and harder to do that now....since i'm getting big now and it's more exhausting for me. But i still enjoy it, i won't give it up! :)

Fall Academic Awards!

2011-09-30T00:49:00.000-04:00

Today the middle school had an award for the kids who are in the honor roll and have high GPAs. Nilun and Jasmine were among the kids who were honored at the award! Can you tell i'm a proud mommy and aunt right now?

I am so very proud of what these two have accomplish. They worked hard and it's great that they are being recognized and rewarded for it.They will grow to be wonderful and successful adults! I am beyond proud. They have kept up their grades all through middle school and I hope {I KNOW that they will} continue to be bright kids. I couldn't ask for better.
I took them shopping to reward them for such a job well done. And to let them know that their hard work is appreciated. We haven't been to the mall in months so it was well deserved for all. :)

Lien was able to come out and join me at the award ceremony so we can both be there to support them. We are both very proud and beaming parents!

14th anniversary

2011-09-21T11:07:00.001-04:00

Our wedding 9/20/97

Wow! Has it been this long? Seems just like yesterday I was this little 17 year old and now I'm 31 and on my third child. How did that happen? Okay don't answer that, I already know HOW that happen! lol

It's sad to say that the years have just gone passed us so quickly....in fact, it goes too quickly. My oldest is now 13 and almost a high school-er and my second - my baby- is now 10 and almost a middle school-er!
I kinda wish the years would go slowly. I want to keep them with me forever, if that's even possible. I can't think of college right now but i know it's coming around the corner.

It's been 14 years of tears, laughter, and love and i wouldn't have it any other way. We have our ups and downs but at the end of the day we always make sure to say "sorry"! No one said it was easy........and LORD knows it wasn't easy for us. But we've come out on top against all the odds. I'm so glad I found such a man who cares so much for us.

I love him! :))

Lien:
I love that you work extra hard for your family.
We love that after such a hard day at work, you still come home and spend time with us.
We love that you get down and play with us.
We love that you would do anything for us.
Most of all, we love you for being you!

I never knew that one day my life would be like this. But i'm glad it turned out this way. I have such wonderful people in my life. I am truly blessed.

The card Lien bought me. Now do you see why I love this man? He is the sweetest. Card came with a purple Orchid, my fave!

We had a busy year this year. We had Naree's soccer game and Nilun's soccer game going on at the same time. Plus Naree had band practice but soccer went a little later than we expected so we weren't able to go. After getting every one home Lien asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. I had the kids decide and of course they wanted to go out. It's what they love to do! :)
So we couldn't decide on a place so I thought okay i'm in the mood for calamari and since i have not been to Bahama Breeze in such a long time i'll go again.
Needless to say, it was a poor judgement on my side. Our food was not great. The salmon linguine i had was flavorless and way too creamy. The lobster and shrimp linguine Lien had was dry and way too creamy. Plus it was way over priced. My niece's steak was dry and had no flavor what-so-ever. My daughter had chicken fingers and the lady didn't even have bbq sauce for her. And yes we did ask. Her service wasn't great either. She dropped one of our plates down hard on the table, one plate was slide down to us and one almost slipped out of her hand. Now i don't know if it was her or if she had a bad day but that was not right. She didn't really come by to see how we are doing and it took her forever to refill our drinks.
I must say, our experience there really sucked. This is one restaurant that we are crossing off our list FOREVER!
Oh and to top it off they stopped serving calamari! THAT was a disappointment.....And the prices have definitely went up. The kids didn't even enjoy it. We all agreed we will not be going back.
Our dinner was expensive but the time i spent with my family is still priceless to me, even if it wasn't the best experience. At least we experienced it together.

There's not much to say here, except for that every year. I fall much more in love with my husband! And every year he surprises me by being such an incredible dad and husband. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives.

Happy 14th anniversary my love! You are the best decision i made in my life and I am looking forward to more wonderful crazy years with you!

Love always!

Noy

zzzzzz's

2011-09-11T23:36:00.000-04:00

Naree caught this guy zonked out after a day of hard work! He sure sleeps funny huh? :)
My hard working man!

First day of school

2011-08-30T10:16:00.000-04:00

My babies are all grown now, just look at them. :) Naree still wanted me to stand with all the parents at the line with her. But those other two? I offered to take a picture at their line and their reply? "Um no thank you." Gotta love these teens. LOL

I can't believe these three are all grown now. Where has the time gone? No i'm all alone at home....oh wait i have the fur ball with me! hahaha i love my Yuki. He keeps me company.

{from right} Nilun 8th grade 13 yrs old.
Jasmine 8th grade 13 yrs old.
Naree 5th grade 10 yrs old.

Feelings and such....

2011-08-20T07:24:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since i've updated. Guess i was caught up with everything...or maybe it was i wasn't that sure of what i wanted to say. It's not that i've been at a lose for words. Trust me.....i've got plenty to say. :)

I guess I just haven't really had the time to think about everything that's been going on around me? Being pregnant kinda leaves you in a 'blah' kind of sense huh? Or is that just me? lol

I've been a little different with this pregnancy. I'm a bit scared at times but always excited. I just can't wait for my stomach to show already! I've been pregnant 2 other times but this time it's a bit different. I actually am more into it, as in like, I am totally digging it!!! I want to dress up and show people that "yeah I am pregnant, see my belly?" It's like i want to show it off where as my other two I didn't care. I wasn't hiding it nor showing it. And i simply didn't really pay attention to it at all.

With this one, i am paying way more attention to it. We are hoping for a boy - long story. Well the short of it is, there is plenty of girls roaming around our family - PLENTY! So Nilun is pretty much always the boy out of the group, so we'd like for him to have a little 'dude' walking around with him.
I've always thought to myself that if i become pregnant again, I definitely want to dress up nice and make myself look good. But the first time i wore a dress while pregnant a few weeks ago. My friends were saying "oh it's definitely a girl, she's wearing a dress." So i've opted to not wear dresses, simply because i want the aura of having a boy. Makes sense? It's not that i don't want a girl, any would be fine or both! Yes i said it, both is fine too.

But a boy would really be great. Also because i think Naree would probably be better off as the only girl. I grew up with 3 older sister and although i love them dearly....some days i wish i was the only girl. And i've always wished i had a brother.
We always wish for things we don't have right?

All i'm hoping for is a healthy baby. I've been too focused on this baby that my mind is racing with thoughts and i get lots of nightmares this time around. Well not like i don't get nightmares but you get the drift?
My mind is thinking of things i shouldn't be thinking of. I really hope it goes away soon. Really it's starting to get annoying. I just want to enjoy being pregnant not paranoid.

On a brighter note. Everyone is elastic about our little bundle of joy to come. Mom is totally over the moon. My sister is already talking of taking my baby away to live with her if it's a boy. Naree is talking about dressing 'her' up and playing house. Can you tell what 'kind' she wants?
Nilun is already giving an ultimatum....."if it's a girl, you guys OWE me BIG!"
Lien? Well he claims still to this day that "i had nothing to do with it, i was asleep the whole time, she did it all on her own!". Yeah- no one really believes him but we'll let him think that. :)
Just like when i was in labor, he adamantly said "i was pushing the whole time, all you did was lay there!"
Of course you all know, Lien is a big jokester right?
Me? I'm at a lost for words. Words can't describe how i feel right now. I've been wanting this for a very long time. I guess Lien might have been right on a few things. I might have conspired to get pregnant.....can you blame me?

Totally kidding people.

We didn't even plan on it, it just happened and we are excited about it. We can't wait for this little one to come out and say 'hello'.
For now, let me enjoy this and maybe i can wear a dress like those mega movie stars who are pregnant and looking hot in their dresses. That's all i want, to feel pretty and hott while pregnant because being pregnant is already a beautiful thing. I just want to add a little more to it.

This pregnancy has really been kicking my butt. Totally different from my last two. Last two? Was a breeze. I ate like a 'pig' with Nilun, gained over 55 pounds. Yes i was pretty fat and happy! But i was also 17 and really still trying to adjust to being married and living in a new place without my family.
With Naree i only gained 20 pounds but i did still eat like a pig. Wonder why i didn't gain as much? With Naree i notice i get notice by guys a lot, i actually got a few free stuff. I was looking very pretty with Naree, nice clear skin. Now? Not so much......
With this one? Well lets just say I'm surprised...this is really kicking my butt - like Jackie Chan came by and kicked my a**.
I'm so tired ALL THE TIME. I can't sleep at night {okay so i was a night owl before but it's gotten worst}. It's uncomfortable to sleep on my nice new soft bed....i'm sleeping on the sofa most days. And i lack a lot of energy. I get a lot of headaches now, major. I get sick a lot now {which never happened with my last two}. And the list goes on.
Not to mention i'm afraid of how labor will be now. Now that i'm older, will it be tougher? I've heard stories that when you're older it'll be harder and stuff. So it's got me on edge. I hope i can still do it naturally...

There is one thing that i've noticed that has changed a bit and i'm not quite sure if it's the pregnancy hormones or just me...but i've noticed that i'm a little more out spoken now. I will actually speak what's on my mind, well i still hold it back a bit but sometimes i just tell you like it is. I guess it could be a good and bad thing right?
It's a bad timing right now though, i'm a little more emotional then most. My close close friend who will eventually become our child's' godmother has moved away. It's a bad transaction for me right now with all these hormones going haywire.
So now i'm left with not much to go by. She is the one i go out to dinner with and do stuff with, now who will be my pregnant buddy? Who'll take me out to dinner?
I wish my best friends were here, Bori and Brandy or John...I truly miss them a lot. Not just because my close friend here has moved away. I've always missed them. I just want them to be here with me with this pregnancy. I feel like I need a friend with me now more than ever to experience my joy with me.

So if i look totally awful and looking like i need some sleep or a new face all together lets just tell me i look ok. I'm loving being pregnant and i'm enjoying every moment.

Here's to a few more months of pure bliss and ragging hormones!

This rides' gonna be fun!!!

Photo challenge #6

2011-06-29T01:41:00.000-04:00

A picture of the person you'd love to trade places with for one day.

I just need one day to live her life. One day to stand up on that stage and feel the adrenaline and excitement of performing in front of dozens of people. I love Celine, she is my all time favorite. I'd love to feel what she feels every time she is up on that stage.

Big brother

2011-06-18T01:38:00.000-04:00

Every one always tell me that they love Nilun and his personality! And I agree with them. He is an awesome kid. He is so good with little kids. And they flock to him like birds....seriously. They just love him. Must be his goofy self or something.
I can always depend on him to entertain the little ones and he loves spending time with them.
Here he is in Naree's room with Skylar and Elizabeth drawing with them. I came up to check on them from entertaining some of our guest from out of town ( we had a wedding that day- hence the nicely dressed boys) and i found them drawing. How sweet is this? He'll be a great role model one day! He's already getting there.
I sure love my boy....well i guess he's not much of a boy anymore. His voice is already so low and he is...ahem... taller than i am. Okay don't laugh, one day your kid will tower over you. Or not! :)

He is Findlay right now hanging out with his cousins and it's only been 3 days but I already miss him. I can't wait to see him in a bout a week when we head out there ourselves.

Walk for Breast Cancer

2011-05-31T10:05:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago a few friends of mine and I did the Walk for Cancer. I was a little nervous about doing it, because well - it was to be 5 miles and i hadn't exercise or wasn't even active for years. So i was a little hesitant but i'm glad i did it. It turned out to be only 3 miles! Yay!!!

And it was really fun... I wasn't even tired at all. I still got it in me! lol
After our walk we headed out to lunch and it totally had slipped my mind that they had the Asian Festival going on downtown too. So after lunch we walked around the festival a bit, wheeling and dealing with a few merchants....Yep that's how us Asians do it. :)
It was fun to spend some time with dear friends....especially eating and shopping!
Got home and took Naree to our town's carnival. I know, i did a lot of walking that day, but i had a blast. And to be honest it wasn't even that bad. My feet hurt a bit later when i was ready to go to bed but not as bad as i had thought it would be.
Yep it proves it...... I STILL GOT IT IN ME! Now who says I'm an old lady? lol

We saw this guy and had to stop to take pictures with him. :)


Yay Tina you made it! This girl is a tough cookie. She wasn't feeling well that day, shes actually wasn't feeling well for a few days prior to that but she still went AND finished the walk. Okay so she cheated and cut through a street but she wasn't feeling good. We'll give her that excuse! lol

What a fun and great way to spend the day with some friends!

Happy 13th!

2011-05-26T09:28:00.000-04:00

Nilun celebrated his 13th birthday just a few weeks ago. I know i'm a little late on posting, been super busy.

I'm so happy I have a wonderful and caring son {most of the time! : ) } I kid......
He is the goofiest kid you'll know! I promise...
I love him with all my heart and I'm so happy that i get him as a son....

My little man is a teen now! Yikes, time sure flies doesn't it? I just hope that no matter how old he is. He'll stay give this old lady a hug and tell her he loves her once in a while. And for him to always be the kind, gentle, goofy, and wonderful kid that he is always.

Love mom!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T03:56:00.000-04:00

I woken up to find a sweet girl standing by my bed with a tray of a bowl of beef soup and a nice cold glass of my fave Guava Mango juice. Once i opened my sleepy eyes wide enough, she said "Happy Mother's Day mommy!"

What a way to wake up huh? Don't I have the best daughter ever? We were suppose to go to church but we woke up kinda late. That's what happens when we go out to a wedding the night before! Slept pretty late.
My son was still sleeping when Naree was in my room. He's just like his mommy! :)
If Naree hadn't woke me up, I'd still be asleep.......
She is such a wonderful and thoughtful girl. How did i get so lucky?

I had some of the soup, even though i hadn't washed my face or brush my teeth yet. It was actually pretty good, considering it was a canned soup. :) I'm not in love with canned soup.
So i had a bit and then shared some with Naree. When Nilun got up he said "happy mother's day mom"......
My boy is just like his daddy, he doesn't think too much of these things.....maybe because he knows I am special to him anyways, not just on Mother's Day.
You know, us girls, we are just more sentimental than the boys. :)

My mom picked us up and the kids and I went grocery shopping with her and then went back to her place and my sister and her daughter joined us. We had a little BBQ with mom and just spent the day with her.
Where was dad and hubby? Welll.....they went golfing. I did say boys are not as sentimental as we are right?
As long as i got to spend it with my mom i'm fine.

Lien did give me a kiss and wished me "happy mother's day" before he headed off for Golf. Guess gotta give him credit for that.

I am so thankful for such a wonderful mother. My mom is always thoughtful, and mindful of people's feeling. She is always there for us when ever we need her. She has sacrificed so much for us girls.
I remember one time, back when i was pretty young. Mom was really really sick...... She had the worst Flu ever. Chills and body aches. She was literally on the couch shivering and had blankets covering her. But mom still got up to cook for us, making sure we had something to eat. She still got up every morning - even when her body felt like it was falling apart - just so she could make the money to buy us the food. She never quit, never gave up and never once said she had had enough. She pushed herself to her limits. We really wish she didn't have to do that. But I now understand why she did. She did all that because she LOVE us, she wanted the best for us. She sacrificed her own health just so her kids could have food. She worked two jobs just to raised us.
I always loved and cherished my mom. I appreciated everything she did for us and i know and understand my mother's love, even way before i married. But now that I'm a mother myself.......... I now KNOW and UNDERSTAND her sacrifices she made for us.
Being a mother is the best job and present in the world. Nothing in this life is better than being a mother. I am so glad that I am a mother to two wonderful caring kids. I only hope that one day when my daughter is ready, that she will grow up to be a wonderful and caring mother just like her grandmother. And I hope that when my son is ready, that he will find a wonderful and caring wife just like his mom and grandmother.

I will forever cherish every moment i spend with my mom. Because she is the ONLY woman who will love me unconditionally. She is and will be the only one who will be here for me when I'm down. She will pick me up when i fall. She will guide me when i'm lost. She will love me when I'm sad. She is the one who has mold me to be who i am today and who i will continue to be tomorrow. She has taught me about sacrifice. She will cure me when I'm sick. She is the only woman who will forever be in my heart.

I hope that i will/can be just a great of a mom to my kids as she is to me.

I love you mom!

Photo Challenge

2011-05-04T23:42:00.000-04:00

A picture of your favorite memory.

The day Nilun was born! The day my first child was born. The day my life would change forever....5/16/98
This was the day I became a mother. Someone a little child would depend on for the rest of his life. Being a mother has really made me realize how much love i could give and need in return.

Second memory is the day my second child was born. The day a little girl made our family complete! 1/2/01...

I just can not pick one good memory. I have many but these two would be my most memorable memory that i will carry to my grave and beyond.

Photo Challenge

2011-05-01T03:11:00.000-04:00

A picture of your typical night.

Well my 'typical' night doesn't have a picture. It's usually me trying to figure out what to cook and then cooking and getting the kids and Lien to sit down to eat, get the kids to bed and then getting Lien to bed. Then i get some 'me' time to do whatever and it's usually on the net. I spend a few hours on it, depending on how tired i am.

Some days it's more hectic than usual, what with the kids soccer and/or basketball. Depending on which season we are on. :)
Fall and Spring is Soccer for Nilun and Naree. Winter is Basketball for Nilun.

No more wallpaper!

2011-04-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

Well it's been way long overdue. {2 years to be exact!} That's mainly my fault. I kept on saying "I'm going to do it" and then just never get to. Or maybe i was just a little scared to start this project. Because it really looked like a HUGE project.
Tearing wallpaper is a big ordeal to me. I'd rather paint, or say, put make-up on dead people - rather than tear out wallpaper. :)
To make it worst my sister-in-law - who used to live with us and stayed in this room - decided it'd be so fun to make my work more miserable one day and put wallpaper on top of each other. So there is like 2 layers of wallpaper on some and some are just one layer. What? I don't know, don't ask me. I'm just the in-law!

I should have taken a 'before' picture but didn't think of it at the time. This is as close as you get to picturing what it looked like before. A lot of wallpaper and A LOT of flowers. It wasn't all just one pattern, it was 3 patterns all together.

I just i had to put my butt into gear. Lien's nephew is getting married in like literally like 3 weeks! Yikes.........I'm such a procrastinator! BIG TIME!
So now I'm scrambling...like always. What's new?
Good thing when i finally decided to get my butt into gear, it was Spring Break and the kids were home. So yes, i did what any mother would do - put my child to work. Hey you know it's not called 'child labor' if they are working on their rooms! It's called...hmmm....it's called 'helping'!
Besides what else could they have done? It rained most of the week. Plus we got 2 more extra help one day. Thanks to some friends who came over.


One side all cleared!

So room is almost done! Wallpaper is almost gone. Kids are back in school. So now i can finally get my work done and not have kids getting in my way.....geeesh these kids. Always in my way. Don't they know I have work to do? :) j/k

I can't wait to paint the room. {first i have to sand down some of the old paint that chipped when i took out wallpaper....bummer!}
This room used to be our room back when Nilun was younger. Then we moved downstairs when i had Naree - more room/space. We moved up and down a few more times. I know...CRAZY RIGHT? Now it is Naree's room! It is the biggest room in the house! She wants it purple! And she wants wood floors so lets hope that our floor is still looking good when the carpet comes out.

Big project. And it must be done in 2 1/2 weeks! Plus my hallway too. Repaint and carpet is coming out. I'm making myself do this on my own, so lets see if i can. This might just be what i need to get my butt into gear! A deadline!

31st

2011-04-21T02:34:00.000-04:00

Well here goes another year.
Seems the days and months just run pass you in lighting speed. I mean really? Didn't i just turn 30?!
It really needs to slow down a bit, i'm afraid of getting old. And I'm too scared to wave my kids good-bye for college. You know that's coming along quick. {wipe tears}

My day was topped with a kiss good morning on the forehead and a 'happy birthday' greeting from the man of the house. He sure knows how to wake someone up.
I was still pretty sleepy so i went back to sleep...come on - it was 5:20 am!
Made my day even brighter was getting a voice mail from a dear friend wishing me happy birthday! Thanks Lats! Of course through out the day 'b-day' wishes were pouring in. How did i get so lucky?

I decided for this year - since the kids have Spring break on my day- I'd take them for Dim Sum. They were pretty excited. You just can't go wrong with Dim Sum.
We were pretty goofy in the place. We had our laughs and were definitely having a good time. Who knew spending time with rugrats would be so much fun huh? :)
I truly love my kids. They are the funniest kids ever. Always crack me up. Like i said I'm a lucky woman!
After lunch we shopped around the plaza a bit and then made a Target run! It was Nilun's idea.
He said, "so mom what would you like to do next?"
Me, "i don't know, what should i do?"
Lun, "well it's your day, you choose. We can go shopping?"
Me, "well i would like to shop. Where should i go?"
Lun, "ummm well i do want toys."
Me, "wait you want to shop for you or shop for me?"
Lun, "well we can do both!"
Gotta love my boy, he knows how to negotiate! :)
We went to Target and the kids ended up with a few board games and those $1 seed stuff to plant. And i bought myself a magazine! Great huh? :)

We had a great time playing Hedbanz! What a funny game. We were cracking up so bad. I gotta say though, i really suck at guessing! If you haven't played the game you should! It is so fun!

After Lien got home he gave me another kiss on the check and said "happy birthday"...again! He loves me, can't you tell? lol
We ended up having dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I must say though - although i like the place - it isn't as great as Texas Roadhouse. I love my Texas Roadhouse. But Outback's mango tea was delish though.
To top my night off Lien gave me a little ride around the nice rich houses! My fave!

After we got back from Target, mom came over with these, plus a $100 for me to spend! My mom is the best ever! Back when we lived in Twin we couldn't afford much so every year for our birthdays, all we would get is a rose and a cake to blow out with just us sisters and mom. Dad worked nights. And that was all, every year. We didn't mind at all, i guess we did it every year so we got used to it. And we knew and understood that we couldn't afford much, not even presents so we were just happy with blowing out a cake with each other. I know mom tried her best. Now things have been better for mom and dad a bit - no more working two jobs for both of them!. I am proud that they have come so far - especially mom. I know she tried her hardest for us girls. Even coming to America with someone other than her husband so we girls can have better futures. But they are husband and wife now! {i should throw that in there! :)} I can see her smile has widen so much now.


I received this in the mail today! Thanks to a wonderful friend of mine! She is so thoughtful! Guess there's more shopping for me. Didn't I say I'm lucky? LOL

I must say, if i haven't said it enough - I am very blessed in a lot of ways. I have such a loving husband who adores and loves me to no end. Kids who are so wonderful in every way, who always surprises me!
And i have such loving and thoughtful friends who bombarded my Facebook page with "happy birthdays".... Like i say, I am a pretty lucky girl! Yep i am!

So here's to another wrinkle filled year. But hoping that those wrinkles pop up one line a year! Hey...a lady can wish right? Every year i always wish for something but this year i'm not wishing for anything. I've got everything i have and want right here in front of me. Everything else? Well whatever is whatever. As long as i have these wonderful people in my life, I'm set. There's nothing more i want or need. Every thing else is just extra topping on the cake!
I must say, 31 doesn't look too bad! :)

Another photo challenge

2011-04-13T10:18:00.000-04:00

A picture of your favorite TV show cast.


Good Luck Charlie is our family's favorite show. We watch it together. It's a realistic show and we love it. Keeps us laughing! I love PJ the most! :)

We did love to watch Reba when it was on. It's since been canceled, which is a bummer. That show was the greatest ever! We loved Van! "hey if we get a van, we'll have 'minivans'.!!!! {Get it?} He is a hoot. I have it on DVD though! ;) So i can watch whenever i need a 'Van' fix! lol

photo challenge week 2

2011-04-11T09:51:00.000-04:00

A picture of yourself and the person you're closest with

Of course I have to be close to him. He is after all my husband. I tell him everything and he does give pretty good advice. Even though sometimes i don't want to hear it but you know how it is! He's the best friend i didn't want but need!


This girl is the one I'm closet to the most though. I tell her everything! I i do mean everything. There isn't anything that she doesn't know. There are things i tell my husband and there are things i tell her. And yes some things my husband doesn't know about but she does. I've known this girl almost my whole life, we've been the best of friends since kids. This picture was from my engagement in Twin Falls. She is tying a white yarn around my wrist and saying a 'blessing' for me. It is tradition to tie the white yarn and bless the bride/groom for their engagement and/or wedding. Not sure if i remember what she said that day - it was a blur. But i will always remember her and how much she means to me. I was a nervous wreck that day- what did you expect? I had just known my future husband for like a day and now we are getting engaged? I'm glad she was there that day to help me and give me support. Although we don't get to see each other anymore and we don't talk as often as we use to, she is still my best friend and i love her.

Another Snow Day?

2011-03-30T20:09:00.000-04:00

It's the beginning of April but I guess Mother Nature doesn't really care what month it is. It's snowing! And it's snowing those white beautiful big fluffy white flakes not those horrible sticky stuff that I really despise!
Although I don't like the snow, i won't complain this time. It actually looks pretty nice outside..... so white and clean. Wait until i have to drive in that huh?
We can't always win you know!
So lets say we'll enjoy this snow and then we'll rejoice once it's gone and done with. And please Mother Nature hurry up with Spring - we are really looking forward to your beautiful flowers and the smiley face of the sun.
Thank you!

P.S
my flip-flops are calling me from the closet and i really don't want to disappoint them! {just saying}

31 day photo challenge!

2011-03-23T23:28:00.000-04:00

I saw on a friend's Facebook page that she is doing a 31 day photo challenge. You have 31 days and there are instructions on what to do. But i'm not sure if i want to do days so for now it'll be weeks unless i have too much fun!
Well here goes, this should be fun. :)

Week 1: A picture of yourself with 10 facts.

1) I like to sing
2) I love to 'people watch'...
3) I'm too emotional, i cry at everything and anything.......
4) I am a little too naive
5) I love to take walks and be by myself........yep i'm kind of a loner!
6) I try to give my all in a relationship/friendship and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
7) I like to play with pimples......yeah yeah gross i know but hey i can't help it. It's a bad bad habit.
8) I love to do jigsaw puzzles and i must say I'm queen at it.....
9) I truly hate bananas.......except i love the banana popsicle! Weird huh? Oh i do like the small Asian bananas but that's only if i'm desperate.
10) I love too much and hurt too easily.

That wasn't too hard. So go ahead a do it too.

Strep and Influenza

2011-03-08T10:07:00.000-05:00

Well Naree has the Strep throat and Influenza......
Took her in to see her doc yesterday, spent about 2 hours in there. She was coughing up a storm so we really didn't get to have much done, had to wait out her cough to do anything. She also had to get x-rays for her chest since she was wheezing a bit. Doctor gave her her usual breathing treatment and prescribed some meds and an inhaler.
My poor baby has been sick for 5 days now. I really hate to see them sick, they look so helpless. I don't know how to help..... She's coughing and all i can do is rub her back and help as much as i can but what more can i do? We've had some sleepless nights. Just when she's about to fall asleep she wakes with a coughing fit. Poor baby, poor mommy!
So our nights/days consist of lots of back rubbing, wet towels on the head and lots of meds. We've been camped out in the living room for about 4 days now. I sure miss my comfy bed!
I hope she'll get back to her normal self soon....real soon because i hate to see her so sick.

well this is my baby for the pass few days....a lot of sleepy/resting and coughing. Notice her little garbage? For all that phlegm she's producing. Not fun at all.

I hope my sweet baby feels well soon. We sure miss seeing her and her energy!

ramblings

2011-02-22T05:20:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what i want to write or say....
not sure how i'm suppose to go at it.
I'm sometimes at a lost for words and sometimes I've got too much to say...
i'm stuck between a world of chaos...
don't know where or what to look for.
Sometimes i feel as though life has dealt me some shitty stuff.......and sometimes it has been kind.
Such is life i suppose.

I'm not sure how or what you want me to be.
I'm stuck trying to figure you out.
What would you like me to be?
What do you want me to be?
How do you want me to be?
Am i not enough?
What i am now? Is that not enough?

I'm not sure how to go along in this life of mine....
stuck between this life of trying to be too much or not trying hard enough.
Thought i had tried everything but apparently that's not enough?
Some days there are smiles and some there aren't.
I'd really wish for more smiles than frowns.

How would you like me to be?
And if i haven't changed, would you still love me?
What if this is who i am?
This lazy-good-for-nothing kind of person?
Would you still love me then?

I'm not fond of myself........
i don't blame you for your feelings?
I sometimes hate myself too.

Some day you'll smile again.
Because that someday, i should probably be gone.

He and I

2011-02-15T00:24:00.000-05:00

I'm glad that I found you.
You make me feel like a special princess.
You are always cheering me on...
Giving me encouragments.
You know how to bring a smile to my face
You know how to make me mad, annoyed, sad and angry.
But you always know how to banish them too.
You put up with all the laziness that I am.....thank you!
You put up with all my nagging and whining but yet still tell me you love me.
Even though i feel like i want you to just leave me alone...sometimes.
You always know how to make that go away.
How did i get so lucky?

I know we haven't always had the best relationship.
We've had our ups and downs, but I'm glad we pulled through.
You're my best friend. You help me be a better person.
No words can explain how grateful I am to have you in my life. Thank you for being my best friend and most of all thank you for being my husband.

This year for Valentine's Day we went to Olive Garden with the kids and Jasmine. No gifts no special flowers or anything.
I have to admit i really was hoping he would surprise me with something.....anything. But he didn't. Well i can't complain. He has been working 12 hours a day. What more do i want from him? :)
The night turned out great. Enjoyed a nice and fabulous dinner with the people i love the most. We enjoyed our food.
To cap off the night, we drove home listening to Nilun do impersonations. I truly love his Arnold "Terminator" impersonation. So hilarious. And his convenient store clerk one is good too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

peace

2011-02-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

I did it. I offered the ride to the mother and child and they accepted. I was a little scared not knowing what she would think of the offering but glad that she didn't refuse.
Turns out she does have a car, it's just not working right now and her husbands' car just died on him too. We didn't really have to go far, she was walking her son to pre-school at the church about half a mile down. So it wasn't far for me.
Her son is cute, he really likes Yuki! He even blow Yuki a kiss good-bye when they got out of the car.

I was ready to offer her a ride on Tuesday but when i pulled into the restaurants' parking lot to turn around i saw that someone had picked them up so i headed home. So when i saw them today just passed my street, i turned around and drove into a drive way and asked her if she needed a ride.
Riding on the way to the pre-school she apologized for making me go out of my way to drop her and her son off since i would be turning around to go back home. And she did express gratitude.

Now i feel better. At least i did my part and i feel good that i at least helped someone out today AND i actually didn't shy away and not ask {i've been know to do that since i've very shy}.
I don't want the credit for it nor am i bragging. All i want is for someone to read this and decide that they want to help someone out too?
Maybe a little "pay it forward" kind of thing?
Doing good always makes me feel like i've done something right. Doesn't it make you feel that way?

Cajun Chicken Pasta

2011-02-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last night we went back to our 'weekly recipe' deal. The deal was i would at least try a new recipe once a week, more if I can but once a week would be great. Didn't matter where the recipe came from our what kind of food, I just had to make it. The deal was between my daughter and I.

So this week it is Cajun Chicken Pasta. It turned out great actually. The flavor was great, in fact I think I could have added more Cajun sauce because I didn't think it was spicy enough. Well I should have just put some peppers in it and I'd be pretty happy but I didn't want to kill my kids! :)
My daughter was great help...chopping up things and helping me pour in the ingredients. Oh and of course my son too. He helped a little too!

I can not tell you or even come to describe how the smell was. It was so yummy and, lets just say my kitchen smelled so good to eat! I've never cooked with Cajun sauce but this won't be my last. I'm going to have to make new recipes to add with Cajun sauce.
You can find the recipe HERE....

I added mushroom to it simply because I love mushroom with pasta. It is so good, especially baby bella mushrooms. And I added some MSG, I'm sorry I can't help it. I have to have my MSG!

We were sitting down to eat and my husband actually liked it, if you know him, you'll know he's not much of a noodle kind of guy but since it's a new recipe and he loves that the kids and I try them once a week, he'll try it. He thought it was good. But he had a better version. He added white pepper powder and some garlic and pepper salt to it and let me tell you. The flavor changed a bit and it was even better. So we added it to ours too and we were happy.

Oh and my son had pizza pockets. Yeah he helps out and stuff but he said he wasn't feeling the noodles this time so he didn't want any. He's not into trying new foods that much. Some days we'll be lucky if he wants to try some of our authentic Lao food but he basically likes to stick to the stuff he knows. My daughter on the other hand? She loves trying new foods. All I can say is that back when she was little we could pretty much eat a lot of things that the kids don't eat. But now pretty much everything we eat, we let Naree have it first and we finish it after her. She eats everything!
For example: You know those baby chicken eggs? Yes the ones with the baby inside! My kids love that, especially the juice but they only eat the yellow part of the egg and we finish the rest. Well 2 years ago my daughter decided to try the white part of it; the hard part! Yes you guessed it, she loves it now. So instead of giving it to daddy after she finishes the yellow part, she keeps the white and gives daddy the baby chicken! She belongs to this family for sure!
My son? Well he's not as brave as my daughter but a few weeks ago he did bulk up and tried the baby chicken.....needless to say he wasn't too fond of it, but hey at least he tried right? :)

So what's keeping you from trying new foods? If a little girl can try why can't you? Like Andrew Zimmerman always says "If it looks good, eat it!"
And well if it doesn't, try it anyways. You never know, you could like it!

what would you do?

2011-01-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling conflicted with this feeling I'm having. I'm not sure how i feel or how i should feel.
Should I? Or shouldn't I?
What would she think?
I wish I could but I'm afraid........

About a week ago I've been noticing this mother and son walking in the snow to...I'm not sure where. She's bundled up and he is too. He seems to be around 4 or 5 or maybe younger. He is small. And she's holding his hand and walking him on the sidewalk, or what's left of a sidewalk. It's covered with snow and there's really no space for her to walk any less than her son but she gives him the sidewalk while she tries to walk around the snow. Probably so her son can be safe {if that is even possible}.....
I've drove pass this mother and child numerous times and every time i do, i want to stop and turn around. Drive up to her and ask if she'd like a ride. I'm not sure where they are going but I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere. I'm just coming back from dropping the kids off at school and she's probably trying to get to work and him to day care or preschool.
I want to help.............but i'm afraid. Now a days what will people think? She might think i'm psycho or some kind of freak who'll lash out and beat her or whatever.. {haven't you watched enough thrillers or scary movies?}
I feel bad for her having to walk in the snow with her child. It's so cold outside. This is the time of year when i get really emotional and feeling really bad that i complain about a lot of things but then i see this......this mother and child walking in the snow so they could get to wherever they are going. I bet they probably don't complain as much as i do.
Sometimes i want a new car simply because i see one that's nicer and prettier..........i bet she wishes she had ANY car!
I really wish i could be a better person. I really do.
How did i become this person? We never really had anything growing up..........
We shared our cloths within the four of us, we didn't have the nicest car or even a nice big house. But we still made do. Why am i now complaining that my house isn't enough?
I should be ashamed of myself. For becoming this person. I never want this 'person' to ever come back. I want to lock her up and say good bye and throw the key away. That is a person i never want to be.

This mother has brought me back to reality.
I was so tempted today to turn my car around and ask her if she needed a ride. Where ever she needed to go i would take her.
But what would she think?
A lot of people {even innocent looking people} can turn out to be killers right?
Would she think I'm one of them?

All i want to do is help. But i'm so afraid......Maybe it's my shyness gaining control again? Or maybe i'm just being stupid?
After feeling like such an idiot and an absolute helpless i told myself. If i see her again i will turn my car around and ask her if she needs a ride. So what if she'll freak out or say no, or maybe call the cops on me? What if she takes the ride and we {knock on wood that we don't} get in an accident, will she sue me?

The worst she'll do is yell at me or say no right?
No mother should have to see her child suffer like that. Walking in the cold........Well no mother or child should have to walk in the cold snow.

When i see her and her child, i envision myself and my child. Would i like that? How would i feel? I would feel lost and determined.
Lost because i want so bad to have a better life for myself and my child, but i must be like this so that we can have a better future.
Determined because i am determined to have a better life for my child and I!
And i bet that is how she is feeling.

But what if she says yes to the ride and then expects a ride everyday? I certainly can give her a ride but probably not everyday. Will that make me a bad person? Will that make me selfish?
What if she expects more then?

I want to do better as a person. I want to be able to help when help is needed. Why am i such a coward?
I'm feeling lost and lonely because of this......why is it weighing down on me so much?
This year i vow to help as much as i could.
And i will start with this mother and child. They will make me a better person whether they take the ride or not.

snow fun and one hidding princess

2011-01-15T01:11:00.001-05:00

The other day we were taking down the Christmas tree.
We were about to put the tree back in its' box and this is what we found.............sneaky little princess isn't she?

And since we're on the subject of Christmas trees and winter.........We finally got our big snow for the year! YAY!!!
I had bought the kids each a snow suite so they were really excited to get to actually wear it because we were this close {pinching in fingers}to taking it back because we were getting hopeless.
So the kids got on their gears and headed out.........They had a ton of fun and well i did too....taking pictures of them.
So here are just some to entertain you with. I love these rugrats!

Sushi anyone?

2011-01-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

I finally learned how to make/roll sushi! I was introduced to sushi a few years ago by the lovely Margie and i have been hooked ever since. I rarely get to have sushi but when i do get the chance, it's wonderful. Well i haven't tried the raw ones yet...maybe one day i will.

Anyways a friend of mine invited me over to eat and to make sushi too, i couldn't pass that up. We had sukiyuki and sushi. I also learned how to make sukiyuki sauce too. Pretty complicated...but i'll try it again.
It was a pretty satisfying day to say the least. I enjoyed the company and really enjoyed learning how to make and roll the sushi.

Now all i have to do is try it on my own........would you like an invite? :)

yellow bean for the sukiyuki sauce

working hard

vola! My first sushi!!

pay it forward

2011-01-05T10:34:00.000-05:00

Pay It Forward...

My friend played this game on her blog and I decided to do it too. So this is how it works -

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this (my) post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise.
There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you?
Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift. Come on! You know you want something from me!!

And for those who don't have blogs, it's okay, it'll still count!

10th birthday!

2011-01-05T07:31:00.000-05:00

My baby is no longer a baby...........literally! She is now 10! Wow where did the years go? Seriously didn't she just pop out of me? : ) lol

Naree has grown to be a beautiful lady{well not that she wasn't before- but you know what i mean!}. I remember just yesterday that she was just in kindergarten. How I miss those days when I can just pick her up and give her tons and tons of kisses. Now a days I can't really pick her up....she's getting a little too heavy. Wait? Or is it just me getting old? Lets not talk about that right now.

We love this little lady. We love that you love to help me with the cooking. We love that you are always willing to try new food {i think daddy loves that the most} We love that you are always singing, although it gets annoying at times. We love that you always try your best with everything you do especially in soccer. We love how you just love to help out, with anything!.....thank you baby!
We love that you are always thoughtful with your Christmas gifts! You are so crafty! And i can't forget 'fashionable' too. You remind me all the time if i don't look good...........thanks babe, can't get anything pass you!

Best of all, we love you for being so unique and being YOU! I love that you are my daughter. How did we get so lucky?
I hope you'll never change........for anyone. I hope you stay the unique you for always.
We love you sweetie and are so grateful to have such a wonderful and caring daughter!

Baby baby oohh! Bieber fever!


A princess needs her many tiaras!

For your birthday this year we gave you the option of having a party or just going to build-a-bear and a movie. You picked the latter and to be honest we are glad. A party gets a little expensive. See what i mean? You are always thoughtful and helping. Like i said, we are lucky!


"Dad, do girls poop from their vaginas?" Pretty hilarious movie.......good pick Naree!

Happy birthday! We love you!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

Saying goodbye to 2010 wasn't a hard thing for me to do. Although 2010 has treated us fairly well, I was ready for a new year to start.
With me being sick and things happening all at once you can understanding my wanting a new chance of things. I'm hopeful that 2011 will bring us some luck and maybe just maybe get me off my high horse!
{okay so maybe that one is up to me and not anything else}

This new year I hope to do a lot of things differently and i hope to be a little more productive. But every time i set myself up for resolutions, it never really falls through. Lack of devotion is to blame i suppose.
Have you ever really set a goal/resolution and it actually fell through?
This year i don't want to set any resolutions. All i want to do is live life to the fullest with my family and try to make it the most of what we have. Settings resolutions have set me up for failure a few times so this time, there isn't going to be any.
No more setting time limits on things that shouldn't be rushed. I am going to see where 2011 takes us. I will try my best to still be a good wife and mother. How i do is all up to how my family perceives it!

On a brighter, this year Lien was asked to be involved with our Laos Association New Year party here in Cleveland. So there was no accuse for us to not go this time. I'm kinda glad that he was asked, i mean it's nice to be wanted for something and he likes being involved...........sometimes! : )
The kids went with us this year, but since they are older now, they've decided that they didn't have to stick around us old geezers anymore. They were all hanging out with the other kids in the lobby. I'm assuming they also had a blast! Of course as always they know the rules...........they come in to check on us often and we do the same.
Works pretty good actually! : )
We had a blast at the party. No a lot of people went this year but it was enough to be enjoyable and every one had a wonderful time.
Since Lien was pretty busy with his duties we only got to dance 3 songs. Bummer i know but it was still good enough. His good God brother dedicated a slow song to us and another couple. Sweet isn't it?
I love ringing in the New Year with such a wonderful guy.....{most of the time! lol j/k}

Cheers to another year gone by and cheers to more of the craziness to come. I wouldn't have it any other way!

hubby and I all ready for the New Year!

Happy New Year! Hope this year will bring wealth and health to you and all your loved ones! I am grateful to have another year to be thankful!

Christmas

2010-12-31T03:24:00.000-05:00

Well guess i should get off my high horse and start doing something huh? I've been lazy and not feeling well for so long i just got stuck in that rut!

I'm not going to do a long post....only because i've been sleeping late. Partly due to my coughing...massively for the pass few weeks that i got use to sleeping late because of the cough. Anyways although i'm up this late i need to hurry up and do this and go to sleep because Lien is getting pretty tired of my sleeping habit and he has voiced his opinion on it. So okay i will leave it at that.
So here are some highlights. {hopefully while in the middle of doing this he won't come out of the room and scream, yell or anything else....because quite frankly i don't want to hear it anymore. Seriously? Am i THAT HORRIBLE?}

Okay enough with the yucky stuff.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! ;)

playing Wii way into the night before Christmas Eve. I played too but i'm not going to embarrass myself so we will refrain from posting the video.

kids singing Christmas carols at Latsamys' Christmas party.

the ladies! This could very well be our last Christmas with Lats. And i'm sad over that aspect. I can't think about it right now. Just can't.

the dudes!

aren't we such lovely ladies? : ) Love these girls!

Mom! Don't you just love her smile! Christmas 2010

He finally got his PS3! He's been wanting this for so long and since it is pretty expensive, i kept on saying we can't. So when he said his aunt would pay for the rest if we chip in $100 we decided to go for it. Because he has been a good boy and i wouldn't hear the end of it if we didn't. It's a win win situation!

Of course we can't forget our Yuki!

Christmas at our home! That was PJs Naree got from grandma! She loves that thing, she's worn it ever since until today. I made her take it off so i can wash it. Silly kid!

of course we can't forget our Phet! You can tell Yuki is very interested in what he is opening! Silly dog.

We had a good Christmas with the family. Every one got what they wanted. I got a hoodie.....well i can't complain. My husband has been pretty busy working 12 hours. Found out he went out Christmas Eve morning to buy our presents and he says he didn't have time to really look around before we all woke up. So he gets credit for trying....right?......i guess! :)

International Day

2010-12-11T01:42:00.000-05:00

This year our ward had a International Day at church for our Christmas party. I was asked to participate and I was so glad to accept. How fun right?
I did Laos and Thailand since the people in my family are either Lao or Thai.
At first I was a little nervous and scared, couldn't decide what to make. I was afraid that our friends in the ward wouldn't like the food we make and stuff like that. You know different culture, different food and different taste. I decided to make papaya salad, spicy beef salad, sticky rice for Laos. Spicy meatballs with cabbage and Satay chicken for Thailand and for both country I made sticky rice with coconut juice with taro wrapped with banana leaves for dessert.
It was really fun to be there and see all those other countries and learn about them and try their food....yummy! Of course time chatting with friends is always a great time!

Our table. I didn't think to take pictures of it until the end of the program so this is when all the food was gone. Don't want anyone thinking I didn't bring anything! :) Look at Lien, he even wore the authentic shirt to show.


And for dessert! Sticky rice with marinated in coconut milk and Taro wrapped with banana leaves! I love this stuff. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't as sweet as I had wanted, but it was still sweet enough for every one to enjoy. These were the first to go!

I really had a great time preparing the food for this event. Even though I cooked all day and didn't eat till we started the activity at church. I know crazy huh? That's how nervous I was...I was afraid no one would eat my food. So glad people were nice enough to at least try. :)
Makes the knee pain all worth it. Stupid knee why can't you be 17 again?

So I got to travel to Germany, France, Italy, Isreal, Japan and Mongolia. All within 10 minutes! I travel fast huh?
Too bad I didn't make it to Mexico, Chile and American. Oh well, I still have a lot of vacation time! :) Happy travels!!!!!!!

Fall leaves and Christmas tree

2010-12-03T11:17:00.000-05:00

While the weather was good we were out raking leaves, we've been pretty neglectful with our leaves. They were all over the place...to make things worst our neighbor (who is a meanie) get professionals to blow them off their yard every year and those guys always blow some our way. So we get a lot of extra leaves from our neighbor. Lien has talked to the guys, worked for a bit and now it's back to the same thing.
So anyways the kids and I decided to go out and rake them before the snow and cold weather hits us. The kids wanted to play too. I have to say though, although it was fun raking leaves and messing with the kids, it was total hard sweating work. WOW! But we had fun.


After Lien got home we brought out the Christmas tree. Every year we wait till the last minute like literally a week or two before Christmas so this year we wanted to do it sooner. So it's up and running...now all it needs are presents! Anyone wanna help with that? : )

Do you have a Christmas tradition?
When we were kids back in Idaho. Dad use to take us girls out to the tree farm or the store where they have all the real trees for sale. We'd get to pick a tree. We'd take it home and dad would make a stand for it (every year he makes one out of wood for the tree) and we'd decorate it. We did that for a few years until we got a little older and dad didn't do it anymore. But i still remember those days! How time flies by. So no matter what, always stick with tradition, if you should change it please make sure it's a better tradition. Whatever you do, don't stop the tradition.

First time

2010-12-03T01:26:00.000-05:00

Today Naree had her first piano lesson. It would have been a long time ago but either we were busy or our friend was busy. But i got down to business and did it. Very grateful to our friend for offering to teach Naree too.
We'll so glad that Naree is learning now, she is always playing with the piano we have at home. I got it about 2 years ago from this couple who were selling their parents home and didn't want to take the piano with them so they said if we could get it out of the house we could have it for free! Yippy!
It wasn't actually free for us since we had to pay someone to get it out for us. But it was still a steal. Needless to say when we were rearranging our living room this pass summer Lien moved the piano himself. He was really disappointed to find out he could do it himself, took him a while, but he did it. But oh well. What can you do?
Now i can't wait for her recital!

She's doing well, she already knows half of Old McDonald!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

I am very thankful for many things that the Lord has blessed me with. Thankful for my family, friends, food, a home, a job (Liens') and many more. I can say I am truly blessed. I have everything that I've ever wanted and even more.

This year my sister wanted to do Thanksgiving. Since she just got her own apartment she wanted to try it. I did a lot of teasing since this is also her first time cooking for us. Yikes!!!!
I'm so glad that she offered to do it. Usually every year we end up making Thanksgiving dinner and I'm usually always tired or pooped from cooking that I don't get to dress up or put any make up on.
This year I got to dress up (a little) and put make up on and make myself look pretty...or at least try to!

Food turned out well and we all enjoyed spending some time with our family. Nothing beats spending time with family.
After we spent some time with my side of the family we headed off to Liens' sisters house in Euclid. Had some more turkey and chatted a bit and then we were off to his brothers' house. We stayed there until 4 am and then I dropped the kids and Lien off at home. After that I head straight to my friends' house to pick her up for some Black Friday shopping. This is our very first Black Friday shopping so we were excited. Needless to say we were a little disappointed but we did score some good deals and we had fun. Not sure if we will be doing it again next year. We might just for the fun of it though! : )

I hope every one had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's definitely the season to be thankful and definitely the year. It's been a hard road/year for a lot of people/families but be thankful that we still have our families and be thankful for the will to keep moving on.

God bless!

This is the whole family on my side except we are missing one older sister and her family. We miss you guys!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Champs

2010-11-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

Nilun and Naree had a gift certificate to Champs from their soccer coach this summer and never got to use it. So I decided to take them yesterday. It was a gift certificate for a free kids' meal. Who wouldn't like that? FREE!!!

The kids were pretty excited to go! I was too simply because I have never been to Champs and have been wanting to try it out.
The food was okay (i've had better) but our waiter was great. A very friendly and nice guy.

Nilun is sneaky!

Our waiter was really nice. The kids' meal came with ice cream sundaes. Since we only had two certificates (Jasmine didn't play soccer this year) he said he would give us three sundaes and not charge me for the extra one. How nice!

Well the story goes. We had two certificates, one for Nilun and one for Naree. I gave him two but he came back with one and said i could save the one for next time. Kids eat free so we were able to just use the certificate for Nilun only and Naree ate free anyways. If i knew that in the beginning I'd have Jasmine pick something out of the kids' menu!

We had a great time there, joking and laughing about, well i don't know. Some of it was really nothing, we were just having fun. We ended our evening with a walk at Beachwood mall. Just checking it out, see what's on sale or if we can find anything. Needless to say, every time I go there, i always walk out empty handed. Nice place, but very expensive! Oh and that will probably be Nilun's last visit there. He hated it that there was nothing for young boys, toy/game wise!

Review

2010-11-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty sick lately and been lacking on blogging. So to save you from all the bore i'll just do it in pictures. Spanning from a few weeks ago.


Oktoberfest a few weeks ago. It wasn't that impressive i must say.


We made this cuties for Narees' team mates on their last day of soccer. Yummy!


Naree was a Diva for Halloween. We missed our church's Trunk or Treat but she was able to go Trick or Treating with her cousins on Sunday! Nilun and Jasmine went with their friends this year.

My sister and her daughter were baptized this pass weekend. Congrats!!!!!

Panipopo: Coconut Buns

2010-10-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

Last night we made Panipopo, a Hawaiian dessert. We were introduced to it by one of our fave missionary, sister Soliai (she's from Hawaii if you haven't guessed!). We loved it so much we asked her for a recipe!

I had been meaning to make this for a while but just didn't get to it. So last night we finally decided to just go. It was pretty easy. My kids could pretty much do it themselves, if they wanted to.

buy these and let them thaw and rise on their own. I lined mine 3 a roll, which came out big so next time i'm trying 4 a roll.

see? They come already pre-rolled so you don't have to do anything!

To make sauce!:
you'll need a can of coconut milk. Heat over medium heat and add sugar to taste. Depends on how sweet you want it.
Pour the sauce all over lined rolls. Don't use all of it. Just half.
You will need to use the other half for when it's almost done.
When rolls are cover with sauce bake it at 350 degrees.
Once rolls are a little golden brown (almost done) pour remaining sauce all over rolls.
Let cook. Once it's golden brown and ready bring it out and ENJOY! We sure did!

Well this is an attempt at a recipe so if you don't understand it, let me know.
Now go ahead and make it, I promise it'll be soo good! And it's easy too! So what will be your excuse? : )

Pattersons' Farm

2010-10-20T11:53:00.000-04:00

A few days ago the kids had a day off from school. Must have been some teachers meeting thing. I'm not sure. But any who, i decided that this year we should do the whole hayride, corn maze and picking pumpkin kind of thing people do on Halloween. Since we never do it. I know i know, i'm horrible....just shoot me.

So I told the kids and they were excited, so was i. The only problem? I've never been to Pattersons' Farm. So I looked it up and got the directions and off we go. We were pretty excited!!!!
We got to the farm and okay i have to admit, it wasn't what i expected it to be, but who cares. We are actually here! So we look around and see some pumpkins. But in my mind I'm thinking "hmmm i thought they would be on the ground every where, not in crates".
We found some nice sized ones for $2. So when I went to pay for them, i asked the cashier where the corn maze was and she said "oh that's not here, it's at our other location down the street a bit more".
Great! I was at the wrong place. How was I suppose to know. So I asked for the direction (very easy and close by) and off we went again.
On our way there we saw this nice little place that had a corn maze so I asked the kids if they wanted to stop by.


they had to take one with the spider!


This is my hunk! I do think we make a lovely couple! Don't you?


We were not impressed with the corn maze. Very small

We only spent about 15 minutes there and then it started drizzling a bit. So we decided to just head out to Pattersons' Farm.
We found it! Right when we drove into the farm it started raining. Wait I should correct that....it starting pouring cats and dogs!
We were pretty disappointed. We waited a bit but the rain kept on going and going.
So needless to say we never got to do the things we wanted to do. So Pattersons' farm is still on our 'to-do' list. Boohoo.
But it was a good thing that we bought pumpkins earlier. And by the way I did not see any pumpkin patches at the farm either. If any one knows....is it further in or something? How about the big slide, corn maze and hay rides? Where were they? Because i didn't see them at all? Unless i'm not going in all the way? Weird.


Can you tell he was excited? Since he didn't get to go with us on our adventure (he was at a friends) we got him a pumpkin to carve. Yay for us!

Ignoring the fact that I went to the wrong place, I'd have to say we had a little fun, it was an adventure! At least i can say i tried right? I get points for that don't I?

Girls' Night

2010-10-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

I always feel giddy when I'm dolling up just to go out and have dinner with a friend. I don't get those kinds of nights all the time so when I do get that chance, I dress up or at least try to and put on some make up (finally) and head out into the night and maybe just maybe turn some heads!
We headed out to Coventry for some Thai food at Mint Cafe. But you can't just go to Coventry and not go to City Buddha! That place is my favorite place in Coventry, asides from the food. You can find some really unique things there and every time you go there, there are always some new things.

she's so cheesy huh?

Lad Nah! My fave but this one at Mint Cafe was not as great as ones that I've had before. Chicken was very dry too.


this one is called Coventry Road Madness. It was pretty tasty especially with the Basil flavor but I personally thought the squid was a little too chewy. But the Salmon was wonderful especially with Basil. I think I'll have to try a Salmon and Basil recipe now!

We had such a wonderful time. We giggle and laughed and joked and just chatted. About every thing and anything. Being mommies we hardly ever get a chance to see our friends because we are so busy taking care of our kids and our 'home front'. I'm grateful that I am able to get to do this even if it's once in a while.
We totally enjoyed our 'date' the other night. We laughed till we almost cried. That's how fun it was. I wished I hadn't waited 3 months just to spend some time with a good friend. I think i'll have to change that. 3 months is just way to long!
So now it's back to our mommy and wifely duties til next time we will doll ourselves up again and think we are gorgeous even if no one notice.

To top this night off we went and watched this movie.

Yes in 3D!!! It wasn't what I had expected at all. We were all worked up on it being a scary movie. We WANTED it to be scary, but it wasn't. Wasn't even a horror movie. It is a good movie, got my brain working and all. It's a good movie but if you are looking to be scared then this movie is not the one. A good watch but not scary. Plus the 3D really helped! I think I like 3D now!

Cannery

2010-09-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

Last week I went to the cannery with a few friends from my ward. I've never been to the cannery, I have only heard of it so when my friend asked if I wanted to go I took the opportunity to say yes. I really wanted to see how it all works. I'm curious...i'm a monkey!
I'm so glad that I decided to go. It was a great experience for me to go and help out in some way. Even if it's just to can a few things, i felt like i've contributed to society.....even if it didn't seem like it.
I also had the chance to see the 'bishop store'. How wonderful is that? A place to store food for families that need it? And all out of the our pockets because we want to help. I'm so glad that we have something like this going on here right in our back yard. I see commercials all the time about donating or giving money....but to be honest i wonder how truthful and honest that is? I mean seriously I'd love to help, but how do i know that that money is going where it's suppose to go? How? I've heard way too many stories that the money isn't necessarily going to the children/s.
At least with this 'bishop store' I know where that money is going. And I'm so grateful that we get the opportunity to provide this when we get the chance. I'm so grateful for the volunteers that are there every day filling orders. People helping people in need! What better way to live. I hope I can be a good example like these volunteers...I hope to do more for society and help. I will try to do the best I can. I don't have much but I can help.

Being at the cannery has opened up my eyes a bit. I see things in a better light, i guess you can say. I'm sure I'm mumbling here, but it's how i felt just being there. Knowing that i've helped in some way to get food to my ward families! And that's a good feeling no matter who you are.

rice

this machine was awesome. I loved working it. It's a machine that closes shut the lids.

pouring in the wheat

I know that this might seem a small thing to most people and it probably is. But to me it was a big step/milestone for me. I've always wanted to be able to get out of my comfort zone and help others or just at least be helpful in a way. And this was an opportunity for me to do just that. It may just seem like an every day thing to some and not a big deal. But for me it was everything. I'm so grateful and thankful that I got this chance to be involved. Even if it's just canning hot chocolate.....and it smelled so good!

Car Trouble

2010-09-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

Last week Liens' car broke down. Something about the brakes. He had his brother look at it since his brother knows a few things about fixing car. He was a mechanic for the Air Force....i think! He fixed the convoys. Usually Lien could fix it himself but he has been working 12 hours a day every day so he has been unusually very tired. And since his brother is living with us right now and not doing anything he thought he should get his brother to take a look at it.
Turns out it was worst than he had thought. They pretty much had to take every thing out and fix all the brake lines and stuff like that. I don't know anything about cars but when i heard:
"okay we'll go buy a torch tomorrow" I know it's something huge....right?
It's been at least 4 days total now that Lien hasn't been able to ride his car. He has been getting rides with my dad to work since they work together. But for the pass 2 days i have been picking him up from work since dad is not working 11 hours. Only Lien and 2 other guys work the extra hours.
It's been a pain in the butt to say the least. It's not fun when you don't have flexibility. When you have to depend on some one else to pick you up and drop you off it gets a little frustrating doesn't it?
He misses his car and we sure hope it is up and running soon. It's an old car but he can still drive it. And we will be using it till it really breaks down and dies on us.....which i hope won't be for a very very long time (knock on wood) I really can't afford another car.


fixing his baby!

Nilun has been helping the boys out too. He is learning so much. That is a good thing.

Hopefully this baby will be up and running really soon.

Liz's surprise baby shower 9/18/10

2010-09-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I threw a friend of mine from church a surprise baby shower. I have been planning this shower for weeks and weeks but couldn't really figure out what i should do. This is my first time hosting a baby shower. So i was a little nervous. I've been to plenty of baby showers but it's a little different when you are actually the one planning it and hosting it.
I really stressed myself out with planning this. I'm glad that another friend of mine offered to help. What a relief, finally some one who knows what she is doing! She ended up helping me with the invitations, which are very awesome! So cute. So thank you Niki!

I was stressing out over and over again. I was afraid that there wouldn't be room for every one in my house or the food wouldn't be great. What was i suppose to do with decorations? I know i sound like an idiot right? Like i don't know how to do anything. I really do know how to do lots of things but since it is my first time hosting a party of this type i wanted it to be good. I didn't want to disappoint.

I got things done just in time! Thanks to the missionaries who came over to help with a few things. I had just enough time to get myself all pretty up. Just when i had gotten done with putting on my make up the first guests had arrived. A little early i might add but still okay. Then every one started coming one by one. I'm so glad i did this party. It gave me an opportunity to mingle with some of the ladies from church and get to know them (well i kinda didn't really get that, since i was busy worrying about things and stuff). I'm really glad we had a great turn out too. I'd love to thank every one for coming, sorry i can't post your names - only because i can't remember who all came. So i'll leave it at THANK YOU for coming and enjoying this day with the happy parents-to-be! They greatly appreciate it.
And a special shout out to all that helped bring food: Rochelle, Barbara, Niki and Camille. Thanks to my sister-in-law who made salad for us and my mommy who made noodles.
It helped me so much. THANK YOU again!

You all should have seen Liz's face! Priceless! I wish someone would have captured it on camera....too bad. She had no clue, which is good. I'm so glad her husband didn't let it out or any of the girls. I'm glad he could get her to my house!
These two are great people and they will make great parents, i can just tell. My husband and I are grateful to meet these two. We hope the best for them and their child. This baby is going to be one lucky kid!

marshmallow pop party favors and Orchids for gift for our games

missionaries helping out! Thank you!

I have to add before i forget. I've like to thank Rochelle for writing the list for the gifts and such. So grateful. Now i'm really a bad host.
And i might add, thank you for bringing the fried rice. Much appreciated! : )
I do have to say that i was a pretty bad host. I didn't really know what i was doing. I forgot about the cake, i forgot about the games, so not every one got to play. Sorry. I'll do better next time, if there ever is a next time.

mom to be!

these socks are so adorable

I'm glad we got to meet these two. They are wonderful. Can you imagine the son they are having? He's going to be a heart breaker i have a feeling!

So all that stressing i did? Yeah they were all for nothing. It turned out great. I was just being a little too hard on myself....as always!

I hope you enjoyed your party! I hope it was a blast or at least a little fun. I can't wait to see the little guy!
CONGRATULATIONS MIKE AND LIZ GILLINS

Our story

2010-09-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

This is a true story of a little girl who dreamed of one day being married, having her white picket fence, a puppy, and some kids to watch over. Little did she know, it would happen sooner then she thought.

This was taken only 3 months prior to my engagement. Time sure has flown by hasn't it?

This is her story:
It was 1997, I was just a 17 year old girl enjoying spending time with her friends and working. I didn't have much care in the world. I enjoyed just hanging out with my two best friends, John and Brandy. I couldn't go a day without talking to those two. My life seemed perfect. Nothing there to make me worry about or stress about. I was having the life that any teenage girl would dream of. A wonderful best friend, a fun job, a car to drive and just about to finish 9th grad and ready for the summer. I had visions of going out with my friends on the weekend after work and just taking our drives and spending time together. I wanted to make sure that i had all the time to spend with my friends. But a little part of me was pretty scared. I was going to be all by myself this year. My sister had all graduated from school so i would be starting my 10th grad all on my own. Going to school on my own was a little frightening to me. I'd have to get up all my self, no sister to wake me up or no sister to come home with. I hated changes; the one thing i can't deal with is changes. I was I suppose to cope with that? Good thing I had my best friends there with me. I'd had broken down.
One day, needless to say, this day would change my whole life. I couldn't even have known that in one week the course of my life would change...and to think i was afraid of changes! I did that to myself for sure.

I had just gotten home from work and mom was at her usual spot waiting for me on the sofa watching her Thai lakorns. Mom kinda had this little smile on her face...seemed kinda weird but i didn't think too much about it. After my sister arrived home, mom sat us down. Uh oh!! What did we do this time?
My mom told us that it was time that we had to move on with our lives. Mainly she was talking to my sister. She told her that she is getting older now and she has finished school now and she thinks that it's time she should get married and have a family. She told my sister she has someone for her, he's a nice guy and his family is ready for him to get married and they had called her. You see mom wanted my sister to marry this stranger, some one who she has never even seen before. How is she suppose to marry some one she doesn't even know?
My sister told her no, i won't do it. I love my boyfriend and i'm moving out with him. So that was it....my sister was pretty brave huh?
A few days later I was working pretty late at the shop. I had made a personal pizza for mom - her fave with jalapenos! We were sitting down and eating our food watching moms' Thai lakorns. After we finished mom said " Noy sit down i want to talk to you about something".
Oh man I'm in trouble is what i was thinking at that time (don't know why i always think that, why would i be in trouble. I never do anything to get in trouble for.)
"I want you to know that all I ever wanted for you girls is to be happy. I want you girls to find some one who will take care of you.
You should know how my life was in Laos, it was a struggle. And i don't want you guys to struggle like i did. I want you girls to have a good life. I want you girls to know that I would do anything for you girls to make you happy. But living here is not going to be good. We don't have enough money to do anything. I want you to have a better life than what you have now. Don't have the life that i've had."
You must know, all while she is telling me this, she is crying. So what do you think i was doing? Yep, i cried, because i couldn't stand seeing mom cry even though i had no idea what she was crying about.
" Since your sister won't marry him, i want you to think about it. I think it'll be good for you. If you stay here, there'll be nothing here for you. At least if you marry him, you'll have a better life, a better chance to do things that you won't be able to do if you stayed. I want you to think of my life back when i had no choice, i have to walk every where, i had to ask for food some times just to feed you girls. I would walk to the store or to work for miles and if you girls wet/soiled yourself i had to walk back home to wash your cloth and then walk back. I don't want that kind of life for you girls. Your dad is in jail because he stole to provide for us. I don't ever want that kind of life for you girls. That's why i came out here, to give you girls a better life. I want you to think about it and do this for me. I know you'll have better life if you do. He will take good care of you.
I know I can count on you to do this. Your sisters aren't like you. Your older sister has left and now your sister is leaving us too. You're the only one i can count on now."
She takes one look at me and say "go think about what i said."

That night i couldn't sleep at all. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with thoughts and images. Images of my white picket fence, my puppy and kids running around my big yard. Man that would be the life wouldn't it? So weird though, that all these images that are going through my head, there's not a man in that image. Where is he?
I went to work the next day and thought of it all day. When i got home mom was waiting for me.
" His family said they will have him call you today. Make sure you don't go anywhere today okay? I talked to them already and they say okay. I will send a picture to them for him to see."
Mom seemed so happy just with the aspect of sending a picture. How could i think of breaking that smile?

A few days passed....."Noy phone for you."
"Hello"
"Hello Noy?
"Yes"
"Hi this is Lien."
Silence
"Umm hi."
"Your parents told me to call you."
"Oh okay."

I'm not even sure what we talked about the first time he called me, it's such a blurr. The second time he called:
"Hi Noy."
"Hi"
"I got your picture today. It's nice"
"thanks"

The famous picture! He said he took one look at me and knew he wanted to marry me. He said just by looking in to my eyes he knew i was a nice person with a good heart, someone he would want to marry.

The night of our second call I had a dream. In my dream i was walking to my friends house with her to eat. When we got to her place, we walked up the steps and went inside. Once inside her father was at the corner sitting down to eat. He called us over. I sat down ready to eat then i heard the door open, i looked at my friends' father, he looked at me and said " look there he is, he's here now." I turned around to look, right about when i turned around to see who it was, i woke up. I was sweating like crazy even though it wasn't a nightmare. How weird!
I went to work that day. When I got home, my and I did our usual routine. And i did it! I looked at her and said "ok mom, i'll do it. You can tell them ok."
please don't ask me why i said yes....because i don't know why. I just did it. I still don't know why
Mom gave me a smile and said "ok i will."
That was it, that was the beginning of my adult life. A decision like that would be, to me, an adult choice.
We talked on the phone for two months. He seemed pretty happy to be talking to me. He'd wait to call me after i got off work at midnight, it wold be 3 am in Ohio.
He asked me once, "Are you sure this is what you want to do? I know this is what i want to do. They wanted to me marry your sister but i was never interested. Even when i saw your guys' picture, before i even knew who you are she was, i looked at your picture and wanted it to be you. But when they told me it was her, i didn't want to. So that's why i never called. When they told me that it was you, I was happy. I couldn't wait to call you. So i need you to make sure that this is what you want and it isn't because some one made you do it."
"No no one made me do this, i made the choice myself."
(I couldn't tell him that i did this to make my mom happy, to finally make her proud)

A few weeks later they arrived! We met them at the Boise airport. I was a nervous wreck. "Noy what are you doing? What is this? Ready or not this is it. There is no going back!"
"Hi Noy! This is for you." (He's holding a single red rose.)
"Thank you."

The next day we have our engagement for our friends. There are so many thoughts running through my head. Is this actually happening? Am I really going to get married and move away from my family? Who is this guy? I don't even know anything about this guy? How am i just suppose to marry him? I don't feel anything for him? Lord what am I doing? Help me!


our engagement. I was a nervous wreck but you can't tell. I'm very good at keeping my emotions to myself.

don't we look happy! I was a little nervous in this picture, didn't know if i had to hug him or something. Perfect engagement photo huh?

I know it sounds bad to be thinking these things before you are to be engaged. But would you blame me?
I know i did it probably for all the wrong reasons, but could you blame me for just wanting to make my mom happy. To make my parents proud? How many kids out there hate to see their parents sad or disappointed? I'm not saying i'm a great person but i wanted so bad to be the one to make them proud. I wanted so bad for that approval.

my friends who made it out to my engagement. I miss you guys so much. I couldn't have went through it with out you guys. The guy with the purple shirt is a friend, we use to like each other, i was surprised he came. I later found out he was sad to see me go. He had wanted to marry me or something like that, if i'm not forgetting.

Truth be told, i was afraid. I was afraid of going to school alone, waking up alone after being in a room with my sisters since i was born. I was afraid that i couldn't make it. I wanted a safety net. And it's bad to say, but i saw him as my safety net. I wanted to feel safe and i didn't want to have the life my mother had. I wanted some one to take care of me. Some one who will always be there for me, who will provide for me. Sounds a little self absorbed doesn't it? But it was the truth.

goofing off after our engagement. We went down to Shoshone Falls to take pictures.

at the airport saying good bye to my family and best friend in the world! This is the start of a new life for me....this day starts it all. I only have two child hood friends and she is one of them. I love her and am so grateful for her support in my decision and in every thing that i've gone through so far.

I moved to Ohio the day after my engagement in Idaho, July 20th 1997. I didn't get to say 'bye' to my school friends nor my best friend. I only got to say good bye to Brandy only because she went to my engagement. I arrived in Ohio and it was a whole new different world for me. I felt kinda lost? Felt a bit like a needle in a haystack, just waiting for someone to find me and get me out. People were in and out coming by to say hi. I was a little, well very overwhelmed. I've never had to experience socializing with this many people. I was a little intimated. My first day was pretty overwhelming. My first night was a little nerve wrecking. So glad that he was a gentleman and understood. You see when we were younger, we weren't allowed to go to parties or anything like that. We were pretty much sheltered our whole lives, our parents were pretty strict. My wedding was my first party ever. So i had no idea what i was doing.
We got married on September 20th, 1997 in Ohio.


our traditional ceremony. I promise by this time i was falling in love with my husband. So glad that he had already fallen' in love with me the day of our engagement.

It's been 13 years now. It hasn't been easy breezy for us. We've had our moments of tears, heart ache, arguments and laughter. We've accomplished so much as a couple and as individuals. We have two wonderful and beautiful children.
Through out the years I often wonder how life would have been like if i had said "no". Where would i be right now? Who would i be with? Or would i even had found love yet? It wasn't that i wasn't grateful. I am grateful for such a wonderful husband who loves me so much and does so much for me. But with the life i had, you can't stop but wonder some times of the ' what ifs'.
I fell love this stranger, some one i've never known before. How could i have fallen in love with this man i've never met before? I don't know where i could find that answer and i think i'll never find it. But that's okay because i don't need to know....now.

beautiful? I was looking at someone, not sure. And he's checking out his ring. Or maybe just wanting to take it out. He hates wearing jewelry.

I've lived in the pass for so many of our married life I think it should be fitting that i let it go and live for the future. I don't want to think of the 'what ifs' anymore. Who cares about it. If it happens it happens.
I'm happy right now. I have a wonderful husband who cherish me and two amazing kids who keep me grounded.
You don't know how many times i wanted to end it all. How did i get here? Why did i do this to myself? What was i thinking? Did i just think that every thing would be easy? How naive was i? I was merely a child myself.....

I've let my heart go and it's been hurt many times. But that is part of life right?
I have to say though, that no matter what it was, i'm glad I stuck to it. I made a commitment and i want to keep this. I don't want to be that person i'm afraid of becoming.

I'm happy with how life has turned around to be. Through all our trails and heart ache trying to keep our family together, I think it has made us stronger as a couple and as a family. Without these trails we would not be where we are today. I am lucky that you turned out to be a wonderful man who respects and honor me. I tried my luck and it paid off.

in our bedroom. Those flower things behind us. They have to stay up for 3 days. And we can't make them fall. If it falls, that means whose ever falls, that person won't love or doesn't love the other. Something like that. And if you must know, mine fell the second day. I didn't mean to, kinda hard to sleep with this big thing on top of your head. His didn't even move a bit. What gives?

So thank you mom for telling me your story, it has helped me to become a better person, a more understanding and devoted woman. It has made me realize that you don't have to fall in love in the beginning (although that would help) It's not about that at all. It's about falling in love with the man you've began to know. It's about taking your time and understanding and adoring this person you've grown to love. And that is a love that i will cherish.
Thank you to my husband that you saw my picture and wanted me. I know we've had our trails...we've gone through every obstacle out there. And although we've lost sight of things a few times, I'm glad we were able to come out of it. I'm grateful for this life you've given me. You made a promise to me when we first met that you would always take care of me and try your best to be do what you can. And you done that, way more than you know. I made a promise to you that i would try my best to be a good wife and do every thing i can to make you happy. And although I'm still working on the good wife thing, i think you would love me either way.

our first dance!

Mr. and Mrs. Lien Lovanh!

Got him!

He looks a little too happy.

Going in for it. I don't have the picture for it, but he went in head first and got the garter with his teeth. He is pretty silly!

I'm so glad i gave it a chance. Maybe you were in the one in my dream. The one right behind me but i couldn't see you. But now i see you, clear as light. And i see that this is the life we should live, this is the love we should cherish. The is the life that we've made!....together.
So lets make a promise....that we will live this life.........together! Til death do us part!

Oh and thank you for such amazingly good looking kids too! And of course my puppy. And yes i know, you are working on the big house with our white picket fence! And don't worry, you can take your time. I'm enjoying this journey with you and our kids. No rush!


So glad i married you. You've made a happy wife. You are a wonderful man...I love you and i'm so glad that i get to cuddle with you every night! Happy 13th anniversary my love!

I love you my handsome stranger! : )

Our life in memories. (i'll try to keep it short...if that's even possible)


He surprised us to a trip to Vegas! But i was only 20 years old. I couldn't do anything. But he made up for it by taking me to Idaho to see my sister and best friend. He always amazes me!


He's so sneaky! Mommy and Nilun sleeping! He was only about 1 month old! Born 5/16/98. Come to think of it, i'm not sure if this is Nilun or Naree. They kinda looked the same when they were small. I'm almost positive it's Nilun though.

Naree at the hospital. We had to stay for an extra 2 days because of her blood condition. But she is doing good. Born 1/2/01

Naree 1/2/01


2003

We're not a perfect family but we are a very happy family!

His favorite spot

2010-09-12T22:34:00.001-04:00

this is his favorite spot! I usually don't mind since he's very furry and fluffy. It feels so nice and warm! Seriously who can say no to this face?

Conversations with Raspberries!

2010-09-09T00:56:00.000-04:00

I went raspberry picking with a friend of mine today. And it was very fun! Who knew that the simple act of picking raspberry and enjoying having a conversation with a friend would brighten up my day? I'm so glad my knee decided to give me a break today so that i can enjoy this time with a friend i have wanted to get to know better.

This was my first time picking raspberries. I've picked fruits before but not raspberries so i was excited to do it. The weather turned out perfect for a day of picking berries....not too cold, not too hot! Just perfect!
At first we decided that 3 quarts (i think it was quarts?) would be enough for us so that's all we got. But after filling up our 3 quarts Liz decided that she wanted just a little bit more so she can have enough for her to make jam. So i said "ok lets get more". She said we would just probably get 2 more quarts because she was getting kinda tired from bending down a lot and her back was hurting (she's pregnant). So we decided on just 2 more quarts each. We went back and had the lady hold ours for us while we picked more.

Liz having her lunch and picking berries. Pregnant and a muti-tasker!

We ended up actually filling out all 3 quarts again, which probably was best since she'll have enough for jamming and i'll have enough for....well all i plan on doing is eating them!. We come out winners either way!
I'm really glad i went and so glad Liz invited. I got the opportunity to get to know her better and just do something fun with a friend. Those times are priceless.

i couldn't get a good shot, the wind was blowing pretty hard at this moment so i was not steady hence the blurred photo.

After our fruit picking we had a little lunch before we said our good-byes! It was a great time spent with a friend. I'm thinking we'll probably go back again....don't know when but i'm sure we will. I have a hunch! So who's going with us next time? Well since you didn't go with us, guess you'll just have to enjoy these pictures and drool!?! ha ha ha.

not a very "beautiful" shot of me but oh well. I can't look good all the time right? Heehee. I really hate my acne.

yummm! Looks good doesn't it?

Virgina

2010-08-27T11:45:00.000-04:00

Wow this post is long over due. Things have been so hectic lately i haven't had the time to sit down and post anything. Well better late than never!

We decided as a family since every year we always to to Tennessee for vacation (actually we don't call it vacation any more-we go too often) that we would go some where else different. And since we've never been to the ocean (the ACTUAL ocean) we decided to head out there. Fortunately for us I have a friend who lives close to the ocean! So we made our plans and it was perfect timing too. That weekend was Liens' birthday! We get to celebrate Liens' birthday AND celebrate finally getting to see the ocean!...an actual beach..yippy!
Lien has been to an actual beach before. He used to live in San Diego. Lucky him!
We decided to head out late Friday night right after Lien gets home from work...now that was his choice. He was working 12 hours that week. That's what happens when you are such a hot shot at work...people always need you! : ) His boss makes every one work 12 hours every time we are going to go on vacation. Good and bad.
We left at around 9 pm Friday night and we got to Virgina at around 10 am. We took a little power nap at Margies' place and woke up around 12 noon. Then off to the Virgina beach Aquarium! That was pretty fun.

After every one was ready to go we headed off to Virgina Beach to have lunch at this Pho place. Not too bad but i think my Pho is better...i might be a little bias here!
Then Mike and Margie took us to take a look at VA beach!...a little teaser!

After that we headed back to their place to rest a bit, which didn't really happen. By that time we were all hungry so the guys just rested a bit and then off to dinner at this seafood buffet! Amazing place....we stuffed ourselves like crazy! Good times i tell ya! and yes Margie, you were right, i was wrong. The seafood place was all i needed. Sorry for making you ask your coworkers for a good seafood place. But to be fair, i didn't ask you to, you did it yourself. I did say any place is fine right? Besides quit complaining, you did it for a friend, that means you care. Geeesh such a complainer! J/K i love ya!
But i do appreciate all you did for us! It was above and beyond. Thank you!
After dinner we went for a little walk at Norfork beach. It was nice and breezy, perfect for a midnight stroll at the beach.

A perfect ending to a wonderful start!
Next day we went to lunch at subways!....eat fresh! ha ha ha
Then we headed back out to Virgina beach to see downtown and see where Margie works. She also took us to this museum. It was docking a very old Naval ship that has since been retired. It is the actual Naval ship they used during World Word I or II....i forgot. It was huge...long and huge. We didn't go in but there was this nice family that took a picture for us who gave us a sticker that allows you to tour the ship. They said they didn't need it. It was really nice of them to do that. The little girl didn't really want to give her sticker to us, she was adamant on keeping it! Her brother, father and mother were urging her to give it up (the sticker says "tour" in pink) but she was still adamant. Finally her mother walked off and her father finally said "give it to them, we'll not using it anyways". I mean we did tell them that it was ok that she didn't want to give it, we were good. But i think the father just wanted to teach his kids that giving something to some one who could use it was a nice thing since they didn't need it anymore. They had purchase the tour but didn't go do it, i think. It was still very nice of them to do that. I hope her mother wasn't too mad at her, but if it were my child i'd be mad me.
Anyways we also went to the Japanese garden in downtown, just down the street from Margies' work. She is one lucky lady. She gets this nice view for lunch every day!

After the garden we were off to VA BEACH!!!!!!!!!!

It was the beach day ever....literally! I didn't even think about any thing that had been stressing me out for the pass few days prior to this trip. We had such a wonderful, awesomely GREAT time! Can't believe I waited 30 years to see the ocean. But it's better late than never right? To prove my point that i'm such a "beach virgin" the first time i got in the water i was really scared but it got better. So anyways i was starting to have fun than i taste something kinda salty and kinda like blood tasting. So i thought my mouth was bleeding. I'm thinking to myself, "why am i bleeding?". So i swallowed (I'm a vampire by the way! I like to swallow back my blood, i feel like i can't lose my blood, i have to drink it back....i know strange....but hey i'm coocky like that!)
So after about 3 swallows, a light went up in my head and i was like "oh yeah, they say beach is salt water!". Needles to say, i spat that sucker out faster than you can say "salt"! Let me just tell you, that ocean is beautiful but not very tasty.

I really wish i had taken pictures of the many jelly fishes swimming around or laying dead on the sand. They were every where. I was a little freaked...to say the least, because when i hear jelly fish, poison comes to mind. But i was surprised there were no problems. Weird. Maybe they weren't that kind of jelly fish?
They looked like breast implants when they are laying on the sand.....dead. Margie and I kept on telling each other to clean up our implants. We are so messy you know! Geesh can't take us anywhere. : )

I can seriously rave on and on and on about this trip of ours, but i think it might be a little boring for some of you. So why not say in pictures? Enjoy!

So are you jealous yet? ha ha ha

Let me just tell you that our hosts, Mike and Margie, were the best ever. They went above and way beyond to make us feel comfortable and made it so fun for us.
We thank you very much for having us for 2 days. You guys are the best. I must warn you....you might not get rid of us now!
We appreciate all that you did for us. Thank you for the room to sleep in, the bathroom to, well you know! Thanks for the hospitality!

I couldn't have asked, well WE couldn't have asked for a better vacation and it was made possible by my husband, for working so hard so that we can have a family vacation. And also made possible by two fabulous couple, Mike and Margie for allowing us to go and visit and for taking us all over. THANK YOU!

Taking a walk around Margies' apartment complex. The place is nice....love the huge pond! My kiddos are really entertaining aren't they?

On our last night boo hoo we went crabbing! It was our first time as well as Mikes' and Margies' first time, so we were pretty excited to see what we can do.
It actually turned out to be pretty fun! We caught about 11 crabs and one ugly spider crab. We were there for about an hour so that wasn't bad at all. Lien and I were talking that next time we visit we'll have to take a weeks' vacation! Hear that Margie?...so get ready. If you didn't get tired of us then, wait till we stay for a week. It might drive you crazy! : )

Getting ready to do some crabbing!

The always fabulously dressed Margie!

Look! Mike caught some...yay!


And now it is time to say good bye. So sad to say but we had to. Until next time. We truly enjoyed every minute of our vacation and thank you to Mike and Margie again for having us. We appreciate it so much. Hope we didn't leave too much of a mess!

Ying Thitikarn - Yom Jum Non Fah Din (Eng Subs)

2010-08-10T03:35:00.000-04:00

One of my all time favorites. I love this singer, she has a great voice. This song is a very sad story, i think a lot of people can relate to this song. To me personally, (i know would be a shame to say now) i've felt like this many times. Those who know me would understand and those who don't know my story wouldn't understand. I don't expect any one to understand actually. And i also don't expect any one to judge me. If you haven't been in my shoes than you shouldn't judge me.
I'm looking to the present and the future now, that's all that matters.

This song has a lot of meaning. I've listen to this song over and over again, and it still makes me cry. No matter how many times i listen to this song, it still remains to be the best! I'll never get bored of this song.

Enjoy! Tell me what you think of the song.

Lyrics!

   Yahk dtor wah fah din tee hai rao pope jur
I blame Heaven and earth for allowing us to meet,

    Dtae mai yom jap rao koo gan
    But denying our union

    Fah din jong jai glayng rao tur wah reu plao
Would you say they’re torturing us on purpose?

    Tummai na tong haam ruk gan
    Why is our love forbidden?

    Kwarm mor som na reu tee yeun yao
    Is it because we’re not meant to last?

    Teung nai jai mun kaang,
    Although my heart opposes this,

    Soot tai, dtong yom jum non
    In the end, I must surrender

    *Gon tanon kong rao yaek gan
    Before our paths diverge

    Gon kwarm fun kong rao sin long
    Before our dreams come to an end

    Kae yahk pope gap tur suk hon,
    I only wish to see you once more,

    Sop dta eek krahng
    Look into your eyes again

    **Kae hai chun dai bauk tur suk kum
    Just so I can say a few words to you

    Poot nai wun tee jam; dtong jark
    To speak of the day I’ll remember; our farewell

    Yahk hai roo wah ruk tur mahk
    I want you to know that I love you so much

    Lae ja ruk, ruk dtalod pai
    And I’ll love, love you forever

    Gert chaht nee kae dai pope jur
    We were only able to meet in this lifetime

    Gert chaht nah koy fun gan mai
    Let’s renew our dreams in the next lifetime

    Wun nee jai salaai
    My heart is shattered today

    Yom jum non hai fah din yaek rao glai gan
    I surrender to Heaven and earth tearing us apart

    Paw jai laaw chai mai fah din
    Is Heaven and earth satisfied yet?

    Tee dai hen wah kon dtoy dtam
    To witness an inferior person

    Mun dtong jeb dtong chum dtong nam dta dtok
    Crying in pain and suffering

    Lohk bai nee mee kon mahk mai
    This world is filled with so many people

    Tummai dtong pen rao song kon yom jum non hai laaw
    Why did we have to be the ones to surrender?

    Wung wah kong por jai
    I hope that they’re satisfied

    Repeat *, ** twice

    Kon ruk gan yai fah din teung mai kao jai
    Heaven and earth didn’t sympathize with our love

Mommy is "Noy"

2010-08-07T02:50:00.002-04:00

So today while i was typing a note to my dear friend, my daughter was sitting beside and watching me do it. She was pretty amazed that i was typing at warp speed and not looking at my hands. Then she noticed that my notes' size was smaller than the size of my friends' note. I was responding back to her email. So she asked her brother, and i will be quoting.

Naree: "Nilun why is moms' letter size smaller than Margie's?"
Nilun: "Probably because mom set her font and letter size to be a small size and Margie has her big"
Naree: "Oh i know! Because mom is "noy". Everything about her is "noy" even her letter size!"

And they both laugh hysterically! Seriously these kids will not let me live this name down. If you understand what i'm talking about than obviously you've been reading my blog, if you don't understand the funniness of it than you'll have to go back and read my blog. Because i will not repeat what my name means again.

Don't you just love kids?

something to read

2010-08-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

A few days ago and friend of mine posted this on her blog. After reading it, it reminded me so much of me. And i'm sure it applies to a lot of moms out there. So have a read and pat your self on the back all you moms out there.

What you don't see...

By: Tiffany Gee Lewis
Posted in Mormon Times 20 April 2010

What you don't see, when we all march into church on Sunday morning, is the chaos of the morning that happened just 10 minutes earlier.

What you don't see, when you look at my four little boys in their suits, is that the 7-year-old is wearing Dad's socks because we couldn't find his. And they go all the way up to his knees.

What you don't see, when I pull out the lovely quiet book I made a few years back, is that below it, in my church bag, are five baggies of smashed raisins because I haven't cleaned out the bag for months.

When you enter my house, with its shining entryway, you don't see the three loads of laundry dumped on my bed. Or the dirty pots I stashed in the oven. And you will never see the interior of my minivan, not until I find the time to vacuum it out.

When you admire the hand-sewn pajamas I made for tall the kids, we don't talk about the three nights I got no sleep to make those.

If you look on my blog, you will see pictures of homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. You won't see my confession to popping in a frozen pizza THREE times last week for dinner.

Or the night we ate Cheerios for dinner, dry, because we were out of milk. There is a zoom on my camera for a reason. There is a delete button for a reason.

I don't think we're all playing a part. We naturally want to put our best selves forward, so that is what other people see. They don't see what's going on behind the scenes. I like to think that good parenting is like a duck on the water. What you see is the gentle, almost effortless gliding, not the furious paddling that happens underneath.

I keep a mental list of about ten people I want to stalk by camera, from morning to night, to see how they do it all. Are they up at 4 am? Can they survive on three hours of sleep? Do they have a housekeeper? Because I drop balls just as fast as I can grab them. My intentions are of pure gold, but they come out as tinkling brass, at best.

I started a blog last fall. I dragged my feet into it for many reasons. One of the main reasons I hesitated was I didn't want to be another contributor to the cyberspace guiltosphere out there. Especially where mothers are concerned, do we need one more reason to feel guilty?

Because from the looks of things, other families are happier, their houses are cleaner, their marriages are better, their clothes are more stylish and their craftiness is even more crafty. Their lives are perfectly lovely, while my kids are running around screaming in their diapers.

My worst fears were confirmed last week when I got an e-mail from a friend who asked, "How do you do it all? Your column, your blog, all the things you do with your children? You're amazing!"

I looked around at my house, at the six bins of winter clothes waiting to be transported to the garage, at the sewing projects stacked against the wall, at the state of the toothpaste crusted to the sink... I let things go, a lot of things.

A spanking-clean house is not a high priority for me. I'm a big believer in mud and its importance in a child's life. The time I take to write is time away from scrubbing that bathroom sink. I would rather read with my kids than shop at the mall, so I am certainly not up-to-date on the latest styles. I've been listening to the same music for 20 years because I can't seem to keep up with the latest music scene. And I require a lot of sleep.

We all have priorities. For some, it is keeping a spotless house, and they are good at it. For others, it is writing, or exercising, or serving others. And yes, there are some who seem to do it all, the Benjamin Franklins of the world. I tell myself I don't have to be them. And also, Benjamin Franklin was not much of a family man. Even he let things go.

What we don't see, when we look at each other on Sunday, or on blogs, or in our shiny kitchens, is that we all have different talents and unique situations. I tell my kids all the time: Life is not a race. The only person you are competing against is yourself.

What we forget to see, when admiring others, is our own personal finish line.

Summer Cooking

2010-08-03T02:53:00.000-04:00

I love summer time. For many reasons but the number one reason would be all the grilling and cooking. I love, well i should say, we love to grill outside when the weathers' great. And we use charcoal, we don't like the gas grills. The charcoal gives the food this nice smokey smell and taste to it that doesn't even compare to gas grills. Yeah it takes more time to start up the charcoal and everything but i guarantee it is worth it.

That's why i love the Summer season. It's nice and warm, ok sometimes way too hot but i'll take it compared to the snow. It's the time of the year for our family to pack up and go on our vacations since the kids are off school too. Summer has its' many good traits!

Just a few of our summer grilling! Show us yours, what do you like to put on the grill or cook?

Allyse Robertson

2010-07-24T02:18:00.000-04:00

We had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful and wonderful missionary a few months ago. She is a great girl. She is actually the one that set up our baptism for us. The first time she came over to our house to meet us, we instantly fell in love with her. I mean how could you not?
We are blessed to have met such a young, beautifully and talented young woman who will go places. She is an inspiration to us. She has taught us so much and given us such a wonderful friendship that we are so sad to see her go. I are not sad that she will be ending her mission and going back home to see her family and start her life. What makes us sad, is that she is gone from Cleveland. We won't get to see her like we use. She is an incredible missionary!
Our kids love her so much. Ok so we might be a little bias, since she is from Boise but that's not the only reason why we love her. It's because she is awesome! She really is. Anyone who has met her will agree with me. We do have a few fave missionaries too but she is by far one of the best that we are very close to.
We know she will miss us and we will always keep in contact. She has really taught us so much about the gospel and everything. We are truly grateful to Heavenly father for bringing her our way! ; )

sorry i took this from her page! : )
I wish the best of luck to you in all that you do. May God always keep you in his arms and lead you to success. May whatever path you choose be the path to greatness and joy. May your life be blessed with love and care. We hope that you've accomplished all that you have hoped to accomplished. We hope you've made wonderful new and lasting friends along the way. We know we will keep you in our hearts and always remember you. We won't just remember you for your kindness, but we will also remember you for your honesty, integrity and knowledge. May your life be filled with laughter and joy. May your days be filled with sunshine and rainbows. May all the roads you take take you to the sky. Because you deserve it!

Thursday night her and her family came over to visit and have dinner with us. We are so glad that they were able to come visit. It was so nice to meet her family and talk to them. We have living in Idaho in common! ; ) I was going to make spring rolls for them (it's sister Robertsons' fave) but she had mentioned that her mom wanted to see how it was made so i decided to wait and have them make it with us. How fun is that huh? I think he liked making it. They need some improvements but didn't do too bad. We also did a little bbq out on the grill since sister Robertson likes the sticky rice. And since this is her day we made sure we had all the things she likes to eat at our place for her.

Even Lily made one!

Ribs and chicken! Yummy!

This picture turned out kinda lope sided or something. We all look kinda weird. Angle is wrong. But we still look good!

We had the Robertsons back to our house the next day for lunch along with the sisters. They enjoyed the food a lot...well at least that's what they tell me! ; ) I'll take their word for it.
The sister on the right with the blue shirt. I felt really sorry for her. I had sliced up some jalapenos and i laid them on top of the lettuce. She thought it was bell peppers so she just took it and popped it in her mouth. She realized it was hot and her eyes were watering. What made it worst was that she rubbed her eyes with the same hands she used to pick up the jalapenos. Yay not a very good idea! I felt really bad for her. But I told her "at least you'll have a good story to tell your parents. And plus we had beef tripe and beef hamstring in the pho too. So now she can add that she ate those too." Works out pretty well doesn't it?

The kiddie table! Lily did pretty well, she almost finished her bowl. I was pretty surprised that she ate everything in the bowl. Usually kids would ask what was in the bowl but she didn't, she ate it and yes even the tripe and hamstring. Wow is definitly the word.

At our wards' Trunk-or-Treat. She look scary huh?

Our batism! A day we will forever remember. Thank you to Sister Park and Sister Robertson for making this day the most memorable and special day for us. Aside from the cold water and being dunked 3 times, we had a wonderful time. It was and is a good decision. For us to be able to feel even more connected as a family is a great feeling. We are blessed to have each other.

I will forever be grateful to her. She has taught me so much and has given me so much without even knowing it. Although i will miss her dearly, i know she is going to do better things for herself. I am so proud of her for doing the mission. I hope that my kids will be inspired by her wisdom and knowledge and follow her path. We will forever hold her in our hearts!

Long lost friends and family

2010-07-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

Our Tennessee trip was awesome! So much fun. We love taking this yearly trip to Tennessee. It gives us a chance to be together as a family and it also gives the kids a chance to spend some time with their little cousin, Layla and their grandparents. We usually don't do much. We just hang out in the farm and help around the house and such. Nothing too fancy. But we do a lot of eating and socializing. A lot of it! We eat all the time. We could be eating and some one will want to know what else will we eat. It's funny!

This year we had a chance to visit Lien's best friend in Georgia. That's always a good treat for him. This is his friend since he was in Phillipine at the refugee camp before coming out to America. They kept in contact for a while after arriving in America but lost contact a few years after. It has been over 8 years since they lost contact and then one day while we were visiting his cousins in Michigan, they found each other and now they call each other all the time. They made a pact now, that they have to keep in touch atleast once a week, if the other doesn't call, some one has to. It's really great. I'm so happy for him that he found his best friend. He even have names for each other. And just this year, they found their other friend from when they were out in Phillipine. Now all they need to do is find one more and they are all together again. There was 4 of em'. Now 3...i'm sure they will find there friend soon enough. Facebook does some good stuff huh?

Liens' brother was able to be out there in Tennssee with us this year. They use to live with us but moved to Florida after their wedding in '07, i think. And we haven't seen them since then, so it was really nice to see them. They have 3 of the cutest kids.. They are so adorable. Anyways we are glad to see them. It is so nice to get to spend some time with family, especially ones you haven't seen in such a long time. Boy time flies by!

They have such adorable kids. minus one- she's some where. We hope to see them soon again. Maybe one day we can visit them in Florida. It would be a good idea, since i've never been to Disney Land/Disney World. The kids haven't been either so it would be a great trip! Can't wait....one day.

Tennessee

2010-07-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

We left for Tennessee on the 1st of July. We normally go to Tennessee around the 4th of July week. It is always fun since we love road trips and the kids are always excited to go. We try to stop every so often so the kids can stretch and of course our driver too! Some times i'll drive so Lien can rest but most of the time he drives. That's probably why it takes us 11 or 12 hours to get there because we stop to rest a lot. Normally it is a 10 hour drive. But we stop often for the kids and stuff. It's better to travel when you are not stretching for time or anything.
We always stop by this one fireworks store close to Athens to get some fireworks. Because unlike Ohio, Tennessee allows us to light fireworks! The kids, well, and also Lien goes a little crazy in that store.
At this store they have some fun stuffs for the kids to do and last year Naree wasn't able to put her face in one of the toy thingy there so this year she was excited to do it and she insisted that i take a picture.
We love to go to Tennessee even though we know we won't be doing much except for eating good food and hanging out with family. So boring huh? But we love it. And if we get lucky we get to visit Liens' friend in Georgia! And that is always so fun for me. If you know me, you should know i love, love, love to go on road trips! So fun!!!!

caught them sleeping! cute!!!

at the fireworks store- they look like giants huh?

Smores

2010-07-14T17:14:00.000-04:00

The night before we had to leave for Tennessee the kids wanted to make some smores. It was a great idea. We had so much fun just enjoying time with each other. I took advantage of it and cooked dinner on the grill that night too. Yummy!!!
We need to do more nights like these. So fun!

Sweet Home...Ohio?

2010-07-14T02:55:00.000-04:00

We are back from our anual family vacation to Tennessee. It has been great being out there and spending time with family and friends. But I'm also glad we are home. I've missed my bed so much. For the first 2 nights we slept on the floor...wood floor i must add. And it is not a very good place to sleep. We had soo many people in the house. That was the reason why we were on the floor. So glad we got to sleep on the sofa bed after everyone left.
We did so much while we were out there. I think i gained about 10 pounds...seriously!!!! All we did was eat, play and sleep and did the whole thing over again. We would be eating and someone will be asking "what are we eating for dinner?" Seriously!!!! Wow!
But that's how it is when we're out there and we won't have it any other way.
Yuki was probably home sick though. We couldn't let him roam like he does here at home. He was tied up pretty much all the time so i think next year we will have to find a sitter for him. He misses home so bad. Sorry boy! But i see he still had a little fun.
I will be posting pictures up soon. I can't wait to share the pictures, we had such a great time. Can't wait to share our adventures!

Oh and on a sadder note. My laptop died. Like totally and permanately died on me. So we will be looking for a new laptop. Hate it.

Boys will be...

2010-07-01T01:36:00.000-04:00

Girls???????

This is what happens when my son is around girls too much.. He starts acting like this with his friends. How silly!!!!!! I love this kid.

Seriously this kid is such a jokester!

Fathers' Day

2010-06-26T03:13:00.001-04:00

I know this is a little late but better late than never right? This post is dedicated to you my love!
(such a handsome dude huh? he is always posing)
We spent Father's Day weekend with my husbands' buddies in Findlay, Ohio. These are buddies from way back when...like when they were younger and some of em' had hair! ; ) It was a very fun weekend and I am glad that we went. My husband deserved to be there with his friends, enjoying their company. He works so hard all the time so he deserves to have fun with his buddies too. Even though they didn't do much. All we did was eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, sleep, swam (they had a huge pool), eat, swam some more, chit chat...oh and did i mention eat? ; )
We ate so much it was ridiculous. I must have gain a few pounds or something. I can see in my husbands' eyes that he was enjoying the time spent there, just sitting around and talking. Some times they talked of nonsense but i think they still enjoyed it. I'm so glad he was able to visit his good friend. I know he missed him. And i'm also grateful that we were able to go even just for the weekend.

Happy Fathers' Day baby! We love you! Thank you for everything that you've done, you will do and have tried doing for us. We are so grateful for such a thoughtful and caring daddy (hubby) such as you! Muah!!!! love ya!

Naree made this for him for Father's day in school.

We got the 3 amigos a cake for Father's day. They were pretty surprised! Got cha!!!!

Doesn't that look yummy?!? Chocolate Fudge cake, 3 candles but only 2 blew the candles. The other one didn't join in. Guess he was a party pooper. That's why he didn't get a photo.

Another view of the yummy cake! Vanilla and chocolate swirl.

I love this man! He is the best! We love you and we are so grateful to have you in our lives!

Festival

2010-06-25T01:04:00.000-04:00

Some time last month our town had a festival. I thought people call it carnival; definitely not a fair because it's small. Anyways apparently it's called a festival. Whatever it's called. We went. I really don't like to go since everything and i mean everything is expensive but the kids really enjoy it. So yes i do take them, i'm not that mean. The day before Nilun and Jasmine went with their friends so it was only fair that i take Naree. So the next day, Naree, me and Lien went. Naree met up with her friends there. Looked like they had a lot of fun! After her friends had to leave, she wanted me to ride with her....ride everything!!!! Ummm yeah maybe when i was younger i would be all for it. But i'm 30 now and i am a chicken now. Seriously. But i gut it up and rode with her.
First we rode the Ferris Wheel. And let me tell you it nearly took my heart out. I used to love riding the Ferris Wheel; it was my favorite ride when i was (hence the word WAS) younger. But it was like I was a Ferris Wheel virgin! Seriously i felt like my heart was going to literally jump out of my body. Especially when it went down. To top it off we were stopped right at the top. And yes i screamed...not like a horror movie kind of scream. But like a "i love this but it's totally creepy kinda of scream". Know what i mean?
I had a tight grip on that handle for sure! Between me and you, I think Naree was really enjoying my terror!
She also made me ride the school bus, which was ok. Kiddie ride!!! No problem. Except for all the little screaming voices in my ear. Wow!! Those kids had lungs of steel or something. A lot of screaming. And yes, in case you are wondering, I was the ONLY adult riding. Uh huh!!!

Here are some pictures for your entertainment. Too bad there was no one there to take a picture of my "horror" face while riding the Ferris Wheel. Lien was around...somewhere!

Naree made me go get in line to ride this with her. I was so tripping! I was praying that she will find some other friends roaming around the festival that would be willing to ride this with her. Low and behold!!!! She found some friends to ride this. Ummm if you would have seen this ride you would understand my chickening out. It went up and down and went fast and than faster. Not my kind of ride. So glad she found some more friends to ride with her. Because they rode this 3 or 5 more times. Kids!!!!

How's that for fun? At the end of the night, we got rained on. A perfect end to an adventurous day?