going away/visit/birthday/mother's day/caaspp:

We just returned from a dream vacation, made possible by friends who invited us along on their vacation and shared their employee friends/family discount.  The days before we left were somewhat of a blur.  We had details to finalize, like a fish-sitter, visits, celebrations, prepping for Naomi's standardized testing (the new computer-based CAASPP), and of course lots of laundry and packing and emptying of the fridge.  The first two or three days of traveling were pretty rough, but it was all uphill from there.  As I like to keep it chronological, here's an catch-up from the days before the trip:

One of the best part of receiving a gift is fondly remembering the person who gave it to me/us.  The lady who sewed Isaac's racecar blanket and a Christmas potholder for us is moving away with her husband to a retirement community where his sister currently resides.  I haven't known her that long, but she is one of those special ladies who puts so much love into everything she makes for others.  Many people have been touched by her thoughtfulness and handiwork.  We attended a going-away/50th anniversary party for her and her husband a few months ago, but it was nice to also be able to have just the women say goodbye (and in typical fashion, we did that with a nice luncheon and craft session).  Her husband served in prison ministry and greeted us each Sunday with real conversation and nor just a hello.  They will be missed.

Also, Isaac and I had a nice visit with a friend and her son while the older two were in class.  Isaac and her son are almost the same age, and we hadn't seen each other since before they were born.  I always have good conversations with her when I see her.  I get carried away sometimes.  Starting in junior high school, I talked to everyone the same way--my life was an open book, and I wanted to get to know people right away if they let me.  It was an odd combo, being a loner and talkative at the same time.  I just didn't have much of a filter, and I also figured it was an easy way to weed out who was going to be comfortable around me down the road by just being myself from the start.  I was actually still very shy.  Now I think I cater more to my audience, try to be considerate to others who don't want to talk, and have gone back to being more quiet except that I will encourage people whenever I get a chance.

Naomi went to a friend's 7th birthday party, and it was a doll party.  Was glad Naomi could take her doll complete with a new outfit made by Grandma's cousin.  The birthday girl had a Hearts for Hearts doll--I'd never heard of them, and I wish I had.  A dollar of every purchase goes toward charities specific to the region the doll is from.  They are a fraction of the cost of AG dolls as well.  Naomi's was a generous present from Grandma.  We weren't willing to spend the money to buy her an AG doll, but I would have considered one of these for sure.  Anyway, Naomi had a good time.  They had a lot of ice cream, and they designed and made little t-shirts for their dolls.

The next day was Mother's Day.  There weren't many people available or in town to work in the nursery, so I ended up being the only adult (two is ideal, and my teen helpers have to be managed as well) in the nursery.  There was no adult for Lucas' class, so they moved them adjacent to us that day so I could oversee them as well.  Kind of hectic and crazy, but God sustained.  Afterward, Manny took us out for Mongolian BBQ.  Perfect for us all, even Isaac.  Naomi gave me a book she wrote and a card she made at church, along with rose petals she gathered that had fallen around the church.  Since I was in the nursery, I missed out on the roses they gave out to moms that day.  I thought that was very sweet of her to think of me.  The book was very thoughtful, and I know that especially since I know what the words she wrote mean to our family and to me.  Chris came over, and they watched the older kids while Isaac and I napped.  I really needed that nap.  Then they went to see Amazing Spiderman 2.

Last but not least, Naomi took part in the trial group for the new computer-based standardized test (CAASPP) this year.  She thought it was pretty easy.  I don't know if that's good or bad.  The scores won't be reported, so I'm not sure if I'll even get them.  Naomi didn't run into technical problems, but she said other kids had their answers wiped out and had to start over or had computer glitches.  This was a problem that reportedly plagued a lot of sites.  With the new test, which is based on the new Common Core standards, students must justify or explain their answers.  Also, there is an audio portion of the test where information is read to you rather than your just reading it.  That's right up Naomi's alley.  The ISP instructors found that the students struggled with fractions.  In the practice test, the fractions were often referred to using number lines rather than the usual slices of pies or other round object.  This I think is actually the right way to go, particularly for future math and science courses, but I can see where it can be a struggle to grasp the concept at younger ages.  There are aspects of CC with which I am completely onboard, but the implementation and mandate don't sit well with me.  It also seems the curriculum may have been rushed, and parents may not be able to help their children, because students are learning to do math so differently now.  I haven't run into major problems with it, but of course I'm using my own curriculum so I can't speak to it other than Lucas' current math curriculum being Common Core-based (which seems like just a simpler version of the original curriculum).

Even though I don't like the idea of exchanging the study of beautiful literature for informational texts, to be frank, I think kids should have an education that will give them a better chance at finding a job that pays the bills.  Unless you are very gifted and show up in the right place at the right time, a career in the arts won't do that.  Everyone has different callings, but an interest may not be a calling, a hobby may not be a career.  Naomi had wanted to be a singer a couple of years ago, like many little girls, but she may not be gifted enough to make a career out of it.  She struggles in her voice lessons, which I let her do anyway because she enjoys it, and she's improved a lot.  I don't say this to be discouraging, but I don't want to give her delusions that she will make it big and be set for life, nor do I want her to pursue it for that reason.  Sometimes she worries that she has no talent, but I tell her she has many gifts, and that God will shape her over time.

We made pages for a memory book for the guest of honor.

Me with D at her going-away lunch.

Isaac meeting V.  They are just a couple of weeks apart in age.

Naomi at C's doll-themed birthday party.

Isaac and J in the ball pit of the nursery on Mother's Day.  J is actually a few months younger.

Lucas watching the food being grilled at Mongolian BBQ.

Isaac had a feast.

Accidentally matching again.

Outside the restaurant.  It's a sign of things to come!

What Mothers Do by Naomi.

mother's day:

I posted this on FB, and reposting it here.  I hope to tell more of my mom's story while she is alive and know I appreciate her.  This is pretty tame, though, compared to most of what she endured.  So perhaps I can't talk about everything, but it is a glimpse of her character.

Thinking back to when I was my daughter's age, I recall we fell on hard times. My mom had to work as a waitress in the evenings while I took care of my brother and dog. Without a car, she'd walk to and from work in heels across and along the freeway. One night when I waited up for her, I remember her taking her shoes off to expose her bloody feet. She never complained about it. We never celebrated holidays like Mother's Day, so today I want to wish my mother a very well-deserved happy Mother's Day. There are few women I know like her. Perhaps one of them is my mother-in-law, a very giving and sacrificial woman as well, who helped raise some of her ten siblings and of course raised my husband to be an upstanding man. Happy Mother's Day to you both!

more highlights from grandparents' visit:

Grandma brought clothing she and cousin Terry made for Naomi's doll.  She also gave the boys some diecast trucks from the company where several family members work.  Lucas was very happy about that, but he always crashes cars together, and I can't bear to watch.  Manny took that Friday off, and we ate out and made a stop at the Container Store.  I'm not fully ready for that, as I think I have to simplify and get rid of a lot of things before we can organize the remainder.  We aren't hoarders, but we have too much stuff for a couple of minimalists.  Once we're out of baby mode, it will help a lot.  Manny also wanted to take all of us to a local Korean-Chinese place.  It was a nice goodbye before they had to leave the next morning.  I'm glad they came; I know it's a tough trip to make.  We didn't have a chance to go on a date this time, but I did get some time to get my eyebrows threaded!  It was my first time, but I don't really mind the pain, so I had a good experience.

An entire wardrobe for her doll sewn by Grandma's cousin Terry!

Some of the outfits were even reversible!

Isaac and Grandpa just chillin' while Naomi opens her presents.

A doll bed!  Funny thing was that two days before, she'd said she wanted to ask for one but was afraid to.  She was using a box as a makeshift bed.  I really want to put it together, but Manny said to wait for him to do it.

She even made Chinese qi pao (cheongsam for you Cantonese speakers) and matching shoes!

Grandma crocheted beautiful dresses and a skirt.  The ribbon belts are so neat!

Having brunch on Manny's day off, which wasn't fully a day off.

Goofy Lucas.

Isaac ate his weight in fruit.

Naomi ate almost this entire churro waffle with ice cream (Manny let her have that, but it's a special occasion), plus my avocados and some toast.

Happy with a piece of waffle.

At the container store after brunch.  A kids desk with all that drawing paper is Isaac's dream come true.

Having Korean-Chinese food after Naomi's party, inside our own room.  

A quick picture of myself to show I was there.  Very tired.  My friend used to take selfies like this after taking photos of her family (way before they were known as selfies or camera phones were a thing).  I guess I get it now!

naomi's 9th birthday, candy land and trampolines:

We had Naomi's birthday party at a indoor trampoline place this year.  Her friend had her party there last year, and it was the perfect venue for her and her bouncy brother.  They have a foam pit and trampoline dodgeball (for the older kids) as well.  Unlike other sports center venues, there isn't any structure or guidance apart from a faceless voice calling your party over the loudspeaker when it's time to eat.  Groupon has half-off offers once in a while, but the two days I happened to not check, the offer came up.  By the time Manny told me, it was sold out.

Naomi has a number of good friends, and the hardest part of planning is the invite list.  And this particular venue has a maximum number.  She doesn't whine or put up a fight or anything like that, but I know she wishes she could invite everyone.  I do, too.  I tried one year to throw a second party for the people whom we couldn't invite and got really sick, possibly from the stress, so I haven't attempted that since.  We don't get invited to everything either, and it's okay.  It's best just to hope that your relationships will remain true, invitation or not.  No one likes to feel rejected, but we all have to learn to cope with it.  Some parents take not being invited to parties way too far.  Be a good example for your kids.  What will make our children feel entitled what we give them, but how we teach them to receive it.

Naomi was also the first grandchild, so she had some years with two birthday parties!  What's funny (or sad) is that the one year we held the party at a park, it rained.  So every other year, we've been indoors, and of course the weather's been beautiful.  Well, she's asked for a picnic at the park next time--it'll probably finally rain again!

Looking back on her birthday party locations (themes), she has definitely had a good mix of big venues and smaller at-home parties:
1.  Grandma's house (butterfly garden)
2.  Grandma's (princess/dress-up) + park (bubbles)
3.  Grandma's house (Dora the Explorer) + our garage (fairy tale/dress-up)
4.  Grandma's house (My Little Pony) + Chuck E. Cheese's (Easter)
5.  Our clubhouse (Dora Garden, using up party supplies from Grandma)
6.  Pump it Up (Hello Kitty)
7.  Our house (woodland fairy)
8.  Our house (cooking/baking)

Naomi requested a candy-themed birthday cake and favors this year.  She has her dad's sweet tooth.  Candy is pretty and colorful, and it's a special treat for her.  She's definitely my sweetie, my candy girl.
I liked decorating the cake, but I do not have much of a sweet tooth, so I was a little nauseated by the end there.  I felt like I had a toothache just packing the favor bags with candy.  I added toothbrushes almost as an apology to the parents, and Naomi promptly took them out of the bags.  I made her keep them in, of course.

I can't remember if Naomi or I came up with the Candy Land theme for the cake.  I got the basic idea for the Starburst path from this picture.  Ours was not as nice, but it was our own handiwork.  Naomi and I had ideas that didn't come to fruition, like clear rock crystal candy sticks for Princess Frostine's land and a road to the castle paved with Skittles or M&Ms, which we recently received as favors or gifts.  For the sake of time, I bought an undecorated vanilla mousse sheet cake from Costco.  So happy I decided to do that this time.  Two of her friends have peanut allergies, so we skipped Peanut Acres and used chocolate frosting on Rolos for the chocolate swamp.  Naomi decorated the gingerbread men.  I wanted to make signs for all the lands, but I was short on time.  To fill up remaining space, we put the four player pieces on the "board."  I kind of miss the Candy Land/Candyland I saw at other people's houses when I was young with the molasses swamp and floating ice cream bars or whatever they were.  But the modern board is easier to replicate on a cake, I have to say.

I was so thankful that my in-laws came for the party.  They helped with the boys and made it possible for me to get through the preparations with time to spare.  And of course, it was really important to Naomi that they be there.

It's not easy to run a party and take care of small kids at the same time.  I was talking to people while Isaac was crying, but I thought between him and the grandparents, he was okay unless I was told otherwise.  I'm not socializing with people for my sake, but to ensure the party is going smoothly and to keep guests feeling welcome and safe.  One nice thing about venue parties is that the older two have something to do at all times.  But Isaac still needs diaper changes and feedings, so Manny brought him over.  When I left to do that, I returned to find out two of Naomi's friends had doused each other with water and had gotten in trouble with a friend of mine.  It was very helpful to have her there to help me monitor the kids and even take photos.  One of her photos was evidence that our group did not purchase the five pairs of socks for which we were charged.  After having a taste of the cake, Isaac fell asleep on Grandpa.  Poor third kid--the party was right during his naptime.

Tried to take sequential photos, but had to speed it up at the end there.

Naomi likes chatting as much as she likes playing.

One of the girls had to bring her brother, whom Lucas knows, so Lucas was happy to have a friend around.  Lucas also remembers their dad from when we went roller skating.  He kept saying to me, "Mommy!  I found THAT GUY!"

We missed those who couldn't make it, but it was a nice turnout.

Cute girls.  See, no socks.

Naomi did the gingerbread men (both plastic and real), maraschino cherries, gumdrops, and some of the lollipops.  I did everything else.

Happy birthday!  Forgot our family picture this time.

Isaac napping on Grandpa.

naomi's music recital:

Naomi began voice and piano lessons this year, but only goes every other week for the sake of our budget and schedule.  I'm proud of Naomi for getting through her first recital, and it's been good seeing the progress.  However, I don't think she's really tapping into her true potential.  She's a beginner, and I didn't expect her to be a prodigy, but I see moments when she's doing better and then she regresses a lot.  I'm trying to draw out her best without going all Tiger Mom on her.  Manny and I aren't ones who will delude our children into thinking they're perfect at everything and are entitled to praise for doing very little--how then will they cope with life?  But it does bother me a little that the teacher says she forgets what she's been taught, because with her good memory, I know that only happens when she's let herself (or perhaps we've let her) develop poor habits which she reverts to once we turn away.  Then she continues to practice and reinforce those habits unwittingly.  This happened with swimming.  She was ready for the water early on, and a very independent swimmer.  She then started free lessons with instructors from church when she was six, and one short session at a swim school.  Outside of the lessons, she developed her own way of swimming, which I believe is less safe and more tiring.  She'll probably get it in time, but she has to learn to listen and remember to sometimes go against what she's used to doing.

Back to the recital--Naomi sang and then played "B-A-Bay" (she was supposed to sing and play at the same time, but there was a mix-up) and "When You're Smiling."  The songs are really sweet and light-hearted, just like her.  Naomi's teacher isn't a Christian, but the school is Christian-owned, Lutheran perhaps, so they do their recitals at churches.  I like going into beautiful churches.  Few of our friends ever get married in churches anymore (they don't have to, of course), and many of today's churches, like ours, are just standard buildings.  I really enjoyed the recital since I love music, even when kids make mistakes or are off key.  Manny was more analytic about it and is not a big music person.  He was just happy that Lucas did well and sat attentively through it.  Lucas enjoys music, but I don't think he's ready for the lessons yet.  Manny had to take the day off, or he might not have been able to get off work in time given the nature of his job.  But it was very important to Naomi that he be there, and I'm glad he came through for her (not easy at all).

Quick rehearsal.

Naomi on stage standing so straight and tall!

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa.

Isaac smiled and clapped for Naomi.

He got antsy and tired.  One great thing about doing a recital at a nice church--a nursery with a window and speakers so I could still enjoy the performances!

it's what's for dinner:

If your family likes your cooking, that's almost all you need.  You might also need to be able to fix dinner in a jiffy for visitors as well.  I'm decent at cooking for my family, and I actually enjoy figuring out what to make for them by just looking at what I have on hand.  Sometimes you can over-plan your meals and end up buying a bunch of ingredients you don't need for much else or can easily substitute.  When we have an extra guest, that isn't too bad.  What I'm not as good at is making main entrees in bulk.  I've cooked so many meals for my family I've sort of perfected how and how much I cook just for them.  Also, being Chinese, I grew up usually eating several dishes separately and cooking "smaller. " Larger cuts of meat or quantities of food can be confusing and thus a hit or miss for me.  I also used to make the mistake of trying something new for a larger group.  Sides aren't too bad for me since there's not much to them, or I have good recipes, and those are usually those are a hit.  Thankfully, I do have bulk recipes I can use now from a cookbook of family recipes from Manny's dad's relatives, although I haven't had occasion or time to use them yet.  We eat a large variety of food, so I still tend to cook fresh and just the right amount for us every day.  

When my in-laws come, I usually take them out to eat, or they cook (and they're really good cooks).  Sometimes I'll cook one or two of the meals.  This time, I cooked steak and mashed potatoes, something I'm usually good at and thought they would like, but Manny got back really late, and my in-laws had already eaten a filling late lunch.  I still had to cook by a certain time to feed the kids and had already planned the timing for the cooking before I knew all that, so I couldn't wait till later.  Naomi and Isaac ate early and had their fill.  Lucas tends to wait up and eat late with Manny now instead of eating two dinners.

I also made some coconut and chocolate oatmeal cookies for Naomi's birthday for her ISP class.  I made the thicker kind with a little extra flour and didn't have quick-cooking oats, so I put regular oats in the food processor.  The cookies were really good to me, Manny, and Naomi, but not Lucas.  He doesn't like coconut, so he said, "I didn't like them, but I still ate the whole thing!"  :)  

I'm still recovering after Isaac's first year, and he's still not sleeping through the night consistently, but I feel like I'm at a place where I'm coming out of survival mode.  I can now start making more nutritious and tasty meals again that suit our family.  Last year was all about crockpot and freezer cooking, but Naomi said she missed the food I made from scratch (i.e., can-less and package-less), Lucas didn't like the heavy stews, and Manny doesn't care for cream-of-anything (MSG) in our food.  I am happy to oblige, though it means often having to let Isaac cry or run back and forth from the kitchen to tend to him or Lucas.  Naomi is pretty independent, and often will help me with them.

Typical meal:  roasted pork tenderloin, broccolini, and rice.  Easy to plan and simple to make.

Cookies!

Isaac stuffing his face with mashed potatoes.

isaac's first real haircut:

My in-laws came up last week to see Naomi's recital and party.  They also got to see Isaac get his first haircut.  It was all fun and games until the clippers were turned on, then he became a screaming mess.  I wish I had Manny's first haircut photo handy; he had the same expression with his first cut by his grandfather.  Speaking of grandfather, Grandpa was so sad to hear Isaac crying he almost cried.  We went to Costco afterward for lunch and to buy some food (well, some in Costco terms) before picking Naomi up from her class.

He was happy to get in and start driving.

But then the clippers and come came out.

The manager did his haircut.  She's no-nonsense and honestly not that gentle with the kids (especially for a children's haircut place), but she isn't phased by the crying and gets it done.

Glad that's over with.

easter with family:

Manny's aunt and uncle usually throw an Easter party every year.  I think the first time I went we were just married, and now we have three kids and they have a grandson.  They are the last of my mother-in-law's side of the family living within an hour of us, and they plan to move eventually as well.  We'll really miss them if/when they leave!  

It was a late lunch and egg hunt, but the kids had a good time playing while waiting.  Lucas got to bond with his little cousin again, and his cousin couldn't wait to show him his Hot Wheels track.  Isaac seemed to like his first time there, but he wanted to throw the eggs from the bucket back into the plants.  All part of the fun.  He was born just days before last year's party.  I remember exactly what Naomi looked like and did the first time she went.  It's hard to believe how quickly the Easters have flown by.  

Easter of course is Resurrection Sunday to us, the event upon which our faith relies.  It is widely accepted as historical fact that there was a Jesus who was crucified and whom people claimed to have seen alive after his death.  Without the resurrection, as Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians, our faith would be in vain.  I encourage you to listen to this Easter sermon.

I flung Naomi around in this thing with all my might, and she loved it.

The boys watching the cars race around the track.

Delicious deviled eggs, spinach dip, and homemade assorted cookies.

Time to hunt for some eggs!

Isaac wanted to put them back.

Uncle Gerard pushing both boys.  Lucas said I could never get him going as fast as Uncle Gerard does!

Beautiful day to eat outside.