Peg’s Journal

Wow, it’s been 2 years since my last post…if you can even call it a post. It was more like a false-start. Sorry about that. I always wanted to come back…just didn’t know when or how. Many a times I began a post…only to delete and log out. In my head, the thought of composing a lengthy “catch-up” post became too overwhelming. With that said, let’s just start fresh.

Today is Ashlyn’s 9th birthday. WHAT?! Wasn’t it just yesterday that I went to the hospital for a scheduled induction, and cradled a beautiful baby girl less than 6 hours later?! Seriously changed my life and Aric’s forever! I can’t believe my first-born is 9 years old already! I started feeling a mix of different emotions since last night. Tears fell on my pillow before I went to sleep, and I didn’t know why exactly. A part of me is amazed and proud of the young person she has become, another part is curious as to when she’ll “grow up” in certain areas (tween tantrums run rampant at times), another part wonders if I’m doing a decent job raising her (or if she’s scarred for life by all my yelling), and a very large part is saddened by how quickly time has passed! Sad how time seems to fly by quicker with each passing year.

Ashlyn is a sensitive and sweet soul, and luckily for me, still quite innocent in her thinking process. Days of Disney Princesses and all things pink are now replaced by Hello Kitty, All Star Weekend, Justin Bieber, iPhone games, nailpolish, and books. Her weekly schedule consists of Hip Hop Dance, Art Class, Science Camp, and Chinese School. She is a loving and protective big sister. Once outgoing and fearless, she is now more reserved and self-concious.

Most of you know that Ashlyn has been the inspiration of many blog posts…simply because she’s our “first”, and everything she does has been and continues to be “a first” for us as well. I admit, I’m pretty hard on her at times. She’s the pioneer, if you will….paving a smoother road for her sister. So even though I can’t believe she’s 9 now, I know that I’ll have to remind myself that she’s only 9.

Another fun weekend came to an end. We got to hang out with lots of friends, accomplished errands and laundry, ate lots of yummy food, hung out with the in-laws, and relaxed at home with the kiddies:

Friday night we had dinner with Kimi, Aaron, and the boys at Go Roma (my new favorite eatery – kid friendly, fast and delicious food at great prices) at The District. Our friends lived over on the next street in our community, but moved to NorCal over the summer for Aaron’s work. They kept the house here and come back often, but we have not had the chance to meet up with them in almost a years time. It was great catching up. Kimi misses SoCal as much as I miss NorCal….how wonderful it would be if we could switch places. After dinner, we walked around and grabbed some sweet treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Saturday night I went out with friends to celebrate Grace’s belated birthday. We went to Zov’s Bistro in Tustin, and had an amazing meal. It was an evening of leisure and abundant dining, wine and cocktails, shared stories, lots of laughs, and good times.

After leaving Zov’s, and unable to find a place to go for coffee/tea (aside from Denny’s or IHOP), we found ourselves at Honda-Ya for Round Two. HAHAHAHA! We were not quite ready to call it a night and just wanted a place to sit and have some hot tea….but we ended up ordering seafood salad, spicy tuna rolls, and yakitori skewers (shitake, beef, spicy wing, bacon wrapped okra, and meatball).
We finally went home around midnight. Yeah, it was pretty awesome!

Sunday was relaxing. We slept in, had a late lunch, went grocery shopping, hit up Home Depot, hung out with the in-laws, watched TV, had dinner, and geeked out in front of the laptop, and watched more TV. hehehe

Tags: birthday party, friends, weekend, yummy food

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

Tags: Ashlyn, birthday

THANKS for all your very special birthday wishes! These days, getting older is not a cause for celebration….but everyone made me feel so special and blessed. For that, I celebrate. I am so grateful for everyone’s thoughtfulness and love. That’s why I try to make it a priority to remember people’s birthdays….so I can “pay it forward” (although I didn’t do such a good job this year).

Even though all the attention makes me feel self-concious, it was definitely a great excuse to gather with family and friends!

Thursday – Dinner with my in-laws, Patrick, and Karen (who brought along birthday cupcakes from Sprinkles)! YUM!
Friday – Dinner with my hubby, Sue, and kiddies at my most favorite-ist place – Honda-Ya!
Saturday – Grace, Patti, Sue, Grace, and I had dinner at Cafe Flore in Beverly Hills, followed by dessert at Chaya and Pinkberry! It was pure gluttony!

Thanks again to my hubby and Daddys for giving us a night out! *love & big hugs*

Ashlyn: “Because it’s your birthday, I’m going to listen to you today.”
Peg: *smiling* “Well, that’s the best gift I could ever ask for.”
Ashlyn: *proud and smiling*

Tags: Ashlyn, birthday, friends, pictures, weekend, yummy food

(nieces with auntie Wil – Oct. 2006)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to AMANDA & CHRISTEL!
I miss you both. I love you both. I will be praying for your safe return!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to sweet Winnie!
and
HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY to Connor & Tyler!

Tags: birthday