Peg’s Journal

All in all, I had a fabulous weekend! It began with a huge celebration on Friday, then slowly winded down from there.
You know that feeling that comes with hot cocoa on a cold rainy day? Or waking up feeling fully rested? Or the glow of a toasty fireplace? Or the smell of clean laundry? Or snuggling with your kids? Or being surrounded by giggles and laughs? You know what I’m talking about, right? Well, the remainder of my weekend was filled with sharing a bunch of little moments that make me feel happy, warm, and content with people I love. And missing the one I’d want to share it with the most. *sigh* Soon…..soon.

In two and a half weeks, Aric, the kiddies, and I will be reunited. I can’t wait to be all together again….yet, it’s all so bittersweet. I’m really going to miss living here (in NorCal). I’m really going to miss being with my family and my friends.
On the other hand, I will have my hubby back. I miss him and long for our pre-Taiwan life together. I am also eager to have him get to know our sweet lil’ Summer and develop a bond with her…she’s waited too long to be with her Daddy and he’s already missed out on so much.

I’m sad, but I’m not heartbroken. I am grateful to have been given the chance to stay here as long as I did. I didn’t think it could be possible, but it just brought me even closer to my family. I’m blessed.

Sharing pictures from today:

..and that’s what she is!

she got a lot of “dress up” toys for Christmas. People, it’s one thing to humor her…but must we encourage it? HAHAHA!

kids at play

Ashlyn’s infamous “headlock” hug.

Hope you had a great weekend as well!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my Mom and Dad!
Over 4 decades and still going strong. The love you share continues to be an inspiration to us all!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

-Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 1943

Our family celebrated with loved ones last night. The evening was full of good food, fine wine, fun & laughs, and an overabundance of gifts!!!
As long as I can remember, my family has always opened gifts on the Eve of Christmas….it’s tradition. It’s a good thing, too….I don’t think Ashlyn could have waited any longer. hehehe

Highlights of the evening:
- having Aric share in the festivities via webcam and video conference.
- watching all the kids open their presents, and seeing all their little faces light up. Afterall, isn’t that what it’s all about?
- OMG…getting this juicy little item from my hubby!
- Ashlyn didn’t tear through her gifts and cast them aside as she had done at her birthday (a couple of months ago).
- going to bed with a huge smile on my face.

Lowlights of the evening:
- Dad was feeling under the weather and turned in early.
- Ashlyn kept telling the other kids, “we got that for you from Costco (or [fill in the blank])!”
- Summer was too over-stimulated to enjoy her first Christmas.
- the heaping mountains of gift wrap, tissue paper, and bows that got thrown out at the end of the night. *sigh* What a waste!
- it went by TOO fast!

Feeling the warm and fuzzies today. Wishing you the same!

PHOTO JOURNAL

The last couple of weeks were busy for me. I’ve been shopping like a madwoman for the holidays. With kids in tow, I am only able to work my way through my Christmas-list a little at a time. My longest stint at the mall was last Tuesday…when the kiddies and I spent 10 hours at Valley Fair! Scary, huh? Surprisingly, both girls were extremely well behaved and that made my job so much easier.
I actually think Ashlyn and Summer enjoy these outings….the bustling crowds, the delightful sounds and smells, the festive energy….so much to absorb.

Yesterday my mom asked me to do some shopping for her, so the kiddies and I spent another long day at the mall.
I’m finally finished with all of my shopping and wrapping. It’s a good feeling to be able to accomplish such a feat all by myself (although it would have been more fun being able to share it with Aric).
I’m feeling quite proud (as you can tell). Oh, hell yeah! A little over a year ago, when Aric first left for his project in Taiwan, I didn’t think I could handle taking care of Ashlyn alone. But look at me now. WOOHOO!!!

Today I spent the day hanging out with my nieces. We had lunch in Japantown, checked out Christmas in the Park , and went ice skating. It was really fun!
We spent a cozy evening at home watching TV and playing Monopoly. You know you’ve been playing too long when you run out of play-money and have to make your own. HAHAHAHA!

My two girls are really enjoying eachother. Ashlyn is the best big sister: she’s helpful, patient, encouraging, and very loving. Summer is so much fun: she’s smiley, sweet, interactive, and a force to be reckoned with. Together, they laugh and play and wrestle and hug. It’s the cutest thing!

I can’t believe it’s the eve of Christmas Eve! *squeal!* Can’t wait!

(6 months into challenge)

WEIGHT LOSS SINCE PREVIOUS UPDATE: zero pounds
TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 39 pounds
CURRENT WEAKNESSES: Starbucks’ Eggnog Latte and Crunchy Cheetos

I must be completely narcissistic to continue to update this Body Challenge….even when I pathetically failed at losing a single pound in the last 2 months!
Not bad considering how much (and how often ) I ate last month while on vacation. Wil thinks that if I attempted to exercise regularly, my weight loss would be significant.

Nevertheless, my body shape has changed and I am starting to feel like my old self. However, I’ve come to realize that no matter how much weight I lose, I will probably never wear my old clothes again. Sad. Looking through my closet in SoCal, I noticed that aside from jackets, coats, sweaters, and formal dresses, my style in clothes have changed. I like my tops much longer and my bottoms much looser. Pregnancy can do that to you.
Another sad realization is that I’ve lost the bountiful bustline that came with breastfeeding. And to add insult to injury, my chest is smaller than before!

After this holiday season, I’m really going to apply myself. *cross fingers*
11 pounds to go. Wish me luck.