Still Crazy

So the kids wake up after I do during the week now and that means they get to change and get ready with Hubby. Hubby lets them pick out their clothes not because he is one of those hippie my-children-should-be-given-free-will dads, but because he couldn't care less what they wear. The outcome is often, shall I say, eccentric?

For instance, this is what the girl chose one day. A long sleeved shirt (because a good Chinese mommy always told her children that they are never warm enough and my Girl took it to heart), layered under a apple patterned Hawaiian shirt, paired with gray bubble skirt with a blue flower and owl pants underneath (yes, it's always cold outside).


The Boy chose a more elegant look. Firetruck t-shirt layered under a blazer with drawstring khaki length pants and bright blue socks. His diaper is peeking out slightly so you can see the "huggies" that printed on the edge. I am sure as he get potty trained, he'd be one of those dudes who shows off their Calvin Klein waistbands. Yes, it's a new surprise every afternoon when I pick them up!


This was a particularly dressy day and it put them in a particularly crazy mood. Once we got home, the Boy started to wear this bucket over his head and running into the kitchen and asked us to look. The Girl totally egged him on.


When your audience laughs like this, how can you not give 110%?!


So the Boy gets back inside the bucket and continued to bang around the kitchen hitting walls and such to make the Girl laugh. That in turn makes him laugh and the cycle continued... for an hour!


Yep, going to full time care did not mellow them out. I am glad to say that it looks like I am not to blame for their craziness.

New Understanding

After 4.5 years of living with children, Hubby and I were still not really understanding each other. I couldn't understand why he was never too enthusiastic about the millions of events that I planned for our weekends and he didn't get why I had can't seem to enjoy the simple pleasure of being at home.

That changed after 2 weeks of both of us working full time. Hubby now understand why I used to be so grumpy in the morning when I couldn't get the kids out of the house and I now definitely know why he wanted to chill and stay home on the weekends. Man, I am pooped after a whole week of work and I don't want to drag the kids around town to play. So, it took us a long time but we've finally come to an understanding and I sure have a new respect and appreciation for everything Hubby did and does.

While I am on the topic, I really should point out that Hubby has been stepping it up in the past two weeks. He's been so sweet, helpful and supportive. Thanks Hub!

So last weekend, the only thing we managed to do with the kids was a short visit to the playground.

This Girl LOVES flowers!


The Boy was in a really weird mood. He's been super clingy and though he made it very clear that he wanted to go to a playground, he refused to play once we got there. What is going on with him?


Oh, and our big accomplishment the previous weekend was to get everyone a haircut! Look at their funny facial expressions.


Finally, the kids just couldn't leave without helping nature along a little.

Elephant Dress

I made this dress before we left for our big vacation early August. It was a lot of fun to make. I took this picture 5 minutes before we left for the airport because I wanted to bring this dress as a gift to a special little girl.


Here is a close up of the elephants.


I bought this fabric a long long time ago and thought I was going to make a blouse for Kira. That so did not happen and this fabric got stashed away. I am glad it is now being worn by the cutest baby girl. Happy birthday, Em!

Lucky Girl

I've been told I am a pretty lucky girl. I've never won the lottery or anything like that but things have been pretty smooth for me most of the time.

I've been working for a week now and though a little hectic, things have gone well. The kids are adjusting. It's probably harder for the Boy than it is for the Girl. He's never been away from me so much. I did feel bad the first couple of days after drop off and I still feel guilty sometimes, especially when he comes up to me to volunteer a kiss or a hug in the evening. However, I know he is well cared for and that the ladies who plays with him during the day totally love him to bits.

From what the teachers told me, the Girl is doing great. She's napping with all the other kids during the day and she's usually very busy playing when I go to pick her up. She's happy to see me but there are days when she begs for just a few more minutes of play. That's a good sign, right?

As far as work goes, I really have been lucky. I have a really great teaching load. I also get to teach all my classes in one classroom - arguably the best in the department. (Other people in my department are teaching in 2-4 different rooms.) I have a lot of space in the office and best of all, I have a fantastic view. Hubby's been asking for a room with a window for 5 years and still doesn't have one!



Classes will begin officially tomorrow. A month ago, I'd tell you I would dread this day but after a week of really thoughtful and meaningful meetings and various chances to know the school and the people I will be working with, I am quite excited to start the school year.

I am going to be greedy and ask you to wish me more luck for the next 10 months! Here I come, full time job!

Water Park

This is my last vacation post. On our last day in K-Town, we took the kids to the water park.

As usual, the Girl was all for it.


The Boy was much more cautious. It took a lot of hand holding before he would even go near the water. At one point, he was convinced that he'd just sit in the stroller and wait while the Girl splashed and sploshed.


Then, I showed the Boy he could control the water, and he eventually got into it.


They had so much fun.




At the end, the Girl basically refused to leave. She went back to say good bye to the water jets and her good byes involved hugging and kissing each jet of water. It was hilarious.

Parties

Once we got back to the city, we had party after party with other friends and family in K-Town.

While we were still rolling out of bed, getting breakfast, feeding and changing the kids, my MIL magically produced this spread for brunch.


Oh, and there were desserts. Yep, plural. DessertSSS!


Everyone had fun. Some were a little scared...


The big kids participated in dinner party preparation the next night.


After the guests were gone, the kids went back to the usual routine of running around making messes. While most people were outside, the Boy was very quiet and hidden in one room. I went to check him out and found that he had covered the room - furniture, pillows, our luggage, etc with stickers.


He was insanely proud of himself. His finest work was to plaster stickers all over his little cousin.


Strangely, this one activity was what truly brought them together. Now, the Boy has become the center of the foursome and it's just so cool to be covered in stickers. They consult him for the "rules of engagement" and what stickers should go on whom/where, etc. It was pretty funny. The next day, we went to the dollar store for some essentials and my brother-in-law bought a big box of stickers. That afternoon...


And...


Yep, she even put one on her forehead. The funny thing was the Boy started it all but he didn't have any stickers on his body. I'd have to say he's pretty smart because getting the stickers off was a little painful. He just directed and told people where to put the stickers and helped get the stickers on their bodies. Isn't it interesting what fascinates the kids?

Last Night and Day at the Cottage

We are back to our regularly scheduled programming after that short break about sibling love. More pictures from our trip.

On the last evening we had at the cottage, our dedicated chefs served us yet another fabulous meal.


Meanwhile, my brother in law took care of all the kids.


That gave me time to enjoy this amazing sunset! This picture totally does not do the view justice. The sky was endless and there were so many different shades of pink everywhere. Truly gorgeous.


After dinner, we had a bonfire!


Can't you just imagine how excited the kids were?


Most of us stayed out to enjoy the fire. Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it as much because I was attacked by bugs. I still have plenty of scars and bruises on my body to show for the little time I spent outside. What I did get to do was star gazing. I am not a country girl and don't get many chances to see the stars without the city lights. I was so impressed - I saw the Milky Way with my own two eyes! I also caught a couple of shooting stars. Yes, wishes were made and they are between me and the stars.

The next day, we drove back to my in-laws' house. The Girl was very excited about the ferry ride.


What a fun week we had!