K's Point of View: Falling (Down) Asleep

Kids really do say the darn-est things.

Me: K, just close your eyes until you fall asleep.

K: Mommy, why do you say fall asleep?

Me: Because that's what you're supposed to do.

K: But I don't want to fall asleep... because... because... fall is means falling down... I don't want to fall. I will just sleep.

Halloween Treat Packs!

It's K's second year in pre-school and also her second time to celebrate Halloween, in an organized way (thanks to toddler school!). This year, she wants to be Princess Aurora. Finally, that costume from Disney will be put to good use. How she will survive 3 hours in a skirt with wire hoops is another matter.

This year, I thought it would be nice to make small treat bags for her friends. My criteria for the treat bags are: materials should be readily available at home or from bookstores/supermarkets, creation should not require a lot of pattern tracing or paper folding (printables welcome), and K should be able to help me with the production. So i searched the internet - and found these four ideas for Halloween trick or treat bags. Click on the links for more detailed instructions or use your imagination and make your own just by looking at the pictures.

1. Halloween Crackers. These are reminiscent of British New Year poppers. Cardboard toilet paper cores, orange crepe paper, cutouts of halloween shapes, and some tape/glue should do the trick. If you are one to save those cardboard rolls - then you should be good to go.

from www.marthastewart.com;
hot glue a plastic spider on to the roll and make it a little more spooky.

2. Personalized Treat Bags. Download a halloween font, print out a ghoulish message "boo!" on black card stock (or oslo paper for old school speak). Attach label to a sandwich bag filled with treats. More points if you can cut out the label with "drip design" and if halloween wingdings can be added on to your printouts. These will definitely be a hit for busy corporate moms like me.

from www.marthastewart.com

3. Girly Skull Cups. This is my favorite among the four, and is fast becoming the winner for my choice of treat pack design this year. Get white paper cups. Pre-cut the eyes, heart shaped nose, barred teeth, and cross bones for the back, and of course, the ribbon! With some glue, your little one should be able to help you put together this girly rockin' skull. Better yet - put double sided tape on the backs of your cutouts - to make sticking them on easier. I'm thinking of getting caps for the cups so that the treats stay put.

from www.parents.com; hot pink cups would make these cups rocker chic!

4. Pumpkin Envelopes. Those brown envelopes that get sent around the office would be perfect for these; instead of throwing them out, recycle them. Line with 2-3 black lines. Precut the triangle eyes and goofy grin. Your toddler will definitely get a kick out of designing the toothy grins. The green node and vine on top would be an added bonus. Instead of candy - you can opt to put stickers/coloring pages and a few crayons into this treat bag, and save those kids one less trip to the dentist.

www.parents.com
Ask your kids to help you draw the toothy grin.

I have 11 days to create these in time for my daughter's school celebration. Good luck to me. Happy Halloween!

DroolWorthy: My picks from MEGA Sep2012

The pre-CHM me used to buy my own magazines... but now, I've limited myself to buying only YUMMY, which I collect for the recipes (now to cook them - that's another story!). So now, parlor time means catching up on fashion magazines. Why buy when you can borrow, right? Thanks to the iPhone - I can take pictures of the stuff I like instead (did someone say cheapskate?).

Here are my top picks from the MEGA Magazine September 2012 issue. If you'd like to read up more on each item - do get your copy - or hop on to your nearest beauty shop to check it out.

Beauty Products. The Laneige blackhead melting gel promises to "melt" blackheads, and make pores look smaller. I am intrigued! This review further piqued my interest - so I shall be looking for this product the next time I see a Laneige beauty counter. The Chanel nailpolish #559 called Frenzy caught my attention because of the light and dainty color... it's descriped as "greyish-purple." For $26 per bottle though - the polish is not cheap. I hope other brands come out with a similar color!

Bags. Bags always catch my attention. My favorites are totes that you can dump everything into (so I don't need to carry a separate diaper bag). A recent favorite has been cross body sling bags - to keep both hands free for my girls. It's not a surprise that I gravitated towards these bags. Which one catches your fancy?

Clockwise from top: (1) Valextra (I like the yellow one!) (2) Celine Cabas Zip Tote (3) Cole Haan Crosby Shopper

Restaurants. My husband and I love food and trying out new places (when we can). We also love Japanese food a lot. These two new places will definitely make it to the top of our must try soon restaurants: Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant at Diamond Hotel and a new modern Thai place in Pasig (Kapitolyo, of course) called NAV. In case you've tried these places - do drop me a note and let me know what your favorite dish was!

What is "modern" Thai? The crispy catfish rice sure caught my fancy.

Those fresh seafood are calling me!

Which of my picks would have been your pick too? Let me know! Happy weekend!

Today's New Beginning: On discipline

I have been attending a forum on progressive parenting. Part of today's topic was house rules and discipline. It sure got me thinking about my parenting style on discipline. As I also need time to digest and pour over my thoughts and feelings, let me just share some of the most powerful statements/thoughts from today's session.

Discipline is NOT punishment, threat, or humiliation. Enough said.

from No Perfect Parents

Sometimes, we, as parents, feel as if we need to show our kids that we are right, and they are wrong. "I told you so" is a form of humiliation. To drive home this point - I thought about all the times when I have been told "i told you so." Try it. How do you feel?

Speaking of humiliation - have you ever been told off in front of other people? Think of a time in school, or in one of your office meetings... or even at the dinner table with your parents. How did it feel? Never discipline in front of another sibling (or other people). A child also needs his privacy.

Finally - let the natural order of the physical/logical world take its course. Coach Pia gave the example of her 9 year old son losing his DS/PS2. There was no need for her to reprimand her child on how expensive the toy was, or how he was not responsible enough about taking care of his toy. The fact that he now has no DS/PS2 to play with - was enough to make him feel bad. It is the consequence of not having the DS/PS2 that has taught him to better take care of his things/toys in the future.

I loved that. The world does have its way of teaching without us parents having to interject. All we have to do is to be there beside our children to guide them through life's lesson. Coach Pia helped her son go around the neighborhood to try to look for the toy. The happy ending was not that the toy was found; the happy ending was that her son realized the consequences of his own actions, and also saw how his parents were there to support him and love him, despite losing a toy.



Are you a progressive parent? If you would like to know more about New Beginnings and progressive parenting, check out their Facebook page. 

Keep Calm and Make Milk

It's August, it's celebrate breastfeeding month, and I've wanted to do a breastfeeding post for some time.   So, here is what I have to say.

My eldest fully weaned from breastfeeding at 22 months - it was a 2 month long weaning process. My second girl has just turned one, and she is still breastfeeding. I am personally hoping to hit the 24 month mark - but this round has not been without its struggles. My milk production has not been at its best recently - it has been tough keeping to a tight schedule of feeds/pumps especially with a 3 year old to take care of and a full time job to boot. I can only direct feed my daughter S at night and on weekends. I've also had several long periods away from her, including a 2 week vacation out of the country when I've had to pump and dump my expressed milk. But these are all excuses... I know that if I keep to it, and don't give up, I will hit my 24 month mark, and perhaps more.

This past long weekend has reminded me that the most important thing about making milk is to relax. I am reminded of Ate Lita Nery (a great lactation expert, if I do say so myself) who always told me that I should go get a massage every now and then, to relax, and to stimulate milk production. (Can I just say though that I haven't had a massage since I gave birth - who has time for a massage?!) It didn't have to be a lactation massage. It only had to be a massage that can relax you. The key word is RELAX.

Made via http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/

The past few weeks, I've been expressing less than 10 ounces a day at the office - just about 2 ounces every 3 hours. Just less than three weeks ago, I had spend a weekend in Palawan, and I didn't have the same problem - I had proudly brought home quite a nice stash for my daughter. After that weekend comes the less than 2 ounce every 3 hour sessions and I am in panic mode. The more I panicked, the more I consistently produced 2 ounces every 3 hours - sometimes less. And so I panicked some more.

Then Eidul Fitr was declared a holiday and thankfully, it was attached to a weekend on one end, and attached to Ninoy Aquino day (August 21) on the other end. Instant long weekend. Yey. The weekend has been all about relaxation --- spent some time at the playground; had a breakfast picnic; meals with family and friends; a little shopping. Note: still no massage (again, who has time?!)

Today - I'm back to about 1 ounce per hour (a mini feat) - plus unlimited nursing time for the little one. Production is definitely up. So my tip to all breastfeeding moms, or those who want to breastfeed successfully? Keep calm, make milk. Relax.

K's Point of View: Sorry does the job

Tonight K spilled water on the bed - not just on her bed - but on OUR bed, the bed all of us sleeps in. We had to change the sheets, and the mattress protector. I wasn't happy about it, but I held my tongue.
I survey the mess quietly - not saying a word.

K: I'm sorry, Mommy.
Me: Next time, you have to be more careful.
K: Ok Mommy.

As I survey the mess, the rare nagger in me pops out.

Me: K, see what you've done... now we have to change everything.
K: But I said sorry already, Mom....

I shut up until all the sheets are replaced.

Me: K, do you think when you say sorry, everything will be ok?
K: Yes.
Me: Why?
K: Because I said sorry already - why do you get angry at me two times?

For the second time tonight, I got shut up by a three year old.

Me: Ok, K, I forgive you; but when you say sorry, you also have to know what you did wrong and try not to do it again.

I just have to have the last word. I have to admit though, tonight was a simple lesson in forgiving and forgetting.

Of shoes and spots...

Recently, the Philippine TOMS franchise went on sale. They sold Tiny TOMS at 50% off. Yes, I repeat, 50% off. Now who could resist that? So, I went on a panic spree, and bought this:

Tiny TOMS Cords in Pink

... and this:

Tiny TOMS Cords in Crimson

The choice of colors was obvious... I've always loved red, and red TOMS are the coolest (in my opinion). However, my eldest daughter is in a phase where everything she wears has to be either girly or pink. TOMS are obviously not girly - hence, the pink cords. Lucky me, I have another daughter, who is too young to express an opinion (thank God) - a pair of crimsons please, thank you very much! Never mind that daughter #2 is not walking yet, nor will she fit into the crimsons soon (not for another 6-9 months at least). I had to own those red TOMS.

Then Kelly of Tot Snob came out with this post on leopard spotted TOMS booties with pink soles.

photo courtesy of totsnob.com

How cute is that? Definitely "rawr," without being over the top. They reminded me very much of these socks that daughter #2 owned - made by Funky Feet.

photo courtesy of funkyfeet.multiply.com

Daughter #2 was going to outgrow these socks soon and I need to keep her funky. I need a replacement with new spots. I wasn't going to get those TOMS booties (except if they came with a 50% lower price tag - maybe). Good thing I didn't have to worry so much - because there is a local alternative, that's also very affordable. Did I mention they are "rawr" perfect too?

Leopard Mary Janes by Tip Tap Soft Soles
photo courtesy of motheringearthlings.com

So, in less than 2 months, daughter #2, who can barely stand on her own, is the proud owner of 2 new pairs of shoes. Heck, a girl can't have too many pairs of shoes, can she?

For info on TOMS Philippines, check out their website. 

Tip Tap Soft Soles may be bought at Mothering Earthlings.

This is not a sponsored post.

Tried and Tested: Mustela Lait de Toilette

Mustela was introduced to me by my friend Marie who was using the Mustela Physiobebe no rinse cleansing fluid on her son. Since then, I've been using various products from the Mustela range of baby and child friendly toiletries.

For rashes on the face, the physiobebe worked perfectly well, clearing rashes around the mouth within 24hours. My eldest daughter uses the Medela soap bar and lotion so that her skin is adequately moisturized. She has a tendency to scratch her skin when it gets dry, leaving red marks all over. Her doctor recommended that her skin should always be moisturized as dryness can make skin feel itchy.

Recently, my 9 month old daughter developed rashes on her neck, inside the folds where air rarely gets a peep in. This time, the physiobebe did not work to clear it out. I guess the area was so hidden, and would get chafed regularly. The summer heat was also not helping - with my baby's neck being soaked in sweat most of the time. I brought out the Lait de Toilette which we have not used since physiobebe was so great. We used the milk cleanser for cleansing her neck area... And just after a few wash ups - the rashes were gone! They have not come back since then.

I don't have a scientific explanation for it but, as a mom, I believe it kept my daughter's skin sufficiently soft and clean without leaving it too dry to get irritated. It may also have left a thin barrier of protection that did not allow the sweat to seep in too much.

The Lait de Toilette promises to gently cleanse - due to its milky texture. It's plant oils also prevents the skin from drying out - keeping the skin's hydrolipidic film (the skin's natural protective barrier) intact.

Mustela Philippines has various branches all over Metro Manila. Contact their hotline +63-917-8959988 or visit their website http://www.mustela.ph/ph/main.htm for more info.

This post is not sponsored by Mustela.

Precious to me: Once a upon a time...

Once upon a time, a little girl, K, loved reading bedtime stories before going to bed. Her mommy and daddy loved listening to her start the story in her little girl diction... She always started stories with "Pan-a-pan-a-time...." This made her mommy and daddy smile.
K is now 3years old and last night, while reading a story, daddy started with, "Pan-a-pan-a-time...." To which she replied, "No daddy, it's once upon a time."
Oh dear, for while mommy and daddy are proud of her, it leaves a little twinge on her mommy and daddy's heart to see her growing up so fast.

K's Point of View: Like who?

Confession: I am one of those parents who allow my child to watch tv while eating. Before I had kids, I said I will not allow this habit. Around 10months into K's childhood... I gave in. I have various reasons  for allowing it - but deep inside me, I have convinced myself that she will outgrow this by the time she's five. I have 2 years to go, so help me God.

The other day, she was again having dinner at her small table... but the TV was turned off (Yippeee). I always take those opportunities to let her know how pleased I am.

Me: K, that's very good, you're having dinner without watching TV.
K: Yes Mom... because you know, your eyes will come out (with matching gesture of eyes coming out).
Me: Your eyes will come out?
K: Yes - yaya told me if you watch tv all the time, your eyes will come out.

Intermission: My grandma has had one eyeball removed, due to a bout with a brain tumor more than twenty years ago. K is a bit scared of her. When K refers to eyes coming out, I always assume she's referring to my grandmom. And I always take that chance to tell her about grandma's sickness.

Me: Oh, okay. So your eyes will come out, huh?
K: Yes (eyebrows going up and down, hand gesturing that her eyes will pop out.)
Me: And when your eyes come out, you will be like who? (in my mind, she will say "thay-mah" - or my maternal grandmother)
K: (with her mouth full) pungeponge sparepants.
Me: Who?
K: Pungeponge Sparepants!

Oh ok. At least watching TV has taught her NOT to watch too much TV.

DroolWorthy: I See RED!

Since it's still my birthday month, I think I deserve to post a piece on some of the material things I like. They are such beautiful eye candy - I don't mind just looking at them over and over again! In no particular order....

1. The Balenciaga Velo, in Coquelicot (Such a tease!). My current ultimate material wish.

from Kepris.com

2. Proenza Schouler Shoulder bag - this was a Valentine special, and I regret not remembering what it's called. It's now MIA from the website! I hope I run into this one again soon....

from proenzaschouler.com

3. Celine Luggage Tote in Lipstick Red - this is actually Amanda Mull's bag - from the purseblog. I love how it looks against those clear acrylic chairs.

photo from www.purseblog.com

4. Yves Saint Laurent Chyc (I checked the spelling twice) in red. Classic.

from www.ysl.com

5. Or maybe, for a more casual day, this YSL clutch in red patent leather.

from www.ysl.com

A little late - but a happy May to everyone - for selfish reasons, it's my favorite month.

K's Point of View: Still the favored one

Saying goodbye to K on Monday mornings are particularly difficult. Today, as I led her down the stairs for breakfast, we had this conversation.

K: Mommy, will you feed me?

Me: Not today, K, mom has to go to the office.

K: Aaaaw. But I like you to stay here.

Me: Mommy has to go to office to work. Remember those ballet shoes and dress you like? Mommy has to work so I can buy those.

K: I like pink! (how easily distracted!)

Me: So you stay here with Yaya A, and mom will get ready for work now ok?

K: But mommy, I like you to stay. How about si Papa nalang? (How about Papa?)

Me: What?

K: You stay here and Papa go to office!  

(DH has a schedule that's a lot more flexible than mine.... I don't think he'd like to switch with me though!)

I wish it were that easy, K! 

Fast forward to later in the afternoon, when one Yaya asked her "if you like papa to go to office, why do you keep following him around the house?"

K: Eh kasi mama is not here. (Because mama is not here).

2 points for Mom!

K's Point of View: I don't like that song

On the eve of K's birthday, DH was putting her too sleep, singing her a lullaby. I noticed she was tearing up. I asked her why she was tearing up... she was quiet for a few minutes, until I gave her a hug and asked again. DH and I were seriously disturbed.

K: Kasi (because) I don't like that song.
Me: Oh. Why, what song do you like?
K: Happy Birthday.

We love you K. The memories you give us are all priceless.

Here's to Us

Heard this on the radio today, and couldn't help but google it. I'm a sucker for these kinds of songs. Hope you like it too.

K's Point of View: Saying Goodbye

Who likes goodbyes? In whatever form it may arrive in - nobody likes them. Hence - I tried to make K's first goodbye as easy as possible. After all, she's barely 3 years old. The nanny who took care of her since birth was scheduled to leave a month after Christmas, just 3 months shy of K's 3rd birthday. Two weeks before ETD, I started prepping K. Now K has never been attached to her yaya, like some kids can be. Yaya's day off was never a problem for me. However, Yaya W was a familiar face to her - a personality that has been part of her entire life. I needed to make sure she does not get traumatized by her yaya suddenly going away.

Me: K, you will have a new yaya soon, ok. 

K: (with mouth turned down) Why mommy?

Me: Yaya W has to go back to her mommy in the province. Her mommy misses her already. (Of course, that was not the real reason.)

K: Ok mommy. (Nods quietly, then...) But I like Yaya W.

Me: I know, but she has to go back to her mommy. I will change your yaya, and look for a nice yaya who will still play with you, ok? Your new yaya will be Yaya A.

K: Ok mommy... but Yaya W is my yaya, eh.

Me: Yes K... but her mommy is looking for her already, so she has to go back to her mommy. Mommy will still be here to take care of you too, right? So, we can let yaya go home? Yaya A is nice also and will take care of you.

This conversation is repeated several times in the course of the next 2 weeks, in various iterations. I don't mention to K when Yaya W will be leaving. I also don't make a big fuss about D Day - just treating every day like a normal day. The weekend before D Day, the new nanny started substituting for Yaya W. Finally on D Day - Yaya W leaves while K was still asleep, just like she would do on her days off. The difference is that, on this day, she will not come back. (For her part, I think Yaya W also had some sense in her mind that she will not traumatize K with a tearful goodbye. In her line of work - it seemed to me she has been used to leaving her ward after 2-3 years.)

Fast forward to last week, when I met with K's toddler school teacher who advised me to prep K that she will have a new teacher for summer school. So again, I have my grown up discussion with K. 

Me: K, you know Teacher K will not be your teacher anymore when you go to summer school. You will have a new teacher.

K: She will go home to her mama na? Like my Yaya W? You know, my Yaya W went home to her mommy - because her mommy miss her na. 

Me: No, K, it's because you are almost 3 years old, and you are finished with Toddler classes. You will go to nursery soon.

K: Ok mommy. What's the name of my new teacher?

At this point, I realize that my daughter was indeed not traumatized at all by her first goodbye. I also realize that she is wiser beyond her almost 3 year old self.

Be Kind to Your Child

Inspired by this post, 100 Ways to be Kind to your Child, I started thinking about my own ways of being kind to my children. 

1. Tell them you're sorry, and mean it.

2. Be affectionate to them, every chance you get.

3. Never mind that you will be late, spend an extra five minutes giving them a morning cuddle.

4. Surprise them by picking them up from school once in awhile. Try not to be late.

5. Give them flowers (I have girls!).

6. When they're on the potty, stoop down and look at them at eye level.

7. Let them skip school for a vacation with the family.

8. Be their prince (from DH).

9. Tell them about how much their parents love each other.

10. Listen to them like you understand every little mispronounced word they say.

11. Explain things to them like they would understand, even if they don't (yet).

12. Make up words to songs, replace words in songs, SING with them. Even if you're off key.

Tomorrow, I am printing the 100 list and posting it at my desk to remind me every day how important it is to be kind to my children.

photo by sweetonveg

Precious to Me: Dance like there's no one watching

My daughter loves to dance. She has been making up dances on her own from the age of 2. She loves waltz music - and has her own choreography of how the blue danube should be danced to. She is always asking me or her father to dance with her. May she always have that spirit in her to enjoy music and the movement of her body. It may hold one key to happiness in life.

My daily grind

borrowed from my friend's fb page

Here's my typical weekday schedule as a Corporate Housewife Mom

Midnight: Chat with DH, tweet, read bb (work mail) while pumping (milk), midnight snack.

12:30am: Sleep.

3am: Baby S wakes up to feed 15mins on one side

3:15am: Pump on the other side, read tweets

5am: On good days, still snoring. Otherwise, toddler roused from sleep, wanting to be carried.

6:30am: Baby S wakes up to feed - transfers to big bed (for the last precious hour of sleep)

7:15am: Alarm. Check bb for the day's schedule. Get ready for work.

7:45am: Pump for S's first bottle feed of the day. Make sure enough milk for the day for S. Pack pump and other materials to bring to work.

8:00am: Toddler wakes up, wants to cuddle. Quiet time with the toddler.

8:30am: Running out the door, giving toddler and baby to yayas. Last minute instructions. Goodbye to DH. Kisses all around.

9am: Get into work.

Fun and games.

12:30pm: Pump. Lunch. Read.

More fun and games.

Between 3 and 4pm: 2nd pump of the day.

And more... it just keeps getting better.

Between 6 and 7pm: 3rd pump of the day.

Wrap up the day.

Between 7 and 7:30pm: Running out of the office, late again for dinner.

8pm: Home. Dinner. DH. Get ready for the night shift.

9pm: Family bonding time.

10pm: Some music, some milk, S's bedtime. 

10:30pm: A couple of books, several songs, a prayer, sometimes an argument, toddler K's bedtime. Between 10:30pm and 11:30pm: light sleep with K.

Before midnight: Catching up with DH...

.... and then it's midnight again. What is your schedule like?

Precious to me: Love me always

Just in time to usher in the love month, K surprised me with a little question the other night, as we were cuddling to sleep.

Me: I love my babies... who's my two little babies?
K: Me! K... and shobe [that's little sister in Fookien]
Me: You will always be my two babies...
K: Mama... you will love me... always?
Me: Of course, K, I will love you always.

May February be filled with love for you!

What I am looking forward to in 2012

1. Trips

DH and I love going on trips - whether it be a short drive to try out a restaurant outside of the city , a quick weekend getaway by the beach, or a long adventure somewhere far away. It is always a welcome moment to be able to recharge. Because of the many great deals in 2011 - we were able to line up a number of trips for 2012. With more long weekends scheduled this year... we should be able to schedule a few more, and perhaps with the little ones in tow too. Hooray for more memories!

On our 2012 list!

2. Birthdays

I missed the exact year... but at some point in my life, I lost all excitement for my birthday. When K was born in 2009, my birthday marked her 1st month - hence it became a semi-celebration. This year, K is turning 3 and like all children her age, has a penchant for blowing out birthday candles. This has made birthdays a lot more exciting - with my DD singing the birthday song at the top of her lungs, and blowing out candles with all enthusiasm. That alone is enough for me to want a cake on my birthday. 

spanishdict.com

This year too, my little baby ball S is turning 1. This means an excuse for me to plan a party, and to squeeze out my creative juices to make it a memorable one. I had fun planning K's 1st birthday party - even creating her video presentation by myself. I am sure to have even more fun with this second round... in fact, I already have some ideas in my head.

3. Foodie Nights (or Mornings)

I promised DH that I would make more of an effort to have date nights or breakfast dates with him this year. Due to my 60 hour work week - I tend to focus too much on the children on weekends. Short of a minor emergency, I would refuse to leave their sides. I do admit though that I feel guilty about it all the time! This year - I vowed to myself that that will change. So, here comes the list of new places to try... first two up on the list, Lolo Dad's and Milky 'n Sunny.

at a tapas bar

4. Ebates, Groupon, CashCashPinoy, Ensogo, DealGrocer...

Need I say more? Some may argue that I end up spending more on these sites. On the contrary, I say I end up saving a lot more. First, on Ebates, I actually get real cash (I made $52 in the 1st wk of 2012). Second, on groupon sites, I get stuff I like at a discount - and these help to fuel #3 (restaurant deals) and #1 (trip deals) above. Humor me. I work 60 hour weeks, and usually spend all weekend tending to the girls. Shopping, physically, is a luxury.

5. Developing myself

 Start a small business? Write a children's book? Try out new recipes? Learn crochet?

Is 2012 the year when I make these? http://lxrcuisine.wonderhowto.com/

Can I channel the Martha Stewart in me? homemade.tipjunkie.com

Maybe, maybe not. I look forward to these small discoveries about myself - what I can do, what I can create, what I enjoy doing. Who knows what talent is hidden deep in the recesses of this boring number crunching brain of mine.

 What do you look forward to in 2012? Happy new [dragon] year!

If I Were a Butterfly...

I remember this Kids' Praise song from grade school. I loved this song... singing the chorus always made me smile. Can't wait for K to start singing and acting this song. 

THE BUTTERFLY SONG (If I Were a Butterfly) Words and Music by Brian M. Howard If I were a butterfly I'd thank you Lord for giving me wings If I were a robin in a tree I'd thank you Lord that I could sing If I were a fish in the sea I'd wiggle my tail and I'd giggle with glee But I just thank you Father for making me, me CHORUS     For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile You gave me Jesus and you made me your child And I just thank you Father for making me, me If I were an elephant I'd thank you Lord by raising my trunk If I were a kangaroo You know I'd hop right up to you If I were an octopus I'd thank you Lord for my fine looks But I just thank you Father for making me, me If I were a wiggly worm I'd thank you Lord that I could squirm If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear I'd thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair If I were a crocodile I'd thank you Lord for my great smile But I just thank you Father for making me, me Copyright © Mission Hills Music www.ButterflySong.com All rights reserved. (BMI) International copyright secured. CCLI - 35445

K's Point of View: Because I'm Two

birthdaydepot.com

Me: When is your birthday?
K: December (she likes December because of her cousin B and her Dad's birthday, Christmas, and all the presents).
Me: No, it's April... April 3.
K: No, April 2.
Me: No, April 3.
K: Nooo, April 2.
Me: Why April 2?
K: Kase (Because) I'm 2 eh.

Things I learned from dear hubby in 2011...

... that it's fun to take a step down, and rest from the rat race (so when will it be my turn?).
... that it's ok to let my little girl sleep with someone else for the night, just for a night.
... that I, for some reason, know when it's time to sell (now to learn the buying part).
... that to be generous is a gift - not to the recipient - but to the giver.
... that if you've been given bad service, it's possible to get your money back.
... that meteor showers happen every year, twice a year (didn't take astronomy, sorry).

Happy birthday DH! I am still learning from you every day!