I've been browsing for coffee table and sofa sets !  We're not buying anytime soon as we're waiting for Peanut to hit at least 2 or 3 year old.  Our white leather dining chairs have been decorated with pen marks and paint here and there so we know better not to buy anything right now.  Our furniture is practical and meant to be destroyed at the moment.  I can't help but dream of the day where my tables doesn't have plastic corner covers.  I like to do online-browsing just to get ideas of what I want.

Currently I don't really have a theme or a look I'm after.  If I have to come up with words to describe my taste I would say urban rustic.  Modern design with lots of wood furniture, clean lines, no curves or fancy work, just plain straight.

When buying I like to buy for longevity.  Furniture are expensive so you want something that last and doesn't scream a certain era.  The big ticketed items like sofa and table and accent tables, I like to stick to neutral solid color.  This allowed the piece to easily match up with anything.  To add colors and set the tone with the room, I like to spice it up with cushions and accessories.  These are usually not very expensive and with careful planning, you can change the look of the room according to season without spending too much.

Here are some ideas of living room set up that  I like.  I wish I have large living room with tall ceiling, exposed beams and lots of windows.  Instead I have a long narrow living room so I find it quite challenging to lay out the furniture.  So far it looks ok but I still need to play around with the set up.

A friend and I was messaging each other about our babies.  She loves staring at her baby girl and seeing her expressions.  While I love looking at Nolan and seeing my effect on him.

When Nolan is up from sleep, he would lay next to me kicking, staring into the ceiling and turning his head to me once in a while to see if I am up.  Usually his constant kicking would wake me up and I usually lay there for a good 10 min. with eyes closed.  It's an internal battle of waking up and kiss him or trying to sleep some more.  And kissing the boy always win.  I would turn to Nolan and whisper "hi Nolan" and he would responded with a huge smile that turns into a chuckle, and his two legs go into super ninja kick and arms flapping.  He's so happy to see me.  And it's not because I am his food or because he needs changing !  If he's hungry or has wet diaper, this boy would wail until he gets what he wants.  He is simply happy to see and hear me !  Happy that someone who loves him so much is gazing on him and he loves her just the same !  My kids first love is me, yup, their mother :)  I am the first body they lay on after they came out of me, the first face they see and the first set of arms encircling them, making them feel warm and safe.  This makes me think of my mom and reminded me that she was my first love and not to take her for granted.  I love her dearly.   

Friends often ask me, "what's on sale for kids clothes", knowing I'm always hunting for deals !  So for this month, since I have some gift cards to spend, I did some digging around and here are a few good sales happening.

Children's Place is having 50% off everything ONLINE.  Free Shipping on all orders !  Perfect time to pick up swimsuit or rashguard !  I once waited until closer to summer to buy kids swim wear and it was sold out everywhere.  Great time for summer dresses, hats and sunglasses too !!!

We picked up some fun colorful dresses and sunglasses !  The girls are into anything happy and rainbow :-)

Sunglasses are $3.25 (after the 50% off)

H&M is having 20% off their kids clothes.  I like their basic clothes line (under shirts, leggings, camis) because the quality is good and some are organic.  They also have super cute t-shirts and dresses this season.  H&M doesn't have too many of these 20% off sales so stock up on some basics if anything.  H&M is one store I don't wait for items to go on sales because they rarely do (for the kids clothes) and when they do, only few are left and most are babies sizes.

The link to their coupon is below.  If you don't have data on phone like me, save a picture of it on your phone and present to cashier.   There's no special code so just snap a picture of the offer in the link and show it to them.  It's only 1 coupon for customer but I've used mine twice already !  I don't know how they limit 1 per customer when coupon is on the phone :-/

http://www.hm.com/ca/la533-coupon-kids-print

Some items I picked up:

Cute spring/summer tees for $9.99 each

2 camis for $12.99

2 tank tops for $12.99

JELLY SANDALS from OLD NAVY and GYMBOREE

Our girls are into jelly sandals at the moment !  If you have girls that like sparkly stuff, Old Navy has some pretty cute ones on sale.  We paid $7.50 for each pair.  Gymboree has some cute ones too but they are $21 (or $15 if they have their usual 30% new items sale).  I bought the kids clear ones from Gymboree first only to discover cheaper ones from Old Navy, a week later, and just as cute.  

Old Navy basket style on the left and Gymboree stars style on the right.

The girls have been wearing them around our yard digging, climbing and playing hopscotch in them.  So far no blister or cuts.  We had a pair a while back and they last through all the stomping and all the rain.  I like that they can get really dirty from all the dirt in our yard and when sprayed off with water, they look as good as new again. 

Gap has 40% off everything last week, watch their online page for this kind of sale again, as they should have a repeat soon.  I picked up 2 dresses for the girls as I really like deep shade of the blue !  it's a nice break from all the pink and purple don't you think ?

 I'm quite happy with all the kids purchases last week.  We are set for summer and I didn't spend very much.  Thanks to all the sales and gift cards :D

Us earlier on in the day, playing at the playground, petting dog, enjoying lemonade and hunting for eggs.

Maureen's voice sped through my brain, cut through over 10 years of stored memories, "the little sh*thead thinks he can get away with it!"

Mo, as we dearly call her, was telling me how her son was trying to get out of trouble, to which I don't remember the exact details.  I don't know why I remember that exact phrase, perhaps it perfectly described how she felt then and I stored it away for day like today.  My two kids were exactly, I'm afraid to say, that.

If you know me I rarely curse since 15.  But sometime, just sometime, when you feel so crazy frustrated, angry, annoyed and amused all at the same time, a curse word seems to be the only word that can express how you feel, to take the edge of it, to release some steam.  That's me today ! I looked at my two kids rubbing their shirts on the wall in the changing room at the pool.  I told them not to touch the damp wet walls and they decided to rub their shirt and the arms of the shirt on them, to see how wet those walls are !!!!  I moved them away only to find their newly washed feet stomping on a muddy pool of water on the floor.  "Muddy puddle mommy" they chanted !  More like gross murky water left behind from the people before us. Then they refused to put on their pants because I forgot to pack their undies.  I told them I am sorry and that we can put it on when we are home.  We need to put on pants to go out.  They reluctantly let me put on their pants then the little one unexpected yelled "haha daddy will like to see my bum bum".

After I changed them and moved on to me, before I can slip my t-shirt pass my head, the eldest one goes, "can we go out now ?  Daddy is outside".  I told her they need to wait for me.  In that 2 minutes, they bent down to look outside the changing room, jiggled the door handle, pushed each other, and rubbed their body on the door up and down.  Whatever the hell happened ?  I didn't give them any sugar.  Sure we had lemonade made with honey at 3:30pm but it is now 9pm, surely it must have gone through their system already.  If not the 1 hour in the pool must have worked it off.  Where do they get all these energy ?

When we were out of the changing room, I told them to wash their hand since they touched everything in the room, including the floor !  While washing their hands they asked why there are so many hairs in the sink and then attempted  to touch them !!!  WHY ????  WHY ???????????????

My patience at that moment is running on negative.  Screw cleanliness and let them be dirty.  Seriously if they want to touch slimy foamy gross hair balls in the sink and want to jump in brown questionable puddle then go ahead.  I don't care any more!  

After they "washed" their hands, I asked them to dry their hair under the dryer.  They started to fight over who should use what while I put my head under a dryer to dry mine own hair.  When I turn to the side to talk to them, all I see was them inching away from me, walking out of the changing room.  They really know how to pissed me off.  I rushed out after them, asking what they think they're doing, they chirped "WE don't know English !  We only understand viet-tamese !!".  What little shi*theads!  No more swimming for you for a month.

Then the little one pulled down her pants, in front of a room full of people, and turned her bum towards C, saying "look daddy, no underwear !  mommy forgot!"    

All these happened in a span of 15 minutes.  15 super long minutes.

I jotted down this post on a notepad that night.  As I complete this post today (the next day), we are whispering "I love you" to each other over a sleeping baby.  Yeah, there are crazy moments with these kids for sure and surely it doesn't stop here.  However they are pieces that make up our beautiful complicated relationship.  

In a house where scenes from Frozen movie are being acted out everyday, I was preparing for another Frozen party.   As I type this post, scene of "Elsa, Elsa, are you in there ?  "Go away Anna" is happening in our bathroom, with one kid on each side of the door.  Perhaps Bee sensed we're overloaded with Frozen hence she asked me if she can have a Minion party !!!  Okay....Minions it is then !  Those yellow pill-like looking creatures are so darn cute.  Bee do bee do bee do !!!!!!  I welcomed a break from all the pink :)

We talked to Bee about her party and she wanted to invite all her friends to come = whole class.  This is my first time planning a party for school kids !  I was a little nervous thinking of entertaining a room full of little munchkins running around and meeting their parents.  First thing I did was scouting out a party place.  Those kid themed jungle gym are fun but none near us let us bring in our own food.  They have pizza and hot dog for kids and Bee doesn't eat those.  I don't want her to starve on her birthday !  We decided to rent out a room and gym in a community center close by.

The day before the party we made a chocolate rice krispies cake together.  I really wanted to order a cake so it's less work for me but Bee said she wanted a rice krispies cake like Lovebug, but with no icing (fondant).  In keeping with the theme, Bee brought out the minions she got from Kinder eggs and used as cake topper.  We also went and picked up yellow and blue cupcakes from Cassia cupcakery.

Such good little helper she is !  She made a K with pink marshmallow on her cake  and helped me with dividing candies and folding the candy treat boxes.

THE MORNING OF:

They turned into zombie while waiting !

Bee and Love were soooooo excited for the party.  They woke up at 7am, got dressed and ran around the house; sliding in their socks and screaming.  They kind of annoyed me but C reminded me, when was the last time I'm excited like this. and the only recent one I can think of was the day I get to meet Nolan.  But it was different.  I realized as adult we don't get excited anymore :-(  kinda sad.  So I let the kids scream and yell and do whatever they want !!!  It's a special day for them, yes not just with Bee, Love felt it's her party too.  Top it all off, it's SUNNY !  no rain !!!  Thank God !

Once arrived to the community center, I went and set up our lunch room while the kids went to the gym.  They had a lot of fun playing in there.  The bouncy castle was most popular !  We had 1 hour in the gym and 1 hour in the activities room for lunch.  I felt it was a bit too short but the center was quite nice and let us stayed over half an hour later.  Many of the kids asked if they can go back into the gym :-(  I think I would go the jungle gym route next time just because they can play longer.  I have 1 year to convince Bee to like pizza !!!  

Couple of things I learned as a first timer school party host.  Book early !  Whether it's the jungle gym or community center or a hall, book the place as early as you can for a better room selection, date and timing.  Bee's party was on Easter Sunday long weekend and the last weekend of spring break. A double whammy :(  We expected more but had a total of 12 kids and a few babies.  The room we rented has no kitchen so we have to plan food accordingly.  We went with pizza and KFC (for Bee).  Snacks were kettle popcorn, chips (variety case), and a large tray of fruits (if you have time, make your own fruits tray as it's fresh and cheaper), and drink were water and a case of different type of juices (40). 

Fruits for the hungry happy kiddos !

If you're planning for something like this, keep in mind that kids don't eat much food !  They're distracted and high on energy so they eat little but drink a lot !  I also noticed they ate a lot of fruits and popcorn !  For 20 adults and 12 kids, we ordered 6 large specialty pizza, 3 medium pepperoni for the kids, and 30 pieces of KFC.  We had about 1/3 left over of food.  Snacks, drinks and dessert (30 mini cupcakes and 20 rice krispies squares) were just right, with little left over.

I'm glad it's all over and done !!!  The kids got their parties, we hosted the best we can and don't have to plan for any birthday party for the rest of this year !  Yay !  Anywho, details of the decor are below.  The cake stands are from Ikea and Homesense.  They are great investment as you buy once and you can reuse for all parties.  The minion toys are borrowed from my friend Judy = no cost !  I believe you can pick up same ones or similar ones at Walmart or Toys R Us.  Have fun decorating and if you need an opinion on your party plan feel free to email me !

WHERE TO BUY: 

- Yellow tissue paper for yellow buff ball, Dollar Daze, $1 a pack (1 light yellow & 1 yellow)
- Minion Happy Birthday sign, Dollar Daze, $3
- Yellow polka dots popcorn/treat box, Dollar Daze, $2 for 8
- Blue polka dots napkins, Dollarama, $1.25 a pack
- Minion table cover, Walmart, $3
- Minion paper plates, Walmart, $3 for 8
- Minion treat bags, Walmart, $4 for 8
- Minion cupcake liner, Michaels, $4 a pack

GOODY BAG: 
(I might forego this next year, as I feel it's so much work finding and filling these little bags.  I think we will get them to make something instead and send the kids home with something more useful/meaningful)

- Crayola crayons, Walmart, $2 a pack of 24
- Playdoh, Walmart, $1 for 1 (1 blue and 1 yellow color (minion color))
- Minions pencils, Walmart
- Blue polka dots candy box, Walmart (Grandview), party section, $1 for pack of 8
- Jelly Belly & M&M Easter Eggs (to divide into blue Walmart candy boxes), Costco
- Baby MumMum for babies, Walmart

I told Bee I wanted to take some pictures of her.  She ran off to put on all her Kinder Surprise's accessories, hair clip, ring and bracelet !

My daughter turned 6 today.  She's a 6 year old kid now !  Oh mind !  It feels like she's been around forever but also in the same time it feels like time flew by us.  Not long ago I was holding her in my arms, oh and ah over how cute and tiny she is.

Since the day she came into our lives, Bee's always been a happy, full of spirit child.  She's generous with her smile and kisses.  "I want to grow up to be a great helper" she told us.  She wants to assist with everything.  With the new baby, she wants to hold Peanut, soothe him when he cries, and entertain him.  She also started helping Love to wash her hands, dress her, and wipe her bum bum !  I had to protest against that, complaining that it's my job :-)  (I really need to make sure bum bum are cleaned according to my standards).

Bee helps out often in the kitchen.  From washing to mixing to setting up table, she's eager to lend a helping hand.  Kids thrive, I find, when we include them in 'big people" activities, as long as it's not dangerous, like using knives or being near hot stove !  Bee would tell me "I want to help so you can rest".  Melt my heart that girl !

It's exciting to see Bee growing into a girl.  She takes note of herself in front of the mirror, fix her hair, and fuss over how she looks before school or going out.  She'll complain if her inside shirt is longer than outside, or if her socks' bottom doesn't sit on the heel properly.  She's very particular and proper.  One thing I discovered recently is that Bee treasured things (or hoarding, like me :-)  Up on her bunk bed are little toys that she got from Happy meals or Kinder eggs.  She liked them so she kept them and lined them up neatly next to each other.  She even keeps little nice note paper !!  Her bed area is very organized and neat.  If Lovebug take or move anything she will notice it right away.  Very much like her daddy !

This year, being in kindergarten, brings about the most changes.  She expresses her feeling in more details and also learned to fibs :(  she always start her confession to me with "I'm sorry mommy", then proceed with telling me what she lied about.  Like rolling down the hill on her own or giving Love boogers and tell her to eat it !!!  I told her to please keep telling me the truth and be honest.  I will not get mad.  C told her the never cry wolf story to show her the importance of telling the truth.  Hopefully it sticks !

Right now Bee's day is all about counting and spelling.  She likes to spell everything out, sound out every letter, syllable, and word.  She's very good with them and can spell and write simple word on her own, like:  milk, me, to, from, love, day, happy, mom, dad, go, today, I, mommy, daddy, dog, cat, you, fish, etc.

I noticed that Bee enjoys math.  Her fun activity is me writing down math equations for her to solve.  We're working  with addition and subtraction from 1-20 right now.  From 1-10 is too easy, she can spit out the answer pretty much instantly.  Her 2nd report card reported that she exceeds expectations in Math.  Woo hoo !  

Bee recently completed her Special Helper task at school.  It was a huge moment for all of us !  She used to be so scare and wake up at night crying over it (seeing her name coming up on the special helper's list). Her teacher said she noticed her stress and will help her.  Then a couple months ago Bee told me she's going to be brave and try to do it.  She did it and she said she's not afraid anymore.  She did it twice now.  So proud of her.  That's how things are with Bee, she takes a bit of time to process and get use to things then when she's ready she will go for it.  She likes to observe everything first.  A trait from her daddy.  Who takes time with things, who's safe and all about prevention.  Unlike her mom, who rushed into things and does things on impulse often !!!

We have many crafting days and through it I find that Bee is very creative.  Give her a few items and she'll come up with something interesting.  I'm still so impressed with the paper dollie hairband she made.   Besides crafts, her favorite pass time is Lego, reading, painting, drawing, writing, making cards, dancing to Jessie's girl, playing dolls, playing games with us, being tickled, and role play.  In the last 2 weeks she's started to play video games with C.  She is quite good with it.  She never ceased to impress me.  

Bee's currently focusing on being funny and brave.  She's still quiet when around a big group, still doesn't respond if more than 1 adult is talking to her, and if too many eyes are on her, she'll freeze.  "It's how Jesus made me" she said, when asked why she doesn't talk to aunties or uncles when they talked to her.  I agreed, she is a fine girl the way she is.  I am very proud of her.  My darling girl, I can't wait to create more memories with you !

  

The girls were naughty today !  Bee emptied a half bottle of bubble bath into the tub, mixed it with water and told Love to flung the suds everywhere.  She happily complied !  I was upset at them but couldn't stay angry long because Bee said Sorry and followed it with "when someone say sorry, you have to forgive them".  My words against me.  I wanted them out of  the bathroom so I poured bubbles over them and they squealed in delight !  Not the reactions I was looking for so I poured more bubbles until they yelled "NO more bubble!".  While trying to clean up all the bubbles, the kids started to squirt water on me so I sprayed them back with a bit of cold water.  The cold water was all that's needed to end their frolic and they promised not to do this again. 

After getting them cleaned and getting the bathroom cleaned, I found myself rambling on about how could they do this and how Bee should know better.  Bee must have heard me because she came to me and handed me a paper.  She drew me a picture of a broken heart and 3 stick persons with our names.  She said our hearts are all broken (over what happened).  I saw an X with arrow in the middle of the heart and asked what it is.  She said, it's the because the heart cannot fit back together.  "What can we do to put it back together ?"  I asked her, and asked her what she think will mend it.  She said "we say I love You and hug!" and we did just that.  Even though the picture was of my broken heart (because I'm upset), their hearts are broken too because they're sad that I'm angry at them.  Bee is like that, so darn sentimental.  She's so sweet, how can one be mad at her.  All is forgotten !

The girls' energy were still high so they were wrestling with each other.  I never like them wrestle because someone will surely always gets hurt.  So I suggested they have a hopping contest !  I took out my old leg warmers for them to use.  The warmers were so stretchy, they're perfect to be worn like a tube on each girl.  With their legs tight inside the warmer, they hopped from one end of the house to another !  once they fall it's so hard to get up.  We all got such good laugh from this.   We shall do this again !