Wednesday, July 24, 2013

A decade

It's hard to believe that Josh and I have been married for 10 years now.  He might say otherwise though, since every year, he always attaches the word "long" to each number of years we've been married.  I don't think he thinks it's a bad thing.  I just don't feel the same.  To me, it feels like it went by rather quickly.

So how did we celebrate our 10 years?  A friend of ours was kind enough to offer to watch Sam so we could go out to dinner.  We went to a German restaurant that we both liked...no frills, nothing special.  We had a nice quiet dinner date.  That was a day before our actual anniversary since he had to work on the day of our anniversary.  Since he didn't want to do anything on our actual anniversary, I decided to make a "nicer" dinner.  I've thought about what he would like so I went to the grocery store and got some mahi mahi and sea scallops.  I was hoping that even though he was working that he'd at least come home earlier to spend some time with us.  As per usual, I texted him to ask what time he'd come home.  He planned to come home at 6 pm.  I normally start cooking at 5:30, we eat at about 6:30, clean up, wash dishes, and i'm usually done about 8 pm.  We get Sam ready for bed, put him to sleep, and the night is usually gone.  Yes, no celebrating for us apparently.

I can't say i'm mad, maybe just disappointed.  I didn't expect something extravagant like upgrading our wedding rings and what not because I know we can't afford it right now.  We didn't get each other presents because we agreed to just get something that we both could benefit from (I didn't know what to get him anyway).  What I was hoping for was a little more time, a little more romantic moment.  He could've stop at the wine store to get a nice bottle of wine.  Heck, I would've settled for our favorite $7 wine from Costco.  Maybe a flower or two from my garden, or a tub of ice cream from baskin robbins. It's petty, I know but it is 10 years; 10 years of uncertainties, moving, and sacrifices.  I just wanted to know that it meant to him the same way as it means to me.

I suppose we can't be all hopeless romantics though.  And as I am trying to come to terms with that, I still can't hide my disappointment.  Maybe in time.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Father's day 2013

I am ever so grateful for the one who promised to be our support and provider.  He is my best friend and the love of my life.  No matter how busy our lives get, not matter how tired or stressed he is, he is always there for our little boy.  He would rather not sleep, just as long as he gets to spend time with his family.  Happy father's day, Josh.  Sam and I love you very much.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Louisville, Kentucky

Last week was Josh's oldest nephew's graduation from high school.  We took the opportunity to attend his graduation and visit with family.  The drive to Louisville was about 9.5 hours, so we decided to cut the drive in half and stay the night in Hurricane, West VA.  Our drive was uneventful, though we got to our hotel late.  Sam was already wiped out by the time we got there, which in part was a good thing, since we didn't have to fight over bedtime.  We took our time traveling the rest of the way to Louisville, and for the most part, Sam just sat back and watch movies in the car.  No whining or tantruming.  It's a good thing and a bad thing, and this is why:  he apparently likes the long car ride that he will choose that over playing in the park.  So every time we get in the car, he expects us to go out for a long car ride.

We got there on Wednesday afternoon, and made it to Sage's party (Sam's cousin) at Chucke Cheese's. As expected, Sam went ballistic on the games and kept asking for money (tokens).  I tell you, he is one expensive kid.  Unfortunately, the night ended in a melt down, partly because the place was already close and he did not want to leave yet.  It was still fun nonetheless.





The following day was graduation day.  My high school graduation started at 5 pm. Well, this one started at 9 am.  It was held in the KY expo Center at the Broadbent arena. We did not realize how big the expo center, nor did we knew that it was divided into so many areas.  We got up early, drove to the place, and got lost for the most part.  So 1 hour, $16 later (it was $8 for each entry, and yes we went in twice), we finally found the place, just in time to see Forrest march the procession.  I really thought my husband was going to have a coronary while trying to find the place.  He sure had to get a time out, which is rare.  The graduation was short and sweet.  Just the way I like it.  As I watched the seniors received their diplomas, I keep thinking "that will be Sam is 16 years."  I think i'd rather not think about that yet, or I will lose it.


Forrest receiving his diploma

The graduate with his proud parents
This time-off also gave all the cousins the time to be together, for the very first time.  Sam sure enjoyed running and playing with them.




We also had the opportunity to go to Huber farms...and I would really like to go back and have a pitcher of their strawberry sangria again.  It was a busy "vacation" but it was nice to see family, and we hope to do it again soon.







Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my second mother's day and it still feels like it's the first.  After 3.5 years of waiting and multiple fertility treatments later, we had Sam.  Sometimes it feels unreal, sometimes it feels too real, especially when I just want to scream in anger and frustration.  My day started today with breakfast in bed.  But actually, my day started last friday when my husband came home with flowers and chocolates.  We went to church, ate lunch, went grocery shopping, and my husband made me ribs for dinner.  I didn't have to clean, feed Sam, or do anything today.  I felt very special and it felt good.  The best feeling however happened last night.  I told Sam that I love him and his response moved me to tears. He said "I love you more, mommy."  Now where did that come from?  When did he get so smart? He's only two.

There are moment when I forget to enjoy being a mom because I get so frustrated and angry.  I mean, wouldn't you get riled up when you tell your child to stop doing something 10 times, and in turn he gives you a smirk and keeps doing what you asked him to not do.  We are at a stage where I'm trying to set rules and Sam is trying to push the limits and establishing his independence.  Some days are rough, but we do have good days.  And those good days reminds me why I love being a mom.

I hope you all mom's out there had the day and moments that I had.  Happy Mother's Day!


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Craziness

March 27 - Return to VA from hawaii

April 6 - Started our drive to Florida.  Stopped in North Carolina to visit the Gable family.

April 7 - Continued our drive to Florida.  It took about 12.5 hours including stops.

April 12 - Drove back from Florida.  We drove through the night and it took about 17 hours to get back home.

April 18 - Drove to Oklahoma.  It took 2 days to make it to Tulsa.

April 20 - Grandpa Reel's funeral

April 21 - Drove back to VA

April 22 - Arrived in VA

We had an entire month of craziness.  But it was great to see family and friends.  I hope the next few months will a bit more stable.  Sam is feeling the craziness, and in turn is driving me up the wall.  I think we all just need a little stability right now.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Life is...

As hard as I try, I find it really hard to jot important events and share what has been happening in our lives. During this trip, however, I came to realize something about life. I realize that life...

...is not a race, not a competition of who is better at something or everything.
...is finding your niche; what you are good at and becoming better.
...is learning that you cannot do it all; sometimes, you have to share the load.
...is about forgiveness. You can't live life fully if you have hate in your heart.
...is about loving and caring for someone, regardless of how undeserving you think they may be.
...is living it to the fullest; no regrets.

I also learned and believe that respect is earned. No one is entitled to it. No one has the right to demand it, whether by force or trickery.

This is what I learned.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

February 2013

It has been a busy February and I can't believe it's already March. Before you know it, it's my birthday, then thanksgiving, Christmas, then Sam is 3. Sometimes, I wish life has a brake or a stop light. I want time to stop, if only for a minute so I can inhale, digest, and savor the moment of being an individual, a mother, and a wife.

But of course there's no stopping time. All we can do is enjoy things while they last. This February is the first in three years that Josh and I spent together. Every year on Valentine's day, I can only remember a few where we actually got to spend Valentina's day together. He got me a rather unconventional bouquet this year, but beyond the flowers, I was just glad that he's with me. Sam had a blast with his daddy as well. He got to play and hang out with him. We went to the aquarium where he stared at humongous fishes. He even got his dad to buy him more trains.

Some memories are better left unsaid, but are better shown. So here's some pics of our weekend fun in February:


It's always a joy when we are a complete family. Can't wait to be reunited again.









Monday, February 4, 2013

Xin Nian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year)

I've never attended a Chinese New Year or their Lunar festival. It wasn't my intention to go to one, but since my sister (Jenny) was part of the parade, I figured Sam and I should check it out. Sam had a blast (especially that they were giving it candy). He was a bit afraid of the lion/dragon dancers, however. All in all, it was an enjoyable afternoon. Maybe when he is older, we could actually attend the festival and eat awesome Chinese food. In the meantime, these memories will do....









Sunday, January 20, 2013

Aloha, again

Aloha, again.  Yes, we are back in Hawaii.  Actually, we've been back for almost two weeks now.  However, the past two weeks has been a whirlwind (or so it felt like).  Sam celebrated his 2nd birthday here (thanks to mama and papa) a second time around (pictures will follow much later).  We missed daddy though.  I have been working for my old job, doing chart reviews.  Sam and I have been keeping ourselves busy, but we are definitely missing daddy, home, and our new and old friends.

We will be here for a while...maybe longer than we had scheduled for.  But it is good to be back.