Kung Hei Fat Choi

I can't believe Chinese New Year started January 26 and I'm barely posting pix of my kids in their purchased-in-Beijing pjs. I didn't even have kids when I bought these, but I must have known!

I so wish I could've gone to downtown LA to see the parade, and seriously, where are my red envelopes filled with money?! Maybe next year.

Have I already mentioned that my kids need more Asian friends? You may laugh, but it does pain me at times. I've had to resort to picking up on people at Ross and other random retail hubs to plug myself into the Asian pipeline.

Happy Birthday, Bear

Happy happy birthday, Maren Dear! You have truly enriched my life and brought me so much joy. Thank you for being such an example, and for being so much fun. I am so honored to have had you in my life since our wee years.

Stubby

Cassidy would really like to wear Dad's boots out in the snow.

New Year's Delight

We had a great New Year's Eve...yes, I know it's February. Trav's fab mom had an overnighter at her house with the kidlets. We went to a yummy Japanese restaurant with friends and then to a comedy club. We used to frequent the comedy club when we were newlyweds, but hadn't been for a while. It was so much fun, and the comedians were hilarious. One downfall of this place is that you have to order something to eat/drink...they call it a 'comedy/cafe' aka more money, please. After a five-course dinner I still managed to pound some super high-quality Costco mozzarella sticks.

The older couple in front of us was on a date (see, you're never to old for another chance at love!). One comedian interacted with them a lot (teasing the woman for her East Coast accent and for not being nice about taking returns at her job working at Target), and another woman in the audience announced to the whole room that the reason she was wearing a coat was because she had low estrogen levels. You had to be there, but I could not stop laughing!

What struck me the most about one of the comedians is that he looked like a perfect cross between our friend Bryce and Kevin Bacon. That alone made my night!

Back in the Day

Per Judy's request, I'm going to provide a sampling of my old diary. I believe I'm about 16 at the time of this entry.
Here's a pic of it, but I'll transcribe as it's not so legible!

"I went to Newport also with my family over Memorial Day weekend. Last night, I went out with Nikki and Maren. We were in the parking lot when these two guys put there car in reverse and came to talk to us. Carston and Robert; anyway, they were in college and we told them we were seniors. They knew my friends Alex and Marian. Turns out they also knew my MOM! Surprise huh? They had a communication class together [at GCC]. Then we met two strange guys in a racecar. We thought they acted like rapists. Then there were these smokers who wanted to know what herbs we liked and if they could have a ride. NO THANX. BYE!"

Seriously, I know these toddler years are trying, but I don't think I'm ready for teenagers. Yikes. It really all was very innocent. We loved going to Burbank on 2 dollars and some change...cruising or walking from the mall movie theater to Penny Lane, and the other music store with the headphones to sample music. ("Gee, I hope they don't find out we've NEVER been paying customers here!")


And I'm not sure if it's a gift or a curse, but I do find that once someone has made a mark on this heart, they're never forgotten. All these funny stories in my journal are endearing because the people in them have shaped who I am today. I know it's cliche, but I'm grateful for everyone who has crossed my path over the years.

Beautiful

This has been one of the saddest days I've had in a really long time. My dear friend and neighbor, Pam, passed away this morning after a long and difficult battle with cancer. I've been so grateful to be a part of her life. It's amazing how much love you develop for those you serve. Going through chemo with Patrick gave me a much deeper understanding of her challenges, and seeing her strength and positive attitude as a mother has taught me to parent with purpose.

I love her children. It brings me so much joy to see them outside building sledding ramps, snow forts, bike jumps, and playing with the dogs. They have all been such wondeful neighbors to our family.

So with puffy eyes and a heavy heart, I'll call it a night. I don't know how it must be for those who believe that this life is it. My testimony that life does go on after this is by far one of my most precious blessings, and a reason that there will again be smiles and joy beyond these earthly challenges.

Twoo Love

So the little lady of the household turned 2 at the end of December. Man does it stink to have a birthday between Christmas and New Year's. I keep saying that when she's older, it'll all be made up by the fabulous New Year's parties I'll let her throw. We must do a party. Something. We did enjoy the glory of IHOP (one of her fave places, not because of the pancakes, but rather the fatty breakfast meats! She'd live on protein and candy if she could.).

Cass is this power-packed, feisty, snuggly, determined, beasty ball of joy. I love every ounce of her, and I'm so amazed at how grown-up she already is.

A few funny things she's recently said include:
Press start. (expressing her impatience with dvd previews)
Hello Luna! (looking out the car window driving at night)
I'll be Batman (pretending to play Wii)
I'm doing something. (how she explained locking dad out of her room using a stool and a bunch of toys to baracade her door)
Crackers. In a bowl. On your bed. Watching Spongebob. (a very typical, yet endearing, example of her daily demands. She's always very specific!)
Mom. Hold my booger. (how thoughtful)

xoxo