45

45

Huh? 45 what?

Both are 45!

I'm lost!

Oh, I'm sorry. Both our kids weighs 45 lbs.

Both of them? Noooo.

Yess. Both of them, Annabelle and Jonah.

But Annabelle is older than Jonah.

Yes, that's true. Jonah has caught up with Annabelle.

~

Me oh my. Both kids weights the same! 45 lbs.

Believe it or not!

Annabelle is 6 and Jonah is 4 1/2 years old. They're almost the same heights. Often they're guessed as twins. HA! No they are not twins!

Jonah is B I G and yet still small! Thank goodness!!!

I reckon Jonah takes after his grandpop, my dad.

~

Mother's Day

I absolutely love this picture of me and my kids taken by my dear senor at the Disney's Boardwalk.

Jonah, me, and Annabelle

Annabelle is Six!

Annabelle is now 6 years old! Another milestone for her.

She has been counting the days until her birthday. Crossing out the calendar faithfully without needing me to remind her. She did a few times crossed out in the morning when I told her the day hasn't even ended. She'd smile sheepishly. What a sweetie!

Annabelle's calendar that she had been crossing out the days to her birthday.

Annabelle and Jonah

This was taken the day after her birthday on April 1. The birthday party has been postponed to Sunday due to severe thunderstorm.We did not want to entertain in that weather and asked everyone to come the following day knowing fully well that some may not come when they could come on the day of the party. It was a good turn out and some swam in the pool.

Much to my disappointment, I did not take very many pictures that day. Geee! I know the other took pictures and I just may have to ask them to email me the pictures.

Do you spy Jonah wearing a shiny girly shoes?? He's been teasing Annabelle. Much to my surprise, she was okay about it and saying he is teasing me.

We have been teasing Annabelle that she can't become 6 because she is still thumbing her thumb! At first she was a little upset about it then she later realized we are teasing her. But she was a good sport and is trying so hard to stop thumbing her thumb. :0)

Annabelle, we are glad you are now 6 even if you still thumbing your thumb.

We love you very very much.

Annabelle and her drawing

Today, Annabelle stayed home from school because she was coughing so badly and spend the night with me in our bed. I knew she would be tired and she needed rest. So all morning, Jonah and Annabelle sat with me on the sofa watching cartoons. Then by early afternoon, they were feeling better. Annabelle was in a drawing mood and she drew this.

I just had to picture her and her drawing because it involves Jasmine. And I wanted Jasmine to see this. (As you know, she is in Australia on a missionary.)

Let's see her drawing.

So the drawing has a story. 

Annabelle was remembering her time with Jasmine when she had that first night out with Jasmine. She remembers it fondly.

So this is her and Jasmine inside her home on the top playing together. Blue is Jasmine's favorite color.

The pink triangle is the store. Her blue car, Jasmine driving and Annabelle sitting in the back. The purple triangle is her house.

The pink girls are "eating ice cream" (blue triangle above the pink girls is ice cream).

The blue girls on blue sofa sitting and talking.

All that hearts are love love love.

~

Annabelle misses Jasmine and loves her dearly.

Annabelle's first tooth lost!

Annabelle came home from school today missing a tooth that had been loose for a few weeks.

She does not know how she lost it. It's just gone!

Maybe she swallowed it, or lost it outside playing at the playground at school. It something we will never find out.

I have been looking forward for days for her tooth to fall out. Her papa insisted that I don't fool around with her tooth so I didn't. I grew up trying to loosen it, tie a string around it to pull it out and suchs.

So I just went to the library and got some books on caring for your teeth and a book on Tooth Fairy.

I had told her that she lost out a chance to give her tooth to the Tooth Fairy. She was nodding her head sadly and asked me if the other tooth will come out. I told her, oh yes but none are loose now. She said she can wait.

Smiling with one tooth missing.

I told her to smile "Bigger"

All smiling and happy.

Jonah asked me if his was loose. I checked and told him, not yet.

There'll be more and maybe I'll lose track of how many? See see?

Annabelle's loose tooth

Annabelle's tooth is loose. I don't know why I am excited about this. A milestone? Or knowing that my nieces have already lost theirs. But I am excited.

My senor has expressively told me to leave her tooth alone. Gee? I tried hard not to and I've been surprising good about it. Pat, pat on my back.

Her first loose tooth!

Jonah grabbed her, she is annoyed.

Jonah and Annabelle

Jonah and his smile

Annabelle!

I wonder when it will PAH fall out?

(pictures taken on 10/26/11)

Me and Annabelle

I have not use make-up in a long while and I suddenly felt like being pretty so I put on some eye make up and a lipstick.

Dear Annabelle, notice it right away and begged to have her face painted.

I gave in and just put on the eyes and lipstick. Same colour as mine. She wanted eyelashes too. I told her she has beautiful long one and don't need that on.

Her papa was beaming that he has 2 beautiful gals. What a lucky dude he is!

He took picture of us.

So this is us pretty gals!

Me and Annabelle

I'd look at the picture and marvel that we have the same color shade of blonde hair. Our eyes color are different, mine blue, hers brown. I'm older with lines on my face while she is young with smooth skin.

I just love this picture of us. It was only last Saturday just before going to the Zoo.

Clay work by Annabelle

I was going to set the table when I saw the clay work on the table. It absolutely melted my heart. Annabelle had brought home some clay from school and had been playing with it. But to see that she spelled out her brother's name. I just plopped the dishes on the table and dashed to my purse where I keep the camera and back to take a picture of Annabelle's work. It'd have been gone in an instant if she knew I was going to picture it. Thankfully I have a "record" of her "thoughtful playing with the dough moment." I think she would have spelled out her name but she didn't have enough clay. It was all she had.

Frankly, I am amazed by her.

"Jonah" made by Annabelle

School Picture Day

I have always looked forward to school pictures. Because you can see how they have grown and changed and matured. Such a great way to compare.

We missed last year and I am deeply disappointed about that. So I looked forward to this year and made sure both kids showed up. And picture day was last Monday. Oooh I was giddy and happy and made sure they had their bath and clothes picked out.

We told the kids that they will have school picture taken. Then I went and got Isaac's school pictures. He had all his together in an album. Mine? Ha ha! I only have a few but I know my Mom has it all. Anyway, looking at Isaac's childhood picture and showing to Jonah and Annabelle. 

Isaac has his since he was 7 years old. That's when he entered California School for the Deaf at Riverside and remained there til he graduated. So seeing Isaac at age 7 to 18/19 years old is awesome. Always in his best clothes--tie, bowtie, vest, or suit.

Jonah resemble his Dad at that age right now. Same cowlick. Same crewcut. Same smile.

Then I told Isaac, Jonah should use tie like he did. But we didn't have tie for Jonah. But we had vest. So Jonah used that.

I had left a note in his backpack that Jonah can take it off after the picture.

These pictures were taken waiting for the bus and I wanted to see how fresh they are now compared to the school picture when the order arrives.

Such a darling!

So lovely

So cute!!

~

When they came home, I was surprised to see Jonah still in his clothes. I had assume he would take it off after the picture.

I saw the note in his backpack for me..

"Jonah wanted to keep his fancy clothes on all day. He looks so handsome and his picture turned out great! "

I laughed and told Jonah, you wanted to leave it on? He just shy away and smiled.

Such an adorable boy!

Annabelle is so lovely!

~

I really do marvel that this 2 kids are ours!

Such blessing they are!

Annabelle's an Aries

I was at a thrift shop and saw the Aries stitchery which I loved and that Annabelle is an Aries. I wasn't willing to pay the price for that picture and then I realized I had a camera which I carry around with me all the time in my purse. So I took 2 pictures of it.

It is very 1970's. I loved the details, the embroidering effects, and everything about it. Maybe I'll copy it and make it or maybe I'll never get around to do that. But there's the idea for embroidering.

When I realized Annabelle is an Aries and hmm, thinking, is she sociable? Oh yes she is. Entertaining? Uh, OH YES. Talkative? YUP. Charming? Definitely. And devil may-care? Giggling, yes! She's braver than me sometimes.

Isn't it such a darling? The colour, the effects, the critters, cute characters and the daisies.

Oohhh!

Now I'm thinking.. If it is still there, I'll get it. It'll be perfect in Annabelle's room.

~

A prayer for Jasmine

Just tonight at our kids' bedtime. I was tucking them in bed and saying our prayer. Then either Jonah or Annabelle will pipe up and say their own prayers. I always smile when they want to pray. Tonight was a bit unusual, funny and endearing. I just had to share this. Mostly it's about Jasmine.

I haven't posted a blog about Jasmine who is in Australia on her 2nd missionary trip. This time as a staff. She is doing good and you can check her out at facebook or her blog, Jasmine-jewel.blogspot.com. I also haven't shared the awesome pictures of saying farewell at the airport. I promise I'll do that one this week. But first let me share Annabelle's prayer/talk/tease that she said tonight at bedtime.

Annabelle was talking about airplane, Australia, flying. I was amazed she signed Australia and paid a bit more attention to her. She was saying that Jasmine is far far far away. Plane ride longgggg. Jasmine's boyfriend will fly soon. (We had seen Aaron yesterday with Joshua and had mentioned that to her). Then she said Jasmine's boyfriend cute. I will steal him, giggling. Me tease Jasmine. I laughed and said Jasmine's boyfriend too old for you. She laughed. And I said, not nice to steal. She again laughed. She said she love, love, love Jasmine.

I was just surprised and thinking this is so funny. And Annabelle talked like that??? She kept saying boyfriend. I kept saying Aaron. I realized we need to come up a name sign for Aaron. She understood Aaron but she hasn't caught on spelling his name. (Hey Jasmine, have a sign name idea for Aaron?)

This is endearing to know Annabelle does think of Jasmine and knows she is far away and looks forward seeing her on computer (meaning skype) and asks when will she be on?

We're thinking of you, Jasmine. We miss you and love you very very much.

~

First day of school at FSDB, 2011-2012

Today was FSDB's first day of school for year 2011-2012.

Annabelle is now in Kindergarten and her teacher is Ms. Lauren Rivera. I think she is so lucky to have her this year as we are blessed having her as her teacher.

Jonah?

As you may recall, he went last year but after 2 weeks, he refused to go. His papa gladly intervened and said he may stay home. We warned him, he'd have to go to school when he turns 4 in September. Then a couple of weeks ago, Jonah told his papa, he want to go to school with Annabelle. So he is ready?!?

Did he go?

Yes!

He's in Pre-K program.

Both kids willing got on the bus forgetting to hug me a good bye! I caught Jonah in time but not Annabelle as she was already sitting in her assigned seat!  BUT I am glad for them. I am grateful that they love school.

I will always try to picture them on their first day of school right before they leave the house for school.

Here they are from this morning.

Jonah and Annabelle

They came home happy and tired. Jonah said he did not cry at all. Annabelle said she loves Ms. Rivera and that she saw Vanessa (who is still at Pre-K program). Then they yak mile a minute about this and that.

I am happy for them and for us having a bit-o-extra time for us.

:o)

Another hair cut for Jonah

I absolutely love taking before and after pictures of Jonah! I love how he was so clueless when I picture him. Then when he see the electric razor, he shrieks. Had me in stitches. But he co-operated but not for very long. And as always, upset that his hair is gone. Then pretty soon he's happy as a lark. :0)

We went to the beach that day for 4th of July with Jasmine and the Pletenets family. We had a lot of fun there. We got home and was ready to dive in the pool but decided to give Jonah his hair cut first.

Here's the pictures....

Jonah before the hair cut

Annabelle, I couldn't leave her out.

after the haircut, upset that his hair is gone!

not very happy about it.

Annabelle and her famous love sign

Jonah, all happy after a bath and doing his version of love sign 

~

Do you see this little girl?

Do you see Annabelle fixing her hair? Do you see how she is dressed? Do you see her pantyhose?? Do you see how so GIRLY girl she is?

I truly truly marvel at how she is. 

Always fixing her hair, checking out how she is dressed, making sure she has her princess sandals on and asking us if she looks pretty!

This was yesterday and the temperature was in the high high 90's. She still wore those pantyhose! We warned her it is H O T outside.

She wore it all day going to the stores. But I laughed when as soon as we got home, she tore it off. 

Annabelle

This little girl is so pretty!

We are blessed having her!

~

Our little flowers

I've become brave and downloaded the disc and uploaded the camera. I discovered it was a piece of cake. I felt ashamed for putting it off so longggg. And blaming the camera!! When I should be blaming me! DUH! LOL!  Oh well, that's done and over with and no more excuses!

We were over at Garden Ridge checking out their pottery since we have purchased so many plants from the nursery and those plants need a nice home to grow in and to show off their beauty. And we also discovered that Garden Ridge is going out of business and everything at that time was 25 per cent off. So we decided to wait. We haven't been back since then. I tried calling to see what the rate are now but could not get through. I am hoping that we would go over there today or tomorrow to see what is left. We probably won't get what we wanted because it's been 2 weeks. We are taking a huge risk! What a dope I am!! Gee...

Anyway I had fun putting our kids in the pot and telling them that they are such a pretty flower growing in this big pot. They were delighted and went along with the silly imagination.

Jonah and Annabelle

Annabelle

Ain't she a beaut?

Jonah

I love love his smile!

~

Annabelle

I got this picture from Gail at FSDB who thought we should have it. It was taken yesterday at school. They had an Easter activity for their wee students.

Annabelle

Isn't she a darling?

Annabelle's excited about being 5 soon

Annabelle has been talking for weeks and weeks now that she will soon turn 5 years old. I have to keep reminding her that it is a long way off. But now it is her month. She is terribly excited about it. It seem like every week she comes home from school having a birthday party. Someone has turned 5 in her class so she brought home the party hat and some stuffs. Saying my turn is next.

Back in January, I told her that her cousins up in West Virginia had a birthday then it will be Laila, then her Papa, then her Grandma, then YOU, Annabelle. Who's next? She would point to me then who's next? Justin! Then? JASMINE! Then? Evelyn, Peter, Grandpa, Jonah, Aunt Jenny, Joshua... She pretty much knows it by heart.

She knows the sequences.. She would say Gretchen and Sylvia, Papa, Laila finish birthday. Sooon Grandma--90. Then ME. I will be 5 years old.

So this birthday will be a special one because she recognized the significance of turning 5 years old.

Yes, Annabelle, you will be 5 years old soon at the end of this month, March 31.

I am so excited for you!

~

Jonah tormenting Annabelle!

All day long, today, Jonah has been tormenting his poor sick sister, Annabelle.

Annabelle is home sick from school and been sleeping on and off all day. Kept whining to me about Jonah this or that.

I would just shake my head and sigh... Trying to tell Jonah to leave Annabelle alone. I think he is delighted to have someone home with him all day instead of being with his mommy. He has not gone back to FSDB since early December. We will have to re-register him again in the fall and this time he is going for he will be then 4 years old.

See that smile?

I think that's the best smile I've captured from him! Imagine that is from tormenting his sister!!!!! Golly gee!

I could not help but hide my smile when Annabelle comes whining. This time, this is about her shoe that Jonah snatched away from her.

He was dancing while I was trying to snap this picture and wow! This beautiful mischievious smile!!

A cropped picture of him wearing Annabelle's favorite "Mary Jane" shoe.

I dubbed this picture of Jonah on the left, the best smile ever! Even his eyes were laughing!

He was having FUN!

~

Poor Annabelle!

Move over Rudolph, it's Annabelle

On her last day of school before Christmas break start, she came home like that.

She says "she's the red-nose reindeer". She's been learning and singing the song. Unfortunately, she don't know it all but I did and helped her sing it out aloud.

She loved being the red-nose reindeer. She loves school very much and didn't understand why there was no school during those 2 weeks of Christmas break. Kept asking if she can put out her clothes to be ready for school? I told her there's no school. She would ask why? Geee...

But when I said there will be school on Monday, she was soo soo happy.

Annabelle's first sleep out with Jasmine

Last month, Annabelle had her first sleep out with her big sister, Jasmine. She was terribly excited about going out with her and kept saying she will not cry. She is a big girl and that she loves Jasmine.

I told her she need to pack in her pj and clothes for next day. She had no problem packing them in her backpack and waited impatiently all day for Jasmine to come and get her.

When Jasmine came, Annabelle was all ready to go out and have some fun with Jasmine.

Annabelle with Jasmine with her drink and backpack. All ready to go!