Ms. Independent

Something Jake never did at the same age - T declared she wanted the lights on but didn't want my help.  She proceeded to grab a stool and placed it in front of the light switch and turned the light on.  And quite proudly said "I did it all by myself!"  :)  J never quite grasped the idea of getting a stool or something to help him get to an object until much later...Even now he would stand on whatever is in front of him -- toy box, books, toys -- and try to reach for what he needs.  I know he knows the concept but I think he is too lazy.  If he can't get to it, he just yells for us to get it for him.

Even at Gymnastics class today, T somehow figured out two new moves all by herself and refuses any assistant.  I wish I took some photos.  I was quite impress by her determination.

The Wonderful world of imagination

One of the things I love about my son is his wonderful imagination.  He loves to make up stories and create new games.  I think he gets it from his dad.  So it's not surprising that he often wants us to participate in his games.  The only problem is that it's a little confusing playing an imaginary game made up by my 4 yr old where the rules changes when he feels like it.

He also hates to lose so if he feels like he is no longer in control or winning, he changes up the rule to be in his favor.  I can understand that.  Nobody likes losing.  However, we've been really trying to teach him that the most important part about playing a game is that you have fun with your friends.  It's not about winning.  Of course it's a bonus if you win but it's also not the end of the world if you don't.  That's still a lesson yet to be learned.  Funny usually his response is "No.  Winning is the most fun part of the game.  It's no fun if you don't win."  We still have a ways to go....

Valentine's Day

Funny, there are several things I've never thought about before Jake started preschool.  One of them is Valentine's Day.  Paul and I don't celebrate V-Day...frankly not sure why people do.  So I was surprise to find out that Jake's preschool is planning a V-Day party complete with card exchange and stuff.  And then I find out I should probably get something for the teachers too.  Really?  Not that I don't want to show my appreciation to the teachers but I'm just at loss as to what I'm suppose to get.  As far as I know, we're not suppose to get candies for the kids.  Just cards.  Nothing else.  So is it ok to get the teachers candies?  I mean what else should we give them.  Maybe I should think ahead next time and crochet something special?  But why?  I don't even do that for my husband.  Ha.

Happy Chinese New Year! - Dragon Year is going to rock!

I am actually really excited about this year.  Why?  Because it's the year of the Dragon.  My year.  The last time when it was the year of the Dragon, lots of good stuff happened.  I graduated from college, got full-time job, got my work visa and I got engaged.  Last year was not a great year so I'm hoping this year will be.

We celebrated with a Chinese New Year feast on Sunday.  I made our Hakka family dishes including Hakka Abacus (yam dumplings) and stuffed mushrooms with lettuce stir-fry.  I also stir-fried green tea noodles with mushrooms and for the first time prepared Lo Hei (Yu Sheng), a Singapore tradition of raw fish salad...one of my favorites.  My friend Eva came over to help cook and made two dishes - Roasted whole chicken and braised chinese mushrooms with kai lan.  And finally gyoza by our friend Liz & James.  Everything turned out wonderful.

Snow storm?

This is our 4th Snow day.  Everyone in the NW were talking about the snowmagaedon which is pretty funny.  I felt like this year's snow storm is no difference from the other ones we've had in the past.  In fact, it felt kinda mild but still we have been stuck at home since Sunday, only venturing out once on Tuesday to stock up for the "big" storm that was suppose to happen today.  Well, it did snow almost all day but not quite what we had expected.

I think kids are starting to get stir crazy even though we make efforts to venture outside and have some fun in the snow.  Paul even took out his snowboard which we haven't used since he got in from Value Village.
Jake especially love sledding down the slopes and making snowman.  Teagan on the other hand seems to really like eating snow which probably does not help keep her warm as she tends to want to head home sooner.

Toddler Bed Saga continues

Jan. 14: Day one of T sleeping in the toddler bed - Started out great.  I was hopeful as both kids fell asleep almost right away.
Unfortunately around midnight Jake woke up crying for some reason and woke T up.  It was downhill from there.  Both kids woke up multiple times.  I got tired of getting up every few minutes that I just stayed in their room until they fell asleep.  While I was in there I realize it was Teagan that was keeping the two of them up as she kept wanting me to help her with the blanket as she adjusts herself in bed.  I think this went on for almost an hour before they finally fell asleep and I was able to move back into my bed.


Jan. 15: Day two of T sleeping in the toddler bed went much better than day one. Both kids slept in until 7:30 a.m.  That is way more than I can expect.  Happy me. :) And being stuck at home helps with the continuos effort of potty training.

Snow Tubing

We went snow tubing last weekend with my cousin.  I'm so glad we decided to go to the later session as we had a slow start.  I was a little worried about how Teagan was going to do but it seems like she really enjoyed snow tubing.  It was quite the workout for the adults but we all had a blast.

M