My picture at the Award Ceremony, Mommy!!

This evening, Tasha will participate in her first Tae Kwon Do Award Ceremony and she is excited to have her new degree Tae Kwon Do belt and first achievement certificate (Little Dragon).

This morning, while I was having a breakfast with Sonya, Tasha spent time drawing a picture.

When she was done, she couldn't wait to show me her picture. After I looked at it, I thought "Oh my, my daughter drew a naked picture of herself!! I suddenly asked her to make sure what she had in her mind.

"Tasha, are those nipples?" I asked with a giggling voice.

"And what is that?" I continued.

"That is my new Tae Kwon Do belt and those are uniform patches" Tasha answered.

After I heard the answer, I just couldn't stop laughing and of course, I praised her for this great imagination through her beautiful picture.

What a silly mom (dad too!)!

A weekend getaway to Virginia

I believe most of stay-at-home moms agree that summer is the most challenging time to take care of children. While they are having fun with all kinds of activities and misbahaviors are often involved, moms will be so exhausted physically and emotionally that they need to express by yelling, complaining, and/or crying when their children are not around (moms usually wait until their bedtime). Sometimes the relief doesn't seem to be shown and absolutely they need a break.

I was one of those super exhausted moms. Thanks to my parents in law who strongly supported and assisted to babysit the girls so that I could plan a getaway trip over the last weekend.

Mark and I decided to have a weekend getaway to Colonial Williamsburgh, VA. Initially, we would love to go to a beach...just to relax (Mark was looking for a spa package) but we could not let our desire go over the over-priced oceanfront hotels (no way!!!). It was hard to find a fantastic place to spend for a short weekend especially this season but we eventually got one though.

Tips to save money for summer trips (especially busy stay-at-home mom or dad) :

1. Try to take a family trip by the end of June to save budget. A lot of hotels offer the package deals until the end of June.

2. Mid July thru Mid August is the best time for a getaway (if you go too early, you may need two getaway trips and that means more expensive).

We stayed at Hampton Inn and Suites near Williamsburgh Historic area. The hotel was very new, clean and reasonably priced and located in a beautiful area. We actually got a King Suite bedroom @ $179 per night including breakfast. We had fun at Colonial Williamsburgh and I just learned that Americans before revolution used to have Kings!!!

Then..our bad experience of the trip was driving to Virginia beach for the best oceanfront restaurant named Mahi Mah's. We were supposed to drive only one hour but traffic prevented us from happening. We made 3 hours to be there (one full hour on Atlantic ave, VA Beach..not only from traffic but also stupid GPS -Mark said that!). Once we arrived at the restaurant, we were informed to wait to be seated about 1.5 hrs....we finally had dinner almost 10 pm. Fortunately, there were a live music and a wonderful breeze out there while we were waiting. It was worth it after a long hour waiting...the foods were so delicious and uniquely tasted. We enjoyed being at this restaurant (I wish they would open one in Greensboro since we have no intention to be back to that worst beach again).

The day we had to head home, we stopped by local stores and outlets for the girls' souvenirs.When we got home, I knew the girls missed us so much although their first question was "Mom, did you buy any gifts for us?"

A fun family day at Tweetsie Railroad

It was a fantastic day for all of us to drive to Tweetsie Railroad @ blowing rock. It was about 2 hours drive from Greensboro.

We woke up very early (as I remembered it was the earliest in the past 3 years), especially Tasha who walked to our bedroom before 4 a.m.

We started our choo choo trip about 7 a.m and arrived there 9:15 a.m. Just we got out of the car, we were so thrilled by the gorgeous weather at 70 degree. Was that awesome?

We began our fun day taking Tweetsie train and watched Cowboys and Indian shows along the ride. It took about 30 minutes. Then the girls couldn't wait to continue at the country fair for various kiddie rides. Surpringly and unexpectedly, Tasha would like to take Tilt-A-Whirl. Wow, she really insisted so that I had to get on the ride with her. At the end of the ride, I was bit dizzy that I needed to take a break and find something to fill my stomach!

Before lunch time the girls and Mark stopped to take one more ride, Car Ride. Unfortunately, I couldn't accompany them as I was not tall enough (damn!!) so Mark had to take 2 rides.

........Finally, I got some energy back after lunch.

Then we took a bus up to Deer Park. We could choose to take a chairlift up there but with 2 crazy girls, we wouldn't take a chance. It was the first time we were so close to touch deer and feed adorable goats. Sonya had a lot of fun to let the goats lick the food from her hands (me too).

After feeding animals, we walked down to take a mini train to Mouse Mine. Inside the mine, there were a lot of little mice (yes, there were just stuff mice) with Spongebob (oops! cheese) singing a song for children. They were cute!

Later, it was still early afternoon and after some more kiddie rides so we couldn't refuse ice cream before enjoying Angelina Ballerina show that Tasha had been waiting for. She was so proud to be able to get upclose and take pictures with her in person. Then they got face paintings; Tasha got princess face (perhaps she looked more like a princess without one) and Sonya got a red butterfly that made her smile every time she looked at the mirror.

When it was almost 4 p.m, we let them back to the kiddie rides, do some shoppings for cowgirls' hats and vests (Tasha wears them everyday) and of course we would never miss to ride Tweetsie train one more time before heading back home.

On the way home, we stopped to have our favorite Chinese food for dinner on Wendover Ave. After dinner, we couldn't wait to get home and crawl in bed.....zzzzzzzz

Writing numbers 1-10

After I had been busy with all household work in the morning through lunch time, I decided to relax on the couch playing Bloons game from my iphone (you must try!!!). However, my fun time was over within 10 minutes after I heard my 2 little timekeepers asking me to read the books. We read books, played flash cards and number stencils then Sonya took a nap (finally!!!).

Even though I was so exhausted, Tasha deserved a special learning & playing time alone with me. Before we played Bingo, I taught Tasha how to write 1 in word (ONE). Then we reviewed how to write number 1-10 (since 5 years old children sometimes still write numbers backward).

"Can you write the numbers 1-10 please"? Asked Mom.

Tasha wrote 2

"Tasha, can you write the numbers 1-10 please so Mommy can see if you still write backward or not?" Asked Mom.

Tasha wrote 1 to 10

"Tasha, can you write the numbers 1-10 please so Mommy can see if you still write backward or not?" Asked Mom with her grumpy voice but had a bit smile on her face.

Tasha wrote 10 9 8 7 6 5........

"Tasha, write 1-10 please" Ased Mom

"I don't know how to write 1-10" Cried Tasha

"Tasha, here how to write 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10" Mom told Tasha and showed her how to write.

"Oh! I thought you asked me to write in words" Tasha said and finally she wrote 1-10.

At that moment, I just couldn't wait to tell Mark this story over dinner time..LOL.

Tolstoy's memorial online

In loving memory of our Tolstoy who we love so much. Tolstoy will be greatly missed and be in our hearts forever.

Visit Tolstoy's memorial online at http://tolstoyheddaeus.critters.com/

Dear Tolstoy,

I just wanted you to know that until today I still miss you so much. It is so clear in my mind when I touched you especially last moment before we took you to the vet. I miss our head-to-head play. I hope you rest in peace and we will let you be back to the nature, to a new living life in our backyard very soon.

With lot of love...your mom.

Good Bye Tolstoy (1990-2009)

This blog dedicated to Tolstoy, our 19 years old best friend cat.

Finally the day that Tolstoy left us and would never come back had arrived (July 2, 2009). He had fulfilled my wish that he could be able to stay and witness our 8th anniversary. After Tolstoy collasped from his ear inflammation once in early June, he had recovered amazingly from cortisone injection. I just hope that he would be able to stay with us at least 1 more year, unfortunately, he couldn't make it.

In the morning of June 29 (our 8th anniversary), I came downstairs and looked for Tolstoy and saw him vomit and have a constipation. I called the vet immediately and drove to drop him off. Mark called the vet late afternoon (3 p.m) and learned that he might need to stay overnight. On the way home from Tae Kwon Do class, I stopped by at the vet to check on him again. Tolstoy had to stay overnight. I was informed that he was doing fine. The doctor just gave him some medicine (I was not sure what name it was) to make him poop.

Next day in the afternoon, I picked him up. Once he got home, he walked exhaustedly and climbed upstairs to our bedroom. I hadn't seen him until late evening that he came down to eat and that was his very last meal. The day after, he stopped eating but drinking. Everytime he lied down, I noticed leaking urine. Mark & I knew it might be his time. The doctor suggested that we should start thinking about full exams with thousand of dollars or putting him to sleep because he was very old.

Until this morning, we decided to put him to sleep. On the way to the vet, Tolstoy mew all the way and that broke my heart. Mark carried him inside while I was waiting in the car (I was too sad). We couldn't stay with him for his last moment (that was terribly sad). If we would like to stay, we would need to make an appointment...that meant we would have to wait until Monday or Tuesday due to 4th July holiday. It would have made Tolstoy suffer for a couple more days....we couldn't do it.

Honestly, it was my worst emotional day ever. I cried every time I thought of him. I really miss him. Hopefully, we will have his ashes from cremation back next week.

I really miss you, Tolstoy! You will always be in my heart and forever.

Our 8th anniversary and dinner celebration @ Print Works Bistro

Yahoo! we passed #7 year of marriage that a lot of people believe it's an unlucky number with safe and sound...we officially announced our 8th anniversary on June 29, 2009!!!!

This year we didn't getaway out of town since Mark just started his new job and we just had a family trip to the beach. Mark & I decided to celebrate our anniversary at Print Works Bistro, Greensboro eco-friendly restaurant (next to the Proximity hotel). I was so impressed about the reviews of how great of the food and service were that I couldn't wait to enjoy the taste of the delicious food. Then we made a reservation at 6 p.m.

When we got there, a staff walked us to a table behind a family of 5 (there were plently of tables available in the restaurant for 2 people and of course, we needed a privacy). "Nevermind" I thought in mind. We started with an appetizer - pieces of garlic toast and dipping with tomato chunks, olive, cheese and wine (sorry, I couldn't remember that name and it was not on the website's restaurant's menu). It was quite good since we were also hungry - I gave 3 stars rating.

Since I was so impressed about the ratings of the food, I couldn't wait to see my main course I ordered "Overnight Duck Confit" and Mark ordered "Grilled Lamb". When our food arrived, I was so surprised with cheap white ceramic plates and plain decoration on my all over brown and dark green with 2 thighs of ducks and brussels sprouts plus yellow polenta in the middle. Mark's order was not too different but red tomato salsa made it better. Ok...for the feature I gave 1 star rating.

Wow! what I expected to say when I tasted it. Unfortunately, I was speechless and very disappointed (so was Mark). I gave 1 star rating for the taste.

We hesitated to order our dessert but we did order anyway "Mini Dessert Me'lange". Perhaps it was the best of the night. I gave 3.5 stars rating (I didn't want to be too negative:>).

Total we spent $100.

Overall ratings : 2 with no desire to come back.

I was not surprised why only great ratings on their website. This was because the survey I just did for them suggested the postive feedback that would be useful for guests to visit to be filled and would be published on the website....so don't expect to read any negative feedback there (except my blog). I didn't give them any feedback except ratings. That was not fair, was it?

Three basic words of my current parenting

It was just 2nd week of our summer break and I had extremely been patient with my 2 active girls. While 5 years old started teasing and 2 years old started imitating 5 years old whining habits, my mood was like a non-stop rollercoaster that was up and down until the park was close. The frequent word I heard from them was "Mommy, Tasha (or Sonya) is not sharing" after they disagreed with each other.

My reaction after I heard them again and again....I took a deep breath and said 3 basic words (depending on my mood level); Quiet please, Stop it and Shut up. Usually, I ended up with the last basic or magic word "Shut up".

I felt little guilty to say "Shut up" since I had been telling the girls that this word was rude. Tasha used to tell me that she heard one of her friends at school saying to her and she didn't like it at all. Well, for now, the girls probably heard 3 basic or magic words from her supermom (and superdad) almost everyday. Hopefully, this child development would be gone so soon or it would drive me crazy and become a momster forever :>

Tasha's first day of Tae Kwon Do

"Mommy, why it took so long to Tae kwon Do class?" Tasha had been asking for days.

Finally, today, her first day of Tae Kwon Do arrived. She was so excited and couldn't wait to start the class. Just only one day (30 minutes), I could tell that Tasha would love to continue for years. After her 1st class was done, she told me "Mom, I can't wait to come back"

At the same time, outside the classroom, while Sonya and I were waiting for Tasha, Sonya kept telling me "I want to go in there too, it is not fair...hmmm". Absolutely, Sonya will be joining Tasha very soon (yes, in 2 more years).

On the way home, Tasha was so proud of herself as she asked me "Mom, did you see me jump over the mountain?...I know I didn't jump so high but I know I did a great job today". I said nothing but my face was so full of smiles.

A cupcake party

Last Friday, Tasha and Sonya were invited to a cupcake party at one of their friends' house, Katie. The party was about 2 p.m but we were late about 15 minutes. We just got so lost but finally we found its way after driving around the neighborhood area several times. I know I should use GPS but I didn't....I was kinda trust Google or Yahoo map but it was so wrong this time!!!

The girls had a fun day as well as all moms. While the girls were chasing around in the house, we, moms had fun talking and sharing about parenting and crazy stuff we had.

I used to think that when I wanted to take a break, the best way was to stay home and rest or go out to do something alone...just had a personal time should be great. However, after this party or playdate, I thought it was a good idea to go out and have a chat with other moms. Especially, when I learned from other moms on the same issues ie..out of control life after mothering more children, etc...I realized I was not alone and I was not a bad mom.

When I came home, I felt relieved...kinda got a heavy rock out of my chest. I had a fun day and stories to share with my husband, Mark. I felt like I was myself again (very happy mom) even if it was just temporary and I will be back to a Momster very soon :>

Our family vacation at Wrightsville Beach, NC

We just came back from our family vacation at Wrightsville Beach, NC. It was our best 2 day beach vacation that I could not be happier.

We started our journey on late Tuesday morning (June 9) by driving to the end of I-40. It was a nice and easy drive to the beach and it took only 3.5 hours to get there (by the way, Mark drove all the way there :>). We stayed at Blockade Runner Resort and Hotel. When we first arrived the hotel, I talked to myself "Oh no, not again". The front of the hotel looked like an old fashion apartment so I couldn't imagine how bad of the room would be. Surprisingly, our oceanfront with 2 queen bed were so beautiful, big, clean and well-maintained. Even if the bathroom was small and no bathtub but we didn't have any problems at all. It was worth it with the special rate $159/night included breakfast.

Tip : Early June (1st or 2nd week) is the best period of summer vacations if you don't want to pay double of hotel stays.

After enjoying our bedroom, we couldn't wait to get to the beach...Wow, it was amazing...beautiful and quiet. It was just where I really wanted to be with my family, perhaps to be alone with my husband next time!

Not only we enjoyed the best oceanfront hotel and the most beautiful beach, we also found Oceantic, our favorite oceanfront seafood restaurant as well.

Overall, we just found our favorite place of vacation and I could imagine us to be there again soon.

When we got back home late Thursday evening (June 11), I couldn't wait for the girls' bedtime. Why? I missed my bed more than anything because I hadn't slept for 2 days while I was at the beach. Poor Ped!!! :>

http://picasaweb.google.com/phiyaratana/WrightsvilleBeachShared?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOmi_W_gN_sgwE&feat=directlink

Tolstoy : Are you coming home? (Part II)

Just before noon, Mark drove home from the vet. I couldn't wait to know if Tolstoy was home alive until I heard "meow" loudly. I was so happy to hear his voice...and that meant he was better. Whenever I thought of him on the night before, it was so incredible (did he cheat death?).

The doctor diagnosed that he had some swelling tissues in one of his ears and that made him lose his balance and strong muscle. He was given Cortisone or Corticosteriod. The chance for Tolstoy could be 50/50. We should see the result (increase his appetite) within 2-3 days. If Cortisone doesn't work, he probably has a brain tumor. If so, it could take a thousand of dollars for analysis and diagnosis.

Since Tolstoy came home, he has been improving obviously...ate and drank a lot more, walked more comfortably, mew louder especially when he wanted his new food I bought this morning and he could go upstairs and downstairs with no problems. Hopefully, he can keep it up a couple more days so we make sure that Cortisone works well with him.

I'm glad you are home with us again, Tolstoy.

Tolstoy : Are you coming home? (Part I)

Last Friday, Tolstoy started to meow all day and night (mostly) and walked around aimlessly between our bedroom and bathroom. I knew that something was not right with him. He was so old and possible he might have Dementia. He didn't show any pains but less activities. He stopped jumping to our bed as he used to. He slept a lot during the day but still ate and drank as usual.

He had been acting like this until last night...when I was sleeping and Mark woke me up to say goodbye to Tolstoy. When I walked in our bathroom, he started to walk weaker and weaker and then he collasped and closed his eyes. He tried to stand up and walked several times, but he was just too weak. Mark & I said goodbye to him and we thought he wouldn't make it last night.

We went back to bed but I couldn't sleep well at all. I just hope I could see his last breathing. Surprisingly, an hour later, he just woke up and pushed himself and walked again (slowly though). He had kept walking and going back to sleep then walking until morning.

In the morning, even though he still looked so weak, but he didn't look like he was going to die. I bought him soft cat food and he ate almost all and drank a lot. He must be very hungry since he didn't eat and drink last night. For me, he is a real fighter!

Mark just took him to a vet nearby to see if we can do anything to make him most comfortable. We are also prepared that he may not come back home if the vet suggests to put him to sleep.
Now, Sonya & I are waiting to see if he will be back home.

We love you, Tolstoy!

http://www.pictures-of-cats.org/cat-dementia.html

Tasha's first baby tooth

Finally, Tasha's first baby tooth just fell out. She is expecting the tooth fairy to come :)

Tasha's first performance at school (update)

Yesterday was Tasha's big day. She had her first performance at World Music Concert @ Greensboro Montessori School. She had done an awesome job! We were so proud of her.

Guess what? She did not show any nervous feelings at all (she had been telling us for the whole week before the show) but confidence for the entire show on the stage. Wow!!!

http://sharing.theflip.com/greeting/4369124/sid/748951f36a40102a7e9de5e44a8bad83

P.S The loudest singing voice was from my silly daughter, Tasha :> LOL.

Great news; new job and vacation

Mark gets a new job! Wow! He is so happy to get back to his work that he really loves. We are so happy for him.

We celebrated this great news on Friday evening with a dinner out at olive garden. It had been a while! It was nice to be out but we also had to deal with 2 noisy little ones in the restaurant. Sonya stood up and down on the booth and requested with a shouting? overexciting? overjoying? voice (whatever you said...she just seemed to be happier than ever) to share all the food we had. Tasha tried to steal attention by making "whaaaaa" sound and rehearsing her upcoming performance that everyone near our table could hear her.

Such a great dinner! :>

Anyway, nobody could be happier than me at the end of the day....la la la.. I got a green light from my hubby to plan a vacation. And yes, our trip to outer banks is on the way! We are driving to the beach next week....yeah!

Tasha's first performance at school

We all know that Tasha is going to have her first performance at her school on this coming Monday (June 1). It is called World Music Concert. Today, I was pretty much busy looking for her white dress....It was crazy that when I needed one, I just couldn't find it anywhere. Where were those white outfits I saw before?

Well, Tasha is excited and seems a little nervous now. Yeah! I understand....first time on stage with hundred of people looking at her.

Anyway, one thing we still don't know about the show....what is she going to perform???

She told me "Mommy, it's a secret!"

If so, we need to wait until Monday then. I just can't wait to take VDO and lot of photos for her first performance.

Nothing is something

I don't know what I am going to write on my blog today. My weekend is just boring....like a plain yogurt I think. Why? Because we hardly had any special things to do on weekends. Saturdays are on schedule.....groceries day, bookstores visit and dinner at grandma's.

Why did I compare to a plain yogurt? Plain yogurt is tatseless but healthy.
Our weekend is boring but we keep doing it because we have no other plans ahead so it's convenient and importantly, my girls love them so much....target, bookstores and grandma's house are their favorites.

Well, now I realize what I thought nothing to write...then became something in my today's blog.

Thanks to plain yogurt to give me such a wonderful idea in the shower !!!! LOL

Tasha's first permanent teeth and a tooth fairy

A week ago, after I noticed Tasha often put her fingers in her mouth, I thought she had some food stuck on her teeth because we just finished a lunch. I offered to help her and once I looked inside, I was so surprised to see a new tooth coming up. I didn't expect that she was going to have a permament tooth this soon. Permanent teeth usually starts from age 6 - 21.

Luckily, I have a friend who is a dentist in Florida. I checked with her and she confirmed that Tasha is going to have a permanent one. The problem is that if the baby teeth are not going to loose, she needs to see a dentist to pull them off so the permament one will have a room to erupt.

Currently, one of her baby teeth starts to loose and hopefully, the new one is coming up with no problems (I think I will wait to see until next week or summer break) so we can save a lot of money from a dentist visit :>

Well...it seems Tasha is so excited about it. She has been talking about a tooth fairy, especially, the gifts and toys that she thought the tooth fairy would bring them to her....hmm....how did she get this idea? She told me on the way to school this morning that her dad told her !?!

If so, I think Tasha is going to see a tooth fairy soon and she will be surprised by the look of the fairy and then her first question will be "Why does the tooth fairy look just like my mom?" :>

Kids who have the same interests as mom (doesn't mean good all the times!)

When Tasha started her school last year and Sonya was just one year old, I usually spent my kinda personal time feeding Sonya, watching TV news and checking emails or searching internet at home. When I was on the road, I enjoyed to listen to the music (my favorite activity). However, lately, my 2 young daughters seem to enjoy whatever I do and have been asking to do too but with their own choices.

TV interest :

"Mommy, can we watch our TV shows please?" Tasha and Sonya asked.

"OK, channel 32 nickjr or 54 noggin?" I said

Computer interest :

Tasha seems to be very good at learning computer while we let her play some educational games. So, whenever I turned my computer on....

"Mommy, can I play nick jr. games, please?" Tasha asked.

"OK, I will go to cook then" I said.

Music interest :

"Mommy, can we listen to Gummy Bear music, please?, your songs are so boring" Tasha and Sonya asked.

"OK" I said with rolling eyes.


Huh, huh and huh! That's all I can do now I think. Perhaps, I have to wait until Sonya goes to school, so I can get my happy time back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JxL_nfKWZQ

Sonya who taught her mom to calm down

Yesterday, it was supposed to be a fun day with my girls. We agreed to clean our house in the afternoon. However, it didn't happen because I started in a wrong place....my girls' playroom.

When I looked inside, my first question "Where should I pick up first?". Everywhere filled up with small pieces of toys. "Oh my! how many toys do I have to throw away today?"

Tasha helped make decisions which one she didn't want to keep anymore and Sonya helped spice my mood by running away from her potty when she needed to go. I had to change her 6 pants in 2 hours. What a day! In the end of 2 hours in the playroom, I got 3 big heavy bags out to the garage. I was so exhausted and quite upset with Sonya's potty misbahavior.

Then 15 minutes later, Sonya did it again. My mood swing became a bomb, I started to quack very loud to Sonya "Sonya, look at me....where do you have to go when you want to pee?" She said nothing but still looked at TV. Then I said "Sonya, you are making me so tired and I'm very mad now". Immediately, Sonya looked at me and said "Easy Mommy....easy"

"What did I just hear from my 2 years old?" I questioned to myself. I asked Sonya to repeat and yes, she said "Easy Mommy" Omg! I felt like something bumped to my head...I was so guilty. What did I do to her? I asked myself. At moment, only thing I wanted to do was that I gave her a big hug with a sorry feeling from my deep heart. She just taught me to calm down!!!!!

"The Dead", she said

About several months ago, on a dinner night, Tasha complained her daddy that he didn't cook what she really wanted to eat....

Tasha : I don't like it, you should ask what I want to eat.
Daddy : Try it, it is good. This is what we have now.
Tasha : Daddy, when I grow up and you're dead, I will cook my own food for my children.

When we first heard what she said, it was kind of funny and showed how innocent she was. We also were surprised why and how she got the dead idea in her mind (or was it from learning about the bone from her school?)

Two days later, Mark came home after he dropped Tasha off at school, he had a strange look on his face and told me what Tasha said to him in the car...

Tasha : Daddy, I think you are going to die this year.

Mark & I looked at each other and we felt scared a bit.

Then again...and this time she told me....

Tasha : Mommy, if you are buried under the ground, you will be dead forever.
Me : Tasha, you are scaring me, do you want mommy to die? It's also not polite to say with anyone. Please don't say it again.

Tasha didn't seem to understand but she agreed not to say again.

A couple days later, we all realized what was going on after we got a phone call from Mark's dad. Mark's grandmother passed away.

As I was born in Thailand and Thais believe in superstition. I think Tasha may have a spiritual sense that I believe it happened with me sometimes......anyway, I may be right or wrong, who knows?

After the funeral of Mark's grandmother, she had never mentioned the dead.....until......

A week ago, Tasha asked something about the dead while she was reading with her dad. I couldn't remember what exactly she asked, however, I remembered that I said "Oh Oh! Who is going to die next? Guess what? Last Monday (May 11), I received a bad news from my sister in Bangkok that my uncle in law just passed away.

"Is Tasha a medium?" I wondered. LOL.

Sauteed Apples Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Yummy! Sauteed Apples with Pancakes and Waffles....the best breakfast I've ever had. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sauteed-Apples/Detail.aspx

Tolstoy

It has been an emotinal day for me since I watched Tolstoy, one of our cats lost his balance of walking (leaned on one side) twice this morning. It was like a warning sign to me that Tolstoy might leave us soon. Tolstoy is very old and he is about 19 years old now. My husband adopted him in 1990. He is like our oldest son...very sweet and gentle. I can say that he has been an important part of our marriage life.

Eight years ago (Jan 1, 2001), when I first met him, I was so surprised how big and tall he was. I visited Mark's home in Florida while I was on a vacation. I fell asleep on the floor and when I woke up, Tolstoy was right there lying next to me. Once Mark & I got married, as I mentioned, he was always a part of marriage or family life....welcomed our first adopted kitty "Lily", then second & third kitties "Amy & Amanda (and a couple more...but I mentioned only those are still living with us). He also witnessed our first single house in Fl, our first baby "Tasha", he even joined our long 12 hour trip moving to Greensboro, NC and of course, welcomed our second angel "Sonya".

I know we will be very sad if that day is arriving. Just only today, I was almost in tear several times. I just wish he would be able to stay, witness and celebrate our 8th anniversary in June with us.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all moms!

Tasha was so excited and couldn't wait for today to come that she could give me her drawing picture and a handmade flower she made them at her school. I love them, of course (and I love her & her sister more than anything). If Sonya were 4 or 5, she would have done the same. They are such sweetheart daughters. Moreover, My hubby, Mark, also gave me a present (hair straightener) that I was looking for weeks (I just waited until it's on clearance:).

We celebrated today by going out to GYC Carnival organized at Coliseum Complex in Greensboro. It was a great fun day for the girls on the rides. Even though Sonya was so hungry and sleepy and no smile on her face, she never stopped asking for more rides.

Well...I assumed that a lot of stay at home moms would love to have a break from kids on special days. For me, I love to spend time with my family doing different activities that we hardly do on normal days and then come home to lie down on the sofa for a short nap (only few minutes since my girls never let me nap easily).

No summer vacation

Summer is coming up. The girls & I really miss the beach. However, we can't make it to the beach this year! Yeah! it's quite disappointing. The only & most wonderful bonus or merit increase that I have been looking forward to, is not going to happen. My husband, Mark, has lost his job for a while....we lost a big family income. Bad economy should be blamed. We just hope he would get a new job soon...he is a great computer programmer. Recently, he just created his own small business website. Check this out http://www.daeusmedia.com/. I'm so proud of him.

Breast cancer and breastfeeding vs bottle feeding

Recently, I just talked with my cousin who lives in Seattle. She just had a breast surgery (had one breast cut off). She told me she had Breast Cancer. I couldn't believe what I heard because she had breastfed 2 children for over 4 years. As most breastfeeding moms know, the more you breastfeed, the lower risk of breast cancer.....is this information still true?

Since I had experiences with both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, you know what, I did love bottle feeding. Why? It was so convenient and less exhausted.

When I was a new mom, I had a strong intention to breastfeed my baby...I learned a lot of benefits after I joined childbirth class ie. great bonding between mom & baby, lower risk of breast cancer, money save, etc. I actually did breastfeed Tasha for 22 months. However, it was 22 months of exhausting because I hardly had enough sleep and I got a tail bone pain after giving birth (I had been in pain for over 3 months). Tasha didn't accept bottle feeding at all...so, her daddy couldn't help me!! The consequence was that Tasha had slept with us in the same bed for 9 months and she hasn't been a good sleeper until now (she is better after going to school though). Overall, I think breastfeeding just helped save money for the first year formula.

When I had Sonya, I also wanted to try breastfeeding again but I didn't have much milk come out on the first few days...I had to bottle feed at the hospital. I was little disappointed but more relieved (oops!). However, Sonya has been growing up wonderfully. She is smart & healthy just like her sister and importantly Sonya is a great sleeper. I can also say that we are so attached to each other/stronger bonding even if she was bottlefed.

Well..all new moms...if you are hesitating to choose between breastfeeding or bottle feeding, I'd suggest you choose what you think it suits your lifestyle and best convenience.

Taekwondo

After watching "Backyardigan - Great Pie", one of Tasha's favorite TV shows, Tasha started to say "Pie-ya" to imitate a ninja fighting with a bad guy. Sometimes she ran and jumped to the couch with her little sister "Sonya". It was fun to see them have a silly time together.

Since Summer is coming soon, I had to think ahead of what camps Tasha would love to join. Yes, Taekwondo became only interesting program I thought of. Tasha is so excited and can't wait to start her Little Dragon class in June. Unfortunately, Sonya is too young to join at this time, but she will join me to observe her sister until she's ready (that will be the next 2 years).

It is kind of a peace of mind for me that at least Tasha and Sonya will be able to protect herself with confidence. Perhaps, I'm going to enroll the class too!

Shopping with young kids

"'Shopping with young kids is fun" I don't think so. Most of my experiences when I went shopping with my 5 and 2 years old girls were crazy. When shopping was done, I had to tell myself that next time would be better with a fun time and no more feeling upset with them..Unfortunately, it hardly happened.

Since 5 years old loved to talk all the times and 2 years old loved to run around the stores while I had to shop and get it done quickly, I couldn't concentrate on anything. The worry that they would get lost anytime would never go away.

When you watched TV news everyday, you started to be aware more of dangers outside especially kidnapping that happened almost everyday. You felt sorry for people who lost their families, kids, etc....however, you would never feel really terrible until it happened to yourself.

I have a true story that happened with me and the kids when we went shopping at a Walmart.

Last fall in 2008, after Sonya & I picked up Tasha from school, we stopped by at Walmart on the way back home. Tasha and Sonya often played at the toy department before we shopped something else. I noticed a black guy with long curly hair over his shoulder in a gray jacket playing around the shelves, I thought he was playing hide and seek with his kids...but I had a strange feeling about him over my mind. Later, we were at the shoe department....while Tasha was trying on a pair of sneakers, we heard a very loud bang from behind a shelf we were . We asked each other what was going on. A minute later, we saw that guy walk out, laugh and look at us. That moment my strange feeling was stronger and my heartbeat was faster and faster. At the same time, I saw him walk to the other shelf behind us and disappeared but my sense still told me that someone was looking at us somewhere. I started to check every inch behind until I saw someone's eyes through the shelf (a bit lower than my petite height level 4"11"). I asked him angrily what he was doing and the answer was "I'm watching you". Immediately I grabbed both girls and told him that I was going to call the police then we ran away. As soon as I met a walmart staff, I told him my situation and pointed to the guy....I got a shocking response..."Don't worry, that is our security".

I was so scared and upset with the answer. I decided to walk to a cashier and asked for a store manager. The store manager was sorry (she seemed to believe me because I was so shaking) and promised to talk with the guy. I couldn't believe Walmart was hiring someone like a stalker to be a store security? How will customers feel safe? By the way, Walmart security did not wear a uniform or badge at all. I hope that guy was not working here anymore.

A great day off

I have to say with a big smile that today was a great day ever after 5 years of my motherhood. My hubby "Mark" got up early and helped get my 5 yrs. old daughter "Tasha" (finally, I revealed her name) ready for school. Then he dropped her off at school while I spent an extra hour in bed (including my little one "Sonya"). Late morning, I dropped Sonya off at my mother in law's house which is just 3 houses away from us. Some Fridays, Grandma worked only half day...so it was perfect for them to have a playdate. Then I drove to Tasha's school to join her classroom's taco party @ 11:30 a.m. There were not many activities there, just parents spent time with their kids and had a special lunch together....but for me, it meant a lot especially spending time alone with Tasha (I knew it meant a lot for her as well) as I hadn't done since her little sister was born. Although I was there only an hour but we did have a great time together. I had to leave for her to go back to the afternoon class schedule until 2:30 p.m.

So, it meant I did have 2 hours break without the girls (ooh.la.la). What did I do? Same stuff that I always did with the girls (and hubby sometimes)...shopping at Target, bookstore and Fresh Market, but today was totally different in the way of feeling freedom and relieved. I could get in & out of the car without going to the backseat to buckle & unbuckle 2 carseats. I didn't have to chase after the girls who loved to run away in the stores and worry that they would get lost. I didn't have to run & find a bathroom to change diapers for stinky accidents while I already had a lot of stuff in the shopping cart. I didn't have to listen when the girls yelled at each other in the car. Anyway, all the time that I had my personal time, I still didn't think to shop anything for myself though...except sweet snacks for my hubby and books for the girls.

Overall....I had a wonderful time and wish I would have it again.

Spring, allergy and cat urine

Spring is here! I love the weather during spring and it should be the best time of the year that I could spend a lot of times with my family outside. My daughters love to play outside especially in the backyard.

Unfortunately, it seemed like a dream...only 5 minutes walking around and enjoying the breeze, my allergy already attacked me...itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

Three years ago when we just moved to NC, I was not used to the weather and no idea of allergy I had. When it was spring, my eyes started itchy very bad and I just kept rubbing my eyes...no eye drops could help at all. Until I looked in the mirror, omg! what happened to my eyes?!!!! Swollen, sticky white stuff on my eyes....I rushed to an urgent care and found out I had an eye infection. After that Zyrtec, Claritin & eye drops are things I can't live without.

Talking about spring...my cats seem to have their own allergies too, lol... Occasionally one or all 4 of them peed on the carpet or floor...I said that because none of them never got caught. Perhaps, they were upset when their restroom was in use when they needed to go :>.

It was kind of weird that I often found urine spots on the carpet during spring time. Last year, one of my cats peed on our expensive sofa in the family room. I knew that "Miracle Cat" spray would not be able to get rid of it permanently and I didn't want to throw this sofa away (I used to do when we lived in Florida because we couldn't stand the smell and we just had our first baby). I searched websites that recommended strongly on how to make natural recipes to get rid of the odor and I found one. It worked amazingly...no more stink left on and of course, the cats have never peed on that sofa since.

I wish I could remember the website that I originally found and I would credit it on my blog.

Here are the ingredients to get rid of cat urine that I'm happy to share.

1/4 cup of baking soda
1/4 cup of Hydro Peroxide
1/4 cup of white vinegar
1-2 squirts of dish detergent
Hot water

Direction : Mix all ingredients together well. You may like to get some bubbles (from dish detergent) out. Then pour on urine spots and wait until dry. You may see white stain left after it's dry but it will disappear itself eventually or you may rub it with water if you like.

Now, I don't have to worry about the stinky cat pee anymore. Just use this recipe wherever I found the cat pee. By the way, I still keep "Miracle Cat" spray. in the house to save a little time when I'm so busy and I just grab it to fix the smell including my 2 years old daughter's accidents temporarily.

Potty training for 2 years old

My 5 years old daughter is in school now. So, most of the day I spent my time with 2.5 years old one. She is on the process of potty training. I started her when she was 2 and because we live in a new house, I thought if I could find waterproof underpants for her, I didn't have to clean the mess often and she would learn wetness soon. That idea was wrong. I spent time for searching online, comparing the prices and wasting money for those expensive pants ($80 for 6 "Potty Patty" pants). What did I get from investing? Soak sofa and my daughter didn't feel wet at all.

So, I decided to go with "Gerber"....a lot less expensive ($14 for 6 pants) and the pants are so cute and soft. My little one learned wetness in 2 days. So far, she has done a great job. I'm very happy with her progress. I hope when she turns 3 and it's time to start 1st year of school, she should be fully potty trained (at least day time).

About me

Finally, I have my own blog...yeah!

My name is Phiyaratana (pronounces Pi-ya-rat). My family and friends call me "Ped". It means "Duck". That is how Quack in my block came from. I'm a wife and a mom with 2 little quackies, 5 and 2.5 years old. I have been working as a stay at home mom for almost 6 years. Being a stay at home mom is very hard but it gives me a lot of incredible experiences. I love it and hate it at the same time.....I believe a lot of moms understand what I mean without explanation, right?

I hope my blog would be benefit for other stay at home moms in some ways ie.. parenting, mind comforting and more...

Beginning of my blog life

Hi...Today, 28 April 2009. I spent all day long (and took care of the kids too) to figure out what I should do and earn some money while I'm working as a stay at home mom...Blogger? Interesting? What should I do? How can I start?

Finally, I found this website http://www.ehow.com/how_2100793_paid-blog-paid-blogging-networks.html. Although, I couldn't see the whole picture but it gave me some resources that I may have some ideas how to begin with. I can't wait to see how my life changes (or not!) after I really start to be a new blogger.

Let's start quacking then....