Peg’s Journal

Last week, when checking on Ashlyn playing outside, I saw her on a neighbor’s bike….riding….without training wheels…ALL ON HER OWN! OMG!

I know, it’s not a big deal for a 6 year old to be riding a bike. But Ashlyn had not touched her bike in almost a year (after a bad tumble that included damage to her helmet and bike, bloody knuckles, elbows, and knees, and a massive asphalt burn to her face and forehead). And up until then, she’s always rode with training wheels. So imagine how shocked I was to see that she taught herself how to ride a two-wheeler in the span of 10 minutes! I couldn’t believe it. I had to run in and grab my camera.

I’m kinda bummed that I didn’t get to teach her…you know, help her balance and run alongside. At the same time, I’m a bit relieved to not have to go through seeing her struggle or fall. I was traumatized by her last accident.
Aric was also surprised seeing the clip on my camera that night. He removed the training wheels off her bike over the weekend, and you can see the utter joy and pride all over her face as she pedalled her little heart out.

I know she has been envying the neighbor kids as they zip around on their bikes (as she kept up on her scooter). She would often times say, “[so-and-so] can ride a bike, and he’s three! I don’t know how to ride a bike.” In which Aric and I would reassure her that everyone learns at different paces, and not to feel discouraged by the age thing. I even told her that I didn’t learn until I was like 9 or 10.
Ashlyn impresses me. She has shown me that when she’s really determined, she can accomplish anything…and in a quickness. It’s sooooo different from the norm (walks slow, talks slow, eats slow, gets ready slow, cleans up slow, does her homework super slow…slow, slow, slow). hehehe I’ve been praising her a lot in hopes that this will empower and encourage her to accomplish more, and at a faster pace.

Tags: Ashlyn, Videoclip

Much to my amazement, amusement, and dismay, you realize they’re no longer babies when

…they can open cabinets/drawers that have child safety latches.
…they know how to manipulate the safety gates at the top of the stairs.
…they can answer the phone/cell and carry on a conversation.
…they can shampoo, rinse, dry, and lotion themselves.
…they have mastered the remote control, PC, DVD & CD player.
…they can vacuum the house and fold laundry.
…they know what you’re S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G.
…they’re full-fledged admission payers at Disneyland and movie theaters.

*sigh* wow, they’re growing up so fast.

Tags: kiddies

Ashlyn celebrated her 6th birthday over the weekend with a bash at Pump It Up. Party planning/prepping kept me busy most of last week, and it was a bit more stressful this year due to the amount of people she wanted to invite. Girlfriend had a guestlist that was like a mile long! She wanted to invite her whole first grade class, everyone from kindergarten and preschool, and of course, the group we always hang with. If we had a money tree, it wouldn’t have been a problem…but since we don’t, I made her cut the list down to about 60 guests. I was totally nervous about hosting so many different groups of people…luckily for me, everyone intermingled and looked like they all had a good time. *whew*

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and playing with all Ashlyn’s new toys I can breath easy for the next 6 months until Summer’s birthday. With Summer, it’s less stressful…she has very little expectations and not nearly as many friends (sad, huh?). hehehe

Also, over the weekend, I discovered some very exciting news: one of my dearest friends is expecting and another gave birth! WOO-HOO!

Tags: Ashlyn, birthday party

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY to our darling ASHLYN!
We love you so much!

Tags: Ashlyn, birthday

Happy Friday! Everyone who knows me has all heard me gripe about not having enough time to myself….but now with both girls at school, I find myself moping around and missing them like crazy. Not that I’m complaining now…it’s just going to take some getting used to. hehehe Wow…it sure is quiet.

I’m happy to say that we’ve survived our first week of school. Actually it’s only been a few of days. hehehe
Ashlyn’s enjoying first grade. She’s making new friends, getting to know her teacher, getting adjusted to the longer school schedule, and gaining more independence (buying lunch). I always worry that she won’t eat enough at school. Ashlyn has always placed playing as a priority over everything else. The first day she bought school lunch, she told me she didn’t get a chance to eat it because she ran out of time. After that, I started packing her a lunch so she wouldn’t have to line up for food. But her lunches come home only half eaten. *sigh* What can I do?…she’s just going to have to learn to take care of herself and manage her own time.

Summer’s transition to preschool has been heart-wrenching (as I anticipated). Unlike her sister, who barely looks back to say goodbye, Summer has been crying every morning…begging to stay home, kicking and screaming as Aric buckles her in the car. She eventually calms down after Aric drops her off (even apologizing to the teacher for crying). The rest of the day goes smoothly though and she comes home happy. But yeah, the mornings are tough.

I’ve been puttering around the house. Cleaning up here and there, but a bit apprehensive to start any BIG cleaning project like organizing the girls’ closets or clearing up Aric’s office, etc… I’m proud to say that the TV is never on when I’m at home. I’m enjoying the silence….the sweet sweet silence.

Anyhow, what’s a pegpower post without pictures? We had such an incredible summer. We spent most of it in NorCal with my family and two weeks touring Japan and Taiwan. I finally uploaded our vacation pictures (ALL 2,188 of ‘em!), and I picked out some to share with y’all.

—-> Highlights of our summer break (warning, it’s still a hefty album). Enjoy!

Tags: Ashlyn, NorCal, pictures, school, Summer, vacation