"Maddy-Daddy Day"

Both Jimmena and I are sick, so she's stayed home from work and also kept Mia home the past 2 days. So on Wednesday, Stephen's day off, he decided he wanted some bonding time with his daughter and to also leave me and James with a quiet house to rest and nap. So he invented..."Maddy-Daddy Day!". He figured he'd take her to a park or something. When they got in the car and started driving he checked his Hertz Never Lost Navigation for local attractions, Austin Zoo came up as one of the first so he just headed there!

It is about 30 minutes from our house, so Madeline ended up falling asleep on the way. When they got there and he woke her up, she said "Daddy it was taking forever to get here. Where are we? Where are the swings?". LOL

As you can see she was enjoying time with Daddy.

Great picture from his camera phone huh?

After the zoo he took her to McDonald's to get a slushy and some fries (a very tempting place to go while on a diet - but he stuck to his guns!). So when they got home Madeline said, "Mommy at the zoo we saw James' most favorite things - birdies! So we have to take him there. And I saved some of my french fries for Jimmy-James." :-)

Sick

I've caught some sort of cold virus. So feeling pretty yucky. I think Stephen had it last week. And the neighbors next door have it too. I scheduled myself shifts to take calls for West this weekend but I canceled my Saturday shift. My voice is a little hoarse. By Sunday I should be okay. So who is everyone rooting for on the Superbowl game!? We're rooting for the Pats. Only because this Superbowl match up reminds us of the Red Sox vs. Yankees match up - and we all know how much we hate the Yankees!!! It would be cool for Red Sox/Patriot fans to have their teams win the World Series and the Superbowl in the same year. Okay, think I'm gonna take a hot shower and a nap.

Birthday Wishes to Albert!

Manuia lou aso fanau Albert! (Did I say that right in Samoan? LOL) I thought I'd post this old pic. Look how young the girls look!? And the guys too considering you both are in your thirties now, man old fogies! ;-) Hope you do something fun for your special day. We look forward to seeing you, your family and your new pad in March!!!

Recent Photos, Buda Park and Pontiac GXP

Just wanted to post some recent photos. We've been having great weather lately, it's been in the 70's. So we've been hitting up the parks when we can. We're trying to get more active and moving. We took the kids for a walk last week and I think it was some 40 degrees out, they were bundled in their double stroller and Stephen and I had winter gear on! Forgot to take a pic of that. Stephen gave me a letter the end of the year stating his goal to become healthier and more fit. It was similar to the letter he gave me the year before to quit smoking. And he did quit, cold turkey! I think his children really have an impact on it all - he's realizing he wants to be around a lot longer, he wants to be fit so he can keep up with the kids. So I am very proud he is doing this. His goal is to loose 100 pounds this year. To boost off his Best Life Diet he's sticking to these tips:

1. Get moving.
"That's the single most important thing," Bob says. "Most people cut calories, but you've got to lead an active lifestyle."
2. Stop eating two hours before bedtime.
"That alone is going to translate into significant weight loss," he says. "Build it into your lifestyle of what's your normal schedule."
3. Drink at least six glasses of water.
"Most people are dehydrated, and that hurts the weight loss process," Bob says. "Get your six 8-ounce glasses a day. …But if you're active, you've got to step that up."
4. Eat three meals, including a nutritious breakfast, and a snack.
Bob says restructuring your eating, especially to incorporate a healthy breakfast, is extremely important.
5. Eliminate alcohol (for now).
"You can add it back at a later date," Bob says. "Give it a month or two."

And this week he is currently sticking to the cabbage soup diet. It's only a 7 day plan, helps you drop a lot of weight very quickly but is not meant for long term. He's been doing great. And I can tell he's dropped some weight already.

Anyway with this great weather like I said we've been taking the kids to the park. The other day we went to a park in Buda. It's in a neighborhood right behind Madeline's Dance Studio and across the street from our church. Very cute neighborhood, we love the houses and wouldn't mind living there. They're traditional style houses, sort of like the ones in the movie "Father of the Bride" with the garages in the back of the house, with the driveway in front leading all the way back. Also lots of these homes have balconies which you don't see too much of now. The park there has a fishing lake. It was a gorgeous day and the kids had fun!

Stephen brought home a Pontiac GXP. So far this has been one of my favorite cars. It's sporty, but 4 door and large enough to put the kids carseats in. I think it has a V8 so it's powerful and fast. And the dashboard is awesome as it displays your speed on the windshield!

My first shift with West!

So I worked my first shift for West this evening! I picked up a shift another agent needed to get rid of. It was only a 1/2 hour shift but I thought it would be good practice. I actually got nervous, my stomach got in knots! My first caller was an elderly lady who had a hard time hearing, she was ordering "The Lifetime of Romance" Cd collection. I kept having to repeat myself to her and talk louder, thought surely I was going to wake the kids! My second call showed it was for a vacuum cleaner, but after I gave my greeting the caller hung up. My 3rd call was again for those Romance Cd's. This woman was nice although she was getting annoyed with all the upsell Cd's I had to offer (and read to her about), but the call ended well. The 2 calls took me a little over 40 minutes, but it went by fast! The only thing I disliked was having to give the upsells. And I know with Direct Response orders, it comes with all of them. So I'm going to get some time and experince in with it and then hope to train for a different company like Toys'R'Us or ProFlowers, where upselling isn't as present. Just thought I'd share my first part time work at home experience with y'all!

Post 3 - Celebrity of the Week!

If you could re-live any year, what would it be and why? Probably my senior year in high school. I felt like I missed out on the fun. Stephen and I were already dating but he had graduated. And I was left to deal with his ex and a group of people that didn't like me. Wish it would've turned out different, more fun.

Are you a good dancer? I like to think I am! I mean I can definitley hear the beat and find a rythm...but as far as my moves, I'm alright I guess.

If you could only drink 3 beverages for the rest of your life- what would they be? And these beverages would make me fat right? LOL It would have to be Sweet Tea (something I discovered here in TX), Kerns Guava juice, and Dr. Pepper!

Do you wear shoes at home? Nope, there's tons of shoes and flip flops by our front door and garage door. I mean ocassionally I walk around the house in them, but most of the time they're off. And Madeline is even in the habit of putting her shoes against the wall when she comes in.

What is the last cd you bought? I don't remember, I think it was Carrie Underwood's CD.

What is the last thing you do before you go to bed? Make sure all the doors are locked, get a glass of water and take my medication (bcp) and say a prayer.

What is the last dinner that you cooked? Last night I made Seasame Asian chicken with steamed white rice.

Post 2 - Celebrity of the Week!

*Pet peeve(s)? I already answered these about DH, but in life in general it's got to be people who don't take accountability in what they do.

*Dream car? Nothing came straight to mind, but when I used to work at that Architecture firm in CA, before I got the graphics position I worked as an office assistant and remember being able to drive some of the owner's BMW's to the dealership to be maintenanced and detailed. So I wouldn't mind having a convertible beamer!

*Do you have any pets? We used to have a big fresh water aquarium in Oregon, but got rid of it when we moved to Texas. No pets right now.

Who is your favorite super hero? LOL never thought about it, would have to be some powerful girl - so maybe cat woman!

Favorite current children's show? Definitely the Backyardigans - I wish I could pull some of their dance moves!

Have you seen any movie nominated for best picture? (I haven't even heard of them) I'm so out off the loop with movies - I just looked at the list and haven't even heard of any of them!

What's your favorite candle scent? I won this candle at a babyshower in 2006, Tahitian Vanilla - smells so yummy!

Do you like cooking or baking more? Probably baking because it's more rewarding at the end, since whatever I bake usually lasts for a few days!

Favorite movie (can't remember if you had this already)? I did have this question, Fools Rush In is one of them.

If you wrote any kind of book, what would it be about? I really enjoyed "The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy", read it with both pregnancies and I never laughed so hard - I wouldn't mind writing my own version getting stories and tips from my best friends.

Do you text message? Yup with DH and my best friend every day!

What are your favorite tivo'd shows that you and Dh watch? Prison Break, CSI Miami, Biggest Loser, The Apprentice, Scott Baio 46...and pregnant, Ghost Whisperer...are to name a few right now.

Do you keep your nails long or short? I'd say in between. Luckily I was blessed with my Dad's strong nails, so I can grow them pretty long and they look nice. But I no longer paint them since I wash my hands so much taking care of the kids.

Foot rubs or back rubs? BACK RUBS! I have scoliosis, so my back is often sore and I love getting back rubs!

What time do you go to bed and get up? In bed between midnight and 1am. Up at 8am M-F and on the weekends, if the kids allow it I'll sleep in until 9am.

What does your dream house look like? Great question! My dream house would be a Tuscan Style Home, with beautiful stone work, clay barrel roof tiles, wrought iron fixtures and stair handles, it would have a family area courtyard outside with a fireplace, and a guest house attached.

DH on the other hand likes the Traditional American Style Homes. His big thing is having a wrap around porch, that you can have rocking chairs on and stuff. So I guess we'll have to come to a compromise if we get to ever build our dream home! LOL

What would you name another child - name for each if you had one right now? For a girl I thought of another French name like Madeline, either Gwendolyn or Monique. For a boy I like Samuel or Soloman.

What is your favourite historical building? Did you ever see it in person? I've seen a lot of old buildings in Europe and I love the architecture. But I'd have to say the ruins at Chitza-Nitza on the Yucatan Penisula were pretty amazing! Went on a trip to Cancun with my parents when I was in middle school. Climbed those steep stairs to the top with my Dad and brothers!

Do you have a favourite painting or piece of art/sculpture? I love Paul Gauguin's work, especially his Tahitian collection. This is one of my favs:

What's your favorite channel on the TV? TLC

Are there any kid's shows that your kids love but you hate? Probably Wow Wow Wubzy.

What's your favorite type of cake? My best friend's mom always makes her a strawberry cake with stawberry icing for her birthday, I never make it but love it!

What is your best talent? I'd probably have to say my penmanship. I've always been complemented on it. I took Calligraphy when I was young and also in college for one of my Graphic Design courses. I hand addressed my brother's wedding invitations - didn't do my own though. LOL

Favorite place to eat in Austin? The Hula Hut!

Any plans for Valentines day? Nope. But DH and I are going to Michael Buble's concert on 2/27 so we'll probably do a nice dinner out that night.

What was your favorite year in H.S- why? Probably my sophmore year, Robyn and I were best friends. She got her license we spent our weekends at her Dad's beach house. It was fun careless times!

Do you sing in the shower or the car? Maybe sometimes in the car if a favorite song comes on.

How many hours do you get to sleep on average? How many would you like? Probably 7, but they're not straight through. Would like 8-9!

What was the first vacation you and dh took together? (maybe pictures??!!) For my graduation from high school my parents sent us to Hawaii for a week to stay at my Oom and Tante's. We had a ton of fun, going to the Polynesian Cultural Center and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!

Happy Birthday Wyatt & Bree!

More birthday shout outs!!! :-)

To our oldest nephew, Happy 12th Birthday Wyatt!!! We miss you a ton and hope you have a fabulous day!!! Hugs and kisses from Madeline & James!


My dear Bree...happy 29th sweetie!!! I know I don't have to worry about you not doing something fun for your special day - you're always having fun! Miss you a ton, we can't wait to see you in Cali this March. Take care!

Post 1 - Celebrity of the Week!

Each week I chat with a bunch of women on http://www.babycenter.com/. I've been chatting with them since my pregnancy with James started. We all had due dates in the first week of October (although most of us gave birth the end of September). Anyhow, it's a lot of fun chatting with these girls, we've all become "cyber friends". Well each week we choose 1 mom to be the "celebrity of the week", ask them all sort of questions, and really get to know them better. Well I was picked for this week. So I thought I'd share some of my Q and A's I've gotten and done so far!

Favorite movie?
Tough one! I love the movie “Fools Rush In” with Salma Hayek.


Kid's book? Toes, Ears & Nose lift-the-flap book, and also a baby book my relatives sent from Holland called "Baby's Eerste Woorden Boek".


TV Show? Like my blinkie says, I’m a LOST addict. Man I can’t wait for it to come back on!


Favorite outfit to see each of your kids in? This blue Hawaiian outfit my previous supervisor sent while she was visiting family in Hawaii. He’s of course outgrown it. But I did find a similar one at Children’s Orchard (consignment store) that was the same brand. James will be able to wear it this summer.

On Madeline it has to be her first 2 Easter dresses. MIL bought them for her, and they were just beautiful! I love purple on her.


Biggest Fashion Disaster? Has to be when I was in 5th grade and those skirts with shorts underneath them were popular. Man I wish I had a pic!

How many children to you picture yourself having when you were a kid? Gosh I think it was 2-3, so I guess I’m on track!

Do you and dh have nicknames for each other? I always call DH by his full name Stephen (using his middle name too if I’m mad), but most everyone calls him Steve. I also call him Honey. He calls me Lissa, that’s been my nickname my whole life.

Can you post your fave pic of your dh and yourself?
Has to be this nostalgic photo, our first taken together only 3 weeks after we started dating at his senior prom in 1996. When we both look at it we say, "Man we used to be HOT!" ;-)

What was the first thing you noticed about DH? Well actually it was when his girlfriend at the time came up to me at the lockers in high school to ask me about my job at Chevy's. He was standing next to her, smiled at me and I noticed his gorgeous eyes and handsome face. He won "best eyes" both in 8th grade and his senior year.

What is the one thing you always have in your purse- that is out of the ordinary? Gosh nothing really out of the ordinary, maybe some Purol (it's a Dutch oinment, can be used as lip balm or an antibiotic cream).


what celeb would you trade places with for a weekend? And what would you do as them? Ooohhh, fun question! I'd be Oprah! Seems she has the money and ability to do anything! I'd host a "Few of My Favorite Things Show" with all my family, friends and AB friends in the audience!


what is the worst thing you ever ate? My Dad eats this fruit called Durian. He ate it as a kid in Indonesia. Let me tell you I know from a mile away when he is eating it because it has the most awful pungent smell - like dirty feet or something! I tried it but cannot get over the smell, yuck!

Have you ever traveled to another country? Which one(s)? Yes, one of the benefits growing up and flying for free with TWA!!! I've been to many different countries including Mexico, Canada, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, and Fiji!



If you were stuck on an island, what is one item you could not live without (aside from the essentials)? It's a toss up between chocolate or pizza!

Favorite type of music? I actually have a pretty broad range in taste of music. My all time favorite is Miss Janet Jackson!

I also love Hawaiian music, IZ is my favorite artist.

I also listen to a lot of country like Kenny Chesney.


What's the last movie you saw in the theater? Did you like it? Ratatouille, it was cute!

Favorite ice cream? Blue Bell's Anniversary cake flavor! It has yummy chunks of cake and armaretto icing!


Who in your life is your closest girlfriend and why? I've known my best friend (really I consider her my sister) since my freshman year in highschool, so about 15 years now. It was really hard when I moved away from CA not being able to see and hang out with her. But we remain best friends, text daily, talk on the phone every other day - we can always pick up from where we left off and tell eachother anything. I love her to pieces. My kids call her Aunty Robyn.


What is one of your proudest moments? My most recent proudest moment would have to be James' birth. I was so terrified I'd have a repeat L&D like DD's (31 hours, 3 hours pushing). But I stayed super calm, got through it all within 15 hours, and pushed him out in 15 minutes. Maybe it helped my mom was in the room this time.


What is your favorite thing about yourself? I have a really good memory and most of the time it works to my advantage!

Biggest pet peeve? My husband leaving laundry on the floor, lights on and cupboards open - opps that was 3!

What is one thing you would like to learn more about? Interesting question as just recently I've been learning about the Mormon religion - not that I'm converting (strong Catholic here!) but DH has a handful of relatives who are Mormon, so I've been emailing back and fourth with them to find out more.

What 3 adjectives best describe you right now in life? Tough question...colorful, sympathetic and faithful (are those even adj.!? LOL)

Where do you see yourself/family in 5 years? Gosh probably still here in TX, finally owning our own home, maybe traveling a bit more since the kids will be a little older.

You have 2 hours to yourself, what do you do with that time? I desperately need a haircut and my eyebrows waxed, throw in a spa pedicure too!

If you could instantly be transported anywhere for a day, where would you choose? The Sistine Chapel, I think a previous question was where I would want to travel next and I said Italy and Greece.

What did you eat for lunch today? Made the kids, DH and I spaghetti and meatballs, except made it with tube shaped pasta. Yum!

What is your favorite spicy food? My homemade Salsa!


What is the next realistic vacation you would like to take? Realistically we are going to California in March. We'll be celebrating my 30th birthday, Easter and attending my cousins wedding. This will be our first time having the Hertz perk, so it'll be cool to have our own rental car instead of depending on our parents for rides or to borrow their car.

What is your favorite day of the week? Wednesdays! DH has W-Th off, so we finally get to relax that day and watch all of our TIVO'd shows!

Stay tuned for another post with more of my Q and A's later this week!