Ashlyn got an iTouch for her 9th birthday. Hubby installed all these things on it so she can call, FaceTime, text, Yahoo messenger, and email on that thing (on WiFi). So now I get all sorts of texts and pictures from her….and usually with her just sitting a few feet away!

The above photo is a sample of what I recently received from her. A part of her wants to be so grown up, but the cute PBS Kids border she chose shows me that she’s still a kid. YAY!

Cracks me up when she walks around calling her iTouch a “phone”. LOL!

Testing….1, 2, 3. Since returning from my 3 year hiatus, I nearly forgotten how to blog. Navigating my way around WordPress was so frustrating and difficult. For days I tried following step-by-step instructions posted by fellow web-ettes on Facebook…but those directions were nonexistent to me. I finally asked hubby for help. *Voila!* He updated to a new version and now it’s all slowly coming together.

Technology these days really blow me away. I mean, just the other day I was on a FaceTime call with my little sis (who lives in SF), while she happened to be on Skype with my mom, older sis, and brother-in-law (who are traveling in Asia). For 10 gleeful minutes, we all (hubby and kids included) got to see eachother via laptop and iPhones! How cool is that?!

Oh, and did I mention, I’m typing this from my phone?! So cool….hope it works!

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.

Who needs a blog when you’ve got Facebook?! hahaha Seriously!
But I’ve decided to force myself out of blogging hiatus….because I really missed all of you. *hugs*

This is for Wil, who just got back from a Boston Trip and I know how much she adores those Project Greenlight guys.

After the Academy Awards last weekend, Aric and I watched the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and this was soooooo funny I just had to share:

OMG! I LOVE Jimmy Kimmel. Sarah Silverman is pretty funny, too. You can watch her clip here:

Today, the First Grade Room-moms hosted an Appreciation luncheon for our teachers and staff. I stayed up late last night making floral centerpieces, (pictured above) so the flowers would look as fresh as possible, and putting together 2 giveaway “Swag Bags” for our Oscars themed lunch. We served up yummy Italian food and desserts. It was a huge success and I’m proud to say we did an awesome job.

Ashlyn and Summer in February

showing off their V-Day gift from Daddy

at Ana‘s birthday party

I have to apologize…I’ve fallen into a bad habit of blogging for the first half of the month then nothingnadazilch for the last half.
February turned out to be much busier than I anticipated. Between activities at school (Valentines party, MTM art class, and the ever-so-hectic Noon duty), colds being passed between hubby and kiddies, two long weekends in a row (Lincoln & Washington’s birthdays), several birthday parties, reorganization of Aric’s home office, lots of errands, and the usual day-to-day stuff…I’ve been swamped.

But now….with the beautiful weather, the completion of the Appreciation luncheon, and the anticipation of this weekend, it kinda feels like Friday!

This weekend is REALLY exciting for me. I’m heading to Las Vegas….with Wil and Bett….to celebrate my nieces’ – Amanda & Christel’s birthday….their 21st birthday!!!

Damn, that makes me kinda old, huh? Luckily (or unluckily) for them, I don’t feel that old….AND THEY’RE GOIN’ DOWN!!!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Wishing you all much peace, love, health, success, and prosperity!

The girls are wearing qi-paos and matching shoes I bought off Orientbox. Super cute, but Ashlyn’s dress ripped at the hem after a couple hours. What do you expect?!…Made in China…enough said.

We had a pretty eventful weekend. On Saturday, the kiddies attended a friend’s birthday party at Color Me Mine. Immediately after, we went home, changed our clothes, and rushed to attend a wedding (Aric’s co-worker). We missed the ceremony, but had a really nice time at the reception/dinner.

As time goes on, taking the kiddies to these occasions are less stressful. Ashlyn has always been well behaved and easy to take out, but Summer is another story. Though she is improving, sitting still for long periods of time proves to be difficult for my wild monkey. hehehe So I was very happy and proud of her excellent behavior on Saturday night.

Saturday – at Jason & Sandy’s wedding

On Sunday, we spent the day with Aric’s dad, grandma, aunt, and cousin. We had lunch and watched the Superbowl at home. I didn’t follow the game much…hung out with relatives, played with the kids, did a couple of loads of laundry, and occasionally peek at the commercials.

In other exciting news: Wing and Em welcomed their beautiful baby boy into the world over the weekend! Congratulations to my dear dear friends! *jumping up and down*

baby Enzo

Happy Friday! Since we couldn’t afford to actually see Hannah Montana live in concert, we were thrilled to find out that they had turned her concert into a digital 3-D movie experience – Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert. We bought the tickets a few weeks ago for this special engagement.

We (along with Grace, Lauren, and Taylor) went to The District early. We were so glad we did, because not only did we get great seats, but we got a chance to meet Emily Osment (“Lily” of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana fame), for photo-ops and autograph pictures at the Radio Disney booth! I don’t know who was more excited…me or Ashlyn. HAHAHA!

meeting Emily Osment

The concert movie was way awsome! With our ultra stylish 3-D glasses, I felt like we were actually at the concert. It was probably even better than going to the concert, because we would never have gotten THAT close to the stage. It was also great seeing rehersal/candid footage and the backstage action. AND of course, the Jonas Brothers! *squeal*

our rockstar pose

Ashlyn and Lauren’s rockstar pose

my cutie – Summer

It was cute seeing all the little girls in the theater out of their seats dancing and singing along (including my little Summer jumping up and down in the aisle)! We all had a great time (even Aric, but *shhhhhhh*….don’t tell anyone).

It’s showing for one-week only, so click here if you’re interested in finding a theater near you.

Have a great weekend!