Signs of Spring

Winter has been kind this year. We have lived in apartment/townhouse type of places where everything was done for us such as plowing and mowing. It is our first time to live in a "real" house and experience doing our own garbage, fixing broken pipes and the likes. We prepared for big time snow: bought a blower, boots and all but so lucky to have not been able to use them (or yet). At least we have more time to prep our energy for the next winter season.

The past three consecutive days were gorgeous! 70's baby! Madi had a blast playing in the backyard and wearing skirts. Here are our Instagram photos.

Floral Printed Flats

Poser

When she swings she likes to shout,
"Best day ever!"

Signs of Spring

Plants Getting Sunshine

Happy Bird

Sunshine

I certainly enjoyed them too. I am thankful for the beautiful weather and hope it will continue until the official last day of winter.


Today is looking pretty sunny too but not as warm as the past few days (Kind of chilly in the 40's). We plan to stay indoor: do our chores, homework, and think of fun crafts. Wishing you a fruitful day, lots of love and peace in your heart.

Today In NYC

Today, we drove to NY to drop off my dad to the airport, JFK. We thought it was a chance to stroll around the city since we were there already. 

First, we wanted to visit The Museum of Moving Image but when we got there, we thought we would just go back another time when we have all day or more time, rather. I will definitely bring Madi there soon because it is one of my favorite things in Queens.

Jon wanted to check out a store in Manhattan so off we went. I got some cheap photo adhesives for my scrapbooking from Adorama in 18th Street (which made me happy). Along that same street were a number of paper/novelty shops that I also love. I could just walk around there all day… One of my dreams is to have a novelty shop of my own. I am not a business woman so that might never be a reality but imagining myself owning and managing some kind of paper store makes me smile. 

Then of course, we had to visit Books of Wonder to make the stroll worthwhile for my little girl- she loves bookstores too. To our delight, the famous skater, Kristi Yamaguchi was there for signing! (This would be Madi's third book signing.) I always have fun bringing my girl to bookstores and read her books. Having a cupcake and hot cocoa is really just secondary (wink).

We definitely miss all the yummy restaurants in China Town so we had to get dinner and buy some more to go. That roasted duck wasn't enough for me (sad face)- I want more… (burp). 

It was a pretty swell day in New York today but so not happy driving every time I am there. There is just  never a time a New York driver honks on me. Come on, it is Sunday, so what is the hurry? 

JFK Airport

Washington Square

NYC Downtown

Books of Wonder

With Kristi Yamaguchi

Everyday Blessings

Awhile back, I said that I would make it a habit to be grateful for every little good thing that comes my way each day. I forget some days but today, these are the things I am thankful for.

* for the nice people in the neighborhood. Madi and I went to the PO and every single personu inside that we have encountered were helpful and friendly. It simply made my day.

* for the yummy Korean lunch we had. Plus the additional fact that I did not have to cook;)

* for being able to color 3 heads today- dad's, Jon's, and mine:) Yeah... we all have to now... Getting old:)

* for the nice chairs my dad painted for me. I am lucky to have my dad around to help Jon and I make and fix stuff in our new home. He has really done a lot in our house since we moved.

* for being able to prepare salad for dinner. It's not easy to eat healthy for us;)

* that Madi was able to do her Kumon homework good today. There are times when we struggle for concentration but we had all that today. She initiated to do it and she did it by herself. I just had to check afterwards. So proud of her.

* to hear from my mom and that she's feeling better now. I love my parents and I truly hope they still stay strong and healthy for a long time.

There is more but my baby is now asleep and I am thankful that I too can go to bed as well.

It feels good to think about each blessings you receive each day, don't you think so? No matter how bad your day was, I am sure that there would always be at least one thing to still be happy and grateful for. Let's all make this a daily practice! God bless everyone! :)

Togetherness

It has been very cold here in New Jersey and I have been down with cough and cold for almost two weeks now and still busy with my normal routines at home as a mom, wife, and daughter. My Dad's been with us for sometime now helping us settle nicely in our new home. Yes, I am very lucky to have such a father.

I treasure every moment I spend with all my love ones- my family and friends. Last week, a friend from our old neighborhood in New York visited us. A mother and daughter (Jasz and Jael) just like Madi and I whom we used to have playdates with. Just like every relationship I treasure, I love this friendship we've built with this other mom and daughter team. Madi and I had a lot of fun having them with us again after a long time.

The two girls have not seen each other for almost a year but they hit it off at once. One whole day was not even enough for them (neither for us moms). Jael wanted to sleep over (hopefully next time) and she said to her mom, "… but we're having so much fun…" It especially amused me watching them talk to each other and play. It seemed just like yesterday when they both just stayed in their strollers and sleep while Jasz and I happily chat at coffee shops.

I compiled our photos and videos last week. Plus another slideshow of photos of me and Madi a few days before. I hope you too enjoy your togetherness with the people in your lives as much as I do.

2/9/2012

2/3/2012

Together Again

My little girl and I have a ritual of going to book stores, libraries, and bakeries/coffee shops at least twice a week. It has been our thing for so long (since she was even less that 1 year old). But since mid December (because we got so busy with the moving and all that), we have not had time to bond just the two of us. Most of the time, daddy's been "working from home" and we've been having grandma and grandpa over most days as well since they have been helping us settle in our new home (not that I'm complaining about that part).

Today, we finally got to spend time together again! Dad could not afford to join us while lola (grandma) & lolo (grandpa) were just still on the way to us. So we went to Barnes&Noble and Starbucks. Hung out and read a few.

Here she was, holding her bag of books we bought.

I can tell that she enjoyed our short and swell time with each other and so did I:) Hopefully we can go back to our routine soon.