No, it wasn't from me. Actually, nobody would have been able to think of it. But Colin, the apple of Joe's eye - made his birthday something special. When Joe was putting Colin to bed, they talked about Jesus (we've been making more of an effort these days to make Christmas being Jesus' Birthday).
We read him the story of the birth of Christ, and in the end explain to him that he was really really special. I don't have all the details - but Joe came down after having put him down, and his eyes were smiling. Apparently, Colin had told Joe that 'Jesus lives in his heart-house'.
I may try as hard as I might to save my son from anything; pain, hunger, bullies, baggy pants with his underwear showing - but I cannot give him Salvation. Only Christ can, and although he may not grasp the whole concept yet, he is on his way - and I hope and pray that he will grow up to be a man that loves Christ.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sushi Birthday Cake
Happy Birthday Joe! My main squeeze is a grand old 28. He's a special guy, and he deserves the world when it comes to his birthday, and the best way I could think of making him feel special? Taking the time to make him a cake.... of (one of) his favorite things in life.
Sushi.
So, here is my attempt at the most epic sushi roll ever.
When it comes to cake, there is the 'lazy' side of me, and then the crazy anal perfectionist side. Both come out when it comes to baking.
How am I lazy? I use Betty Crocker's cake mix. And I try to find short cuts for everything I do, but when it comes to the making an imitation giant sushi roll, the short cuts can only go so far.... I had to be creative. And nothing short of perfection was expected for my husband.
I thought my idea of a sushi cake was pretty unique, but alas, the interweb loves to prove me wrong and deflate any creative self-esteem I had built up. It appears that everyone has done a sushi cake or cupcake. But I still looked around for ideas on what to use for the decorations. But it was a flop. Mostly on the seaweed front. Everyone used either green fruit roll-ups, or diluted-til-you-turn-hulk green food coloured icing.
I didn't want to go either route, so I picked me up some lovely green sprinkles (and during Christmas it's available up the wazoo) - I would sort out how to actually apply the sprinkles against gravity later. I ended up just trying ever so slightly to hold my cake at an angle, and pour it on... and then used a knife to spread on the excess sprinkles bottom up. On the realism front, the little specs of sprinkle resemble the little tiny flakes that Joe sprinkles all over the counter when he eats nori (seaweed)....
The Salmon Roe - ah, J-E-L-L-O came to the rescue - my miniature ice cube trays for making frozen baby food (that was when I had Colin. No such things for Cara) came in handy.
The Wild Salmon (that's right, only the best for Joe), cucumbers, wasabi, and pickled ginger was a whole lot of icing.
A lot of other recipes used coconut flakes, or yogurt covered raisins... and some pretty random stuff (I'm pretty sure I saw some white beans on some of the cake images...) - i just shaved some white chocolate. duh. Clearly an easy and realistic rice.
It was a success. sushi for Joe, cake for Colin, and the satisfaction of perfection for an anal retentive creative 'lazy mom'.
Joe also subconsciously had a great idea while devouring his cake - he swore he tasted green tea. There was no such ingredient - but the next time I make this, I will most definitely use Matcha for the green icing beneath the seaweed (and perhaps for the cake flavour)! THAT would be perfection. Happy Birthday Hubs, enjoy your mega-roll, and the present I bought you with your hard earned money :)
Sushi.
So, here is my attempt at the most epic sushi roll ever.
When it comes to cake, there is the 'lazy' side of me, and then the crazy anal perfectionist side. Both come out when it comes to baking.
How am I lazy? I use Betty Crocker's cake mix. And I try to find short cuts for everything I do, but when it comes to the making an imitation giant sushi roll, the short cuts can only go so far.... I had to be creative. And nothing short of perfection was expected for my husband.
I thought my idea of a sushi cake was pretty unique, but alas, the interweb loves to prove me wrong and deflate any creative self-esteem I had built up. It appears that everyone has done a sushi cake or cupcake. But I still looked around for ideas on what to use for the decorations. But it was a flop. Mostly on the seaweed front. Everyone used either green fruit roll-ups, or diluted-til-you-turn-hulk green food coloured icing.
I didn't want to go either route, so I picked me up some lovely green sprinkles (and during Christmas it's available up the wazoo) - I would sort out how to actually apply the sprinkles against gravity later. I ended up just trying ever so slightly to hold my cake at an angle, and pour it on... and then used a knife to spread on the excess sprinkles bottom up. On the realism front, the little specs of sprinkle resemble the little tiny flakes that Joe sprinkles all over the counter when he eats nori (seaweed)....
The Salmon Roe - ah, J-E-L-L-O came to the rescue - my miniature ice cube trays for making frozen baby food (that was when I had Colin. No such things for Cara) came in handy.
The Wild Salmon (that's right, only the best for Joe), cucumbers, wasabi, and pickled ginger was a whole lot of icing.
A lot of other recipes used coconut flakes, or yogurt covered raisins... and some pretty random stuff (I'm pretty sure I saw some white beans on some of the cake images...) - i just shaved some white chocolate. duh. Clearly an easy and realistic rice.
It was a success. sushi for Joe, cake for Colin, and the satisfaction of perfection for an anal retentive creative 'lazy mom'.
Joe also subconsciously had a great idea while devouring his cake - he swore he tasted green tea. There was no such ingredient - but the next time I make this, I will most definitely use Matcha for the green icing beneath the seaweed (and perhaps for the cake flavour)! THAT would be perfection. Happy Birthday Hubs, enjoy your mega-roll, and the present I bought you with your hard earned money :)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
After thoughts - Hong Kong 2011
It's been a crazy whirlwind of a trip. From packing, flying 14 hours, jet lag with a 10 month and 2.5 y/o, meeting tons of family (and new faces for the kids) - not to mention tons of spoiling for them and people fighting to hold or play with them - let's just say it's been busy, without even trying to be.
But, all in all, the main purpose for this special trip was for Colin and Cara to spend time with their extended family in Hong Kong. Joe's side of the family lives over here, and we want to enrich their lives with as many people that love them, so it was such a great opportunity to just spend time with them, letting the kids wake up in MaMa's house, and doing their daily things we do in Vancouver with a HK twist (ie. going out for macaroni/ham soup breakfasts, and eating sausage buns fresh from bakeries).
Our stroller was a hit too - we walked around like celebrities with people pointing at us, gawking, and staring in pure amazement. We were kings... with our Hummer of a stroller in Hong Kong. We have a Phil and Teds Explorer with the double attachement (so it's a tandem) but apparently it's absurdity here. Mind you, everyone here as a dinky umbrella because you have to be able to get on and off a mini bus at a moment's notice, and also weave the crowded streets. But we're used to our stroller, and can do just the same - but with the addition of huge air-filled wheels that can roll over people when they're in my way (especially when it comes to those budging mainlanders at theme parks).
But I'd like to collect some of my likes and dislikes from my endeavor over seas with 2 young children.
- I thoroughly appreciate their governing system - where in a matter of 4 years (last time we came), 3 NEW MTR lines popped up. That's 3 new railway systems, that just simply appeared when there were none 4 years ago. And why is that great? because it takes about 20 or never years for ANYTHING to get done or even break ground in BC (Evergreen Line much?)
- not so huge on the cockroaches - I was told one was stuck under a pane of glass and survived for 3 months and could probably also survive a nuclear blast. But I learned that plain detergent kills them instantly...?
- no ovens, no dryers, no dish washers, and no microwaves.(boooooo)
- but everyone who has a kid also has a nanny following them (i could live with that)
- 20 degrees Celsius is the tipping point for everyone here to start wearing toques and down jackets
- The public transport system: there will always be a bus that will take you from where you are, to where you need to go. always. you just have to figure the chinese out, or know someone that knows the bus routes.
- it's the land of where you can see where you want to go - but you can't get there (all the streets are somehow fenced off to keep pedestrians from walking out)
- vehicles have the right of way - not pedestrians. If you think you taking one step out on the the street expecting a car to stop for you - you're wrong, and you will have one less leg.
- stroller-wise, it's friendly in the sense that there is A way to get somewhere, but it just may take you forever to find the accessible route - in which case it'll just be faster taking the escalator or picking up the Hummer.
- I thought the fashion sense in Hong Kong was whack, but the fashion sense of Mainlanders IN Hong Kong is even whackier. (sorry Hongers, you're not off the hook. Some of those hairstyles only belong on poodles, and even they don't deserve that treatment)
- people here are very good at storing things. With a 800 sq/ft home, you don't know what treasures each cabinet holds - but they're all stuffed to the brim. Hoarders could learn something from them.
- it takes a 10 month old about 5-6 days to adjust, and a 2.5 y/o 2-3 days. So, if you plan to have a decent trip, don't make your trip less than 6 days, or else you'll just have a really bad trip of waking up at night and then flying back just to adjust back to the time again.
- Car seats are only 'suggested' here. (there are likable things about this loosely enforced 'suggestion')
- the presence of the mainlanders in Hong Kong was not as prominent last time we were here (Dec-Jan 2007/08) - but now there are huge LINE UPS outside Cartier, Gucci, Chanel? WTF
- Oh, and there is a strip of just high end baby stores: Gucci, Chanel, DKNY, Fendi - a Polo shirt is about $150CDN for the record.
- but I was able to run over all of them with my Hummer.
- expect to realistically gain 3 pounds (1 pound can be attributed to po-tats or any fresh baked goodies)
- I love my Ergo - if it wasn't for it I wouldn't have a sleeping child while hopping in and out of taxis
- HK is a lot like NYC, but with malls. a lot of malls.
- and the elevators in the malls are annoying. none of them ever go to the level you need to get to, because only certain elevators go to certain levels. oh, and some of them have express escalators, that will skip levels - so... this is efficiency not at its best. it is 10 times more difficult to navigate.
- if you have a stroller, don't go to MegaBox - it's like a 18 storey 'mall' with only like 4 or 5 stores on each level. not. stroller. friendly. this compounded with the previous issue (re: elevators), makes for a very problematic experience.
- some malls, however, are very friendly. They even have a mother's room, for changing diapers, breastfeeding, etc. However, it's located in a very discrete area, and you have to go through 3 sets of doors to find it, and then when you do get to the room, there's another set of doors to a private locked room - you know, just so you don't flash a nipple.
- Hui Lau Shan. google it.
There is a lot more to write down, but these are just a couple of the things right off the top of my head. We've still got a couple more days here, but will soon be back home, suffering through Mama's house withdrawal and adjusting back to our west coast time. On the bright side, it'll be Christmas shortly, so we won't feel too lonely and will be surrounded by family soon enough!
But, all in all, the main purpose for this special trip was for Colin and Cara to spend time with their extended family in Hong Kong. Joe's side of the family lives over here, and we want to enrich their lives with as many people that love them, so it was such a great opportunity to just spend time with them, letting the kids wake up in MaMa's house, and doing their daily things we do in Vancouver with a HK twist (ie. going out for macaroni/ham soup breakfasts, and eating sausage buns fresh from bakeries).
Our stroller was a hit too - we walked around like celebrities with people pointing at us, gawking, and staring in pure amazement. We were kings... with our Hummer of a stroller in Hong Kong. We have a Phil and Teds Explorer with the double attachement (so it's a tandem) but apparently it's absurdity here. Mind you, everyone here as a dinky umbrella because you have to be able to get on and off a mini bus at a moment's notice, and also weave the crowded streets. But we're used to our stroller, and can do just the same - but with the addition of huge air-filled wheels that can roll over people when they're in my way (especially when it comes to those budging mainlanders at theme parks).
But I'd like to collect some of my likes and dislikes from my endeavor over seas with 2 young children.
- I thoroughly appreciate their governing system - where in a matter of 4 years (last time we came), 3 NEW MTR lines popped up. That's 3 new railway systems, that just simply appeared when there were none 4 years ago. And why is that great? because it takes about 20 or never years for ANYTHING to get done or even break ground in BC (Evergreen Line much?)
- not so huge on the cockroaches - I was told one was stuck under a pane of glass and survived for 3 months and could probably also survive a nuclear blast. But I learned that plain detergent kills them instantly...?
- no ovens, no dryers, no dish washers, and no microwaves.(boooooo)
- but everyone who has a kid also has a nanny following them (i could live with that)
- 20 degrees Celsius is the tipping point for everyone here to start wearing toques and down jackets
- The public transport system: there will always be a bus that will take you from where you are, to where you need to go. always. you just have to figure the chinese out, or know someone that knows the bus routes.
- it's the land of where you can see where you want to go - but you can't get there (all the streets are somehow fenced off to keep pedestrians from walking out)
- vehicles have the right of way - not pedestrians. If you think you taking one step out on the the street expecting a car to stop for you - you're wrong, and you will have one less leg.
- stroller-wise, it's friendly in the sense that there is A way to get somewhere, but it just may take you forever to find the accessible route - in which case it'll just be faster taking the escalator or picking up the Hummer.
- I thought the fashion sense in Hong Kong was whack, but the fashion sense of Mainlanders IN Hong Kong is even whackier. (sorry Hongers, you're not off the hook. Some of those hairstyles only belong on poodles, and even they don't deserve that treatment)
- people here are very good at storing things. With a 800 sq/ft home, you don't know what treasures each cabinet holds - but they're all stuffed to the brim. Hoarders could learn something from them.
- it takes a 10 month old about 5-6 days to adjust, and a 2.5 y/o 2-3 days. So, if you plan to have a decent trip, don't make your trip less than 6 days, or else you'll just have a really bad trip of waking up at night and then flying back just to adjust back to the time again.
- Car seats are only 'suggested' here. (there are likable things about this loosely enforced 'suggestion')
- the presence of the mainlanders in Hong Kong was not as prominent last time we were here (Dec-Jan 2007/08) - but now there are huge LINE UPS outside Cartier, Gucci, Chanel? WTF
- Oh, and there is a strip of just high end baby stores: Gucci, Chanel, DKNY, Fendi - a Polo shirt is about $150CDN for the record.
- but I was able to run over all of them with my Hummer.
- expect to realistically gain 3 pounds (1 pound can be attributed to po-tats or any fresh baked goodies)
- I love my Ergo - if it wasn't for it I wouldn't have a sleeping child while hopping in and out of taxis
- HK is a lot like NYC, but with malls. a lot of malls.
- and the elevators in the malls are annoying. none of them ever go to the level you need to get to, because only certain elevators go to certain levels. oh, and some of them have express escalators, that will skip levels - so... this is efficiency not at its best. it is 10 times more difficult to navigate.
- if you have a stroller, don't go to MegaBox - it's like a 18 storey 'mall' with only like 4 or 5 stores on each level. not. stroller. friendly. this compounded with the previous issue (re: elevators), makes for a very problematic experience.
- some malls, however, are very friendly. They even have a mother's room, for changing diapers, breastfeeding, etc. However, it's located in a very discrete area, and you have to go through 3 sets of doors to find it, and then when you do get to the room, there's another set of doors to a private locked room - you know, just so you don't flash a nipple.
- Hui Lau Shan. google it.
There is a lot more to write down, but these are just a couple of the things right off the top of my head. We've still got a couple more days here, but will soon be back home, suffering through Mama's house withdrawal and adjusting back to our west coast time. On the bright side, it'll be Christmas shortly, so we won't feel too lonely and will be surrounded by family soon enough!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Hong Kong, Here we come.... ... ........ ....
We are 10 hours away from boarding our flight to Hong Kong. I am excited that the kids will get to visit Joe's family in his old stomping grounds. However, it's only going to happen if Joe and I are able to make it off a 13.5 hour flight alive and still married.
I'm sorry I don't have a longer post, but I'm pretty certain there will be a lot to post about during the trip. Perhaps all the bad Engrish in Hong Kong. But please do forgive me if I don't post nearly as often, and if you are just DYING (I know you are), to read up on something, I'll have to dig into the archives and re-post some of the gems.
Otherwise, hope to blog from Hong Kong - finally going to attempt packing at merry 12:30am now.
I'm sorry I don't have a longer post, but I'm pretty certain there will be a lot to post about during the trip. Perhaps all the bad Engrish in Hong Kong. But please do forgive me if I don't post nearly as often, and if you are just DYING (I know you are), to read up on something, I'll have to dig into the archives and re-post some of the gems.
Otherwise, hope to blog from Hong Kong - finally going to attempt packing at merry 12:30am now.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Hair Success!
Joe's hair is untamed. It's a wild bush that grows at the speed of light, and the only time it looks reasonable is when it's freshly cut. Unfortunately, he refuses to get it cut often (it costs a ghastly $11 with the cheap barber that cuts hair out of his basement; and he is often too exhausted to go out to get his hair cut).
The solution? Me. I will cut his hair. Why not? I've cut Colin's his whole life (all 2.5 years), and his head is still attached to his neck.
However, the last time I cut Joe's hair, (it was the first time with an electric razor), there was a slight... accident.
I won't go into details (which involve a bit of a discussion about his sideburns needing just a trim after his hair was done and perfectly cut), but basically a whole side-burn was shaved off. Not just kind of shaved off and could get away with it - it was gone like the wind.
After the 5 minute stunned silence, we thought ofdivorce solutions - maybe shave the other side to even it out? my black eyeliner to maybe 'darken' the area missing? (which we tried and... doesn't work). And after a lot of flipping between pure anger and absurdity, we just left it as is - I mean, he's a manager, and none of his employees are going to be straight with him and say - "Hey Boss, where's your side-burn today?"
Well, I am proud to announce, that tonight, we have success. I was able to mow his hair, and I found a handsome man under all that wilderness again - I have my husband again! And this time, with 2 side-burns.
On another note, other things that may test your marriage: Losing your iPhone4, cutting up your replacement credit card (right before leaving for vacay), and also almost missing a flight because you left your glasses at the hotel. I'm not exactly all that on-the-ball, and I love Joe for loving me despite it all.
The solution? Me. I will cut his hair. Why not? I've cut Colin's his whole life (all 2.5 years), and his head is still attached to his neck.
However, the last time I cut Joe's hair, (it was the first time with an electric razor), there was a slight... accident.
I won't go into details (which involve a bit of a discussion about his sideburns needing just a trim after his hair was done and perfectly cut), but basically a whole side-burn was shaved off. Not just kind of shaved off and could get away with it - it was gone like the wind.
After the 5 minute stunned silence, we thought of
Well, I am proud to announce, that tonight, we have success. I was able to mow his hair, and I found a handsome man under all that wilderness again - I have my husband again! And this time, with 2 side-burns.
On another note, other things that may test your marriage: Losing your iPhone4, cutting up your replacement credit card (right before leaving for vacay), and also almost missing a flight because you left your glasses at the hotel. I'm not exactly all that on-the-ball, and I love Joe for loving me despite it all.
Monday, November 21, 2011
He spells, kind of.
Lately, he's been spelling things out for me when he gets frustrated that I can't understand him. I thought I was the mom of a Mensa member when he spelled the other day (He Spells). Well, he's been doing it more often - maybe my hearing is going, but I can't seem to understand everything he says. So he often slows down his speech like he's talking to a foreigner.
Colin: This is Chomper, and you be Sarah, and this is (can't understand him here... i think he said Bike)
Me: Who? Trike?
Colin: No, BIKE
Me: What?
Colin: C-R-O-M-V Bike.
Me: oooh.... okay. Him.
Can't wait until we go to Hong Kong, he'll be spelling a lot of things out for people.
(btw, those are all the names of dinosaurs from an assortment of televised entertainment - with the exception of Bike. still didn't figure out who he was talking about)
Colin: This is Chomper, and you be Sarah, and this is (can't understand him here... i think he said Bike)
Me: Who? Trike?
Colin: No, BIKE
Me: What?
Colin: C-R-O-M-V Bike.
Me: oooh.... okay. Him.
Can't wait until we go to Hong Kong, he'll be spelling a lot of things out for people.
(btw, those are all the names of dinosaurs from an assortment of televised entertainment - with the exception of Bike. still didn't figure out who he was talking about)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Bad Mommy: Cara Stands with The Blur
We do, in fact, have another child. She just gets neglected a little, so I have to make a conscious effort to also make a big deal about the things #1 did for the first time (and which we actually freaked out and got the paparazzi camera gear out to capture).
Yesterday, Cara finally pulled herself up to stand using the couch. It was great, and I'm a proud momma, so I just grabbed my phone to take a quick photo to email Joe to let him know. But if you look closely (and I didn't even notice this until I looked at the picture again later on in the day),there is the blur behind Cara.
To be honest, I don't even remember all the cushions strewn on the floor, and Colin hurling himself off the couch, but, at least I now recorded the day she independently stood up coincided with the day the safety rules in this house got a little looser.
Yesterday, Cara finally pulled herself up to stand using the couch. It was great, and I'm a proud momma, so I just grabbed my phone to take a quick photo to email Joe to let him know. But if you look closely (and I didn't even notice this until I looked at the picture again later on in the day),there is the blur behind Cara.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Why are Stay at Home Moms Lazy?
.
When I was checking my blog stats (I admit - the last post about 1 vs 2 kids is getting a plethora of hits so I'm getting all gitty and checking the stats every time I check my Facebook - which is a lot), a simple-minded soul actually found its way to my blog after inputting that very phrase into the search engine.
'why are stay at home moms lazy'
First off, there are 3 ways to respond to this. No response, classy, or, gnarly. If you know me, I most probably will get quite gnarly about this. My husband calls me a loose cannon sometimes - I'm not quite sure where he gets that from.
I hope Simpleton returns to my blog, and reads what I have to say to him (sorry guys, I'm assuming it was a male that did the search).
Dear Simpleton,
I am not sure whether you have children, are married or single, working or unemployed, but there are just a few things you need to know about us moms. But I have a hunch that the 'moms' you see in public, lazing about drinking their Starbucks with their Bugaboo Strollers (possibly with their nice ass and nanny in tow) give you the impression that moms don't do anything, except for sip lattes, shop, and go to the spa for manis/pedis.
Let me tell you this. That mom - is the mom we all wish to be. I don't deny it - it'd be nice to stroll around looking relaxed all the time, I'd be showing it off too if that were my life.
Here's the reality. The moms who are aren't sipping coffee, are at home (and if you're a working mother - hats off to you for coming home to only work again!) not getting paid to work our asses off.
I know what you're thinking: I'm at home ALL DAY - with the internet, television, and a fridge stocked full of food - an absolute fantasy. Why would anybody choose to work if they could stay at home?
Well, honey, the fridge don't stock itself.
On a normal day - heck I'll even give you the best case scenario - a PERFECT day, with no tantrums, no kids hurting themselves or each other, and kids listening to each and every command, with synchronized meals and naps, no errands (grocery shopping or stepping out of the house), this is what the workload with 2 kids is like.
- wake up (before i can even brush my teeth, the kids are both awake)
- get a bottle for Kid, change diaper
- Baby is awake and needs a diaper change, and a boob
- make a somewhat nutritional breakfast
- use my octopus arms to eat my own breakfast, feed Baby (who also likes to grab spoons, point to the fruit to tell Kid to eat that, grab cheerios for Baby, catch falling food
- clean the Kid and Baby up, getting the morsels of food off their face, hands, nose, hair
- set them down somewhere for 'independent learning' (ie. neglect them so I can clean the rest of the dining room from wiping down chairs, and on my knees on the floor, and then the actual dishes)
- if they're still alive, and not whining, I may just use the time to do another cleaning task: laundry - love. sweeping - just darling. cleaning bathrooms - what a dream. dishes (either putting them away, or putting them in the dish washer - a pain either way).
- at this point, I usually smell a waft of poo in someone's diaper.
- change a poopie diaper, and then spend some time with the kids reading books, drawing, pretend I'm a Dragon (that's what I've been told to be these past couple days)and basically not letting the tv sit them as tempting as it seems.
- Baby starts to get tired, so I need to get a bottle ready, and change her diaper, and put her down for a nap
- remember to breathe
- play with Kid, and check emails for our Home Biz (ChicGeek Photography) and if necessary try, just TRY to do some editing if I can hold Kid off a little longer (he's usually using me as a human jungle gym at this point) - be really interested everytime he shows me what he built, or draws, and validate his entire being every waking moment
- snack
- make a coherent grocery list (while banging my head on the desk thinking about dinners/recipes for the week)
- probably forgot to change Kid out of pajamas still, so I should put some clothes on him
- Talk in a Dragon voice, to the Triceratops stuffie, about something intelligent (like how plants grow, or what the meaning of 'responsible' is) in hopes that Kid is learning something while changing him or folding laundry
- Prepare lunch
- (repeat meal time schedule)
- Baby usually wakes up while Kid eats, so octopus hands now have to eat my own lunch and nurse in unison
- Independent Learning
- make and feed Baby real food, and then cleaning up once again
- bottle for Kid, get him settled for nap
- read stories, play puppets, fold more laundry, and put Kid down for a nap
- get Baby's bottle ready, and put her down for a nap (because this is the PERFECT day, when they nap at exactly the same time, for 2 hours)
- clean up the messes (kitchen and play areas) - because I can't actually 'relax' when I know there's a mess somewhere
- and oh here it comes... the lazy part you must think us moms do all the time: i either nap, go on the computer, or I'll just sit and stare at the ceiling and think about nothing. really - I can think about absolutely nothing... and it would be great. silence.
Okay. Are you getting the drift? I'm only at friggin 2pm here buddy. I would continue my day, but I don't want to bore the mothers out there who are actually reading this and whose heads nearly falling off nodding in agreement.
A short summary of what goes on after this? It's absolute MADNESS when it comes to dinner - Dad comes home and tosses his socks off in 2 different directions (I hold my seething mouth shut because he's had a hard day), kids are waking up from naps, prepping raw meat with sharp knives, hot stove etc. etc. And then when bedtimes, and then when the kids are FINALLY in bed..... cleaning up the chaos, maintaining a healthy relationship with the Hubs (talking to him is a good start, but not nagging... no, we're not allowed to 'ask' him to do anything to help, because that's nagging).
Oh yeah, and breathe for the third time in the day, and then sleep. Repeat cycle.
You may have your job, it may be very stressful, and you have deadlines. You want to know what my deadline is? It's NOW. Everything, and anything, has to happen NOW. There are no sick or vacation days, and no option to quit when it gets tough. Want to know what I'm supposed to achieve as the CEO of this house? Keeping a human life safe, healthy, and teach them to be responsible, creative, caring people with whatever resources I have around me (most of time it's a cardboard box or a stuffed animal). It's not the lap of luxury you think it is, but I love my job, and that's why I keep at it the best I know how - with lots of love, patience, and tenderness. I enjoy all the work that comes along with this hat, because one day, when all this crazy is gone, it just means the kids are all grown up.
When I was checking my blog stats (I admit - the last post about 1 vs 2 kids is getting a plethora of hits so I'm getting all gitty and checking the stats every time I check my Facebook - which is a lot), a simple-minded soul actually found its way to my blog after inputting that very phrase into the search engine.
'why are stay at home moms lazy'
First off, there are 3 ways to respond to this. No response, classy, or, gnarly. If you know me, I most probably will get quite gnarly about this. My husband calls me a loose cannon sometimes - I'm not quite sure where he gets that from.
I hope Simpleton returns to my blog, and reads what I have to say to him (sorry guys, I'm assuming it was a male that did the search).
Dear Simpleton,
I am not sure whether you have children, are married or single, working or unemployed, but there are just a few things you need to know about us moms. But I have a hunch that the 'moms' you see in public, lazing about drinking their Starbucks with their Bugaboo Strollers (possibly with their nice ass and nanny in tow) give you the impression that moms don't do anything, except for sip lattes, shop, and go to the spa for manis/pedis.
Let me tell you this. That mom - is the mom we all wish to be. I don't deny it - it'd be nice to stroll around looking relaxed all the time, I'd be showing it off too if that were my life.
Here's the reality. The moms who are aren't sipping coffee, are at home (and if you're a working mother - hats off to you for coming home to only work again!) not getting paid to work our asses off.
I know what you're thinking: I'm at home ALL DAY - with the internet, television, and a fridge stocked full of food - an absolute fantasy. Why would anybody choose to work if they could stay at home?
Well, honey, the fridge don't stock itself.
On a normal day - heck I'll even give you the best case scenario - a PERFECT day, with no tantrums, no kids hurting themselves or each other, and kids listening to each and every command, with synchronized meals and naps, no errands (grocery shopping or stepping out of the house), this is what the workload with 2 kids is like.
- wake up (before i can even brush my teeth, the kids are both awake)
- get a bottle for Kid, change diaper
- Baby is awake and needs a diaper change, and a boob
- make a somewhat nutritional breakfast
- use my octopus arms to eat my own breakfast, feed Baby (who also likes to grab spoons, point to the fruit to tell Kid to eat that, grab cheerios for Baby, catch falling food
- clean the Kid and Baby up, getting the morsels of food off their face, hands, nose, hair
- set them down somewhere for 'independent learning' (ie. neglect them so I can clean the rest of the dining room from wiping down chairs, and on my knees on the floor, and then the actual dishes)
- if they're still alive, and not whining, I may just use the time to do another cleaning task: laundry - love. sweeping - just darling. cleaning bathrooms - what a dream. dishes (either putting them away, or putting them in the dish washer - a pain either way).
- at this point, I usually smell a waft of poo in someone's diaper.
- change a poopie diaper, and then spend some time with the kids reading books, drawing, pretend I'm a Dragon (that's what I've been told to be these past couple days)and basically not letting the tv sit them as tempting as it seems.
- Baby starts to get tired, so I need to get a bottle ready, and change her diaper, and put her down for a nap
- remember to breathe
- play with Kid, and check emails for our Home Biz (ChicGeek Photography) and if necessary try, just TRY to do some editing if I can hold Kid off a little longer (he's usually using me as a human jungle gym at this point) - be really interested everytime he shows me what he built, or draws, and validate his entire being every waking moment
- snack
- make a coherent grocery list (while banging my head on the desk thinking about dinners/recipes for the week)
- probably forgot to change Kid out of pajamas still, so I should put some clothes on him
- Talk in a Dragon voice, to the Triceratops stuffie, about something intelligent (like how plants grow, or what the meaning of 'responsible' is) in hopes that Kid is learning something while changing him or folding laundry
- Prepare lunch
- (repeat meal time schedule)
- Baby usually wakes up while Kid eats, so octopus hands now have to eat my own lunch and nurse in unison
- Independent Learning
- make and feed Baby real food, and then cleaning up once again
- bottle for Kid, get him settled for nap
- read stories, play puppets, fold more laundry, and put Kid down for a nap
- get Baby's bottle ready, and put her down for a nap (because this is the PERFECT day, when they nap at exactly the same time, for 2 hours)
- clean up the messes (kitchen and play areas) - because I can't actually 'relax' when I know there's a mess somewhere
- and oh here it comes... the lazy part you must think us moms do all the time: i either nap, go on the computer, or I'll just sit and stare at the ceiling and think about nothing. really - I can think about absolutely nothing... and it would be great. silence.
Okay. Are you getting the drift? I'm only at friggin 2pm here buddy. I would continue my day, but I don't want to bore the mothers out there who are actually reading this and whose heads nearly falling off nodding in agreement.
A short summary of what goes on after this? It's absolute MADNESS when it comes to dinner - Dad comes home and tosses his socks off in 2 different directions (I hold my seething mouth shut because he's had a hard day), kids are waking up from naps, prepping raw meat with sharp knives, hot stove etc. etc. And then when bedtimes, and then when the kids are FINALLY in bed..... cleaning up the chaos, maintaining a healthy relationship with the Hubs (talking to him is a good start, but not nagging... no, we're not allowed to 'ask' him to do anything to help, because that's nagging).
Oh yeah, and breathe for the third time in the day, and then sleep. Repeat cycle.
You may have your job, it may be very stressful, and you have deadlines. You want to know what my deadline is? It's NOW. Everything, and anything, has to happen NOW. There are no sick or vacation days, and no option to quit when it gets tough. Want to know what I'm supposed to achieve as the CEO of this house? Keeping a human life safe, healthy, and teach them to be responsible, creative, caring people with whatever resources I have around me (most of time it's a cardboard box or a stuffed animal). It's not the lap of luxury you think it is, but I love my job, and that's why I keep at it the best I know how - with lots of love, patience, and tenderness. I enjoy all the work that comes along with this hat, because one day, when all this crazy is gone, it just means the kids are all grown up.
Easy Cooking: Baking edition - Apple Pie (with a twist)
I confess. Apple Pie is like the symbol of a 'SuperMom'. Like gag worthy supermom. In my defense, I've baked 2 pies in my life. This is the second. The first was also a success and the only reason why I even tried to make a pie from scratch was because - why else - Colin wanted pie. He saw some show where they made a pie, and after that it was incessant whining about baking a pie.
Well, my debut pie was actually easier to make than I thought. The caloric rewards on my waist, and the smiles Joe and Colin's faces outweighed the effort that went into it, so I would consider making more pie in the future.
Well, after making 1 pie, I thought I was a culinary genius. And I think you'll agree with that statement after I tell you want I did with Pie #2.
I PUT CHEDDAR IN THE CRUST.
I thought of this all on my own - you've heard of eating apple pie with a slice of cheddar. you've heard of apple cheddar muffins. and you've heard of stuffed crust pizza. why not make a merriment of all good things in life, and have it in a pie?
Here goes the recipe:
Crust:
2.5 cups flour
1 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
grated cheddar cheese - the more the merrier (up to 1 cup? i don't know i didn't measure)
a little bit of cold water (up to 1/4 cup)
Filling:
5 Granny Smith apples (peeled, sliced)
1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
(I adapted the recipes from here: Grandma Ople's Apple Pie, and Simply Recipes)
1. Use either a food processor (which I don't have - feel free to add that to the Christmas list) or a pastry cutter to mingle all the DRY (ie. minus the water) pie crust ingredients together. Keep cutting it until it's like a dry crumbly mixture - and if you have a food processor (either give it to me, or pulse 2-3 times).
2. Add the water little by little so that it starts to form a dough - don't put too much - you want it to just come together.
3. form into 2 discs, and cover it with plastic wrap to refrigerate (anywhere from 1 hr-2 days).
4. make the filling - cut the apples, and melt the liquid goodness on a medium low heat.
5. roll out the dough, and put one in the pie plate
6. use an egg wash and wash the interior of the pie shell so it doesn't get soggy - then put the apples in, and then the filling.
7. roll out the other disc - now's the time to show-off. you can make the topping however you want, but make sure there's a hole somewhere for the steam to vent - but go wild and fulfill your Supermom dreams. I chose the lattice cause it looks like a lot of work, but it's not. I'm like that - i like to look like I work hard, but in reality I had gnomes do my work for me.
8. Egg wash, sprinkle a little sugar on top, and put it in a 425 degree oven for 10 minutes, then turn it down to 350 degrees (for 45 minutes? just keep an eye on it - it's not rocket science if something's burning).
and here you go - my apple pie cheddar crusted pie. If you make it, I'll send Joe and Colin over to taste-test approve it.
Well, my debut pie was actually easier to make than I thought. The caloric rewards on my waist, and the smiles Joe and Colin's faces outweighed the effort that went into it, so I would consider making more pie in the future.
Well, after making 1 pie, I thought I was a culinary genius. And I think you'll agree with that statement after I tell you want I did with Pie #2.
I PUT CHEDDAR IN THE CRUST.
I thought of this all on my own - you've heard of eating apple pie with a slice of cheddar. you've heard of apple cheddar muffins. and you've heard of stuffed crust pizza. why not make a merriment of all good things in life, and have it in a pie?
Here goes the recipe:
Crust:
2.5 cups flour
1 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
grated cheddar cheese - the more the merrier (up to 1 cup? i don't know i didn't measure)
a little bit of cold water (up to 1/4 cup)
Filling:
5 Granny Smith apples (peeled, sliced)
1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
(I adapted the recipes from here: Grandma Ople's Apple Pie, and Simply Recipes)
1. Use either a food processor (which I don't have - feel free to add that to the Christmas list) or a pastry cutter to mingle all the DRY (ie. minus the water) pie crust ingredients together. Keep cutting it until it's like a dry crumbly mixture - and if you have a food processor (either give it to me, or pulse 2-3 times).
2. Add the water little by little so that it starts to form a dough - don't put too much - you want it to just come together.
3. form into 2 discs, and cover it with plastic wrap to refrigerate (anywhere from 1 hr-2 days).
4. make the filling - cut the apples, and melt the liquid goodness on a medium low heat.
5. roll out the dough, and put one in the pie plate
6. use an egg wash and wash the interior of the pie shell so it doesn't get soggy - then put the apples in, and then the filling.
7. roll out the other disc - now's the time to show-off. you can make the topping however you want, but make sure there's a hole somewhere for the steam to vent - but go wild and fulfill your Supermom dreams. I chose the lattice cause it looks like a lot of work, but it's not. I'm like that - i like to look like I work hard, but in reality I had gnomes do my work for me.
8. Egg wash, sprinkle a little sugar on top, and put it in a 425 degree oven for 10 minutes, then turn it down to 350 degrees (for 45 minutes? just keep an eye on it - it's not rocket science if something's burning).
and here you go - my apple pie cheddar crusted pie. If you make it, I'll send Joe and Colin over to taste-test approve it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
He spells
this just happened - it's pretty incredible:
C: mommy i want to play with the tap
Me: what?
C: the TAHP.
Me: the tent? what?
C: the T - A - P TAP.
Me: you mean the tent??
C: yes.
okay - so he didn't spell the right object.... but he spelled what he was saying??!??!? I think he's still 2.5, unless he's been secretly doing kindergarten by correspondence.
C: mommy i want to play with the tap
Me: what?
C: the TAHP.
Me: the tent? what?
C: the T - A - P TAP.
Me: you mean the tent??
C: yes.
okay - so he didn't spell the right object.... but he spelled what he was saying??!??!? I think he's still 2.5, unless he's been secretly doing kindergarten by correspondence.
The difference between 1 and 2 kids.
I'm at the age where a lot of my friends are expecting, or had their first-born recently. Joe and I did have a bit of an early start (yes, it's no surprise that our kids were surprises - but no regrets!), so we've been asked many many times - what's it like with 2?
Well, I'll have you know. As I was taking a hot shower this morning, while Cara was sleeping and Colin was by himself watching TV... I was thinking - I would have NEVER had a nice hot shower when it was just Colin. My new mom mentality was a bit cuckoo. But maybe my Mom of 2 brain is just more lazy? Who knows. But here are the differences between when I had just Colin, and now with 2.
The Pregnancy
1 kid:
I'm going to eat so healthy, take all my vitamins, teas and stay away from all the evil foods like cheese.
2 kids:
I'm going to eat chocolate. Cause I can. and this random cheese on the platter? i'll just have a little.
At the hospital
1 kid:
OMG. WTF. OMG.
2 kids:
Joe literally dropped me off at the emergency entrance to find cheaper parking. I waddled my way to the triage, and then to the ward by myself with contractions. (I have to insert here that hospital parking is quite ridiculous - so don't get on Joe's case too much. Just a little will do.)
The Homecoming
1 kid:
Wow (in the freaking out kind of way).... what do we do now?
2 kids:
Let's pick up some take out and do some grocery shopping before we get home.
Showers
1 kid:
I can't leave him alone... what do I do?? oh, I know. I'll bring him in his bouncy chair to sit in the bathroom with me while I shower.
2 kids:
watch tv. (Cara either sleeping, or in the neglect-o-saucer).
Food
1 kid:
I'm going to steam and freeze ONLY organic foods. And what should he be eating and how much of it? His poo was a little hard yesterday - I need to give him only pears. His poo was too soft - he needs more grains.
2 kids:
Can I mash this meat up with a fork? sure.
The TV
1 kid:
Only limited TV. It's so destructive for the brain.
2 kids:
TV is the best. (and research says it's the commercials and 'fast paced' shows that are bad anyway - at least that's what I tell myself)
Going out
1 kid:
Let's go to ALL these special programs. Story times at the library, Jungle Gyms, Strong Start... and grocery shopping
2 kids:
It takes me 45 minutes to get out of a house. I can't get anywhere on time. Grocery shopping? Forget it.
When the Baby is Crying
1 kid:
googled 'why is my 6 week old crying'; 'how to get 6 month old to sleep'; 'projectile vomiting 28 week old'; 'what should my baby's poo look like'; 'sleep consultants'; 'what should my baby's schedule look like', 'best remedy for teething' this list goes ON.... I googled everything and anything.
2 kids:
meh - growth spurt.
Sex
1 kid:
what's that?
2 kids:
what's that?
Love
1 kid:
I love you sooooo much. How could I ever love another being as much as I love you?
2 kids:
I love you and you so much. More than you both will ever know.
I don't know about people with 3+ kids. I have a theory - they either don't exist, or we don't see them exist because they can't ever get out of a house to get anywhere. If it happens to us, I'll blog about it.
Well, I'll have you know. As I was taking a hot shower this morning, while Cara was sleeping and Colin was by himself watching TV... I was thinking - I would have NEVER had a nice hot shower when it was just Colin. My new mom mentality was a bit cuckoo. But maybe my Mom of 2 brain is just more lazy? Who knows. But here are the differences between when I had just Colin, and now with 2.
The Pregnancy
1 kid:
I'm going to eat so healthy, take all my vitamins, teas and stay away from all the evil foods like cheese.
2 kids:
I'm going to eat chocolate. Cause I can. and this random cheese on the platter? i'll just have a little.
At the hospital
1 kid:
OMG. WTF. OMG.
2 kids:
Joe literally dropped me off at the emergency entrance to find cheaper parking. I waddled my way to the triage, and then to the ward by myself with contractions. (I have to insert here that hospital parking is quite ridiculous - so don't get on Joe's case too much. Just a little will do.)
The Homecoming
1 kid:
Wow (in the freaking out kind of way).... what do we do now?
2 kids:
Let's pick up some take out and do some grocery shopping before we get home.
Showers
1 kid:
I can't leave him alone... what do I do?? oh, I know. I'll bring him in his bouncy chair to sit in the bathroom with me while I shower.
2 kids:
watch tv. (Cara either sleeping, or in the neglect-o-saucer).
Food
1 kid:
I'm going to steam and freeze ONLY organic foods. And what should he be eating and how much of it? His poo was a little hard yesterday - I need to give him only pears. His poo was too soft - he needs more grains.
2 kids:
Can I mash this meat up with a fork? sure.
The TV
1 kid:
Only limited TV. It's so destructive for the brain.
2 kids:
TV is the best. (and research says it's the commercials and 'fast paced' shows that are bad anyway - at least that's what I tell myself)
Going out
1 kid:
Let's go to ALL these special programs. Story times at the library, Jungle Gyms, Strong Start... and grocery shopping
2 kids:
It takes me 45 minutes to get out of a house. I can't get anywhere on time. Grocery shopping? Forget it.
When the Baby is Crying
1 kid:
googled 'why is my 6 week old crying'; 'how to get 6 month old to sleep'; 'projectile vomiting 28 week old'; 'what should my baby's poo look like'; 'sleep consultants'; 'what should my baby's schedule look like', 'best remedy for teething' this list goes ON.... I googled everything and anything.
2 kids:
meh - growth spurt.
Sex
1 kid:
what's that?
2 kids:
what's that?
Love
1 kid:
I love you sooooo much. How could I ever love another being as much as I love you?
2 kids:
I love you and you so much. More than you both will ever know.
I don't know about people with 3+ kids. I have a theory - they either don't exist, or we don't see them exist because they can't ever get out of a house to get anywhere. If it happens to us, I'll blog about it.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Remembrance Day
Lest we forget. I took Colin to the local legion to honour the men and women who have and continue to fight for our country. I don't personally know any veterans, or have any close friends/family in the military, but I am always touched by the sacrifices people make for the comfort of others. The men and women who fight, their families who live without a parent, spouse, son, daughter, sibling... for long periods of time, the uncertainties - I just don't know how they do it.
So, on Remembrance Day, I took Colin to expose him to these important people.
It's a tough one to explain to a 2.5 year old what this day is all about. These are big ideas - sacrifice, freedom, war, death... but it's important that he learns about respect.
So, on the way to the legion, I was trying to put it all in perspective for Colin. The conversation went something like this:
Me: We are going to see some really important men and women. These people fought in a war, to help make it a safe place for us to live.
Colin: Fighting is fun!
Me: No. No. Fighting is BAD. But these people were fighting someone very mean, and had to fight back. They wanted to keep us safe, so they had to fight the really mean people.
Colin: Like Superheroes!
I thought that was very appropriate - they really are the real-life superheroes. I just hope, in time, he learns that we need to be respectful, and that all things come at a cost. Tough life lessons need to be taught early.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Easy Cooking: Bibimbap
Well, it appears I have been a VERY lazy mom. I haven't blogged in a very long time, and our trip to the East entries have stopped at Day 3.... well, I'll just summarize. Days 4-8 were great. We strolled around NYC, lost a couple more things, bumped into Samuel L. Jackson (okay, i didn't 'bump' into him, he was behind a fence for some event, but I saw him), discovered a very delicious bakery, and tried to re-create scenes from Disney's Enchanted.
You can expect that I will probably have the same amount of laziness with our next trip, to the real East. We're going to Hong Kong, and instead of being ambitious and attempting to be a good blogger, I'll just set your expectations low. And if you get a photo here or there - then consider yourself all caught up in my lazy, yet crazy busy with nothing, life.
Okay. On with the actual blog - Bibimbap. You ask what this is? it's basically a Korean mixed vegetable & rice dish. I just had a craving for it the other day, and it just seems that all the Korean and Thai restaurants in Vancouver think it's okay to charge $15 for their dishes of rice and/or noodles... so I went on a mission to just make it at home.
The only thing with this dish though, is that you HAVE to have the gochujang sauce (the red suace - red chilli paste in the soybean paste). It's what makes it... Korean. I had to go to H Mart to buy it - even T&T didn't have it.
Here are the ingredients - but in good old LM fashion... i don't measure anything.
bean sprouts (the bigger kind, not the dinky little ones)
spinach
shiitake mushrooms (sliced thinly)
carrots (julienne)
zucchini (sliced thinly)
eggs
rice
meat (can be ground, or sliced pork or beef)
sesame oil
soy sauce
garlic
korean bulgogi sauce
gochujang suace
a big bowl/platter to put all the cooked items on (part of this dish is about presentation, but really you will just mix it all up before you eat it...)
1. marinade the meat in the bulgogi sauce
2. mince up a whole lot of garlic
3. boil off your bean sprouts, when they're done sprinkle salt, sesame oil, and garlic in it. set aside on the platter.
4. boil the spinach, and when they're done a little soy, sesame oil, garlic - onto platter.
5. I have a wok, but if you don't just use a frying pan - fry off the carrots with a little garlic, sesame oil - and put on the platter.
6. do the same with the zucchini and mushrooms - hope you're getting the drift...
7. I fried off the eggs before the meat because that meant I didn't have to wipe down the wok after the meat (which is saucy) before frying the eggs.
okay, so your platter should be full of veggies, your riced cooked, and now it's just all about assembly. put all the clumps of veggies on top of your bowl of rice, put some gochujang sauce in there, a fried egg and meat on top.
dig in - mix it around, and it's a heavenly blend of happiness in your mouth.
Yes - I actually lied too a little - it's not really 'easy', and it's quite labor intensive with all the prep work - but it's easy in the sense that the ingredients aren't crazy, and the method of cooking is quite user-friendly. A healthy meal too - for kids and adults alike!
You can expect that I will probably have the same amount of laziness with our next trip, to the real East. We're going to Hong Kong, and instead of being ambitious and attempting to be a good blogger, I'll just set your expectations low. And if you get a photo here or there - then consider yourself all caught up in my lazy, yet crazy busy with nothing, life.
Okay. On with the actual blog - Bibimbap. You ask what this is? it's basically a Korean mixed vegetable & rice dish. I just had a craving for it the other day, and it just seems that all the Korean and Thai restaurants in Vancouver think it's okay to charge $15 for their dishes of rice and/or noodles... so I went on a mission to just make it at home.
The only thing with this dish though, is that you HAVE to have the gochujang sauce (the red suace - red chilli paste in the soybean paste). It's what makes it... Korean. I had to go to H Mart to buy it - even T&T didn't have it.
Here are the ingredients - but in good old LM fashion... i don't measure anything.
bean sprouts (the bigger kind, not the dinky little ones)
spinach
shiitake mushrooms (sliced thinly)
carrots (julienne)
zucchini (sliced thinly)
eggs
rice
meat (can be ground, or sliced pork or beef)
sesame oil
soy sauce
garlic
korean bulgogi sauce
gochujang suace
a big bowl/platter to put all the cooked items on (part of this dish is about presentation, but really you will just mix it all up before you eat it...)
1. marinade the meat in the bulgogi sauce
2. mince up a whole lot of garlic
3. boil off your bean sprouts, when they're done sprinkle salt, sesame oil, and garlic in it. set aside on the platter.
4. boil the spinach, and when they're done a little soy, sesame oil, garlic - onto platter.
5. I have a wok, but if you don't just use a frying pan - fry off the carrots with a little garlic, sesame oil - and put on the platter.
6. do the same with the zucchini and mushrooms - hope you're getting the drift...
7. I fried off the eggs before the meat because that meant I didn't have to wipe down the wok after the meat (which is saucy) before frying the eggs.
okay, so your platter should be full of veggies, your riced cooked, and now it's just all about assembly. put all the clumps of veggies on top of your bowl of rice, put some gochujang sauce in there, a fried egg and meat on top.
dig in - mix it around, and it's a heavenly blend of happiness in your mouth.
Yes - I actually lied too a little - it's not really 'easy', and it's quite labor intensive with all the prep work - but it's easy in the sense that the ingredients aren't crazy, and the method of cooking is quite user-friendly. A healthy meal too - for kids and adults alike!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Colin says
UGHHH I hate myself for not being as disciplined with my blog. Since the trip it's been busy with ChicGeek, and just a backlog of things to do, and now with Autumn all the families want photos with the leaves, or getting photos done for their Christmas cards. But for now, I have to write down just some of the funniest things Colin has said. In the past few days, he's just been Mr. Chipper, and talks to everybody and anybody. He is cheerful. I want to remember what he says, so I'm just jotting these down as I can remember them:
[Joe fixing my phone]
Joes says to me: I hope the phone doesn't crash, or I'll be sad.
Colin: oooooh..... I hope it doesn't crash, or I'll be sad toooooooooo.
[Joe typing on iPad]
Colin: Daddy, you type pretty fast! i type sloooooooow, like a turtle.
[At Uncle Jeremy's house, in which he has many many aquariums]
Colin: Hi Fishies! I'm BACK!
[at the Save-On Foods, in the bulk section and an employee is doing an order]
Colin says to the man: What are you doing?
the man: I'm taking an order!
Colin: Ooooooh, I get it.
[at the Pho Restaurant - we're regulars at this location]
The waiter asks if Colin is all done his noodles
Colin: No, I want the lady.
Waitress comes
Colin: Can I have more noo-noos (noodles)?
Waitress ends up feeding him
[Joe fixing my phone]
Joes says to me: I hope the phone doesn't crash, or I'll be sad.
Colin: oooooh..... I hope it doesn't crash, or I'll be sad toooooooooo.
[Joe typing on iPad]
Colin: Daddy, you type pretty fast! i type sloooooooow, like a turtle.
[At Uncle Jeremy's house, in which he has many many aquariums]
Colin: Hi Fishies! I'm BACK!
[at the Save-On Foods, in the bulk section and an employee is doing an order]
Colin says to the man: What are you doing?
the man: I'm taking an order!
Colin: Ooooooh, I get it.
[at the Pho Restaurant - we're regulars at this location]
The waiter asks if Colin is all done his noodles
Colin: No, I want the lady.
Waitress comes
Colin: Can I have more noo-noos (noodles)?
Waitress ends up feeding him
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Journey to the East: Day 3 - Motownphilly
Just giving credit to my favorite 90's group Boyz II Men. Went to Philadelphia to meet a couple of old friends of Joe, and also to try the Philly Cheese Steak. What else did you think we would eat in Philly??
Joe has an old friend from his HK days that now lives in PA. Let me tell you a little thing about Joe. He is smart. And this old 'friend' is actually a former computer teacher at his HK highschool, and while he was a student they developed a strong bond over their love of technology, and all things geek.
Over the years, they have kept in touch, and now with social media making it so much easier to keep in touch - you'd think it'd be Joe and his teacher doing the communication. Not the case. It's the wives. surprise right?
Anyway, JJ and I initiated the planning, and then we met up at Larry's Steaks - 'the home of the Belly Filler'. As tempting as it sounded, to fill my belly with just cheese steak.... I didn't attempt it. I wanted to try an array of American favorites. Mushroom cheese steaks, regular cheese steaks, fries, pizza..... as we neared caloric comatose, we couldn't eat anymore and left some of our precious cheese steaks unfinished.
After surviving lunch, we walked it off at the Franklin Institute of Science. I love how much history there is on the East Coast.
From Wiki: Many scientists have demonstrated groundbreaking new technology at The Franklin Institute. From September 2 to October 11, 1884, it hosted the International Electrical Exhibition of 1884, the first great electrical exposition in the United States.[1] Nikola Tesla demonstrated the principle of wireless telegraphy at the institute in 1893. The world's first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system was later given by Philo Taylor Farnsworth on August 25, 1934.
So even before entering the Science Center, the amazing amount of history inside it's walls were mind blowing - really? electricity was introduced right there? Cara and Colin could care less. But I'm glad that we've been able to take our children to some incredible landmarks early on in their lives.
Inside there many exhibits, and Colin got along merrily with the Landii - They did a weather report together and I'm pretty sure they all have a very bright future in broadcasting.
It was a fabulous way to reunite with old friends. We drove back to Princeton, NJ (with 2 screaming kids... good thing it was only 45 minutes away), and was treated to another delicious meal prepared by our hosts.... we were spoiled. Prime Rib that night. It was a good day.
Joe has an old friend from his HK days that now lives in PA. Let me tell you a little thing about Joe. He is smart. And this old 'friend' is actually a former computer teacher at his HK highschool, and while he was a student they developed a strong bond over their love of technology, and all things geek.
Over the years, they have kept in touch, and now with social media making it so much easier to keep in touch - you'd think it'd be Joe and his teacher doing the communication. Not the case. It's the wives. surprise right?
Anyway, JJ and I initiated the planning, and then we met up at Larry's Steaks - 'the home of the Belly Filler'. As tempting as it sounded, to fill my belly with just cheese steak.... I didn't attempt it. I wanted to try an array of American favorites. Mushroom cheese steaks, regular cheese steaks, fries, pizza..... as we neared caloric comatose, we couldn't eat anymore and left some of our precious cheese steaks unfinished.
After surviving lunch, we walked it off at the Franklin Institute of Science. I love how much history there is on the East Coast.
From Wiki: Many scientists have demonstrated groundbreaking new technology at The Franklin Institute. From September 2 to October 11, 1884, it hosted the International Electrical Exhibition of 1884, the first great electrical exposition in the United States.[1] Nikola Tesla demonstrated the principle of wireless telegraphy at the institute in 1893. The world's first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system was later given by Philo Taylor Farnsworth on August 25, 1934.
So even before entering the Science Center, the amazing amount of history inside it's walls were mind blowing - really? electricity was introduced right there? Cara and Colin could care less. But I'm glad that we've been able to take our children to some incredible landmarks early on in their lives.
Inside there many exhibits, and Colin got along merrily with the Landii - They did a weather report together and I'm pretty sure they all have a very bright future in broadcasting.
It was a fabulous way to reunite with old friends. We drove back to Princeton, NJ (with 2 screaming kids... good thing it was only 45 minutes away), and was treated to another delicious meal prepared by our hosts.... we were spoiled. Prime Rib that night. It was a good day.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Journey to the East: Day 2 - Ivy Leaguer
Joe's cousins live in Princeton, NJ - and they were generous enough to host us for the first couple of days of our trip. This was also the first time all 4 of us roomed together, so it was a good test to see how we'd handle Colin and Cara sleeping in the same room (my lofty goal of having them bunk together at an early age may need some practice runs). Aside from the time zone change, and waking up at 10:30am (great for them), I was up alternating between them, trying to coax them back to sleep with either a boob or a bottle. But, because it was a treat to already not have to worry about housework or meals, I tried to not let that get in the way of our visit.
We decided to get an early start to Colin's post-secondary planning, and took a trip to see the Princeton Campus. We thought 'cute' would be enough for the class of 2027 early admission into the Ivy League.
Well, as proud as we are, we're lazy too, so we only got as far as some steps in front of one of the buildings, and totally dismissed our ambitious Asian 'Tiger-mom' parental ways, and just took some photos.
Joe also took the opportunity to take some shots of his cousin and her family, as she's expecting #2!! We all know maternity photos for #2 are hard to come by... let alone family photos - so Joe made a conscious effort to try to do these for our gracious hosts :) They're a beautiful family!
Then we got to meet Joe's other cousin, who recently had twin girls - oh, they are so so small and so so adorable. I can't believe how tiny babies are!! Here's a small re-cap of they're truly amazing story... and difficult journey up ahead.
Before the twins were born, there were a lot of uncertainties regarding their health. There were suspicions that one may have a genetic disorder, while the other is missing her aorta (main artery to heart). Well, Sarah gave birth to them, DURING the earthquake - and after a couple days of testing any genetic disorders were ruled out. The second twin, although requiring future surgery, is stronger and healthier than they expected, so they were relieved that she survived to meet the family!! They were discharged DURING the hurricane (Irene), and are now just trying to give twin #1 the best chance of survival when she undergoes surgery (plumping her up, making her strong) in a couple of months.
I can't imagine having twins, but to go through all of the fears, and uncertainties that they have experienced takes tremendous strength and faith. We met the girls, and they are absolutely a gift from God. We are thinking of them and wishing them all the best for the upcoming surgery.
But, as sweet as they are, having twins is not easy. Joe captioned the photo below 'Birth Control' :)
We decided to get an early start to Colin's post-secondary planning, and took a trip to see the Princeton Campus. We thought 'cute' would be enough for the class of 2027 early admission into the Ivy League.
Well, as proud as we are, we're lazy too, so we only got as far as some steps in front of one of the buildings, and totally dismissed our ambitious Asian 'Tiger-mom' parental ways, and just took some photos.
Joe also took the opportunity to take some shots of his cousin and her family, as she's expecting #2!! We all know maternity photos for #2 are hard to come by... let alone family photos - so Joe made a conscious effort to try to do these for our gracious hosts :) They're a beautiful family!
Then we got to meet Joe's other cousin, who recently had twin girls - oh, they are so so small and so so adorable. I can't believe how tiny babies are!! Here's a small re-cap of they're truly amazing story... and difficult journey up ahead.
Before the twins were born, there were a lot of uncertainties regarding their health. There were suspicions that one may have a genetic disorder, while the other is missing her aorta (main artery to heart). Well, Sarah gave birth to them, DURING the earthquake - and after a couple days of testing any genetic disorders were ruled out. The second twin, although requiring future surgery, is stronger and healthier than they expected, so they were relieved that she survived to meet the family!! They were discharged DURING the hurricane (Irene), and are now just trying to give twin #1 the best chance of survival when she undergoes surgery (plumping her up, making her strong) in a couple of months.
I can't imagine having twins, but to go through all of the fears, and uncertainties that they have experienced takes tremendous strength and faith. We met the girls, and they are absolutely a gift from God. We are thinking of them and wishing them all the best for the upcoming surgery.
But, as sweet as they are, having twins is not easy. Joe captioned the photo below 'Birth Control' :)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Journey to the East: Day 1 - the lost phone
It's been a couple of days since we've arrived back, but I've had to catch up with our ChicGeek Photo clients, and then the flurry of Thanksgiving activity, along with settling the kids back into Pacific time.
I'll just post a day at a time, so that I don't overwhelm you loyal viewer... and you know, to keep you wanting and coming back for more.
Our first day wasn't much of a day, but I'll ease myself into blogging after not having done it for over a week. Good flight - thank you Air Canada! And the kids were great. Cara slept for the first 2 hours, and then Colin slept... well, he also took all 3 seats so there was a point on the flight were Joe and I were standing in the back wondering how it was that we paid for 3 seats, yet we were both not sitting in them.
Oh, and if you didn't follow me on Facebook, I lost my phone on the plane. I was hoping there would be some honest and kind soul out there that would find and return it - but it appears SOMEONE is in for some serious lightning bolts. I was saying to a friend, that I hope that at least he/she had starving children so the money that went towards selling my stolen phone goes towards that. If not, and it went towards illegal activity... well I hope karma hits them bad. I'm not a super-Christian, so I can't say I forgive that easily. Starving children I can forgive. Drugs, I hope you get stung by a swarm of bees.
Anyway, losing something of such high value tests a marriage. And for the record, Joe and I are still married. So, we rode this one out. He was great though.... yes, I'm certain there was anger about the situation, but he never directed it towards me. I'm so grateful I've got a very understanding husband. (one of the Thanksgiving thankfulness things).
So, we arrived in Newark around 10pm, and were welcomed with open arms, and delicious food prepared by Joe's cousin!! It was pretty awesome to be fed home cooking.
Anyway, not that exciting, now that I'm reliving losing my phone I kind of feel crummy... so I'm going to stop blogging and cry a river.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Bad Mommy
He's going to hate me when he's old enough to read my diary. So that's why this is classified under the Bad Mommy series.
You see, for the future of your relationship with your son, always always carry a diaper in your diaper bag. Just in case.
So What happened? Colin went for a play date. I picked him up, and he had pooped. I changed him, and realized I didn't have an extra with me, so I used one from my friend's stash. And, well..... they have a girl.
I'm so so sorry Colin, but you are so cute and so loveable, regardless of what colour pull ups you wear.
You see, for the future of your relationship with your son, always always carry a diaper in your diaper bag. Just in case.
So What happened? Colin went for a play date. I picked him up, and he had pooped. I changed him, and realized I didn't have an extra with me, so I used one from my friend's stash. And, well..... they have a girl.
I'm so so sorry Colin, but you are so cute and so loveable, regardless of what colour pull ups you wear.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Things I didn't know I was capable of
Before becoming a parent, you think you know everything about yourself. Some may even think they're invincible, and could complete any challenge handed to them on a plate. Yes, bungee jumping, eating and drinking contests, swimming with sharks, skydiving... pretty amazing feats.
And then when you bring the baby home from the hospital, for the first time, and are really on your own with a new baby, you feel like you got hit with a train and you know nothing, and are nothing, and can't do anything - every death-defying challenged you survived, doesn't compare to this new 7 pound challenger.
The challenges you face - are not death defying... they're... sanity-defying. As a parent you just go into robot survival mode, and do things you didn't realize you were capable of doing.
Like what you ask? Here goes.
- eating food that has been pre-chewed thoroughly (either because there wasn't a garbage can around, or because you didn't want to be wasteful)
- pulling things out from someone else' bum. like long strands of hair.
- listen to the same 2 minute song over and over and over again in a 45 minutes car ride. Some would even go to the extent of singing along with that 2 minute song for the 45 minutes.
- shushing at something for 30, 40, or 60 minutes straight just in the hopes you can get some shut eye.
- let someone who can't use chopsticks properly, hold your $500+ devices
- getting up in the middle of the night just to go back to 'sleep' like a contortionist beside a snotty/miserable being
- ramming your nose in someone else' bum just to smell-check if there's a poopie
- the ability to drive like an F1 racer (for those times when there's a screamer in the back), or as slow as a grandma taking scenic routes (when there's a sleeper) - this applies to shopping carts as well
- step on sharp foreign objects and not make a peep because it's nap time in the house
- goalie-like reflexes to either catch falling objects, or to catch falling children
- a 6th sense for naughtiness
These are just a few of the skills parents acquire after having children. The military should consider recruiting parents, and/or stay-at home moms (cause these skills are a lot more refined with the SAHMs) to be secret agents. We are capable of a lot of things for the sake of sanity.
And then when you bring the baby home from the hospital, for the first time, and are really on your own with a new baby, you feel like you got hit with a train and you know nothing, and are nothing, and can't do anything - every death-defying challenged you survived, doesn't compare to this new 7 pound challenger.
The challenges you face - are not death defying... they're... sanity-defying. As a parent you just go into robot survival mode, and do things you didn't realize you were capable of doing.
Like what you ask? Here goes.
- eating food that has been pre-chewed thoroughly (either because there wasn't a garbage can around, or because you didn't want to be wasteful)
- pulling things out from someone else' bum. like long strands of hair.
- listen to the same 2 minute song over and over and over again in a 45 minutes car ride. Some would even go to the extent of singing along with that 2 minute song for the 45 minutes.
- shushing at something for 30, 40, or 60 minutes straight just in the hopes you can get some shut eye.
- let someone who can't use chopsticks properly, hold your $500+ devices
- getting up in the middle of the night just to go back to 'sleep' like a contortionist beside a snotty/miserable being
- ramming your nose in someone else' bum just to smell-check if there's a poopie
- the ability to drive like an F1 racer (for those times when there's a screamer in the back), or as slow as a grandma taking scenic routes (when there's a sleeper) - this applies to shopping carts as well
- step on sharp foreign objects and not make a peep because it's nap time in the house
- goalie-like reflexes to either catch falling objects, or to catch falling children
- a 6th sense for naughtiness
These are just a few of the skills parents acquire after having children. The military should consider recruiting parents, and/or stay-at home moms (cause these skills are a lot more refined with the SAHMs) to be secret agents. We are capable of a lot of things for the sake of sanity.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Slideshows
Colin entered out lives 2.5 years ago, and since then - we've taken thousands upon thousands of photos. And having the photographer husband, it helps that our photos look friggin awesome. But other than having... thousands of great photos, it's not very useful to just have them on the hard drive.
I made photobooks, which I treasure and Colin reads them (I am currently making a photobook for Cara too), but we decided to take it to the next level and just make a montage of each of their lives thus far. They've been such a blessing to us, and we wanted to use the 2 avenues that are so important us to express just the impact our children have had on our lives. Photography and music. Please enjoy our LiLos (Little Lo's)
I made photobooks, which I treasure and Colin reads them (I am currently making a photobook for Cara too), but we decided to take it to the next level and just make a montage of each of their lives thus far. They've been such a blessing to us, and we wanted to use the 2 avenues that are so important us to express just the impact our children have had on our lives. Photography and music. Please enjoy our LiLos (Little Lo's)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Christmas Shopping Anyone?
I kid. I kid. I am NOT that organized. I've been told I am hard to shop for (no names mentioned here, but my friend T*na has reminded me every birthday and Christmas for the past.... 10 years or so that I'm impossible to shop for). (btw, my friend's name is not Tuna). So, I gather, now that I have 2 children, it must be hard to shop for them too, considering you need to get those presents past this stone cold mother.
I am practical. I like gifts that are functional. You give me a choice between getting the gift of clothing or gift certificate? I'll take the GC anyday. I know, part of the gift is the 'thought'... but the really practical side of me will always win - if I don't use it, then.... well.... it'll just collect dust.
So, in light of the fact that I am one of the most difficult people to shop for, I have recently come across some great gift ideas that I would rather have than cold hard cash. I do, have to tread carefully though - I know that my dearest MIL will peruse this will use this as a springboard to buy Colin and Cara everything on here - but as a disclaimer just to my MIL: I either have these things already, or they are local so it is much cheaper for me to buy it here than for you to purchase it, ship it to HK, and then mail it back to our house ;)
Okay, so here goes (in no particular order) my great 'out-of-the-box' gift ideas for children, if you ever needed some!
1. Padraig Booties
These little booties are actually made right here in Vancouver (North Van to be exact woot woot!!), and they sport the perfect combination of warmth and style. It's like if you wanted to define a Vancouver baby... it would be these booties. It's West Coast trend, but with the great function of a slipper so that you're not cramming your poor little one's foot into a stiff shoe - and it keeps their bare ankles warm too.
But, like any gift that will be worn by baby - be very aware of when they'll actually need to use these boots - don't buy a June Baby the NB size! But if you go to a shower with this in your tote - I'm sure you'll be the envy of the crowd, cause it'll seem like you searched high and low for the 'perfect' gift.
On another note, I do plan on slapping these on Cara while we're in NYC, so if these suddenly take off because some celebrity I end up bumping into at the Central Park playgrounds asks me about it - I'm going to ask Padraig for royalties.
2. Parade Organics
I usually am very wary of giving t-shirts, or clothes to other kids for presents only because I'm not sure if mom will 'love' it. But these definitely fall in the 'must-love' category. I think they're another Vancouver company, but I can't confirm just based on the site info - but regardless I'm a proud mama when I dress up my kids in these.
It's got 2 of my favorite elements: simplicity, and character. If you see the different products, there is a picture unique to your little one, whether it is Sprout, Bean, Cupcake... the list goes on
- but you are bound to find one that defines your little one. With onesies, kimonos, t-shirts, hats... and more, it makes a great gift around the $20-$30 range
3. Threadless T-Shirts
Hmm, I find it oddly strange that my first 3 great gift ideas are clothing. Especially when I personally think it's tough to give it as a gift to people like me. Ah, but then there is Threadless. These cute t-shirts are not just for kids, but it's mainly an adult site with far more outrageous prints. But the kids ones are especially cute. You'll be able to find a few, and then realize your cart is over a $100 easily, and then find it tough to backtrack.
One of the best things about Threadless is that it fosters creativity, and the prints come from artists all around the world. I bought this particular one for my nephew and my brother-in-law as matching dad/son t-shirts because dad loooooves his cookies. Well, I also bought it because my sister loooooooves to buy matching clothes for dad and son, so I may as well have made all of them happy! But because they do have most of the kids prints in adult prints, it's a great way to match them - and not in a dorky way.
4. Signing Time
Finally, something edu-muh-cational. Sign language. You've heard about it, but when you're a mom - you don't even realize it but you are signing with your little one every single day. Shaking your head for 'No', or smiling for 'happy', and don't forget those angry eyes = 'angry' (they usually see that one applied to dad).
But signing is a great way to communicate with your baby. They understand so much - you'll realize this when they perk their eyes a bit, start nodding yes back... etc. But they just can't verbalize. That's where signing comes in handy. I used signing with Colin a bit - and really it took a lot of stress off. When he saw things that caught his attention, like planes, trucks, boats, animals ... etc - instead of grunting like a caveman, he was able to 'tell' me and I was able to reciprocate that I understood him. Even letting me know if he was tired, or hungry... simple things like that take a lot of stress out. We enjoyed our time together learning the sign language, and Signing Time is chalk full of catchy songs, colours, and very easy-to-learn teaching. It would be the gift that keeps on giving - really!
5. Easy Daysies
I've posted about Easy Daysies recently, but it deserves to be on a great gift list. As a former SEA, I cannot promote visual schedules enough times. If you're not crafty, or have a laminating machine, or obscene amounts of time to make such a thing.... this is the only one I've ever seen made for purchase.
For the price of $25.99 (starter kit), I'm telling you - each one I made with my sweat and tears, hours upon hours for my special needs students ... makes each of those personalized schedules worth more than $25.99. It's a steal at this price. It really is.
6. I See Me! Children's Books
My friend 'Tuna' bought this for Colin when he was born. It was the best gift ever. You plunk in some names, dates... and Voila! You've got a personalized book, with great art and story. I mean, yes, at 2 weeks old he was a little too young to 'read' it... but I treasu
red it from the beginning. And then Colin started loving it - all the animals, and now when he reads he's so so very proud of his name!
This is the particular version I received as a present, but they do have other stories, and templates! Love love love. Thank you Tuna.
7. Baby Gourmet
Alright, and last but not least... a food item. It may be strange... and well, yes, it would be strange to give the gift of mushed up fruits and vegetables for a birthday or Christmas gift, but just keep this in mind if you wanted to give a gift to any mom.
I was at Superstore a while back and while stocking up on some baby goods, I came across this. I had heard about a similar product from another mom, so I was interested. But boy... I was obsessed. I came home, did a little research, and at $1.47 each at Superstore I was getting a pretty good deal.
Now, what's so great? I don't feed this to my child everyday, but I do go out - and fairly unexpectedly, or for long periods of time. I pop one of these in my purse, and I just squeeze it into her mouth for meal times. No bowls, no spoons... just pureed goodness in a bag. And I was thinking - this will be my sanity on the airplane. So, in good old crazy Chinese fashion, I went back and took every single last one off the shelf because I thought it was too good to be true. Well... I was wrong, because it wasn't on sale - it's just regular price, which made me kind of happy... but not that happy since I felt like I didn't get a 'steal'.
Regardless, a great product for the mom on the go, so stick a couple in the gift bag along with one of your other gifts and I'm pretty sure mom will be happy you are helping her feed her child with ease!!
So, this is my compiled list - I hope that I have alleviated some of your future Christmas shopping stress, or introduced you to new products that you'll love too. I am not sponsored in anyway by these products, and I'm just giving my 2 cents on the goods that are out there!! Enjoy :)
I am practical. I like gifts that are functional. You give me a choice between getting the gift of clothing or gift certificate? I'll take the GC anyday. I know, part of the gift is the 'thought'... but the really practical side of me will always win - if I don't use it, then.... well.... it'll just collect dust.
So, in light of the fact that I am one of the most difficult people to shop for, I have recently come across some great gift ideas that I would rather have than cold hard cash. I do, have to tread carefully though - I know that my dearest MIL will peruse this will use this as a springboard to buy Colin and Cara everything on here - but as a disclaimer just to my MIL: I either have these things already, or they are local so it is much cheaper for me to buy it here than for you to purchase it, ship it to HK, and then mail it back to our house ;)
Okay, so here goes (in no particular order) my great 'out-of-the-box' gift ideas for children, if you ever needed some!
1. Padraig Booties
These little booties are actually made right here in Vancouver (North Van to be exact woot woot!!), and they sport the perfect combination of warmth and style. It's like if you wanted to define a Vancouver baby... it would be these booties. It's West Coast trend, but with the great function of a slipper so that you're not cramming your poor little one's foot into a stiff shoe - and it keeps their bare ankles warm too.
But, like any gift that will be worn by baby - be very aware of when they'll actually need to use these boots - don't buy a June Baby the NB size! But if you go to a shower with this in your tote - I'm sure you'll be the envy of the crowd, cause it'll seem like you searched high and low for the 'perfect' gift.
On another note, I do plan on slapping these on Cara while we're in NYC, so if these suddenly take off because some celebrity I end up bumping into at the Central Park playgrounds asks me about it - I'm going to ask Padraig for royalties.
2. Parade Organics
I usually am very wary of giving t-shirts, or clothes to other kids for presents only because I'm not sure if mom will 'love' it. But these definitely fall in the 'must-love' category. I think they're another Vancouver company, but I can't confirm just based on the site info - but regardless I'm a proud mama when I dress up my kids in these.
It's got 2 of my favorite elements: simplicity, and character. If you see the different products, there is a picture unique to your little one, whether it is Sprout, Bean, Cupcake... the list goes on
- but you are bound to find one that defines your little one. With onesies, kimonos, t-shirts, hats... and more, it makes a great gift around the $20-$30 range
3. Threadless T-Shirts
Hmm, I find it oddly strange that my first 3 great gift ideas are clothing. Especially when I personally think it's tough to give it as a gift to people like me. Ah, but then there is Threadless. These cute t-shirts are not just for kids, but it's mainly an adult site with far more outrageous prints. But the kids ones are especially cute. You'll be able to find a few, and then realize your cart is over a $100 easily, and then find it tough to backtrack.
One of the best things about Threadless is that it fosters creativity, and the prints come from artists all around the world. I bought this particular one for my nephew and my brother-in-law as matching dad/son t-shirts because dad loooooves his cookies. Well, I also bought it because my sister loooooooves to buy matching clothes for dad and son, so I may as well have made all of them happy! But because they do have most of the kids prints in adult prints, it's a great way to match them - and not in a dorky way.
4. Signing Time
Finally, something edu-muh-cational. Sign language. You've heard about it, but when you're a mom - you don't even realize it but you are signing with your little one every single day. Shaking your head for 'No', or smiling for 'happy', and don't forget those angry eyes = 'angry' (they usually see that one applied to dad).
But signing is a great way to communicate with your baby. They understand so much - you'll realize this when they perk their eyes a bit, start nodding yes back... etc. But they just can't verbalize. That's where signing comes in handy. I used signing with Colin a bit - and really it took a lot of stress off. When he saw things that caught his attention, like planes, trucks, boats, animals ... etc - instead of grunting like a caveman, he was able to 'tell' me and I was able to reciprocate that I understood him. Even letting me know if he was tired, or hungry... simple things like that take a lot of stress out. We enjoyed our time together learning the sign language, and Signing Time is chalk full of catchy songs, colours, and very easy-to-learn teaching. It would be the gift that keeps on giving - really!
5. Easy Daysies
I've posted about Easy Daysies recently, but it deserves to be on a great gift list. As a former SEA, I cannot promote visual schedules enough times. If you're not crafty, or have a laminating machine, or obscene amounts of time to make such a thing.... this is the only one I've ever seen made for purchase.
For the price of $25.99 (starter kit), I'm telling you - each one I made with my sweat and tears, hours upon hours for my special needs students ... makes each of those personalized schedules worth more than $25.99. It's a steal at this price. It really is.
6. I See Me! Children's Books
My friend 'Tuna' bought this for Colin when he was born. It was the best gift ever. You plunk in some names, dates... and Voila! You've got a personalized book, with great art and story. I mean, yes, at 2 weeks old he was a little too young to 'read' it... but I treasu
red it from the beginning. And then Colin started loving it - all the animals, and now when he reads he's so so very proud of his name!This is the particular version I received as a present, but they do have other stories, and templates! Love love love. Thank you Tuna.
7. Baby Gourmet
Alright, and last but not least... a food item. It may be strange... and well, yes, it would be strange to give the gift of mushed up fruits and vegetables for a birthday or Christmas gift, but just keep this in mind if you wanted to give a gift to any mom.
I was at Superstore a while back and while stocking up on some baby goods, I came across this. I had heard about a similar product from another mom, so I was interested. But boy... I was obsessed. I came home, did a little research, and at $1.47 each at Superstore I was getting a pretty good deal.
Now, what's so great? I don't feed this to my child everyday, but I do go out - and fairly unexpectedly, or for long periods of time. I pop one of these in my purse, and I just squeeze it into her mouth for meal times. No bowls, no spoons... just pureed goodness in a bag. And I was thinking - this will be my sanity on the airplane. So, in good old crazy Chinese fashion, I went back and took every single last one off the shelf because I thought it was too good to be true. Well... I was wrong, because it wasn't on sale - it's just regular price, which made me kind of happy... but not that happy since I felt like I didn't get a 'steal'.
Regardless, a great product for the mom on the go, so stick a couple in the gift bag along with one of your other gifts and I'm pretty sure mom will be happy you are helping her feed her child with ease!!
So, this is my compiled list - I hope that I have alleviated some of your future Christmas shopping stress, or introduced you to new products that you'll love too. I am not sponsored in anyway by these products, and I'm just giving my 2 cents on the goods that are out there!! Enjoy :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Treasure Hunt
I have a Pirate in the house. He's been in a 'boat' all morning, saying 'Ahoy!'. We were watching Artzooka on CBC and they happen to be doing a treasure map, so I figure I'd make one with Colin too. We got the markers out, I drew most of it out, but let him colour it in. It was a pretty fun activity, and then he got back in his boat, and sailed all around to save his stuffies (who were all inevitable drowning and he was swimming - ie. flopping in the floor).
He looked at his map with pride, and then I asked him where the treasure chest was. I asked him what was in it?
A turkey sandwich.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Blast From the Past
I'm scouring through the tens of thousands of photos we have of Colin to make something special, and I came across some gems. Unfortunately this probably won't make the cut, but it is worthy of some recognition.
Ahh.... see, I told you he was a boob guy.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
RIP Nap time
A couple nights ago, we did our usual routine. We gave Colin a bottle, let him go to daddy's room to watch the iPad (right now Go Diego Go is on demand), and then brush his teeth, jammies, then story time with all 15 of his closest buds. We closed the door, and we heard couple thumps on the wall (he likes to 'drum' himself to sleep), and thought that was it. We went downstairs, and the thumping continued. Didn't think much of it, we just thought he'd go to sleep soon.
Oh, but Joe and I were apparently in for a auditory treat. He was stomping, thumping, and singing... and the odd high pitched trill here and there. This went on for a good hour. Joe and I were thinking... well, he'll eventually tire himself out, and fall asleep. We let it continue (thank goodness Cara is a good sleeper), and we were wrong. It went on for another hour.
Joe decided to check on him. When he opened the door, he sees Colin, all innocent - has pushed his bed several feet off the wall (and as a result all of his friends had fallen onto the ground - which explained the whole 'MY ANIMALS!!!!!! MY ANIMALS!!!!!!' chorus).
He found Colin, laying oh so innocently, on his tummy, his hands propping up his chin as if he were anticipating daddy's arrival and said to Joe as he opened the door - 'Hi!'.
Joe wasn't angry, in fact it was one of those 'sigh' moments. They had a short conversation:
Joe: You know Col, mommy and daddy can hear you from downstairs
Colin: I can hear you toooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe: (silence)
Colin: *lightbulb moment* You go back downstairs, and I sing a song for you (from upstairs)!!!! That's a good idea!!!!!!
And from there, we knew he was not tired, and have nixed the afternoon nap. I cannot have a singing drummer in my house until 11pm.
Oh, but Joe and I were apparently in for a auditory treat. He was stomping, thumping, and singing... and the odd high pitched trill here and there. This went on for a good hour. Joe and I were thinking... well, he'll eventually tire himself out, and fall asleep. We let it continue (thank goodness Cara is a good sleeper), and we were wrong. It went on for another hour.
Joe decided to check on him. When he opened the door, he sees Colin, all innocent - has pushed his bed several feet off the wall (and as a result all of his friends had fallen onto the ground - which explained the whole 'MY ANIMALS!!!!!! MY ANIMALS!!!!!!' chorus).
He found Colin, laying oh so innocently, on his tummy, his hands propping up his chin as if he were anticipating daddy's arrival and said to Joe as he opened the door - 'Hi!'.
Joe wasn't angry, in fact it was one of those 'sigh' moments. They had a short conversation:
Joe: You know Col, mommy and daddy can hear you from downstairs
Colin: I can hear you toooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe: (silence)
Colin: *lightbulb moment* You go back downstairs, and I sing a song for you (from upstairs)!!!! That's a good idea!!!!!!
And from there, we knew he was not tired, and have nixed the afternoon nap. I cannot have a singing drummer in my house until 11pm.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Easy Daysies
We wandered into the 'Woody Buzz' (translation: Toy Store, but Colin calls it the Woody Buzz Store because he thought we kept calling it Toy Story), and right smack dab in the front was a featured product. And I am still happy and gitty for a couple reasons:
1) buying things give me a rush (i'm not an addict yet, but joe does cringe)
2) i like the feeling that i 'discovered' something
3) this product meets all my needs as a former SEA (special education assistant) and mom
4) magnets, and shiny laminated labels products are just satisfying to use. Much ike tupperware, you can't get enough of it and you are always drawn to it - and just have an inherit desire to own it.
Easy Daysies - that's what I'm talking about. You remember when you were a kid in school, and your teacher had the day's schedule all up for you to look at, and for some strange reason, it felt good that you knew what was going to happen on that day? Like Gym, or Music class? Well, Easy Daysies is a product started by a mom of 3, and a teacher, and it's something that I truly believe in.
It's just a small magnetic board, with all the strips of your regular daily activities - breakfast, getting dressed, snack, family time, clean up, etc. There is a board for you to set your schedule out for the day, and it's split up so that once you are finished the activity, you can place it on the completed side. It's not rocket science, it's just routine.
As a former SEA, I cannot tell you just how important it is to give your children a schedule. Even if your child is not special needs, all children (and even adults), appreciate the sense of routine. The routine doesn't have to be the exact same everyday, but knowing what is going to happen is such an important aspect. I remember my days spent as an SEA making these schedules for my students, individual ones sometimes because different kids have different needs - oh how the hours I spent.... but it is one of the most utilized items with kids. Now that I'm a mom, I use all my skills that that been engrained in me and have pretty much raised Colin as if he were one of my students. I am not trying to say how great my own child is, but honestly, he has not had a tantrum - and I attribute that to a couple things: he's able to communicate his feelings to us, he is logical and can be reasoned with, and I give him fair warning of what is going to happen before it happens. He is well aware of what activities are next (lunch, or going for a playdate, dim sum with the family, cleaning up etc) - and so nothing catches him off guard (which I think contributes to some tantrums). And not just Colin - Joe HATES it when I just throw something out there changing the plan on the go. I'm kind of like that - I go with the ebb and flow.... where the wind and nap schedules take me... so he absolutely hates it when I text him telling him we're going to be somewhere else for dinner without fair warning. (and shh, don't tell him, but he has tantrums too if I change the 'schedule' on him suddenly).
Another aspect of this is that the interaction the child has with the board, is a reward of it's own. If they eat their lunch, they get to move the magnet over into the 'done' side. It's satisfying, and completing a task is a reward in it's own rite. This gives your child the opportunity to learn life skills - planning, completing tasks, and ultimately ownership of their own actions. The perk is that as a parent you are also held accountable to the schedule, so as a role model you can start teaching your child to be more organized.
I've used it now just for one day, but even Joe was using it with Colin. And they were both excited - Colin was just gitty with the magnets, and couldn't WAIT to complete something just to move it over to the 'done' side, and Joe was beaming when Colin said to him "It's Family Time now!!!!"
This would make a great gift if you are trying to think of something outside of books, toys, games, clothes - and you just don't know what to get for a child. This would be perfect, and functional - even the pickiest of moms can't turn this down.
I can't tell you how satisfied I am with this product. Please check their website out www.easydaysies.com. Also, if you watch Dragon's Den on CBC, Elaine and her family will be appearing on September 28th at 8pm to try to make a deal!! I hope it goes well :)
1) buying things give me a rush (i'm not an addict yet, but joe does cringe)
2) i like the feeling that i 'discovered' something
3) this product meets all my needs as a former SEA (special education assistant) and mom
4) magnets, and shiny laminated labels products are just satisfying to use. Much ike tupperware, you can't get enough of it and you are always drawn to it - and just have an inherit desire to own it.
As a former SEA, I cannot tell you just how important it is to give your children a schedule. Even if your child is not special needs, all children (and even adults), appreciate the sense of routine. The routine doesn't have to be the exact same everyday, but knowing what is going to happen is such an important aspect. I remember my days spent as an SEA making these schedules for my students, individual ones sometimes because different kids have different needs - oh how the hours I spent.... but it is one of the most utilized items with kids. Now that I'm a mom, I use all my skills that that been engrained in me and have pretty much raised Colin as if he were one of my students. I am not trying to say how great my own child is, but honestly, he has not had a tantrum - and I attribute that to a couple things: he's able to communicate his feelings to us, he is logical and can be reasoned with, and I give him fair warning of what is going to happen before it happens. He is well aware of what activities are next (lunch, or going for a playdate, dim sum with the family, cleaning up etc) - and so nothing catches him off guard (which I think contributes to some tantrums). And not just Colin - Joe HATES it when I just throw something out there changing the plan on the go. I'm kind of like that - I go with the ebb and flow.... where the wind and nap schedules take me... so he absolutely hates it when I text him telling him we're going to be somewhere else for dinner without fair warning. (and shh, don't tell him, but he has tantrums too if I change the 'schedule' on him suddenly).
Another aspect of this is that the interaction the child has with the board, is a reward of it's own. If they eat their lunch, they get to move the magnet over into the 'done' side. It's satisfying, and completing a task is a reward in it's own rite. This gives your child the opportunity to learn life skills - planning, completing tasks, and ultimately ownership of their own actions. The perk is that as a parent you are also held accountable to the schedule, so as a role model you can start teaching your child to be more organized.
I've used it now just for one day, but even Joe was using it with Colin. And they were both excited - Colin was just gitty with the magnets, and couldn't WAIT to complete something just to move it over to the 'done' side, and Joe was beaming when Colin said to him "It's Family Time now!!!!"
This would make a great gift if you are trying to think of something outside of books, toys, games, clothes - and you just don't know what to get for a child. This would be perfect, and functional - even the pickiest of moms can't turn this down.
I can't tell you how satisfied I am with this product. Please check their website out www.easydaysies.com. Also, if you watch Dragon's Den on CBC, Elaine and her family will be appearing on September 28th at 8pm to try to make a deal!! I hope it goes well :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
3 minutes inside my husband's brain
I haven't posted something in a while, but the 3 minutes inside my own brain was pretty popular, so after Joe was talking about himself yesterday night (he was attempting to demonstrate what goes on in his brain fro 3 minutes... either 1 or 2 things happened: I interrupted him, or he fell asleep).
But I'll try and fill in the blanks cause I'm pretty sure this is what he thinks.
- zzzzzzzzzz
- damn. I have to work.
- i'm hungry. i want salsa.
- my ear is itchy. my specialty Chinese ear picking tool shall do the job
- why can't Sharon make any decisions and asks me to?
- Babysteals. why does it exist.
- mmmm Japadog.
- I'm pretty sure Sharon just said something to me. But I didn't hear it, but I won't acknowledge that I heard something and won't ask her to repeat it. That way it's nagging.
- I love Colin.
- steak too.
- why is she nagging me?
- I think i need my hair cut. But I'll let it grow until Sharon nags me about it.
- socks are magical. i can throw them anywhere on the ground, and the appear clean and in pairs in my drawers.
- shirts too.
- i'm a freakin genius.
- damn i have to work tomorrow.
- hmm, what's going on at Tech Crunch?
- i love how Colin copies me. I think I'll teach him to jump off high places.
- damn. have to pay the bills.
- she spent WHAT at the grocery store????
- I'll love Cara when she starts copying me.
- ok, Cara's just cute too.
- what can i buy on Deal Extreme right now?
- I am a musical prodigy
- zzzzzzzzzz
- I don't know why Sharon gets so furious when I dutch oven her.
- uuuhghhggggg work. is. uuuugggghhhhhghghg
- i need to fart........... right now.
- is it the weekend yet?
- what's new at ars technica ?
- let me check it on the computers, phone, iPad, Playbook, and other countless gadgets Sharon has no clue how to work
But I'll try and fill in the blanks cause I'm pretty sure this is what he thinks.
- zzzzzzzzzz
- damn. I have to work.
- i'm hungry. i want salsa.
- my ear is itchy. my specialty Chinese ear picking tool shall do the job
- why can't Sharon make any decisions and asks me to?
- Babysteals. why does it exist.
- mmmm Japadog.
- I'm pretty sure Sharon just said something to me. But I didn't hear it, but I won't acknowledge that I heard something and won't ask her to repeat it. That way it's nagging.
- I love Colin.
- steak too.
- why is she nagging me?
- I think i need my hair cut. But I'll let it grow until Sharon nags me about it.
- socks are magical. i can throw them anywhere on the ground, and the appear clean and in pairs in my drawers.
- shirts too.
- i'm a freakin genius.
- damn i have to work tomorrow.
- hmm, what's going on at Tech Crunch?
- i love how Colin copies me. I think I'll teach him to jump off high places.
- damn. have to pay the bills.
- she spent WHAT at the grocery store????
- I'll love Cara when she starts copying me.
- ok, Cara's just cute too.
- what can i buy on Deal Extreme right now?
- I am a musical prodigy
- zzzzzzzzzz
- I don't know why Sharon gets so furious when I dutch oven her.
- uuuhghhggggg work. is. uuuugggghhhhhghghg
- i need to fart........... right now.
- is it the weekend yet?
- what's new at ars technica ?
- let me check it on the computers, phone, iPad, Playbook, and other countless gadgets Sharon has no clue how to work
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