Peg’s Journal

I had started writing a post on our weekend, but then stopped after the fires struck. With the fires continuing to rage, I didn’t want to sound insensitive by going on like everything’s back to normal just because we were spared. But frankly, I’m a bit tired of and depressed by the fires. All day long, I watch it on the news and read about it on the web, I don’t know about you, but I need a break from all the fire coverage. So I’ve decided to finish my post and offer something light.

With all our kids in school now, our circle of friends don’t get a chance to get together as often as we used to. We still try to get together once a week….so last Friday, we gathered at Grace and James’ for dinner. Grace served us Chirashi bowl (and udon and shrimp tempura for the kids)….and it was AMAZING! Midway through the meal, I turned and gave her a big hug. She just laughed at me. Seriously though, I believe one way to my heart is through my stomach…and that is why I looooove Grace so. HAHAHA! Grace is a great cook. I’m always in awe of her (and trying to learn from her). I’m not much of a cook. I can make basic dishes, but for the most part, preparing meals is like a big production for me…and I’m always missing an ingredient or two. Grace, on the other hand, on any given day, can always whip up something fresh and yummy and nutritious….and does it so effortlessly. She always seem to have everything on hand, and has enough to fed up to 20 people. Wow. Pictures here (see how much all the kids have grown).

These days, our weekends are filled with one birthday celebration after another. This past weekend, Ashlyn and Summer had three parties to attend.

Saturday, the kiddies went to Evelyn’s party at Little Gym in Huntington Beach. In our haste to get there on time, I had left my camera at home. It was unfortunate, because I missed out on a lot of great photo ops. Ashlyn and Summer had a blast with their friends.

Shelby’s HSM party

Aside from a quick stop at home (to drop off food for my sick hubby), we went from Evelyn’s party to Shelby’s party. Shelby, one of Ashlyn’s best friends, had the most awesomest High School Musical party. The kids played fun games, ate pizza and cake, took turns beating on an impressively large pinata, then settled into the inflatable chair theater for a screening of “High School Musical”. It was so cute watching all the kids sing along during each musical number. Ashlyn and Summer came home with bags of popcorn, licorice, and the inflatable chair they sat in. They both loved it! Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of the evening.

Sunday, Aric was feeling better, and together we went to Michael’s party at Partyopolis. Partyopolis, though similar, was a nice change from Pump it Up. We just chilled the rest of the evening. It wasn’t until Aric was giving the girls a bath and I was changing the girls’ bed linens did I notice the eerie orange glow peeking over the nearby hills. And you know what happened after that.

Again, I am so thankful that my family and my neighborhood is safe, but I continue to worry for so many others. Thoughts and prayers goes out to those who are still in danger.

Tags: birthday party, friends, weekend, yummy food