Warrior 3's Creations

magnetix creation


Lego  master at work.

After watching the movie Flushed Away..Warrior 3 created his own sculpture of the slugs.

Always loved playing with manipulatives.

One of his KNEX Kreations. Talk about symmetry.

that's  turtle!

This one is called the "GumBall Machine" . He used MAGNETIX.

Another KNEX Masterpiece made a couple of years ago.

Different Generation

After school yesterday, Warrior 3 showed me a piece of paper with details about his upcoming research project about ocean animals. He has already decided that he wants to learn more about cuttle fish. He had a plan. He wanted to work on it yesterday but I told him that we could work on in this weekend since it is not due til the 9th of March. One of the things he told me that I thought was interesting was when he said.. "We can GOOGLE it." Now, when I was in 1st grade I wouldn't have known to say that. Times have changed alright. We have these younger generation who are technology savvy.

Another thing..at the dinner table last night. Warrior 3 was testing my vocabulary. He is reading another Harry Potter book and I suggested to him that if he doesn't understand a word that he should look it up. He had asked me several times to help him look up definitions of words unfamiliar to him. Tonight however, he turned the table around and wanted me to do the same.

Warrior 3: Mom, did you learn about symbiosis?
Me: Yes, that word sounds very familiar. I learned that word in science class a long time ago. I don't remember what it means.
Warrior 3: Then you gotta look it up!
Me: okay. Later. (pause) Do you know what it means?
Warrior 3: That is when two different creatures live together.

He proceeded to give me an example. I apologize now for the inaccuracy of my facts I'll make the corrections later. I think he said that the eel (or was it a sea lamprey?) can't and wouldn't eat the crayfish (or was it shrimp..) because the crayfish cleans the eels' teeth. And that is symbiosis.

I continued to eat dinner and started peeling my shrimp.
Warrior 3: Mom, you are peeling the EXOSKELETON of that shrimp.
Me: yes, you are right! I know what that word means. Outside skeleton!
Warrior 3: Yes, Mom.  You know crabs have exoskeletons, too.

Makes me wonder what Warrior 3 is going to be when he grows up. When he was 2-3 yrs. old he was so into dinosaurs and that he wanted to be a PALEONTOLOGIST when he grows up. He really wanted to dig for dinosaur bones. Every single opportunity...he wanted me to read his dinosaur books! Then he became interested with BEETLES.

After that stage he was into building things. He loves creating things with his hands. He just loved his K'NEX from Tita 96762. Then he was introduced with MAGNETIX and now LEGOs. He never gets tired of LEGOs.

I'LL POST PICTURES of Warrior 3's work LATER. Gotta go do my visiting teaching.

Glucose Tolerance Test!

I am 28 weeks preggy today and I went to my check up on Tuesday. Well, I gained 5 pounds from my last checkup. I now weigh 128.6 lbs. In comparison, my pregnancy with Warrior 3 I weighed 128.2 lbs at 38 weeks. So, I'm feeling really big right now. I still have 3 months to go. I guess I have to look on the bright side. Since my pre-pregnancy weight with Warrior 4 is 115 lbs... I've only gained about 13 lbs so far. Not bad at all.

Anyway...I took that glucose tolerance test on Tuesday as well and I just found out the result of that test yesterday. It's all good! No gestational diabetes! But there is a something else. They found elevated levels of white blood cells in my blood. I have to do more tests. I have to call the clinic tomorrow and see what else needs to get done. "Dr. April" thinks it's an infection. They need to take a culture of my urine.

I feel okay. Just a little tired. Aunty Raine taught for me this evening. I planned on just cuing them and have Aunty Raine demonstrate to the class...but the class had a very relaxing, peaceful and calm practice guided by Aunty Raine instead. Thank You!

On Tuesday... I felt so tired that I had to take a nap. It's all that food from Monday's FHE at the Krazy Kenis. It was all good!

Well, I'll keep you posted as to what caused the elevated white blood cells as soon as I find out.

Mansanas!

When someone gives you a whole box of apples what do you do?

Say, "Thank You!" and then you think really hard of ways you can get rid of it. Hmmmm. Start making a list of people you can give it out to or brainstorm on how you can create a yummy snack or dessert for all to enjoy! Apple Bread sounds good. Apple pie? Nope! I'm not a pie maker. Apple juice? Nah. I don't want to waste the fiber. Apple sauce! Warrior 3 and the King loves apple sauce. Oh, I love apple chips and dried apples! Maybe, I'll make that! Yes, let's start with that.

I'm no Martha Homemaker and I don't jar things on a regular basis. I wish I did. I've only done it twice 3-4 years ago with Gramma Goo guiding me. This was when we went to Orem two summers in a row. They had a cherry tree, plum tree and an apricot tree. We made jams and apricot butter. Dat was good fun! Yummilicious with fresh homemade bread hot from the oven! So, what to do? What to do?

Well, times are hard and I have to do what I have do! What am I going to do? I've never made apple sauce before but was determined to learn. So, here is to another first time. I decided to make apple sauce and chips. I spent several hours peeling and slicing those apples to make applesauce and apple chips. I peeled 32 apples and was able to make only 4 jars of apple sauce. Plus, add another 20 apples for the chips. The peeling, slicing and coring I think was the hardest part.

This is going off to another tangent but it's what I'm thinking and feeling right now. You know, Heavenly Father watches over us. He knows our needs. Our pains and JOY! I am very grateful for my many blessings that my family and I have been blessed with. We have King, the great provider...which allowed me to stay home with all 4 gooey babes. We don't have much. We don't have nice things but we have each other. Being a S.A.H.M. (stay at home mom) helped me develop other skills and talents.

Our furniture have their own stories to tell. Our couch was free from Hawaii Kai. Some rich lady didn't like the color of her newly upholstered couch so she was just going to throw it out and buy a new one. So, the King who was connecting the lady's cable was quick to act and brought it home. Oh, I take that back...he King gave $50 to his co-worker for helping him haul the couch and for gas. The slip cover for that (now) old couch was from the King's old jeans sewn together. Our dining chairs are the old metal chairs from church which we bought for a $1 a piece. Anyway...I'm grateful for life and all the experiences I've encountered. Good and bad. pleasant and unpleasant. Joy and pain. No matter what.. it is a process. It is a test. Making room for growth. It is a journey. I just need to remember more often to live in the present moment.

Anyway..I've rambled on.

Apple chips dusted with confectioners sugar and cinnamon. Where's the cinnamon? Sorry, this batch was made plain.

Apple sauce was easy to make! I just dumped everything in the crock pot and 5 hours later it's done! I made one batch with cinnamon that's why the different color.

I still have a bucketful of apples left which I will turn into yummy apple bread!

So, if someone gave you a box full of apples what are you going to do?

Here are the recipes!
Cinnamon Apple Sauce
16 apples peeled
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar (too sweet for me but Warrior 3 likes it)

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

***For the regular Apple Sauce I just omitted the cinnamon. I decreased the sugar to 1/2 cup and it was on the bland side. That's okay. Next time I will use 3/4 cup or better yet make it plain....and just add your own sugar!

Aloha to da Uyehara's

We had dinner and talked stories for a couple of hours. Aaron grew up in the ward that we are now in. Plus, he used to be one of the students in the 11th Ward (BYUH) the King was serving in. Joy on the other hand...well, her older brother Jonie used to babysit Warrior 1 when he was just a little over a year old. Thanks for the friendship.

Good luck sa Pinas! Joy, ingat sa pag-bubuntis. Think of me whenever you get the chance to eat some sisig!

One last picture before they leave us on Friday.
Da Uyehara's--Joy plus one, Aaron and Teancum.

Cravings!

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Yummy in the tummy!

Super rich and gooey!

When I was pregnant with Warrior 1... I remember craving for Cinnabons! I always had to wait to satisfy the craving until we went to town. I didn't want to drive to town and back just to buy cinnamon rolls. I wasn't that kookoo over them.

Anyway, over 10 years later, I finally learned how to make cinnamon rolls. Thanks to Gramma Goo for showing me how to proof yeast! I've always feared using anything with YEAST! I ended up killing them. My water was either too hot or too cold. So, the result would always be "dud" yeast.

Well, not anymore! I no longer fear the yeast. This batch of cinnamon rolls I was baking at 12 midnight. I had forgotten about the dough that was rising after coming home from a family night out. I had no choice but to roll the dough out and make the rich rolls. This batch went quickly the next day because I have not made them for a long time.

Polvoron!

I was craving for these for quite some time now! Mng. Artemio T. just got back from the Philippines and Mama and Papa sent some for us. =) Thank you, Ma! Thank you, Pa! The kids and moih are enjoying them. "don't waste! eat every single crumb!" We are limiting our consumption to eating just one a day so it'll last us a long time!

Good Readings!

Warrior 3 finally finished reading Harry Potter (Book 6)  The Half Blood Prince, yesterday!  It took him about a month to read it!  One chapter a day!  yehey!   He was awarded $1 for this accomplishment.  Today after eating his snacks, (he ate the whole can of pears)  he asked to read another Harry Potter book.  I was surprised!  I offered him a shorter book that we had checked out from the library, like Stink  and the Great Guinea Pig Express  and  he said "no, Mom...I want to read  another Harry Potter book.   

Ooops!  I forgot to mention earlier that he is now reading Book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.   He is going backwards.  Aunty Carol...when he is done with the other books  we know where to borrow Book 7!  Thanks ah!

I've only read the 1st book and check him out he is reading more than me.  I prefer read-out-loud books.  You know "da kine"  easy peasy lemon squeezy kine books!  =)

Lei Making!

The Princess and Moih were very fortunate to learn something new from Gramma. She taught us another version of making yarn leis on her birthday! No special tools necessary...just your fingers! I can't remember how many we made altogether but it was cool! I should've taken a picture of all the leis we made before going to bed but I didn't. Anyway, here is a couple of pictures of that evening.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMA!

Hope you had a great birthday!

We love you!

xoxo,
the gooey goos

It's Aloha Friday!

Wow! I didn't have to work today. I slept in. The Goo Babes have already eaten breakfast when I woke up. We said our morning prayers and gave our hugs. We left the house at 7:30 am. Warrior 2 and 3 walked to school while I dropped Warrior 1 and Princess to Kahuku. I got back and helped the King with his lunch. As I was putting it in his work van, I see Tita 96762 in front of the house with LavaLava. Plain Jane forgot her stroller so she had to go back and get it. I told her that I would join them. I haven't gone for a walk with my walking buddies forever! Well, the walk was what my body needed. They were nice about me tagging along although I probably slowed their pace down quite a bit. Thank you my "prends".

I'll be having lunch with the boys at school today. I'll let you know how that goes later.
Here is the school's schedule at the boys' school.

DRUG FREE WEEK -- There's a lot going on this week, so don't miss the events!

Tuesday - "Being Drug Free comes in cans – I can, you can".
Students bring in a can food item which will be donated to Hawaii's Food Bank.

Wednesday – "Drugs don't make CENTS"
Students may donate to any one of these entities (individually or may donate monies to be divided)– Jump Rope for Heart (American Heart Association), Cancer Walk(American Cancer Society), Pennies for Patients, MADD, and Leukemia Society.

Thursday – "Give Drugs the Slip Day", "Sock It to Drugs Day", "Boot Our Drugs Day", "Tie Down Drugs", "Hats off against Drug Day", "Shade out Drugs", "Turn Your Back on Drugs".
Students can wear slippers, socks, boots, ties, hats, sunglasses, and clothes backwards

Friday – "Band Against Drugs" -- school-wide balloon activity
Children make circles – in unison all children recite "Lets Band Against Drugs" five times starting off very softly and by the 5th time make it very loud. Colored balloons are released in the middle. Each child picks up one red balloon and returns to teacher. Kindies are in the center and go first then 1st grade, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, then the 6th grade class will also stomp out all the other drugs (colored balloons) and return to their teacher. Each class will receive treats to be taken back to their classes to be eaten.

Lunch went well. Warrior 3 didn't think I was going to eat lunch with him. So, I guess he was surprised that I showed up. I found him in the cafe eating with his friends. Instead of going outside in the yard I just stayed in the cafe with him and his friends. I liked what the cafe was serving today. So, I ate Warrior 3's corn chowder and some of his tuna sandwich. He ended up eating his chalupa and my taco. He also shared his cinnamon twist with his friends. After they were excused from the table, we headed outside and sat on the cement in front the cafe facing the back of the library. Here he drank his chocolate milk and then had his dessert. Cookies and cream ice cream sandwich.

At 11:30 we said our goodbyes and I headed home. I had to take the rest of the ice cream back in the freezer because it was quickly melting. At 12 noon, it was Warrior 2's turn. He was eating with his classmates and their teacher. I went to say "Hi!" to the teacher, Mrs. Tupola and then they made room for me to sit. Warrior 2 ate all his food plus the chalupa I brought. When they were excused from the table, we went outside and we had dessert together. We too had cookies and cream ice cream..we just ate out of the 1.5 qt container. We were just shoveling and digging without taking note that it's half way empty! We got busy watching the 5th graders and 6th graders do a dance off. We said our goodbyes and I left the school at 12:45. So, that's my day with the Warriors.

Anyway, I didn't get to go volunteer today. I'm here at home blogging and listening to Mozart's Symphony #40 the Finale.

Sensations and Awareness

The contractions subsided  this afternoon but my back is still sore.    I was very fortunate to be  able to go and teach yoga this evening but I was a little absent minded.  I couldn't remember the poses in Sun Salutation B.  I had a hard time determining which side was my left and right.  Anyway, I am grateful that the contractions went away.  

Teaching yoga with my  evolving body is very humbling.   It has made me more aware of my body's limitations.   I've always told the class to listen to their body.  "Don't do anything that hurts or doesn't feel right"  "just accept what your body is able to do tonight" and that "we don't have to look alike when we do the poses"  but this time I know what it feels like to not be able to certain things.    Transitioning from  forward fold to down dog is not as smooth and graceful, my warrior 2 is not as deep, child's pose for me is uncomfortable with my belly in the way..even when I take my knees apart....so I don't do it.  These are just a few examples...but because of this  I am better able to relate and understand why the old, young, skinny, heavy set, tight, buff, injured, and even people with a cold can't do certain poses.    Yes, it's not a competition.  Yes, we let go of judgements!  No expectations ...just be in the present moment.

It is now 11:31 pm and Warrior 4 is hiccuping!   He tends to get active when I'm trying to unwind.   

EARLIER today I was able to go and volunteer in Mrs. Payton's kindie class and she gave me a Valentine's gift!  How sweet of her.  She gave me chocolate!   Dark chocolate that is and a pair of crystal earrings!  I forgot the name of it  but she said it was the best "kine" crystal.   She is a little superstitious.  She didn't want to give me a necklace or a bracelet because I'm pregnant. So, she figured she'd give me earrings instead.    She is too kind.   Not to mention she gave me a Tahitian Black Pearl bracelet at the end of the school year last year.   Well, I put them on and wore it the rest of the day.  After school Warrior 3 notice them bling-bling dangling earrings.. and asked me..."ooo!  Where did you get that, Mom?"  I told him that it was a Valentines present from Mrs. Payton and his response was..."Wow! she's rich!"      Warrior 3 is funny.

That's my day.

g'night

Mani and Pedi

I just finished giving myself a pedicure and a manicure! I felt the need to paint my nails for some reason. I guess to distract people and myself from my expanding body. Yeah, right! Ha ha! I should say! No matter the distractions may be, the belly still stands out! I've had a couple people rub my bulging belly instead of noticing my brightly painted nails! So, I know that it doesn't work.

The King finds me sitting awkwardly on the floor in the hallway.

KING: what are you doing?
ME: trying to cut my toe nails!
KING makes a funny sound and goes in the bathroom. In my head...I was thinking.."aren't you going to offer to cut my nails?" But even if he did, I don't know if I'd let him! How mental is that? I don't know what I want. Remember, if Lactating Lani Moo can be MOODY...so can I.

I don't recall having a hard time trimming my toe nails with my other pregnancies. The last 2 months maybe but not at 27 weeks. Hellurh! Well, I couldn't get comfortable. It was the most difficult thing to do. Finding the right and perfect angle t0 cut my toe nails so it wouldn't be crooked or so that I'll be able to reach period. Man, it just seemed impossible!

Anyway, I accomplished the task. Now my nails are painted and I saved $50! woohoo!

Back Pain and Braxton Hicks!

 I woke up this morning with a kink on my lower left back.  Okay, I thought I just slept wrong!  Went to work and the whole time the left side of my back is sore.  After 3 hours I clock out and it starts to pour.  So, from the office and the parking lot I run for it.  Hey, I didn't want to get soaked!    You see, the parking lot is on an incline.   Take a couple of steps then we have stairs..take a few more steps then the stairs, etc.  Anyway...my legs never felt so heavy in my entire life!  I couldn't make my legs do what I wanted it to do.  

Body:  RUN!

Brain:  (screams!)  You are not a "spring chicken!"

Body:  RUN!

Brain:  I won't let you.

Body:  Run!  You don't want to get wet!

Brain:   It's okay to get wet.  

Body:  You are almost at the top!  Don't Stop!

Brain:   Slow down.  I will weigh you down.

Body:  Listen to Brain.

Finally safe in the car.  Heart rate was throbbing and racing.  I was hanging after that short burst of physical activity.  I know, next time I need to surrender sooner.  

 I came home and ate cottage cheese and peaches.  I was supposed to volunteer in Mrs. P's kindie class today  at 11:30-1 pm but my body was not up to it.  My belly continued to tighten, Warrior 4 was squirming and jabbing inside and the back pain was still there.  I was almost hard to sit upright.   Anyway,  I just took it easy for two hours.  I put a load in the wash and  then hung them out to dry.  Around  3:30 pm, I started prepping for dinner.  At 3:50 I drove Warrior 3 to choir practice and my belly is just super tight and hard.  

I go back home to start cooking  (Turkey pot pie and pork tofu).  Combination sounds gross but I had to cook the tofu if not it would go sour.  Anyway,  4:45 I head out the door to pick up Princess from Gymnastics practice.  By now, I'm not feeling too good.   I didn't feel like going up the stairs to call Princess.  I had no choice.  Anyway, stopped by the house really quick to grab her dinner which I forgot to take so she can eat in the car before going to her choir practice.  (OOpppsie!   Now he knows.  You see, the King doesn't like us eating in the car.  Sorry, Hon.)  It's a long day for the Princess.  Wednesdays, she doesn't get home until 7pm.  (3 hours of gym and 2 hours of choir)

I was even planning on attending Edna's ZUMBA class today at 5 but again my body and brain said, "not a good idea".   

Oh my,  Warrior 4 is just super active today.  He is moving  a lot.  I wonder if he is enjoying Mozart's Music right now or he is just so bored and letting me know to change the music selection!

 I dropped the Princess to choir...I picked up Warrior 3 from choir.  As he entered the car, he immediately noticed  a strange smell and asked,  "EEEWW!  What is that smell?"    I  told him it was tofu and immediately he changed his impression towards that smell.  It's food!  It's dinner!

Anyway, we ate dinner as soon as we got home..a little after 5  tonight and I told the King that I was going in the room  to lay down after dinner and just rest my contracting belly and sore back.    I was able to rest for an hour before picking up Princess.  I was late and apologized but she said it was okay. Poor thing.  

After family prayer and hugs,   I read Warrior 3 a story but Warrior 1 and 2 heard it too since they share a room.  After the story,  Warrior 3 made a comment that I used to sing him songs before and so... I stayed and sang a couple of songs.  (Tallo nga Pato/Three Little Ducks,  Maturogen my baby Goos, Tungtungtung Pakitongkitong,  Lullaby/Maturogen) 

It is now 10:42 and Warrior 4 finally settled down, tummy not too tight but back is still sore.  Today's pains and contractions made me  a little worried and scared.  I'll just have take it easy and observe what is going on.

G'night.

Presidents' Day

Happy Holiday to all! I woke up and the King has already made his breakfast/lunch and cooler ready. The Princess was on the couch checking mail and blog hopping. The Warriors got up not too long after that. Princess was practicing some hymns, Bella's Lullaby and Only Hope while the Warriors were eating breakfast.

Warrior 1 and 2 put a load in the wash. Princess had piano lesson at 9:30 am. We decided to go hang out at the parking lot while she goes to her lesson. The Warriors loaded their set of wheels. Warrior 1 loaded his red ripstick. Warrior 2 loaded his skateboard. Warrior 3 loaded his bike and helmet. Princess was set with her piano books in her bag.

The whole campus was closed. Even the bathrooms were all locked! We ended up going home earlier since I had to go...plus it started to rain.

Princess snapped a picture before heading out the door.

Can't have too much belly pictures to capture the moment. I can no longer have my legs parallel to the ground while doing the head stand. My belly is in the way. I should have done a straddle instead!

Here is Warrior 2 doing his stuff.

Warrior 3

The Goofy and Gooey Warriors dry in the car safe from the rain!

Anyway, I came back for Princess and she has started to walk home. We just did two loads of laundry and the rest of the day was literally a HOLIDAY! The kids had a couple of friends over and we had our neighbor da YUEN'S and their baby come and hang out. They played StarWars games and the ever famous and challenging guitar hero world tour band. They took turns playing computer games as well. Tita 96762 and Lavalava came and hung out for a little bit...chatting and catching up with the latest. It turned out to be a chillaxing day.

Lactating Lani MOO can Be MOOdy

Ay Adai! I tell you! I am 26 weeks and 4 days preggy! I still have a long way to go and I feel like this FAT COW! Trying to get up from a low couch or better yet the floor seems so much work! Getting out of bed is starting to become a challenge. I often find myself rolling off the bed now. Also, switching or tossing from one side of my body to the other is laborious. When I decide to not turn to the other side.......well, that side of my body becomes numb! Hellurh!

I've been getting comments like, "Aren't you due soon?" "Wow! you've just BLOSSOMED!" " You are looking pregnant!" "You are really big!" " How big are your babies when when they come out?" "Do you always get this big?" Oh, the funny things we encounter when pregnant!

Hellow! I know I am big. Thanks for noticing! I need bigger tops to accommodate my ever growing belly. Yes! I need bigger bras. Yes! What else do I need? Hmmmmm. Let's try to write one poem! I'm peeling poetic. Hahaha! Mmm what shall we call it?

Lactating Lani Moo Can Be Moody

I need lots of patience and understanding.
I need love and support.
I could use a lot of empathy.
I want to feel JOY and good!

I can be super emotional and sensitive which I can't explain
So, shower me with more empathy
that will remain.

I can be tough.
I have tolerated a lot of harsh and mean words
But sometimes I break and can easily be hurt

Do you know what?
However, blaming my ever changing hormone
whether it is PMS or at times of pregnancy
is not an acceptable excuse at our Hale

I need to have explanations
If I say things but if it is not what I meant...then I am lying!
You see I Am Expecting
If Lactating Lani MOO can be MOOdy
So can MOOah.

To all Lactating Lani Moos out there....It is okay to be MOODY!
Be Happy! Forgive.
Live in the present. It will pass.
Remember who we are.
We are DIVINE DIVAS!

Sunday Evening Walk

After choir practice...the King and I went home something negative happened which I didn't expect to happen. The start of a good day slowly slipped into a dismal evening. I needed to restart! Reboot! Take a breather and just shake it off!   I could use one of those "sanity" walks right now.

So I did! I went for a walk and told the kids to go with me. The wind was blowing so, Warrior 3 and I got a jacket. Being outside of the house just felt good in an instant. Just like instant jello or chocolate pudding! Cool and very satisfying!

Everytime the wind passed by with every step...I felt better. Aaaah! Nothing beats the crisp cool air. It turned out to be a nice evening after all.

If negative energy come your way let it come and do its thing. Don't fight it. Don't resist it. Don't hang on to it. DO let it go. Allow yourself to be calm and still like an undisturbed lake. Peaceful and serene. But sometimes it can't be helped that pebbles or even rocks fall in this calm lake...it will create ripples but that too will pass and will once again be at peace and calm. Okay, I'm just rambling on. Have a great evening! Good Day and ALOOOOOOOOOOHA!

If life gives you a lemon..make lemonade. If you get a bitter melon make some yummy stirfry! =) Here I go again, speaking of food! No wonder I'm competing with Lactating Lani Moo Cow!

Happy Hearts Day!

The day started out great! Woke up early (since we like to sleep in on Saturdays), attended Hoku's baptism at Temple Beach. It was super windy. We were cold, specially Warrior 3. He is our leanest warrior. No insulation. He had a thick jacket on plus his fleece blanket.

We were all getting ready except for Warrior 2, he was at a sleepover last night. Anyway, as I was putting some color on my face in the bathroom before heading out the door, the King wrapped a red bow around his head. He is such a crack up! He made me laugh and had to take a picture. He presented himself to me since he didn't get me anything for Valentines Day. He feels bad that he didn't get me anything but that's okay. As long as you don't snap at me today, dear. I'm all good. I just want a peaceful and calm day. Full of nothing but tranquil and serene moments. That is all. We'll see how long that lasts.

Anyway, after the baptism...went home and went to Z's step/stability ball class. It was fun! I just need to get out and move more. I need to sweat!

Well, I made turkey for dinner. I popped that in the oven at 12 noon and was ready by 4:30 pm. I made mashed potatoes and gravy...yes from scratch! (I learned how to do it by watching the King lots of times--he is the cook remember?) Oh, gotta have those veggies! I just steamed some broccoli. So, wallah! Dinner is served. I boiled the carcass and saved the broth for later to make soup! Well, unfortunately the King was in Lala Land because he took a late nap. When the King is in slumber thou shall not awaken his sleep. So, the Warriors, Princess and I had dinner without the King.

I'm going backwards here. I think I accomplished a lot today. I was able to declutter my room and got rid of negative energy. I felt rejuvenated! Presco ang feeling!

Family Nite Out

What did we do on Friday? Well, we went to watch a group perform at the CAC. The group Cerro Negro came and did their thing. A lot of drumming, singing, Flamenco dancing and funkeh music from around the world. After the show, the King dropped us home and he took off. Well, he asked us.."where to now?" The kids and I said,"HOME." So, he did just that. Well, he ended up going to Angel's Ice Cream and he got a HUGE raspberry smoothie and a bag full of McDonalds apple and Banana pies. He was nice and shared! =)

Long and Productive Day

Chores Day
Saturday is our chores day. Lots of laundry to do. Clean the bathroom. Scrub the toilet. Vacuum the floor! Wash the dishes. Dry 'em then put them away. Strip the beds so we can wash the covers and sheets. Wash the window screens! For the Gooey Babes, our list seem endless. As another load is going in the laundry, I decide that I needed to uproot a papaya stump that is about 3 feet tall. So, here I am feeling super strong, I decide to wiggle and jiggle this stump. The root is deeper than I expected. So, I go grab a crowbar (i think that's what it is called). It weighs about 10+ lbs and it is over 5 feet long. So, it is longer/taller than me. I gave the ground several jabs and wiggled that stump with all my strength at every angle possible and gee that buggah just doesn't want to be uprooted! What was I thinking? I finally called the Warriors to rescue me. Yey! I jabbed the ground a couple more times and finally cut the stubborn roots and it came out! I decided to uproot another stump.

The second stump was a lot smaller and so I dug again and again...but this one was just as stubborn as the first. Anyway, long story short...I pulled a muscle on my lower back. Man, what is happening to my body? It feels so fragile! My body was feeling it at noon. The King and the babes decided to clear out the garage and I couldn't even stay standing for a whole minute. I felt pressure down there where I am not supposed to.
12 noon, I dropped Warrior 2 at the Point for a pool party! Came back...made pepperoni/cheese pizza using french bread. Warrior 3 helped me make it. Had lunch and I couldn't make myself go back out to help in the garage. I finally called it quits at 2 pm and let the King and the Gooey Babes finish up the garage.

I got cleaned up and layed in bed. My lower back did not feel normal...pelvic pressure was still present so, I took a nap. I am no longer a spring chicken...and I should better listen to my body. Sometimes I fear that my bag will break. I was in 7th grade when Mama was pregnant with her #5. She was the same age as me now being preggy with my #5. But I recall her bag leaking and her doctor sending her home. She carried her baby to term and the result...stillbirth. So, with that in mind...I find myself checking to make sure that nothing is leaking and that Warrior 4 is constantly moving. Being older and pregnant definitely has its pros and cons. It just doesn't feel the same. Duh! You are right..uh-DUH!

Woke up from my nap...went to pick up Warrior 2 from the pool party.

FoodFest

We went to the Food Fest this evening and boy were there lots of people! We took our time going because for the past couple of semesters it has been slow. We were not worried about standing in long lines. Tonight was different though. When we got there, there were lots of people and the clubs had little burners to cook their food. The food we chose to buy and eat weren't what we expected. I wanted to eat the Samoan Chopsuey so I got that but they filled my container with 2/3 rice and 1/3 of chop suey! Hello! I can eat rice at home! That was a rip off! I wasn't satisfied so I stood in line for a good half hour so I can satisfy my craving for lumpia shanghai and garlic shrimp at the Filipino Club booth. Hellurh! Was it worth the wait? Yes and NO! The shrimp and the buko juice was good but the lumpia was drenched in oil so it was soggy. The King and I agreed that we could've gone to Laie Chop Suey and spent just as much for better food. Anyhoo...the kids enjoyed themselves hanging out with their friends. Me on the other hand stood in line for the most part. It could have been better. Okay...gotta prep my lesson for YW now. Signing off!

Cheese Curls!

Got the packages you sent on Friday.  Much majelo$ for our Chri$tma$ present$.  Used it to restock our empty pantry.   =)

Thank you Glet for sending us some of these "chizu karu".  I still don't know where to find these here.  How long have I been here and I've checked several Don Quijote stores and no luck?    You would think that they would sell these  here but no.  Well, let's give it a couple more years.  It took Foodland  a while before they started selling the "Shelly Senbei Rice Crackers".  I used to  drive to Mililani Walmart and Tamuras in Wahiawa to get those crackers man.  

Anyway, as soon as the kids got home from school.... we, minus the King shared one bag (that was my bag)...then 2 of the warriors started grumbling about "so and so is taking/eating more".  So, I gave them each a bag to call their own.  If they decide to eat it all in one sitting...then that is it!  They thought that was fair.  The Princess still hasn't opened her bag yet as of today.  They opened the King's bag and shared it while I was asleep.  Ay da rude!  Eating my favorite chips while I'm sleeping.    And the chokolate' we are on our 3rd box.   =)  Man, at this rate....I wonder how big this baby is going to be?    I need to have less input and more output!  Plus...I need some major motivation to exercise.  ugh!

Well, sister thanks again!  Hey, it's February!  Mel, will be home soon to be with you and your kiddies!  Hang in there!  You can do it!