This is slightly disturbing but cute at the same time. Too bad we can't edit it to put our kids' actual faces in there... 'cause we've got all kinds of free time for things like that, right?
http://members.shaw.ca/anabw/grease.htm
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Girls Night Out!
A Much Deserved Girls' Night Out was held this past Saturday! YAY! What more can we say?! We love hanging out each other and getting to know each other better! Six of us moms decided to go and do something out of the ordinary. The original plan was opened to all the other moms in the gigantic playgroup; however, because of the special promotion deal going on, only 6 of us moms got it. SIGH! Next time!
However, the six of us "wild" moms left our own child behind with his/her daddy. We like to think of it as 'fostering some 1:1 time with Daddy'. Thanks to our better-halves for being indulgent and supportive on a much needed break away from the parenting routine. The boys had to options of doing their own thing with their own child OR head over to our good friends, Sherry & Oliver, for a "Daddy & Me Playgroup and Pizza Night". How nice is our playgroup?! That there is ALWAYS something going on for the kids no matter what!
So what did us girls do?
Day Spa
We met up at the local day spa for a fun "Margarita Night"! WhooHoo! Of course, we had TWO daddy's complaining "why were we NOT invited for spa, we could really use a facial?" (eh, you know you are: Oliver & Chhimi!) We started in the "Cat Lounge" for some simple gabbing and catch up as we await for our party to get started. Then we were led to our private 'Cabana Lounge' where the 6 of us got to sit in a tropical setting, served chips & salsa, non-alcoholic margaritas, and a lovely 30 minute foot soak while we gabbed some more!
For me being such a NON-girly girl, at first, I had NO idea about the foot soak and why even do it. It only seemed like a 'luke-warm' water and eh...not doing much. However, I must say, AFTER the soaking, my feet were just soooo soft and silky, I was like..."Aaah, okay, I get it now and I like it!"
Then one by one, our masseuse/facial therapist came in to begin our individual service. A couple of us got massages and the rest got facials! My experience was HEAVENLY...however, next time, I am definitely going for the 60 minute massage instead of the 30 minute teaser ;o). Totally LOVED IT and Relaxed!
Dinner & Game
Okay, found out one thing about a couple of our moms. TWO of them (Lynette & Kristy) are really into sports! Go Girls!! The Final Four for NCAA was going on...and Lynette had to...I mean really, HAD TO, watch the game no matter what, because her team is playing the "Heels", UNC-Chapel Hill vs Kansas. Kristy also had to watch it because well, UNC was part of her NCAA pool. LOL!
So off to a local "American Cooking" restaurant where they only had ONE TV in the place and it was at the bar. So the 6 roudy moms decided to disrupt the entire bar service and started pulling all 6 bar stools from every which corner so we can sit together! LOL!
We got to chat about lots of different topics including Sex, Money, Drugs...eh wait, that's an episode from "Real Housewives" NYC or Orange County ;o) HAHA! Let's just say we just talked and talked for the rest of the dinner, besides keeping scores of the NCAA game. We thoroughly enjoyed the company, the food, the atmosphere, and just being plain out and about with our girlfriends!
The night was really great. The only lowlight was the lost of UNC-Chapel Hill that totally bummed 2 of the moms! HUGS! They will do it NEXT YEAR!!!
Hopefully we'll get to do some more Girls Night Out in the future as well! Wanna join next time?!
However, the six of us "wild" moms left our own child behind with his/her daddy. We like to think of it as 'fostering some 1:1 time with Daddy'. Thanks to our better-halves for being indulgent and supportive on a much needed break away from the parenting routine. The boys had to options of doing their own thing with their own child OR head over to our good friends, Sherry & Oliver, for a "Daddy & Me Playgroup and Pizza Night". How nice is our playgroup?! That there is ALWAYS something going on for the kids no matter what!
So what did us girls do?
Day Spa
We met up at the local day spa for a fun "Margarita Night"! WhooHoo! Of course, we had TWO daddy's complaining "why were we NOT invited for spa, we could really use a facial?" (eh, you know you are: Oliver & Chhimi!) We started in the "Cat Lounge" for some simple gabbing and catch up as we await for our party to get started. Then we were led to our private 'Cabana Lounge' where the 6 of us got to sit in a tropical setting, served chips & salsa, non-alcoholic margaritas, and a lovely 30 minute foot soak while we gabbed some more!
For me being such a NON-girly girl, at first, I had NO idea about the foot soak and why even do it. It only seemed like a 'luke-warm' water and eh...not doing much. However, I must say, AFTER the soaking, my feet were just soooo soft and silky, I was like..."Aaah, okay, I get it now and I like it!"
Then one by one, our masseuse/facial therapist came in to begin our individual service. A couple of us got massages and the rest got facials! My experience was HEAVENLY...however, next time, I am definitely going for the 60 minute massage instead of the 30 minute teaser ;o). Totally LOVED IT and Relaxed!
Dinner & Game
Okay, found out one thing about a couple of our moms. TWO of them (Lynette & Kristy) are really into sports! Go Girls!! The Final Four for NCAA was going on...and Lynette had to...I mean really, HAD TO, watch the game no matter what, because her team is playing the "Heels", UNC-Chapel Hill vs Kansas. Kristy also had to watch it because well, UNC was part of her NCAA pool. LOL!
So off to a local "American Cooking" restaurant where they only had ONE TV in the place and it was at the bar. So the 6 roudy moms decided to disrupt the entire bar service and started pulling all 6 bar stools from every which corner so we can sit together! LOL!
We got to chat about lots of different topics including Sex, Money, Drugs...eh wait, that's an episode from "Real Housewives" NYC or Orange County ;o) HAHA! Let's just say we just talked and talked for the rest of the dinner, besides keeping scores of the NCAA game. We thoroughly enjoyed the company, the food, the atmosphere, and just being plain out and about with our girlfriends!
The night was really great. The only lowlight was the lost of UNC-Chapel Hill that totally bummed 2 of the moms! HUGS! They will do it NEXT YEAR!!!
Hopefully we'll get to do some more Girls Night Out in the future as well! Wanna join next time?!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Little Support Systems
Just a little reflection. It is so interesting to see that even at this young age, our toddlers, have built their own support system or found support buddies in their day-to-day environment. Our children are basically growing up with each other and as one (or two) moves on to the older classrooms or different classrooms, they have to find their environment again but it became crucial to have a friend to lean on. Not much different compared to the grown-up world where even as adults, we seek the familiarity to guide us in uncharted territory.
For Erik, he has not yet transferred to the older classroom if 2 and 3 year olds. However, as his older friends leave like Kelly, Jackson, and Gabriel, he regularly peeks over to the big kids' yard longing to be with them. At the same time, Erik also leans on his other buddies more, such as Karalyn, who became the classroom "mommie" after the steps of Miss Kelly.
Mondays are always a little hard for Erik and he can get clingy but not crying or whiny, just wanting extra hugs and kisses from Mommy or Daddy. Who wouldn't want those affections from their own mommy or daddy!?!. Usually we drop him off outside but this morning, it was inside since Mommy was a little early. Erik was a bit apprehensive in going into his classroom so a big squeeze and hug outside and into the room we go. He immediately looked around and got clingy, until Mommy pointed out, "Look there's Karalyn playing" and really, it was like a "sigh! of relief - good, my friends are here!" and he happily trotted over and got a Duck Puppet to play with. Then he saw Audrey in the next room, always grinning away, and Erik definitely got a lot more comfortable and even sat down by himself on the table with Luke.
Daddy Chhimi has also introduced a new 'pick-up routine' for Erik. He gets to go to the big kids yard at the end of the day and there Miss Kelly is one of his big support buddy and vice versa. Kelly would wait for Erik to cross the big wooden gate and give a big HUG for a friendly greeting. And OFF they go...to the xylophones, to the big sand pit, to the bikes, etc. These two even pretend to have 'picnics' together with the wood chips! One day when Kelly was picked up early, Erik literally searched high and low for his "Bid Kid" buddy. Jackson is another that loves to come and greet Erik as well. Last Friday, Jackson led prego Mommy Allison all the way across the yard just to play xylophone with Erik and those two shared so nicely and played quite a harmonious tune!
I am so glad that Erik is already building his network of support and hopefully also giving support to others as well! It's an added bonus when the parents actually like each other and want to hang out on the weekends too with the kids! It really gives them a lot more interaction opportunities with each other.
Who wouldn't want to befriend this little guy?
I'm already dreading the Kindergarten age when most of us will go our 'separate ways' via public school or private school! ARGH!
For Erik, he has not yet transferred to the older classroom if 2 and 3 year olds. However, as his older friends leave like Kelly, Jackson, and Gabriel, he regularly peeks over to the big kids' yard longing to be with them. At the same time, Erik also leans on his other buddies more, such as Karalyn, who became the classroom "mommie" after the steps of Miss Kelly.
Mondays are always a little hard for Erik and he can get clingy but not crying or whiny, just wanting extra hugs and kisses from Mommy or Daddy. Who wouldn't want those affections from their own mommy or daddy!?!. Usually we drop him off outside but this morning, it was inside since Mommy was a little early. Erik was a bit apprehensive in going into his classroom so a big squeeze and hug outside and into the room we go. He immediately looked around and got clingy, until Mommy pointed out, "Look there's Karalyn playing" and really, it was like a "sigh! of relief - good, my friends are here!" and he happily trotted over and got a Duck Puppet to play with. Then he saw Audrey in the next room, always grinning away, and Erik definitely got a lot more comfortable and even sat down by himself on the table with Luke.
Daddy Chhimi has also introduced a new 'pick-up routine' for Erik. He gets to go to the big kids yard at the end of the day and there Miss Kelly is one of his big support buddy and vice versa. Kelly would wait for Erik to cross the big wooden gate and give a big HUG for a friendly greeting. And OFF they go...to the xylophones, to the big sand pit, to the bikes, etc. These two even pretend to have 'picnics' together with the wood chips! One day when Kelly was picked up early, Erik literally searched high and low for his "Bid Kid" buddy. Jackson is another that loves to come and greet Erik as well. Last Friday, Jackson led prego Mommy Allison all the way across the yard just to play xylophone with Erik and those two shared so nicely and played quite a harmonious tune!
I am so glad that Erik is already building his network of support and hopefully also giving support to others as well! It's an added bonus when the parents actually like each other and want to hang out on the weekends too with the kids! It really gives them a lot more interaction opportunities with each other.
Who wouldn't want to befriend this little guy?
I'm already dreading the Kindergarten age when most of us will go our 'separate ways' via public school or private school! ARGH!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Labels!
Having our kids in daycare means that their names need to be on everything. The extra clothes, the clothes they're wearing, socks, cups, plates...you get the idea. We have found a company that is greate at creating labels for all of these places. They don't come off in the dishwasher, washer, microwave, or anywhere else. They don't fade or tear or otherwise disappear. Check them out!
Mabel's Labels
Mabel's Labels
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hands Up!
The weekend was beautiful and we tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Karalyn loves to "help" her Daddy in the backyard - she has her own rake and broom to sweep up the acorns and leaves off the patios. She also decided to humor her mother and pose in her newly knitted sweater. This is our game, "Hands Up" where she runs around with her hands in the air while we chase after her. The point is for us to catch and tickle her in the armpits. She thinks it's great fun.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Who Knew That Snow Can Be Fun?!
Continuing on my rant of "Nature Deficit Disorder". Okay first of all, there really is no such thing as a disorder but it was just coined by an author, to sell his book, as you may think.
Anyhow, I decided to "Just Do It" as in the 90's Nike Ads and take Erik up and play with the snow a little bit. What a wonderful experience!!! We absolutely enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to get the right gears and have another go at it! YAY! I had to wonder, what the heck is it so scary in the first place?!
So a great big Thank You for Lynette and family for encouraging us to go to the snow in the first place and lending us their fantastic sled (hope the 3 of us didn't break it!)
I'm now "less scared" of the snow. Next time we meet, ask me about my first camping experience for a good laugh :o)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Nature Deficit Disorder
Do you as parents believe there is such a thing as "Nature Deficit Disorder" and are our kids in danger of it today even more so than compared to our generation or our parents' generation?
I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) this afternoon to the dentist appointment and heard about this "Nature Deficit Disorder", coined by author Richard Louv, where children's experiences from nature are withdrawn showing symptoms of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.
I have to thank back when I was growing up, I definitely have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) Before knowing Chhimi, I had NO interest in doing anything remotely nature-like including a simple outdoor hike. Seriously, grassy or woodsy area scares me. I need my concrete jungle! I still do. If I have a sidewalk versus a grass to walk on, I'd choose the sidewalk. However, Chhimi definitely did NOT have (NDD) since growing up in Bhutan, the forest was his playground! He's completely opposite of me and craves the nature!
So in our family, I'm glad we have Chhimi to introduce nature to Erik (and me) or else poor Erik would probably be scared of a tree!
How about you guys? Do you think your children or the next generation is lacking in experiences of nature? Such as hiking? National Parks? or even the cul-de-sac area full of trees where the kids can just enjoy watching the leaves fall? (FYI, a soccer field and neighborhood parks may not not count as nature). What are you guys to introduce nature to your little toddlers? Share! Share!
I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) this afternoon to the dentist appointment and heard about this "Nature Deficit Disorder", coined by author Richard Louv, where children's experiences from nature are withdrawn showing symptoms of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.
I have to thank back when I was growing up, I definitely have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) Before knowing Chhimi, I had NO interest in doing anything remotely nature-like including a simple outdoor hike. Seriously, grassy or woodsy area scares me. I need my concrete jungle! I still do. If I have a sidewalk versus a grass to walk on, I'd choose the sidewalk. However, Chhimi definitely did NOT have (NDD) since growing up in Bhutan, the forest was his playground! He's completely opposite of me and craves the nature!
So in our family, I'm glad we have Chhimi to introduce nature to Erik (and me) or else poor Erik would probably be scared of a tree!
How about you guys? Do you think your children or the next generation is lacking in experiences of nature? Such as hiking? National Parks? or even the cul-de-sac area full of trees where the kids can just enjoy watching the leaves fall? (FYI, a soccer field and neighborhood parks may not not count as nature). What are you guys to introduce nature to your little toddlers? Share! Share!
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