We Three Kims...+1 more?!?!

Sometimes Parents Just Don't Understand...

2011-10-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's awesome being a mom. I can do just about anything:

- attend fancy tea parties.

- spontaneously dance in public without any judgment.

- keep a collection of fine art with nary a penny spent.

- enjoy free manicures and pedicures from beautiful girls.

- paint the bathtub with pudding....on purpose.

...But then there are other moments that bring me right back to reality....

The other day, Jailyn came home and told us a story about a boy who teased her at school. He was mean and relentless. The worst part was that he seemed to have convinced her that he was right. Though my first reaction was to say, "Tell me where this little $h!* lives...." I simply nodded quietly as she detailed out their exchange. While she talked, her eyes darted to the floor. She looked so sad and I felt so helpless.

Why would her classmate say something so hurtful and unkind? Why did he have to hurt her feelings for no reason whatsoever? I felt a sense of panic building inside of me. The truth is, I didn't know the answer.

As an adult, I can rationalize that these mean moments will pass. That in the long-run, her classmate's sour opinion of her isn't going to matter.

As her parent, I feel that Jailyn is destined to fabulous and nothing- not even a passing comment- will ever change that.

But when I was just a kid, NONE of it made sense. All I knew was that being bullied sucked major dragon butt.

After Jailyn was done, my kiddo paused and looked up at me. She stared intently- scouring my face for a reaction. I smiled and hugged her. For the next 20 minutes, we talked about all of the affirming things that I fervently believed to be true about my Jai. I allowed her to ask me questions and I attempted to answer each with honesty. I gave her advice on assertive retorts but ultimately left her with the final decision on how she's going to address her relationship with her classmate. And after we were done, her demeanor changed. She seemed to feel better. That night when I tucked her into bed, Jailyn hugged me and thanked me for listening.

I walked away with my own set of unanswered questions:
- Did I tell her all of the right things?
- Should I have handled this differently?
- ~~Is there a way to scare that little boy without getting caught?~~ (Just joking. Sort of.)
- WHY does parenting have to be so hard?

Blogging ... Interrupted

2011-07-08T12:41:00.001-07:00

Forgive me, Dear Blog, for I have slacked. It has been FIVE months since my last confession.

In truth, I have entertained scrapping this journal all together. But then I thought, "No... that would devastate my TWO followers and my sister - so here I am, keyboard in-hand.

No need to thank me.

The girls are FAB. Out of the 104 students entering the 2nd grade, our Jailyn Taylor will be one of 8 kids enrolled in an accelerated program. Woot! She's also a budding artEEst and a promising rapper. Jailyn is definitely channeling in on her inner Beyonce. This will easily bring my kid 1 step closer to conquering the world.

Jolie is just a few steps behind, I'm sure. Why, just the other day, she did this. Nuff said. :) Speaking of exploring new places, Jolie has been to the pool this summer and LOVES it. She refers to it as "wheee". Definitely undeniable logic from my adorable 17 month old.

Jon is starting on a whole new venture. Can't elaborate too much now bec. it's still in the start-up phases but I can tell you that we have high hopes. He seems to be having fun, too, which is just icing on the cake. Pretty amazing to think that he's able to juggle his family and career so successfully.

2 kids, a hubby, a full-time job and everything else has taken over ... well ... everything. I average 3-4 hours of interrupted sleep a day, my house is in a constant state of disarray, my work load has increased and I have never (ever) been happier. :) What can I say? I'm a lucky girl. Can't wait to see what summer brings!

I HATE First Grade!!!

2010-09-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Jailyn's first day as a 1st grader. I've yet to upload the pics from my camera but once I do, I know that no one will be surprised at Jailyn's outfit of choice. Lol. She didn't seem to have any feelings (of any sort) about going to school. That's probably bec. she's been attending Happy Hippo this summer - thus making yesterday "just another day" for her.

We weren't short on complaints though:
"It's too early to get up."
"It's too cold."
"I don't want to walk in the rain." (it was an early-morning drizzle. *sigh*)
"I don't like jean jackets."
"My carseat feels lumpy today." (What?)

Good grief.

Then when I came home from work, she was ran to me and said, " I got in trouble at school today. My teacher moved me from my seat and now I HATE first grade!"

Apparently she was talking too much. Imagine that.

((rubbing hands together)) Bring it on, day two!

The First Grade Blues

2010-09-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

With the new school year just around the bend, naturally Jailyn's typical anxiety about change kicks in.

Jailyn: What if someone's mean to me, Mommy?

Me: Then you walk away from them, Jai. They are not your friends.

Jailyn: (unsatistfied) What if they kick me and hurt me on my ankle?

Me: Well...I suppose that if they kick you, you should definitely tell the teacher.

Jailyn: Well what if the teacher believes them instead of me? Can I kick the teacher and then you can come and sort it out with the principal?

Me: "....."

I really hope that the first grade is ready for her.

August Wrap-up

2010-08-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun milestones this month:

Aug 10: Jo turned 31. I don't know what it is about him that makes me feel like he's still just 8 years old.

Took him out to lunch with the fam. Ate my first bite of sushi in over a year. It was glorious!

Jolie's bottom 2 teeth are out and I believe that the top 2 are working their way out, too. She's also inching closer towards crawling. I think that we're still about a month out before we see any true movement but to be honest, I'm really hoping that she'll take longer than that. I love deluding myself into thinking that she'll always be like this:

Aug 26: Mommy's bday. She's awesome. If you disagree with me for any reason then you're obviously wrong. There's just no 2 ways about it.

Aug 29: Joint lunch celebration for Jo, Kim (Jo's girlfriend) and Uncle Freckle. The fam ended up at Teppan. Again. But to keep things "fresh" we went to Benihana instead of Shogun - bec. that's how we roll.

Aug 30: Deester's official bday. And what's a better way to commemorate a special occasion than to pose beside a beautiful girl with bunny ears:

I can't believe that this month is already over. In a week or so, Jai is going to start school....*gulp*....as a 1st grader.

Who's Packing Your Parachute?

2010-08-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

I read a great story today:

Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy lands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?", asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute!", the man replied. "I guess it worked!"

Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

******

This article prompted me to think about the people who pack my mental, emotional and spiritual parachutes. The ones that get me through my daily hurdles - and help me along the way. Some do so quietly and from behind the scenes - while others trudge daily through the muddy waters with me side-by-side. I even have a special few who do both. And though I try to tell thank them every chance I get, I know that it isn't nearly often enough.

Tell me - who packs your parachute....and have you thanked them lately?

July- Reader's Digest

2010-07-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that we are only 3 days away from August. Where did this month go? A few quick milestones for us:

JOLIE....

....turned 5 months this week. She is healthy, plump and has the best laugh. Ever.

....could be a stunt-double for a rolling stone. (Round and able to roll around every whicha-way? You betcha!)

....ate her first real food this month: bananas! Two weeks later, she had some rice cereal, too. But after 2 servings, we've decided to move on to the good stuff. 2 days ago, she had a couple of tbsps of carrots and was left wanting more! I swear that kid would eat a steak if we'd let her.

....cut her first tooth - thus making that smile that much more adorable.

....has begun to sit on her own. Wobbly, yes, but sitting nonetheless.

Best of all, the month of July brought a milestone that can only be amply described as amazing. It was the day that my daughter, Jailyn told me: "Mom? Ok. I admit it. I love Jolie. I love her as big as this (illustrating an inch) but that's all."

I'll happily take that. After all, every little bit counts, right? And then I caught this on video:

Jailyn is entertaining her? My heart is just brimming with joy!

Can't wait for August.

Same Difference

2010-06-27T01:15:00.001-07:00

One is here, one lives there.

One is a little taller than other.

Two different colors of hair, two different outlooks on life.

Two very different views from their windows.

Both have a different tomorrow ahead.

Each is unique in so many ways;

Each has her own story

with all the busy things going on in the present.

Each has different work to do,

and with different demands on her day.

Each had separate destinations

and distinctly different path to get there.

But…

For all the things that might be different and unique about them,

these two sisters will always share so much.

They always be the best of family and friends, entwined together.

Through all the days of their lives.

Their love will always be very special

Gentle and joyful when it can be.

Strong and giving when it needs to be.

Reminding them, no matter how different their stories turn out…

They share the incredibly precious gift of being ”sisters”

And when you think of some of the best things in the world has to offer

A blessing like that is really…what it’s all about.

-Poem by Laurel Atherton

To my sister, Jaydee - my blessing:

I pray that the girls find (in each other) what I have found in you.

Love you!

Speechless Saturday

2010-06-19T13:46:00.001-07:00

Old Country Wisdom for Modern Living

2010-06-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Randomly found this list on the web and thought that I would re-share. Pretty funny.

1. All our fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

2. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

3. Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.

4. Meanness don’t jes’ happen overniht.

5. Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

6. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

7. The best sermons are lived, not preached.

8. Don’t judge folks by their relatives

9. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

10. Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.

11. Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

12. Always drink upstream from the herd.

13. If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

14. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.

15. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

I knew that I had a thing or two to learn from Aunt Bea.

The Trouble With Cows

2010-06-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I read somewhere that life on a dairy farm can be pretty tough. Every morning, after the rooster's first crow, the farmers would have to get out of bed and milk the cows. And no matter how well they did, they'd have to return at the same time, the very next morning to do the exact same thing. You see, the trouble with cows is that they give milk only as long as you are milking them. If you stop, even for a day or two, their "bag" dries up. Then you have to milk them for 2 or 3 days, getting absolutely NOTHING, to re-stimulate their milk production.

Now as a parent of two wonderful (but very different) girls, I see the value of this lesson. This is especially true during the days when I feel like I've gotten absolutely nothing done and am feeling completely overwhelmed.

Even during those LONG days when the hours meld together into one incomplete blink and all efforts seem to fall by the wayside, I still have to find a way to dig deep to do the exact same thing every single day.

I must invest the time, my tattered sanity and my unwavering love. There must always be time to paint pictures and drink pretend tea. I must continue to lend an empathetic ear, offer open-ended hugs, always try to be present - bec. the true fruits of my labor isn't just in what I am able to "milk" out that day. And though I may not "always" have it together, I will always TRY.

To my girls: Each day I have you in my life is another day that unequivocally proves that there is - indeed- a God. My success in life can only be measured by the happiness that each of you experience in your own lives. I love you... (as my sweet Jailyn would say:) honestly and truly. Forever.

What's (Been) Up, Doc?

2010-06-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

We've been busy, busy, BUSY. And though I've been trying to update this blog here and there, there were certain events that were unintentionally missed. So here is a post solely dedicated to those very special (albeit past) moments.:

Sissy celebrated her (insert garbled noise here)th bday on Feb. 10th. Seriously. Should ANYONE look this good at ANY age?! (Please try to ignore the equally pretty teeny-bopper to the left; it will just depress you.)

Our sweet JOLIE CALLA KIM was born on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 10:25am...
....in 17 minutes and 4 pushes.
...weighing 7lbs,11oz.

Unfortunately, Jolie had severe jaundice and had to be treated at CHOC. She was admitted, released, then re-admitted to another hospital. :( Two days of waking every hour and a half in the neonatal ward to feed my sick baby will forever keep me humble. Since we only breed fighters in our fam-bam, Jolie spent one week in the NICU and then she was released for home treatment. Two weeks later, she was 100% jaundice-free. Now almost 4 months later, Jolie is healthy, a TOTAL doll and an absolute joy in our lives.

My parents celebrated their wedding anniversary on February 12th. It's amazing to think that a small trip in a colorful jeep in the Philippines would lead to 35+ years together, 3 SUPER kids and 3 ADORABLE grandkids. Well done, folks. Well done.

Jon and I celebrated our 7th year wedding anniversary on Feb 21st. That makes it 15 years TOTAL. Time flies when you're having fun (and kids. LMAO!) Love you, Eggie!

March 26th marked 2 wonderful milestones that occurred on the same day: My hubby-bear turned twenty-fourteen and my dad finally retired. Sadly, the family photographer epically FAILED to bring her camera to document the momentous events.

*wilt*

Hey - I can still use the whole "I just had a baby" excuse to justify my brain lapse, right? RIGHT?! Do you have any idea what actually happens to a woman's brain during active labor? The pain? The pressure? It's enough to knock out a skabillion (actual scientific count) brain cells...but I digress...

Let's tap into our imagination, shall we? Picture, if you will, Jon's smiling face next to a cake. See, in your mind's eye, a plethora of handwritten "Hooray it's your bday" signage that Jailyn and I painstakingly hung around the house? Do you see it? Streamers all around, too? Yes? Now take another moment to envision my dad, standing by my Uncle Flor (who also retired that day) screaming and flailing their arms uncontrollably whilst they run away from their cubicles.

THAT is what I would have placed in a cute slideshow or on this post but there's no need to rehash the past. Moving on...

April 28th: Our Fif... Our little baby, Kharina....turned *gulp* SEVEN-FREAKIN-TEEN. Hard to believe that she's nearly an adult and just a year away from graduating. What's most distressing is that I can't get over the fact that I am old enough to have a 17 year-old niece. LOL! Love you, baby girl! 4 more years and we're off to VEGAS, Beeb!

May 5. Had to return to work. I've already blogged about that, haven't I? If you're up to subjecting yourself to more whining, go ahead and read my previous post.

May 9 - Mother's Day. It was awesome. We had Filipino food, exchanged gifts, then hung out at my sister's house for several hours together. Nothing TOO eventful but it was exactly what the doctor ordered. I walked away with a new purse, a couple of Nordstrom's gift cards, beautiful flowers and lovely cards. Yay moms!

Ok. Dat's it. I'm now officially up-to-date. If I've missed any other events... what can I say? I've just had a baby. (YES! Twice in one post!)

The Night Before....

2010-05-04T00:38:00.000-07:00

I feel the way that I expected to feel the night before I have to go back to work: totally stressed, incredibly emotional, and just plain sad.

I've spent the last 12 weeks dreading this day and now that it's finally here, I don't know WHAT to do with myself. I didn't do anything to be "more prepared" for tomorrow either. I didn't get the haircut that I said I'd get. I didn't go "work clothes shopping" like I said I would. Heck, I didn't even TRY to lose any more weight so that the heifers at work wouldn't look at me in judgement for not losing more of the baby weight while I was gone. What did I do? I made dinner, bathed both of the girls, baked a tres leches cake with Jailyn and fell asleep with both of the girls in my bed.

Right before Jailyn fell asleep, I reminded her that I was going back to work in the morning. She looked at me, pouted and said, "I'd rather be homeless than have our family be apart. You should just call them and say that you can't be there because you have something else to do."

Oh kiddo...if it were only that simple.... :(

11 weeks already?!

2010-04-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

I took Jolie in for her 2-month well -baby check. Based on her stats, my kid is well ahead of the curve:

Birth weight: 7 lbs, 11 oz
@2 months: 13 lbs, 12oz (11 wks)

Birth length: 19 1/2
@2 months: 231/2 (11 wks)

Pay attention to those commercials, kids..... Milk DOES do a body good. :)

A shark out of water

2010-04-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Meet Jailyn: Soccer Extraordinaire

She's sweet

and wears these nifty pink and black soccer shoes. (....cause that's what all the serious soccer players wear..)

During her first game, Jailyn realized that soccer was a bit more challenging than looking cute in her uniform. It involved LOTS of running and even had to learn how to work with a team of new people.

And though she was the youngest (by far!) in her team, she persevered. (Even if it meant hiding in the adjacent baseball field until daddy had to go fetch her. *sigh*)

But in the end, she did come around to the game. She played defense and still managed to picked a few daisies along the way. Can't wait to see what the rest of the "Gray Shark" season brings.

Mia Hamm.....watch out!

Never Saddle

2010-04-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Overheard the tail-end of this convo while Jon was giving Jailyn a shower:

Jon: Well when you are old enough to date, sweetie, just remember to choose a boy that deserves you and treats you well. NEVER settle.

Jailyn: (after a short pause) Saddle??? I would never date a horse, Daddy.

Ah....good times.

Look Who's Talkin'

2010-04-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Some early mornin' chit-chat with my Jolie Polie. LOVE HER. Lmao!

Writer's BLAH...

2010-01-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

(pic taken at NYE)

I really should have been updating this blog more. After all, there are TONS of things to write about; but I've just been feeling...uninspired. Too tired to think of anything clever to say. Here's some of the things that I've failed to write about:

- My family planned a surprise baby shower for me on 1/16.
- Two weeks before the actual event, my boss ruined the surprise aspect for me by allowing me to hear her on the phone while she and my sister conspired. (sigh)
- It took me nearly 2 weeks to convince my sister that shaking the $hi! out of my boss would only lead to battery and assault charges for her and an unemployment line for loser preggos for me. Sissy reluctantly agreed to back off. Ain't she a sweet kid?
- The party was really, really nice. We received TONS of great gifts. My family really outdid themselves.
- In another week, my happy butt is getting - yet- another baby shower. This one will be work-related. It's not a surprise and that's the way that I like it, I think.
- Belly's gettin' mighty huge. I'm 37 weeks today. As of my visit last week, I am 2 cm dilated but not effaced AT ALL. I see my OB again in 2 days. I have no idea what to expect.
- I have a half-ass-packed hospital bag that consists of black leggings, my camera and a charger. I'm sure that I'll need more than that but I got distracted by some frozen yogurt last night. It happens.
- I seem to have developed a liking for Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I stream the shows online and just can't get enough of the freaking show. Not sure what that says about me but I just don't care.

*yawn*

Wish I was napping right now.

The Bully House

2010-01-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

....THAT'S how I feel: I'm housing a rib-kickin', foot-stuffin' bully....
and am lovin' every minute of it.

I've always enjoyed this part of pregnancy: movement undeniably confirming that I am one of the ones who are fortunate enough to be able to carry a life inside of my body; my one opportunity to assist the Lord in a miracle.

In no time flat, I'll have her in my arms. These 9 months FLEW by and if I didn't have an unmistakeable bump to contend with each time I try to get up out of bed, I'd have trouble convincing myself that I was ever pregnant to begin with. Lol.

Now if Jon and I can just agree on a name for the little acrobat, we'd be all set. *sigh*

See you soon, my precious Joey.

Twentyten

2010-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that we've seen the end of another year. And as usual, our NYE was spent with those that matter to us the most.

"Noche Buena" did not disappoint:

And after hopping around at midnight (another family tradition), we had our annual apple cider toast. EVERYONE had a glass...

We all attempted a NY resolution. Mine? I will try not to be knocked up again during the holidays again. (Famous last words. Lol)

32 Weeks!

2009-12-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

During our last u/s, the baby measured in at 4lbs, 10oz and has a TON of hair already. She's healthy, thriving and is within weeks from being in our arms. The only set back (if you can even call it that) is that daddy has decided that he does NOT like the name "Jordyn." Can't say that I'm thrilled with last-minute veto but he should have a say in this (right?)

Last night we spent some time online looking up "J" names.

Some interesting submissions:

Jagger (means to carry) - What the.....?

Jaaalah (means wild goat) - Ja-a-a-NO.

Jesterdai (means "the day before" -duh!) -----> C'mon. Are you jidding me?

I really hope that we can agree on something soon. We're just not rockstar enough to pull-off the whole symbol-as-a-name thing.

Ho, Ho, Ho...

2009-12-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that it's that time already. Mistletoe, gifts, lovely trees adorned with ornaments and lights...and, in our case, LOTS of traveling. Since my folks moved to Adelanto (aka BFE), our travel time has doubled. It's about 2 hours of driving but you have to add another hour due to the holidays. Thankfully, I have Jon who's more than willing to do all the driving. :D

Once we arrived, we were greeted with a deluge of yumminess. As usual, my mom hooked up the table with all the Filipino staples. And the tree... well, it was non-existent (bec. of the move) but its' absence sure didn't affect what what would have been placed beneath it.

The best part of this year was watching the girls hand out presents of their own. Kharina (our first baby) thoughtfully purchased each gift that she handed out. As usual, they were perfect and you can tell that she put a lot of thought in what she got each of us. Thanks to Tarjay's dollar bin, Jailyn was able to pick out her very own gifts s for each family "number" (as she puts it). Watching the joy on their faces as each person opened their tokens reminded me of what Christmas was truly about. Can't wait for next year.

Profitable Losses

2009-12-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

Jailyn’s lost more teeth.
Tooth #4 was wiggled out on Dec 5th. This loss earned her a whopping $10 bill (YIKES!) bec. it was her very first top tooth:

Then just 18 days later, out came tooth #5:

I have to say that I am absolutely IN LOVE with her new toothless grin but I'm sure that the toothfairy could use a break. After all - there is a recession going on, right?

2009-12-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

Funny what a difference a year makes. Last year, I donned my best party clothes while hubby surprised me with a swanky French dinner at The Cellar. I tried some liver pate (ick), drank a little wine, enjoyed a superbly cooked fillet mignon and savored (my very first) chocolate soufflé. After dinner, we walked around the courtyard, took some pictures and held hands while we explored the nightlife. Tres' romantic.

This year was a little different. At 32 weeks preggo, I wasn't up for much partying. I went to work then came home to an UBER yummy lemon and herb-breaded tilapia, fluffy white rice and a chocolate soufflé for dessert. After dinner, Jonathan gave Jailyn a bath and got her ready for bed while I relaxed in front of the tv. Once she was tucked into bed, hubby treated me to a nice, long foot-rub and a movie.

What can I say? It just gets better every year.

Can’t wait for my next berfday. Woot!

Friends, Stuffies and 1 BEARY Nice Dress

2009-12-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

Friends, Cupcakes and 1 Beary Nice Dress

Six at last
Six at last
Thank God almighty
She’s SIX at last!!

And like any 6-year-old in-the-know, she wanted to celebrate her special day at Build-a-Bear. Daddy and I went right to work: we created an evite and invited a handful of classmates, family and friends. In spite of the unexpectedly blucky weather, we still had a decent turn-out:

Right after the festivities, Jailyn went over to my sister’s house to spend the night. And if a picture speaks a thousand words, I’d say that this one shows that she had a GREAT time:

Happy Birthday, sweet girl. Try not to grow up too quickly. Mama can’t take it. :(

GREATful

2009-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

Whenever I think about my life, I find myself feeling content and extremely proud of what I've accomplished. I'm surrounded by people who love me and I couldn't be happier.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with:

A family who's there for me NO MATTER WHAT:

A husband and soulmate. A kind man who supports and loves me with all of his heart:

A beautiful chibby - whose love runs so deep - that it makes me want to cry:

And a healthy baby who's marinating in my belly and waiting to add more blessings in my life:

Life is great and I am incredibly humbled.

Afternoon Tea

2009-11-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to be invited to Mikayla's 5th bday party.

Her parents graciously hosted a tea for her at Olivia's Dollhouse Tea room in Tustin, CA.

It was amazing!

The girls patiently waited by the door until "tea time" came:

But once the doors opened, it was easy to see what the hub-bub was all about:

Over 200 gowns to choose from:

and SHOES! E-gads....LOADS of shoes!

Make-up and accessories galore:

Once gowns were chosen, the girls prepped themselves for a fashion show and practiced

their best princess poses:

While waiting for the "Royal Fashion Show" please observe daddy in the "living room" trying desperately to look manly:

Tea time soon followed. The Queen and her princesses were served with sandwiches, mini pizzas and hotdogs ala twigs:

and a desert platter worthy of royalty:

Happy Birthday, Mikayla.

The girls had a fabulous time!

The Road Well-Traveled

2009-11-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

I was running late for work today and thought that I might butter up boss lady with her favorite cup o' java. I make my stop, buy the aforementioned drink and head back to the office. I turn out of the parking lot and had driven a few feet before I noticed 3 men in my rear view mirror frantically flagging for me to go to the left of the street.

THAT's when I realized that I had been driving on newly paved road.
Ugh. Only THEN do I notice the BRIGHT freaking signs that read "Wet cement. Thru traffic to the left."

Ah. Surely they didn't mean ME too?

As I negotiate toward the leftside of the street - I run into even more signs: NO. LEFT. TURNS.

No left turns? That's the only way back to my office (and may I remind you that I am the most non-directional person. Ever?) I turned on my navigation to help me find my way back to work. Eventually, I get the 2 familiar beeps indicating that the correct turn was coming up ahead. I get excited.

Yay-yess! Finally back on the right track.

I make my turn at the next light. ---- THE WRONG LIGHT. Somehow I've managed to get on the freeway... and en-route to Timbuktu.

Needless to say, I did (eventually) find my way back... but not until after I was on the road for an hour for a trip that should have only taken me 10 minutes.

Gotta love the scenic route.

Weddings...

2009-11-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

...always make me cry. Who am I kidding? Nowadays, the mere sight of a tissue box makes me cry - but I digress...

After months of planning and dozens of tissue boxes later, my big sissy's day had finally come. She's going to the chapel and ...well... you know.

(Click here for some of the wedding pics.)

What a beautiful ceremony - both inspiring and emotional. It was clear to all that was present that they loved one another; and in spite of all the hoopla, the wedding itself was merely a small part of an on-going journey that was long established many moons ago. My gorgeous sister was in a white, mermaid dress adorned in detail and ornate bling. Her hair - loosely curled and pinned simply with a small tiara. I don't think that I've ever seen a more beautiful bride. But what stood out most to me was what one could see behind her eyes. It was subtle and something that I believe only a chose few could truly recognize: peace.

Though she was notably happy, it's been a while since I've seen this particular twinkle in her eyes. She often guards that part of her heart and allows small pieces of it to be exposed in controlled intervals. That night, she allowed God and everyone to see it in her, too. Freely. Wholeheartedly. At that moment, I knew that she was finally ready to be vulnerable again. To love again. To accept peace again.

Cheers, big sis.

Fall Back

2009-11-02T21:41:00.001-08:00

I love fall and everything that it brings: the cool evenings, the changing colors, the holidays... It signifies a shift in my universe that usually tells me that happier days are coming.

In a span of 15 weeks, my sister's going to get hitched, Thanksgiving will come, Jailyn turns *gasp* SIX! Christmas...then New Years. Then a few more significant dates: My sister's bday, my parents' anniversary, my wedding anniversary.... and somewhere between there, our little Jordyn will make her appearance.

It's funny to think that SO much can happen in such a short amount of time. It makes me wonder if I'll be ready for any of them.

The Madhatters BRIDAL Tea Party

2009-10-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hello,Alice. This party AIN'T for you.

In 2 short weeks, the Deester (pictured here with the cutest.kid.EVER.) is marrying my big sissy...

...but this party isn't for him either.

The woman on the hour? Why, JAYDEE, of course!

Let's talk food, shall we?

and of course... a cake (Thanks! Dejeanne!)

Jaydee's mom made THE best pancit (filipino noodles)but the silly photographer was too busy getting her pose on and forgot to take any pics of the deliciousness.

*ahem* Back to the party....

The give-a-ways

The centerpieces:

Eden (bridesmaid and Sangria-making extraordinaire)

Kharina (bridesmaid and my right-hand chick- sitting briefly with Deron before having to rush back to helping tend to the party.)

And a party simply isn't a party without beautiful women donning FAB-tastic hats, right?

Thanks to Dejeanne's creative mind (and deep pockets! Lmao!) - the ladies participated in FUN games. Don't worry -things did NOT get competitive at all.

Once all the prizes were given out, the bride-to-be cut her yummy cake:

and enjoyed it with the ladies:

Time to open some presents containing a plethora of new church attire:

Shout outs to "the bomb squad" and my awesome parents for a job well-done. T'was a tiring day but based on this face, we pulled off the party quite nicely:

Congrats, big sis. We are SO happy for you. XOXO!

SLIDESHOW HERE

If You Don't Make Dollaz, You Can Pay With Centz...

2009-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Those who know me well are aware of my love of shoes. It's no wonder that this article caught my eye:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/33411019#33411019

Yowza.

You're going to run and check your coin purses now, aren't ya?

Surviving Our First Fundraiser

2009-10-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Wood Canyon Elementary and the willing wallets of family and friends, our sweet Jailyn survived her first fundraiser. She sold a total of 27 items which yielded nearly $300. Not bad for a first-time fund-peddler in my book.

More than anything, I found it amusing that she took things *so* seriously. She was adamant about calling people to get a verbal confirmation that they would buy something from her before actually allowing them to peruse the catalog.

"If you don't buy something," she monologues on the phone, "then my school will starve."

You can't blame her for utilizing dramatic flare to close the sale, can ya?

And with each phone call, the kid seemed to develop her sales pitch - honing in on what got reactions from the previous call and improving upon it. I couldn't help but feel proud of her. Must be the inner salesperson in me. Lol.

Finally, on her last call, she started quoting prices.

"For only TWO dollars and TWO pennies, you may buy this shelf. For only TWO pennies more, you can get this candle with it," she explains.

I allow her to finish the call and waited until she hung up.

ME: "Jailyn? That shelf costs $9 - not $2,"

JAILYN: (pouting) "What?! Oh great. Now no one is going to buy anything bec. it's all too expensive."

She paused for a moment and then continued, " I guess I could just throw in a hug and big kiss and this..." Jailyn flashed her sweetest smile.

I nodded. "They won't know what hit them."

Pleased with her new plan, Jailyn tucked the catalog under her arms and walked away.

*sigh*

Preggy Insomnia

2009-10-17T03:08:00.000-07:00

It's 3 in the morning. Do you know where YOUR preggo wife is? Perhaps blogging or browsing the internet in hopes that she'd finally get tired enough to go to bed? Well then you have something in common with MY snoring hubby.

*sigh*

This is one major repeat of my previous pregnancy that I was hoping to skip. Long days = one tired mama. I end up falling asleep while I tuck Jailyn to bed. Sadly, I almost always wake up 2-3 hours later and stay wide awake until the wee hours of the morning. This is kinda reminiscent of my younger, clubbing years - except not nearly as exciting or alcohol induced.

It's funny what you notice when the everyone else is asleep:

My next door neighbor's husband is STILL awake ... sitting inside of his civic smoking a cig...and at the risk of sounding redundant: IT'S 3 IN THE MORNING. He's been in there for an hour now. (If that ain't a sad sight - nothing is.)
2 people walked by my car and stared at my license plate. NO idea why. That's just weird. Probably equally as weird is that I noted them doing that AND that I actually kept tally. (Note to self: seriously consider getting a life.)
No matter where I am, I tend to sit at the edge of my seat, become incredibly uncomfortable bec. of the pressure on my tailbone, adjust - only to end up in the same spot again.
When eating Starbursts, I only eat them in this order yellow, orange, red then pink. I think that's probably bec. I like saving my favorite flavors for last but this order NEVER changes.
I make unusual lists when I'm sleep deprived.

Better go make friends with a pillow. Goo-nite.

Homecoming- Part Deux

2009-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

For the 2nd year in a row, my beautiful niece, Kharina is going to her

Homecoming Dance with...a boy. And not just with any boy.....

Meet Francis: one lucky sonofa...

.... betcha wanted a close up of Kharina's pretty brown eye, right?

No? Oh... Where was I?

Ah yes. Homecoming. Special occasions call for one to get their hair "did":

Make-up diva-fied:

and with one final spritz of hairspray, you're ready for the "money shot."

Hey - how about posing with your hardworking beauty crew (aka mom)

and a few passer-bys who can teach you a thing or two about being a true DIVA?:

Wait - is that the door bell?

It's that Francis dude.

Don't worry folks, this wasn't an awkward moment AT ALL...

Smile kids ... and try not to let the crazy, white guy ruin this romantic moment

by putting bunny ears on you.

Just enjoy yourselves and know that we are SO excited for you.

We. Really. Are.

In fact, after you guys leave, we're going to celebrate by buying a bunch

of these festive shirts:

Have fun!

Ode to Jonathan

2009-10-09T00:57:00.001-07:00

I'm a lucky girl. I met my hubby when I was 13 years old. And even though

we didn't really get together until 6 years later, Jon has always known

what he wanted out of life...and what he wanted from me.

He knew that he was my soulmate and would be one of my best friends. Best of all, he knew that he'd love the HELL out of me and my kids.

We've been through a lot together and yet, after 15 years,

I still find myself in awe that he's remained by my side in spite

of my quirky imperfections. My husband is sweet and kind;

and has always accepted me for who I am. He is also blissfully unaware that the true reason why

we've lasted this long is that he has no clue that he is too good for me.

And THAT, my friends, is one secret that I'll happily take to my grave.

(...or at least until he gets to read this post. *wink*)

Now, with a new baby on the way, I thank God every day

that my girls will have a "dadden" who will love them

unconditionally, relentlessly and will support them - no matter what.

Sarangheyo, Eggie.

What's In That Beh-leh?

2009-10-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

It's official. In a few short months, our little Jordyn Calla Kim will be a part of our crazy family. It's amazing how quickly time flies.

Soon, we're going to be wrestling with diapers, getting ZERO sleep, dealing

with a precocious (and slightly jealous) 5 year old, trying to balance home

and work...

...and LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

HOW did I ever get this lucky?

20 weeks down, 20(ish) more to go.

Who will you love more ...

2009-09-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

me or the baby?

THAT was Jailyn's most recent question.

ME: I'll love you both the same.

JAILYN: That's impossible, mommy. You have to love one more than the other.

ME: No, it isn't, honey. I'll love you in a Jailyn-way and I'll love the baby in a baby-way. Regardless, I will love you equally.

JAILYN: What's equally?

ME: It means exactly the same.

JAILYN: (scoffing) Mom! I told you. That's impossible.

Ok. Is it me or am I already arguing in circles with this kid? *sigh*

Like One of the Girls

2009-09-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

After many unsuccessful attempts we were finally able to schedule lunch with my EPI pals. Here they are pictured with a familiar face and donning ...um...unusual hats:

Andrea:

Suzie:

Trish (and her 32 week baby boy)

Perla:

"Doing lunch" was lots of fun.

Jailyn can't wait for our next rendezvous.

Thanks to Andrea for the lovely bean necklace and for

unintentionally introducing our 5 1/2 year old about the

joy one gets from receiving gifts that come from

notorious blue boxes. (sigh)

Welcome to Wood Canyon Elementary, Jailyn Kim!

2009-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, hubby and I decided that it would be in Jailyn's best interest to stay in Kindy again this year. Only this time, she'll be attending a new school- with new kids and new opportunities to grow socially.

Here she is with a nifty, new name tag. No new-school-butterflies here:

She was the only one who knew the songs:

This is going to be a fun year!

No Pain...ALL Gain

2009-09-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Being pregnant is a beautiful thing - but let's face it: not all pregnant women are beautiful.

We don't all glow. Most of us aren't "all belly." In fact, some of us (read: me @ 9 months- lol) can look down right scary. The truth is, the only thing that's undeniably beautiful about being pregnant is the growing bun in the oven. I've been fortunate enough to have relatively uneventful pregnancies. Therefore, I'm the kind of preggy that walks around sing-songy and lovin' my belly-filled life. After all, I am taking part in something incredibly special: I have been given another opportunity to assist God in a miracle. {insert angelic harp music here}

But this post isn't about that. This post is about me working out again.

It's been a month since my last ~~confession~~ work out.

Yeah, I said it. ~~Bite~~ Sue me.

I've been good though. I picked up my dusty workout dvds and have cycled through a different workout each day for the past week. I'm doing a little cardio, a little preggy yoga & pilates, some light weight training... So far, so good. Besides --- it was quite shocking to find out that 85lbs doesn't actually melt off of your body once your 9lb baby comes out. I just want to be to healthy this time around. I also don't want to be sluggish down the road especially since I'll still have to live in Jailynland AND tend to a newborn baby.

Cross your fingers for me. Please.

Attn: Toothfairy...

2009-08-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

...hope you have deep pockets 'cause we've lost another tooth!

1st tooth lost: 6/9/2009

2nd tooth lost: 8/28/09

WOOT!

A replacement tooth was present (both times!) before the old one was even taken out. And if you know Jailyn, you won't find that surprising at all.

Some shots to commemorate aforementioned losses:

Look at that smile.....

Don't let that innocent face fool ya, folks. Jon and I have been suckered into doing/giving up/buying many things with that toothy grin.

Reflection

2009-08-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

I drive a 2006 Scion. It's metallic gray, decorated with minor dings throughout its unusual square casing; and (more often than not) dirty inside and out. It has about 75,000 miles under its' hood and once lost a drag race contest against my neighbor's 4-year-old's powerwheel.

But still... it runs, the payments are manageable and it has NAV (which also doubles as a DVD player.)

I LOVE my NAV by the way- but this post isn't about how many times my lovely NAV has saved me from my uncanny ability to get lost in a cul-de-sac. It's about getting lost and finding my way back by simply looking up.

I was driving around with Jailyn in-tow, completely immersed in a "woe is me" moment. In the midst of my pity party, I got stuck at a red light. I looked over to my right and there was a brand-new BMW - to my left a brand-new Lexus. Both cars twinkled in the sunlight...no paint chips....no scratches...immaculately clean.

I glared at the cars with envy thinking, "I should be in a better car, not this shoebox. I work hard and make enough to have something nicer to show for it." (grumble...grumble...grumble...)

As soon as I finished that thought, I looked up and caught a glimpse of my Jailyn in the rearview mirror.

My little girl was laughing out loud. She was busy watching her Sunny Patch DVD on my trusty ol' NAV. Jai was content and couldn't have cared less WHAT we were driving in as long as we were together.

And without having to utter a word, she wisely put me in my place.

As the light turned green, Jailyn said, "Mommy? Can we please get a vanilla cone?"
Feeling humbled I reply, "Yes, sweetie. That sounds awesome."

Prospective

2009-08-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

What 200 calories looks like:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-200-calories-look-like.htm

When you're preggy, "they" say that you only need to consume 300 more calories than what you'd normally take in.

As far as I'm concerned, the link illustrates that I would have to eat a serving of each of the photographed food items in order to consume 200 cals.

Gotta love being knocked up. You make your own rules.

Not in a mean way

2009-08-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

Jailyn and I found a picture that was taken of me approx 2 weeks before she was born.

Jailyn: Mommy? I don't mean this in a bad way, but, you looked fat.
Me: Well, I was preggy, baby. My tummy was huge.
Jailyn: Yeah, but what happened to your thighs? (making giant circular motions)

I love her honesty.

New Eyes

2009-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

My Jailyn found 3 forgotten beans in her pink moon sand box. (Remnants of a failed attempt to grow pink palm trees last year.) She shrieked then asked for the following things:

Scissors, a paper towel, a cup of water, a ziplock bag and 2 pieces of tape.

I oblige, then watch attentively as she assembled the items together: Jailyn folded the papertowel, doused it with water, whispered in the bag (?!), then dropped her 3 beans in. One little zip of her fingers across the top and her plastic atrium was complete. The final step was taping the baggie on her playroom window.

I stared at the bag of sad, wet beans and said, "These are really old beans, Jai. I'm not sure if they'll sprout anything."

"Oh Mommy. You just have to be patient," Jailyn replied knowingly. "One day, they'll turn into HUGE pink palm trees with strawberries. You just have to believe."

With that, my little girl let out a squeal and shook her booty as she stared at her creation.

Ahh...the beauty of blind faith.

I know that those beans will never yield fresh strawberries. Nor will they turn into lovely, pink palm trees. However, it saddens me that I've stopped thinking of beans as the beginning of endless possibilities. When did a bean become just a bean to me? When did I stop finding joy in the little things in life?

I'm luckier than most because I will have the opportunity to view the world again through new eyes... thanks to my kids. And with any luck, I, too, will experience something that will warrant a bootie shake and a squeal....and won't feel funny about doing it.

...Well - unless it ends up on Youtube...but I digress...

Girls Night Out

2009-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, Girls night out meant:
- Saturday night
- A club in L.A.
- A bunch of pretty ladies dressed to kill.
- LOTS of alcohol

but now it means:
- Me
- Jailyn
- Dinner at Soup Plantation (or somewhere equally as exciting.)

I'm not gonna lie - I have moments when I wonder where my days of carelessly downing tequillas and grinding strangers on the dance floor went. But then I look across table and see this:

...Then I think, "Who needs those club scenes when you can watch this pretty face DEVOUR 4 fried fish carcasses in an hour?"

NOT me. (Farewell Nemo.)

Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Something to fit this belly too....

2009-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

My sister's getting married Nov. 6th.... and I'm freaking out. Not only do I need to put together their "save the dates", invites and accomplish other "M.O.H" duties, but I also need to find a dress that will NOT require 3 tubs of butter and a holy monk to get my preggy body in it

What's a hormonal, bloated, perfectionist to do?

Save the Dates? - Check.
Invites - Almost done
Misc. duties- still sorting through details but am making progress.
Dress - Um. Houston? We've got a problem.

I've scoured the internet and have YET to find something that I could imagine squeezing into that won't make me look like a giant smurf. (Did I mention that their colors are cobalt blue and light blue?)

You just pictured me as smurf, didn't you? It's ok. You can laugh if you want to.

Wish me luck. Better yet, wish HER luck. I'm not the one paying for the pictures or the photographer. Sorry, sis. *wilting*

The Plastic Spoon

2009-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy but whenever I hear the words: “downward spiraling economy” together, I hyperventilate. Let’s face it – that verbiage doesn’t exactly illicit the warm, loving sensation that a woman wants to feel during her pregnancy.

Besides - I’m a worrier by nature.

I worry that we won’t be able to stretch our moola to cover the mortgage, pay for bills, take care of our 5-yr old AND a brand-new baby. I worry that my job won’t be flexible with my family’s growing needs. I worry that the baby will need things that I can’t give him/her because we’re too broke to pay attention. (Har-har...old joke but always applicable.)

A brown bag and some yoga-breathing later, I turn to a lesson that Jailyn taught me many moons ago:

Rewind 5 years - Dh and I were first-time parents; anxious and fumbling about with a little bundle whose tears could not be bribed away with promises of snicker bars or an increase in allowance. And – like all parents- we bought all the things that “people” said she needed. Soon every room in the house was filled with jumperoos, pack and play pens, bouncers and varying gizmos to engage her during tummy time. We bought mirrored mats, talking boxes, colorful balls that vibrated, swing gyms that hung above her and a drum counted out beats with each tap of the baby’s hand. Hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars worth of toys at her disposal………….and which one was her favorite?

A $2 plastic spoon from Target and her empty diaper boxes.

And just like that, we learned a valuable lesson from the purest of hearts:

You really don’t “need” as much as you think you do.

I'm sure that everything will work out in the end...but in the meantime, I’ll get through my panic attacks with a plastic spoon in hand.

The Faith of a Tiny Seed

2009-08-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

The baby has my eyes, no?

Knocked up, down and all around

2009-08-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

We're preggy!!!

That's one heck of a "how do you do?" after taking a hiatus from the blogging world, eh? It's how I roll....

So far, I've had no MS - just tired and bloated. Guess I should count my blessings. I've never liked throwing up for any reason.

I seriously considered starting a new blog.. with a more appropriate title but why do THAT when I can barely keep up with this one? Lol.

Onward and upward people.

Green Eggs and Spam

2009-07-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Jailyn. Does the thought of dinner leave you unmoved?

How about a meal that's Dr. Seuss approved?

First you start with this tiny can:

Pop the top

Slice it up nice

Now slide gently in a pan:

Take some Spinach - please don't say "Eww!"

Smile instead then mix with scrambled egg goo:

2 more minutes - just sit and wait

Be patient, friend, the reward is GREAT.

For you, little chef, created for Sam (and mommy)

The best(est) dinner of all:

Green Eggs and SPAM (lite):

In 2 short days...

2008-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

...my baby is turning 5. FIVE! Where did the time go? I remember being 15 and feeling like life was proceeding at such a s-l-o-w pace. Nowadays - I can barely catch my breath.

I still remember the day she was born. I recall feeling scared - not knowing what to expect.

Jailyn Taylor Kim was born on December 10th at 9:05a.m. I remember the nurse taking our baby and placing her on my chest. For a brief moment, scenes of past movies that I've watched entered my mind: the camera panning in on a crying newborn - quieted only by feeling his/her mommy's touch for the very first time. The mommy looks into her child's bright eyes and smiles.... then music fills the air....

That was not how it happened with us.

Jailyn SCREAMED bloody murder for over15 minutes...and refused to open her eyes (for over a week!) We didn't exchange loving stares. No music. Just loud, inconsolable screeches of disapproval. ----Apparently, no one got the memo that Jailyn wanted to sleep in.

Jailyn had severe jaundice. The first 3 weeks of her life was spent in and out of the hospital for blood tests and treatments. Eventually, they allowed a nurse to bring us a machine (called Bilirubin Blanket) to use at home. She was a month old when she was finally given a clean bill of health.

Like most new moms, I really struggled with the transitions of motherhood. I was sleep-deprived, ailing from the battle wounds of giving birth to a 9lb baby, postpartum depression..... Right when it felt like I was making progress, Jailyn decided to throw in another curve ball by cutting her first 2 top teeth at 2 months old - NOT good news for a new mom trying to master the art of breastfeeding! (She had 4 teeth at 4 months...6 at 6 months....and so on. This continued until she was 1 years old with a mouth full of teeth!)

Her milestones just kept on comin':

5 months= sat up alone

6 months= mastered the art of crawling

8 months= audible sounds to cue wanting to nurse

9 months= first word (hi)

10 months= walking

12 months= speaking in 3-word sentences

From the very beginning, Jailyn defied obstacles and used her voice to make it known the SHE defines her own fate.

Now at (almost) five, she is cute as a button, smart as a whip and funny as HELL.

I don't know what the future has in store for our daughter - but if it's anything like the first 5 years, I'm sure that it will be an adventure.

Lazy

2008-12-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

Ok. I admit it: I've been feeling lazy. My last post was over a month ago... and I'm not sorry. Not one bit. The holidays have taken a choke-hold on my shed-g (read: schedule) and I've had no time to turn back.

I'd post more but it's 1:36am and I have to go to sleep. *yawn*

The Minority Vote - and what this means for my daughter....

2008-11-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

Dear George Duh-BULL-yah;

.... Did you know that we can fire you and get rid of any of your marionettes?

Yay-yessssss. We. Can. We can and we DID.

On November 4th, 2008 the American public overwhelmingly voted a (very qualified) African-American to be our new President-Elect. So you can take your war-havin', idiotic speech giving, money wasting, worthless ass and go duck hunting w/ Dick Cheney. Your 15 mins is finally over.

What does this mean for my daughter? Well...lots.

Barack Obama has been hired to lead the most powerful country in the world. By earning the job, he has suspended my disbelief and the disbelief of millions of Americans who, even as they were casting their votes for him, never thought that they would ever come to see the day. His success tells all children of all colors (including my daughter) that "you, too, can be president of the United States." His election also spoke of the change that we are all capable of making in this country if we just band together. To realize that educating ourselves is truly the best way to progress as a people.

While President-Elect Obama was giving his acceptance speech, I found myself glued to the TV- eyes welling with tears; hands clenched tightly over my heart. And as he began to exit the stage with his family, I looked over at Jailyn and felt genuinely hopeful that her generation would bring us to the next level.

Hope is not a bad thing.

Spiderman Redefined

2008-10-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

We love holidays...especially the kind that hooks us up with LOTS of candy. This year, Halloween was no exception.

In true Jailyn-form, our daughter decided to stray from the typical princess or girly outfit and dress as Spidergirl. She didn't want to wear any skirt versions of the costume either. She wore the Spiderman costume, complete with air-filled muscles but refused to wear the mask. --- In Jailynland, if the superhero doesn't exist, we make it up and make it better than the original.

Like troopers, my sister (Tink), my niece, D-nice and my brother headed down to our house to join Jailyn for some TOT fun at a neighboring housing track. (All of the homes are decked out in ghoulish decor.) To continue the theme, we all dressed as Marvel comics characters. I was catwoman, my hubby - batman, my sister- Spidergirl, Kharina- and Darren as Wolverine.

After the festivities, my sister and I took the girls for some ice cream.

All in all, everyone had a blast.

Cool No Mo'

2008-10-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

There was a time when I thought that I was pretty cool. I wore all the cute trends and understood why they'd be considered "in." Like most girls, I've always lusted after handbags and shoes.... but THIS I just can't wrap my head around:

BILL CUNNINGHAM (PHOTOGRAPHER) TOOK THIS PHOTO OF A LADY WALKING AROUND IN ITALY:

I can just see the ad for this shoe now: "Tired of getting the bottom of your shoes dirty? Attach a piece of drift wood to the bottom and voila! Problem's solved!"

That's right. You see shoes WITHOUT heels. Marinate on that for a second

while we move on to the next conundrum...

CLUB BULB HEELS BY GUCCI

I looked at this shoe and actually thought,

" What if someone kicked my lightbulb while I was dancing?"

Seriously. What would I do then?

SHOES BY MARLOES TEN BHOMER (<---seriously?)

I'm no brain surgeon here but at some point, aren't you supposed to stop

pushing in the Q-TIP when you feel resistance?

LUCKY 13 LIQUOR FLASK HEEL:

Made for those whose fashion cannot be hindered by trips

to the nearest Qwikie Mart for a swig of tequilla.

and finally....

Sometimes... there are just no words.

I'm SO not cool anymore... and I think that I'm ok with that.

8 Minutes

2008-10-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

With a kid like Jailyn, we have to follow a fairly strict bedtime routine. For the most part, we really try to stay on schedule and cut things out (as needed) to get her IN bed by 9:30pm. On a normal night (when all goes as planned), things would go as follows:

8:20 pm Begin to wrap-up nighttime activity
8:30 pm - 9:00 pm bath/wipe/brush teeth/ready for bed
9:01 pm - 9:20pm 3 bedtime stories
9:22 pm Pretend time with Dadden (mommy sets the timer)

"Bwa-ha-ha-ha...That is exactly what I wanted!!!....Hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha!!!!"

Laughter breaks out.

Though muffled behind a closed bedroom door, they belt out laughter - so deep that it stirs my soul. It's the kind of joy that starts at the bottom of one's gut and flutters up towards the heart.

I love my dad but never really shared these types of instances with him; moments in time that are both fleeting and precious.---- I know how much Jonathan looks forward to his 8 minutes alone with Jailyn each night.

For 8 minutes, they talk...laugh...discuss nothing and everything. They make/sell lemonade, pretend to be transformers (Jailyn as Prawl and Jon as Optimus Prime of course), work in chocolate factories and eat each other's "great creations" for 1 dollar. They send mail, draw pictures, dance and wrestle. They sing songs, read, "eat" marshmallows and talk about dinosaurs.

In 8 minutes, my adoring husband manages to tell our beautiful daughter how important she is in his life without uttering those exact words.

Love that would transcend a lifetime 8 gabillion times over.

One peck and an "eskimo kiss" later, the gesture is returned.

She's going where?!

2008-09-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Just received a phone call from my sister that will change life as I know it: my 15 year-old niece, Kharina, is going to her Homecoming Dance on November 1st.

HOMECOMING?!

To make matters worse, it's with a boy...that...she considers to be her ... buh-buh-boyfriend.

Ok. All things considered, it could be worse. She could be going with a some wanna-be cholo (since we are talking about Glendora), a druggie or gangster. Kharina could date some schmuck who'd struggle to spell the word "ok." But still, the very idea of her dating is just too difficult a pill to swallow. I think that Tink and I played this situation out in our heads for years now (knowing that "it" was gonna happen whether we liked it or not...) but this has taken our discussions to a whole other level.

During my last convo with Kharina, I asked her if he was a nice guy. She blushed and replies genuinely, "Yes."

Sonofabeotch. She likes him. I mean really likes him. Is the air getting thin in here?

At that moment, I found myself staring into the same beautiful brown eyes that captivated me 14 and a half years ago. (She was in a white onesie with nary a hair on her perfectly round head. The Fif was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. )

Though Kharina didn't say anything, I could hear her begging me not to say anythihg negative or disapproving. All I wanted to do was grab her by the shoulders and say, "Are you out of your gall-darn pubescent mind?! You're 15 FREAKING years old! You have no idea what boys are really all about! He may be a molester and you just don't know it. He could be plotting to steal your innocence; Making jokes with his friends about you! He may take advantage of you. Boys are evil creatures. Bad, I tell ya!"

Instead I say, "That's great, baby. All I want for you is to be happy. I'm glad that you've found someone that is good to you."

*head droops*

I can just see Jonathan shaking his head at me. He advised me to tell Tink to "nip things in the bud" and stash Kharina in an island far away from boys. Eh. What does HE know? HE'S a boy!

The Day After

2008-09-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

7 years and 1 day ago, planes were hijacked in the wee hours of the morning. Two were intentionally flewn into the World Trade Buildings in New York, and 1 into the Pentagon in Washington. One plane crashed in a remote field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after the passengers and crew members attempted to take control of the plane . It was speculated that, that plane was headed towards White House or the State Capitol.

Excluding the hijackers, 2,974 people died in the attacks. Another 24 are missing or presumed dead. Our (false) sense of security was obliterated; our economy- rattled. Nothing has ever been the same since.

It's funny what you think about the day after a tragedy. The day of the event, you are in shock and still searching for details. The following day, the haze has lifted a bit and that's when you get a true sense of grief. It causes you to reflect on things that would otherwise be less than an afterthought. We've become too desensitized to take note of what's going on beyond the borders of our personal circles. It's an unfortunate attitude that most Americans (including myself) share. Sadly, it took 4 planes and really bad intentions to wake us all up.

Crazy people do crazy things. Desperate and crazy is something on a whole other level.

On Sept 12, 2001, I grieved for the lives lost the day before and prayed fervently for closure within our community.

Seven years later, I continue to pray.

An Oldie But Goodie

2008-09-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
(a guide for Global Leadership)

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.These are the things I learned:

*Share everything.
*Play fair.
*Don't hit people.
*Put things back where you found them.
*Clean up your own mess.
*Don't take things that aren't yours.
*Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
*Wash your hands before you eat.
*Flush.
*Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
*Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
*Take a nap every afternoon.
*When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
*Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
*Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
*And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Bang for the Buck

2008-09-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Got a great invite in the mail at work today. Boy was it was faaannncy. The invitation was printed on etched linen paper, verbiage engraved in gold foil calligraphy. There was even a thin piece of aged tissue paper that was loving placed on top of invitation. One can only speculate that its purpose is to protect the writing from flaking or creasing.

The cliffnotes version? If you want to be in the same room as the Republican VP Nominee, Gov. Sarah Palin, the minimum "donation" is $1,000. For $1,500 more, you'll receive a lovely lapel pin to wear IF you get meet her. $15,000 on top of that will get you a chicken breast dinner for you and one friend. They will also call their calligrapher and have your name immortalized IN GOLD as a major contributor on a larger (and equally fancy) piece of linen paper that will be distributed that evening.

The only caveat is that the Republican Party would be unable to confirm - without a shadow of a doubt - that donating your hard-earned dollars would guarantee an actual meeting with Madame Nominee. That is SO out of character for them. (tsk-tsk)

Given that I'm not a lapel pin wearing kind of chick any way, I think that I'd be better off voting for Obama and saving my chicken dinner money for that 3rd eye transplant that I SO desperately need; a very necessary addition when living in Jailynland.

Franchesca or Wanda

2008-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm done with being completely obsessed with my weight. Done. This battle has been waging between Wanda (my pizza hugging, chocolate munching, sugar shake guzzling persona) and her fabulously skinny/size 0-2 alter-ego, Franchesca (still cogitating on a sexier svelt name) for YEARS now and it has GOT to stop. I'm thoroughly convinced that I am just 1 fad diet away from a Maury Povich intervention. More than anything, I'm afraid this ridiculous obsession will trickle to my little girl. How could I be the positive role model that I hope to be if *I* don't learn to love and accept myself, right?

I'm not even sure how to begin. Some may argue that a visit to the looney bin would be a great start. Baby steps, people. BAY. BEE. STEPS. For now, I'm going to start with focusing on my *ahem* more pleasing physical attributes: my smile, my broad shoulders, smaller waist, my...wrists... Postive outlooks, if you will.

I'm going to ignore the fact that my thighs rub against each other as I saunter about. (POSITIVE OUTLOOK: I'm certain that the heat produced by my thighs rubbing together could substitute as an environmentally friendly power source in place of fossil fuels.)

I will no longer harp about my abnormally plump calves and equally plump-yet-non-hairy (thank God!) man-arms. (POSITIVE OUTLOOK: I'd be a great stand-in for big foot. Aside from those "sightings" in Podunk, Iowa, no one knows what he looks like anyway.)

No need to dwell on the cottage cheese that layers on and around my flabby tummy. (POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Think about all of the money I'll save not needing to buy extra clothes during winter.)

I am doing away with needlessly worrying that my sagging buttocks may potentially harm any small child within 2 feet of my pivoting point. (POSITIVE OUTLOOK: My need to carry a purse slowly decreases as the girth of my arse increases. Just lift, tuck your lip gloss in a flap and go)

Man oh man! I'm *this* close to self-healing. I. Can. Feel. It.

Don't look at me like that.

I should probably just eat a deep fried coke and attempt this whole "baby steps" thing again tomorrow...

A Cut Above the Rest

2008-08-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am (edited to protect the old and decrepid) years old and often have NO idea what I want. I struggle with what to wear, what to eat, how to divee up my time - just to name a few. Jailyn, on the other hand, always seems to know exactly what she wants.

Must be a trait she's inherited from her father.

I don't know what changed but one day, Jailyn woke up and decided that she no longer liked having long hair. She snapped. And just like that, something that started as a light query turned into relentless whining:

"Pleeeeeaaaasssseee????? Mommy????? Can I please- pretty please - get a haircut??????Pretty, pretty paaalleeezzzeee????"

"Jailyn, if you can give me 3 good reasons why we should cut your hair, then Mommy will take you to the haircut place today. No questions asked."

Without hesitation, my little lady takes her teeny fingers and counts out each reason pragmatically, "It itches my neck, it gets in my food and it bothers me."

Day-yum. Just when I thought I'd get to watch The Hills marathon.

Before:

8 INCHES LATER:

Ok. If that isn't the smile of someone who's capable of talking her mother into things that wasn't originally "in the cards" then I don't know WHAT is.

YO, Adrienne!!

2008-08-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think that I'm cursed. I have a freaking sty - again. At least I *think* it's a sty. My upper-right eyelid is red, sore and puffy. And even though this look worked well for Sylvester Stallone, it doesn't really match with any of my new skirts. I walked around work today, trying to isolate all of my conversations with my head turned to hide the right side of my face. I did this to avoid pointing fingers at the disgusting germfest invading my face. In spite of my efforts, I think that I freaked people out instead. In fact, I'm quite certain that some walked away feeling worried that I have finally lost "it."

I can only find solace in knowing that "it" was lost many moons ago.

"Whatever, Mommy!"

I think I'm going to college...

2008-07-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Kinda funny what you can buy with $20.

On Monday, $20 got me a "mini salmon fillet with double steamed veggies" to share with my boss, 2 small packs of San Jose plums, 1 1/2 lbs. of white nectarines, 1/2 lb. of "honeydew" nectarines and an Abbazabba (---Dear Lord! Why OH why am I such a slave to that vanilla nougat with creamy peanut butter filling?! *fists in air*) On Tuesday, I spent $20 bucks on a half a tank of gas and reached in again for Andrew's twin brother to fill the other half of the tank. Know what it got me on Wednesday? 100% purple polyester and a white tassel.

I know what you're thinking...and though THAT would be fun too, THAT type of tassel work would belong to a very different kind of blog, but I digress...

Our miss Jailyn is graduating from Preschool tomorrow.

I can still remember leering from behind some 1990's faux wood blinds after dropping her off for her first preschool experience. The director of the daycare had a clear glass pane window that allowed parents of the younger toddlers to peek inside of their classroom. I must have stood there watching for over an hour.

That day, Jailyn was dressed in a lime green jumpsuit, one of many Christmas gifts from Gramma and Grampa. It had the word "Tinkerbell" embroidered on the backside of her pants. Her hair was up in a double bun that I secured with clips in the same obnoxious lime green color. She was trailing behind her teacher, head tilted upwards - face beet red and streaked with tears. I couldn't hear her but I knew that she was calling for me. I remember having trouble keeping my emotions contained. I had to bite down on my lower lip just to fight off the need to run into that room, scoop her up and announce to anyone who'd listen that I did NOT - in fact- have to go back to work. In the end, I did talk myself out grabbing Jailyn and running out. This very same situation repeated itself for five straight days. Jailyn cried on and off for an entire month. I think that I wept for much longer than that. Eventually, things fell into a pattern and Jailyn did settle in like everyone promised me that she would.

Hard to believe that, that was 2 years ago.

After her shower tonight, I had her try on her cap and gown. Jailyn's face lit up as she saw her little reflection in the mirror.

Me: Aw, baby. I am so proud of you! You're graduating!

Jailyn: I'm not graduating, Mama. I think that I'm going to college.

*sniffle*

To Jailyn

2008-07-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not a writer by any means. I don't even really have time to write. But with each passing day, the need to bookmark fleeting moments seems to grow more and more.

Jailyn is 4 and by the time she's able to read, I'd like my kid to have access to what else was going on besides that lovely (and ever-growing) wrinkle on my forehead each time I scold her about something.

I want her to know what life was like for our family while she was growing up. I want her to read how much I love her daddy and how he deeply he loves me in return.

I want something that will document our journey and mark each path taken, challenged, savored and enjoyed - big AND small.

But most of all, I want Jailyn to know how much I love her and that her very existence has inspired me to do what I can to try and earn the privilege of being her mother.