Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Layla + 2 guests

On Sunday, we had a wonderful afternoon with an adorable 21 months old girl, Layla and her parents (David's cousins.) Everything was so new for Layla because she kept saying, "Wow!"

Once she walked in, she felt like she was in a toy land place : toys were all over in the living room, garage and backyard. She played with the trains and cars. Not only playing with the toys, she even had a chance to pet our guiena pig, Fluffy.

While she was exploring, she even would climb upstairs without her mom's approval. Her mom, Melissa did take her down. Of course, she went right straight up as if she acted like she had her own freedom !

Besides playing with the toys, we had a festive lunch and went out to a community club where they had two swimming pools. One of the swimming pools suited her well: only was 1 to 1.5 feet deep. She loved it ! She even was braved enough to have her face flopped over in the water and then had her face back up in the air. While we were in the wading pool, Dylan and Ryan also dared to give Sean a big splash on his face. They exchanged the giggles.

After we were in a pool no more than an hour, we had a nice snack before we exchanged a good-bye hug. Boy, she was struggling not to sleep before she and her parents headed for home. On her way home, she had 2.5 hours of nap.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Right- Handed Helper

After I ran few errands with Dylan and Ryan, I decided to swing by a grocery store before heading for home. Ryan fell asleep in our mini-van due to waking up at 6:30 A.M!. (This is his first nap he have had this summer.) Truthfully, I didn't want to delay my long listing to do for the day. I ended up putting Ryan in a shopping cart.

Good grief, Dylan volunteered to help me by pushing the shopping cart while I collected small food items in other shopping cart. He made my afternoon a little easier, rather than delaying my errands or dragging Ryan over my shoulder.

While Dylan and I were at the grocery store, we got lots of comments from the customers: " Oh look at the little boy sleeping in a shopping cart," " Oh, look how cute!"

Swimming Lesson

Today was the first day of a summer swimming lesson for both Dylan and Ryan. It was great because there were TWO VERY SMALL CLASSES.

Ryan started off his swimming lesson with only one other pupil in his class. His teacher took him and other student very easy by starting with blowing bubbles,feet splashing and doing the dog paddles. Eventually, he put his faces under the water.

The last few minutes of his first day of a swimming lesson, the instructor gave them the privilege to play with the water toys. Ryan found a way to give an instructor a surprise by shooting the water at her. Fortunately, she laughed and decided to tit for tit with him. This took him a real surprise.

While Dylan and I were waiting for Ryan to complete his first day of a swimming lesson, Dylan pleaded to take a picture of me. Admittedly, he did pretty good for the first time to take a picture of me. (I didn't smile because I didn't expect it would turn out good for the first shot. The next time will do. ) I did the same as for him, too.

After the swimming lesson has ended for Ryan, he took a few minutes of rest while his brother was at the lesson. He looked very relaxing with his new sunglasses. While Ryan was resting, this is a first time in three years I didn't have to go in the water with either of the boys. I just left the boys out to the swimming instructors and allowed me to relax while watching them learning to swim (that's what we paid for!)

When it was Dylan's turn to swim, Ryan was on the other side of a swimming pool. No need to freak it out-- the water was only 1 to 1 1/2 feet deep. Thank goodness or I would have to grow more gray hair for being worry-warts without having David around.

Dylan was the only pupil on his first day of a swimming lesson. What a great advantage for him to have on one to one attention. He really needed that a lot because he is petrified of the deep water without a life jacket. This is the first time out of three summer swimming lessons; Dylan appeared to be dauntless by trying to swim across the pool. For instance, he was willing to put his face in the water, blowing bubbles, and swam across the pool at 3 1/2 feet without touching his feet at the bottom of the pool (He is 4 feet and 1 inches tall.)Tall enough to cheat himself in the water, but he knew that he has to show his efforts at the end of his swimming lessons in order for us to buy him and Ryan a new toy. Aren't they spoiled, or am I being reasonable?

We will see what's happening at the end of their swimming lesson on August 9th. I will keep you posted.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Reluctant Learner

For the summer, I had a destination in teaching my younger son, Ryan, a five year old, several varieties of fun, educational lessons. Sometimes, I did succeed in teaching him such as writing the alphabet letters on the white board. Other times, he just refused to do the lesson; even though, I had bribed him for rewarding. He just simply knew and said, "NO, I don't want....."

This morning, I had tried to teach him basic concepts such as by throwing: one, some or all of the tangerines into a wicked vampire pail. Since I failed being as a mother-teacher, I had thought that if I had Dylan acted like a teacher because he is nearly the same age as Ryan's. It worked, but unfortunately, it lasted for at least two minutes.

Then Ryan announced, " I don't want to throw oranges. "

My stunning reply, "Why?"

Unexpectedly, he said, "Because I'm sick of the fun."

I admit that I was pretty sad that I didn't get across to him that it is a fun, educational game. Perhaps, the next time will do.

Window Art Project

After we got Dylan's Window Art book from Borders bookstore, he had long wanted it instead of getting one of his favorite books: tons of Dora's books. He was hysterically when we purchased for his Summer Window Art project. In fact, he couldn't stop chattering about his upcoming art project to the clerk, gas station man and even us before we arrived home at nine. Believe it or not, he wanted to start his project at Nine P.M! Of course, my answer was, No, you need to wait until in the morning."

At Six A.M, he immediately wanted to start his art project in his pajama without a breakfast! Who would think clearly without having food in his stomach? Probably he could beat this without having a single food in his stomach. But as a mean, strict mom, I told him that he must eat a breakfast and a shower. Thank goodness for not having any morning trouble with Dylan, he followed my instructions.

After he had a breakfast and a shower, he immediately started his project. He did not have any trouble doing it without my help. Well I admit, I only helped him a little bit. Yet, I have to say that I'm pleased to say Dylan does have art talent just like my mom's. Just check it out on my mom's artwork under my link's blog.

Once his project was all done, he was standing up so tall. Now, he knows that he has to wait for 24 hours before putting it up on the windows... I surely hope there are not too many window art projects all over our house! In order to prevent from having all over the house, maybe he can do it at your windows. Would you be interested having his window art in your home?

Thursday, July 26, 2007

If I could....

Is it the weather affecting my mood? Or shall I write a Dear Abby letter venting my frustration and get an advice?

I would make a bet that the Dear Abby would tell me to hand my two sons to my dear husband David to take care of them for the weekend. Oh, wouldn't that be a great gift??? Or would I get a "Neglect Mother of the Year?" if I dump them to my hard-working husband over the weekend. Or would I end up having my face on 20/20 News telling the world that I should not have dump my two innocent kids over to my hard working husband???

If the judge isn't that flexible, I would be ending up in psychiatric counseling and doing the community services at Children's Hospital or Head-Start Schools.

If I am lucky for having the judge's sympathy, then he would grant me to have the opportunities for the weekend I need.

If I could get away, I would:

1) get a pedicure,manicure, and wax my eyebrow
2) sleep late in the morning
3) go to scrapbook workshop
4) swimming for an hour of each day
5) read a book I need to catch it up.
(click the icon for a larger image)

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

THAT'S ENOUGH !?!












In the past, I honesty never have or ever like to take pictures of others-- simply didn't want to be the responsible of carrying a camera with me. This all has changed until I created my own scrapbooks and blogs. Now, I have valid excuses to carry a camera or taking pictures from my "camera" pager in almost every place I attend.

This time, I have enclosed the pictures I took over the past few months. Few of the pictures were not really attractive when they felt that they had enough of me taking pictures of them. Ryan especially did not like taking pictures of him. He would simply yelled at me, "Don't take anymore pictures!" Dylan would instead give me a "threat" message by telling me that he has to move out and to live in with a different family. I just laughed and always found a way to convince them to love me at the end. Isn't that easy?

But someday, I will put their faces in their own scrapbook.












Monday, July 23, 2007

A Gift for My Husband

This is a surprise anniversary gift for my wonderful, handsome, loving husband, David. I surely wanted to share with you all of what I have created especially for David.

I have also included subtitle for everyone to read, and the music for those who can hear.

Enjoy the view.

P.S. If you are curious why we picked the 24th for our wedding day, it is because we knew it is a first day of our life together, "Pioneer Day."

Begging Ducks

It is so hard to resist ducks begging for attention, it would seem to be a good idea to provide them bread and crackers in order to make them happy and healthy. I grew up with great memories of feeding ducks with bread and crackers at El Dorado Park in Long Beach. Instead of feeding them at El Dorado Park, I drove to a nearby park where Dylan and Ryan could feed the begging ducks that were searching around for food.

This time, both Dylan and Ryan were assertive by providing them the bread. Dylan was kind enough to share the bread with his brother, Ryan. While we were there, one of the geese was brave enough to walk up toward to Ryan because they were about the same height.

After we ran out of bread, we took our time to observe the ducks. Dylan thought it was boring to be a duck because they don't have too much fun like we do. Who can we argue with Dylan's point of view?

Once we returned home, I later learned it is critical NOT to feed them the nutritions such as bread, crackers, corn, carrots and green because it could lead them having health complications. Gulp! Needless to say, I felt so guilty for feeding them the worst nutrition: bread. It was suggested to give them a waterfowl diet from a Pet Store. The next time, we would be guilty-free!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Dylan's Tasty Ribs

We went out to Cathy and Richard's pad, Dylan and Ryan's grandparents for a delicious dinner. While we were there, Doug was cooking ribs for all of us.

The problem was created by Cathy that led Dylan believing ribs were not free. He actually thought it cost him a ten dollar for ten prime ribs. Since he did not have any extra money with him, he ran toward to his dad who was napping. He was desperately for money to have prime ribs. Cathy had a change of heart by lending him a dollar so he could give it to Doug, Dylan's great uncle, who was serving us tasty ribs.

Before he served Dylan and others for a dinner, Doug also caused a real scare of Dylan.


Dylan: Are you going to eat me for dinner?

Doug: Sure, we can eat your ribs!


Everyone teased him, including Beth and Pam that we would be eating his ribs. From that moment, he started having a GREAT scare that we were actually serious. His tears rolled down his cheeks.

Boy, weren't we all wicked? Luckily, Cathy came up to comfort him.

He even told the next door neighbor that they must bring a dollar for each rib. Believe it or not, the neighbor actually gave Doug a dollar for each rib. (Of course, we returned the money back to the next neighbor.)

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

This past week, I have tried to come up with activities with my sons while David goes to work instead of playing with the computers, T.V. or playing with cars. All I got lame excuses from Ryan and Dylan which drove me up the wall. :-)

First last Thursday, David and I took them out to feed the ducks with the bread. At that time, the ducks were not hungry. I told them that we would have to come back at a better time. For three straight days, I did ask them whether they wanted to go back and feed the ducks. Dylan said, "No, I don't want the ducks to hurt me." Ryan replied, "No, I don't want to go out."

Second, I have came up with another suggestion, " how about going out for a bike riding?" Ryan said loudly, "No ride bike. I want to stay home."

Third, I even tried to ask them if they wanted to go out for a bookstore, park, or doing the art. Nothing convinced them, even going to a swimming pool!

At the end, I told them that they could help me cleaning the stuff up by earning a small amount of money: a small toy, Jamba Juice, or ice cream. They still gave me a "No" answer.

With their pessimistic attitude, David and I decided not to go to Sea World with our annual pass on Saturday night. That's their loss. Consequently, we gave up, and started doing our own errands.

Any suggestion would be fine with me.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Fire Expo










On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, my family and I went out for a free entertainment to Fire Expo. It was an awesome experience for all of us. The place was taken next to Qualcomm Stadium, a Charger football field.

Speaking of outside of Qualcomm Stadium, I learned an interesting fact about having a "temporary" fire station in the city of Mission Valley. Actually, the city of Mission Valley did not realize that there is NO Fire Station after they had a real Cedar/San Diego Fire 2003. Can you image that the people hollered for a help when there was a REAL fire in 2003? Thus, they had to call the other city to come out for help. Who would blame for the people that live in Mission City got furious after discovering that they did not have their own fire station, even we pay our taxes for the city !?! Well, in order to prevent from recurrence the mistake, the city of Mission Valley only can put a temporary fire station next to the Qualcomm Station until there is enough money to build a real Fire Station. I think this is something all of us should check whether our home city has a fire and police station. It would be saving you and your loved ones life.

While we were there, we had an opportunity to see a temporary fire station-- a small ones. My family and I even saw more than just a fire station. There were variety different kinds of fire trucks, helicopter, food, and activities. Everything was free to do for an entertainment except for the food. We only spend $15 dollars for the combo food: hot dog, chips,drinks and snow cones. Cheap, huh? The boys also had a chance to dress up as a fireman.

The boys took their advantage to have lots of fun. They even had learned about the fire safety when they entered in a fire safety house. In three different mobiles, they demonstrated about the smokes, fire safety (hot pot, fireplaces, toaster), staying low and climbing down safety. Once the boys learned about the safety, each of them earned a badge. Boy, Dylan was so proud by earning so many badges.

At the end of a long afternoon, we saw the firetruck parades and a helicopter dropping the water show. One of the fire truck shows, the man climbed up to 100 feet up in the air. Dylan couldn't bear to watch this show, and prayed he would not get hurt. Ryan just LOVED the helicopter show. He kept asking me, "Where did the helicopter go?" after they flew out of Qualcomm Stadium to get a bundle of water. Standing patiently was a worthwhile paid off-- to watch the water dropping off the ground.As we were there for five hours, we would assume it would knock our boys off. Boy, we were wrong. They kept telling us they had a good time. What a relief to hear the comment from our sons. It was a worthwhile entertainment since we found a way to go out for FREE and HAVE FUN!

Hiccups

While I was taking a shower, Dylan had a wildest thought out of blue that made me laugh SO HARD.

The conversation began:

D: Mom, I need to have a surgery.

M: What is the surgery for?

D: I need to have a hiccup surgery.

M: Oh really? That's something new. I have never heard having a hiccup surgery

D: Yeah, if I have a surgery, it will stop the hiccup forever and ever.

M: Humm, how about having Dad to do the surgery?

D: (He just laughed and walked away)

Dylan, The Next Iron Chef












After Dylan finished watching the "Setting The Table" from Signing Times Show, he suddenly decided to help me out with cooking and setting the table. He also learned more new signs from the show in regards setting the table.

Truthfully, it was not easy for me to watch my son near the stove and oven. Without telling him what to do, he already knew the properly ways: putting the mitts on and handling with careful when he was around with the hot stuff. He did a really good job, even making me a breakfast meal. Perhaps, he can fix your delicious meal for you without charging you.

Take a look at our next Iron Chef:

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

A New Pager on the Block

Ever since I'm married to David, I realized he is the kind of a person who dares to try something new: computer, camera, website, and so forth. This time, he decided to change to a different kind of pager: Blackberry to Treo. This is not his second pager. Would you ever believe this is his fifth time to change to a new pager within eight years?! Isn't he manic?

He never gave up on trying something new. Actually, David likes to be in the competition against his family or friends. (I guess, I have to live with a husband who was born in Competition.) Whenever he finally felt that he could beat his family or friends with his new toy, his famous motto would be, " See, this is my top of the line."

For four years, he carried Blackberry until he discovered something he was missing-- the video and camera. My current pager, Sidekick III convinces him to think twice about what he is missing. Frankly, I was hoping he would be hooked to Sidekick III, but unfortunately it didn't work.

Since I did not succeed in convincing David, he decided to try out for Treo. The real factors were the high speed wireless, more than 1,000 different softwares, and better web browsers. Literally speaking about the speed, he does NOT have the patience for any slow speed-- you would not want to be around when things are slow or has less features that includes camera, computer, websites. His life surrounded with "top of the line" technical equipments.


So be prepare for the upcoming change of his pager's address. He will send his new pager address to you through by his email.



Tuesday, July 10, 2007

OHHHHH I WISHED !

Have any of you had the experience for not following your guts, and chose to ignore it?

It happened to me today. I had wished I brought my own camera that comes with video.

This afternoon, my two sons and I were outside of Jamba Juice for our treats. There were three cute teenage girls. Of course, I wished I video Dylan giving them lots of laughs. He even flirted with them. They all told me that Dylan has a sense of humors. If I had video of Dylan, he would have reduce your stresses in case you need.

Believe it or not, Ryan, who was sitting closely to one of the good looking teenage girls, initialized the conversation. They had shared back and forth within a short conversation for at least five minutes. (I asked the girl if they understood him clearly. Yup, she did at 90 % of the times!) My jaw dropped. To be frank with you, I sure wished I had proven it to you all and the speech therapist that he does make his efforts to interact and initialize the conversation. At the end, I had tears in my eyes because I was so happy he has made tremendous improvement, but I was sadden that I didn't have the video to show it off to you.

This is a valuable lesson to ALWAYS stick to my guts, not ignoring my guts! Well, I know I already told Amiee that I sure was glad she followed her guts. Ironically, I didn't!

If you have a story about your experience that you wished you had followed your guts, and chose to ignore it, don't be afraid and share it with me.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Cranky Mood

This morning, I had a pleasant dream to encourage my sons, Dylan and Ryan participate the chalk activities on the driveway. I actually had a full of energy with enthusiasm to try out for a new activity; the art of chalks with the boys. I pictured myself having them to draw variety of pictures on our driveway, including me being involved. Well, guess what? It shattered my dreams because it only lasted less than 10 minutes.

After this very short activity I ever had with my boys, Dylan became a REAL CRANKY mood. He thought it was too much work to do instead of doing the fun things. (See "Dylan's Cranky Mood" under McClellan's Medias.) He even influenced his brother, Ryan throughout the day. Ryan started refusing to cooperating with me.

Since my wildest dream didn't happen, the boys ended up deciding to go to a nearby park with their bikes. My exciting energy returned. While we were there, I played with the boys and took pictures of them. But unfortunately, they decided to stay for at least 10 minutes. Oh no, not again!

In reality, it happened throughout the day. I even offered them to go out to Bookstores, another park areas and other activities where we wouldn't have to spend a cent ! Nope, none of my offers worked! At least, I've tried.

Boy, I was so disappointed. So hopefully, the boys would not be so cranky on the next activity!

Using Sign Language

If your child is ready to learn to read, using American Sign Language to help teach your child learn to read may be one of the best things you can do. And it has a long history of success.

In the early 19th century, educators realized that sign language helped the hearing siblings of deaf students learn to read. Due to political reasons, the findings were not studied further. Then, in the 1970s, other researchers found that hearing children with average or above intelligence whose parents were deaf parents actually learned to read before they began school if their parents signed and fingerspelled to them. Researchers surmised that this was due to the fact that these children made the connection between manual letters (fingerspelling) and printed letters. But such results are not unique to the hearing children of deaf parents.

In more recent research, the children of hearing parents who were exposed to fingerspelling also had similar results. Marilyn Daniels, author of Dancing with Words, showed that signs helped kindergarten children increase their speaking vocabulary as well as knowledge of sight words, letters of the alphabet and phonetic sounds. Children who had problems remembering letters, words or sounds were often able to recall needed information once they saw the sign for the word (1996,Sign Language Studies)

For instance, Ryan, age 5, has increased his vocabulary words within one and a half year due to constantly exposure in sign language. He is also able to read some basic word sights, even before entering in Kindergarten in the Fall. It is same as for Dylan, age 6, who already knows how to spell many words, basically on phonetic sounds. He even read books at approximate low second grade reading level.

Using sign language to increase reading abilities has even made it in to the school systems. Laura Feltzer, who has used sign language to teach general education students, ESL students and special needs students, found that students tested at or above the beginning of first grade level on the Oral Gray Reading Test.

So, if you think signing is JUST for hearing babies while they are members of the diaper set, think again. As you sign with your baby now, you are creating the basis for a proven method to teach reading and phonics to your preschooler, ensuring a life-long love of reading!

Even if you don't know any basic signs, there is an advantage to take a look at this wonderful website: http://www.signingtimes.com I have bought all of the DVD's for my boys. It certainly helps them absorbing many new signs, including reading/seeing the English prints from the show. I highly recommend you to see and judge it yourself.

Since both of my sons know signs, I thought to share it with you by seeing each individual signs from this blog. (Apple)

(Play)

(Help)

(Eat)

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Look at Me !

Boy, am I lucky for not teaching this summer !?! I have decided to take pictures of me; hence I wanted to show it off to you all on how relax I am... Take a look and let me know what is your thought (Of course, I won't bite you!?!)

With Sunglasses

Without sunglasses

* Note: I use "I Love You" in American Sign Language

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Fun for Kids! Fun for Adults!

Dylan and Ryan were extremely lucky that I decided to give them a special treat by taking them out to a Play Town. Play Town is a safe and clean play center where they enjoy being physically active in a comfortable indoor setting! It is a perfect place to go for rainy days, summer heat, playgrounds, field trips and parties!

The first thing they saw the indoor playground was the 15 X 15 bouncer with a slide provided them with hours of fun. They hurriedly ran toward the bouncer where the other children were around. Luckily, they didn't end up leaving bruises on their foreheads.

This place also has climbing structures. It designed with the younger child in mind. The activities were easy to reach, age appropriate and encourage exploration. I was even pleased to see that they have a long colorful tunnel for nine months to 5 years old child to explore. What's more was that they offers safe, enclosed infant-play areas where they can enjoy activities that are stimulating and fun.

Third, they even offer child-size playhouse promotes imaginative play and social interaction. Cottage house, Tree house, castles and school bus were offered. Both Dylan and Ryan experienced with all four playhouses. It was great seeing them using their social interaction with other kids as well. My generous son, Dylan offered me his delicious meal.

Lastly, they also have ride-on vehicles and train table. Good grief, they did not spend hours on their obsessive hobby--Thomas the train table. Ryan favored riding on a motorcycle. Ryan said, "It's time to fill the gas." Perhaps, it comes from the blood family thing: his dad, great uncle and great grandfather who were crazy over riding the motorcycle. Believe it or not, Dylan tried to ride "infant" vehicles until I told him to get off.

Guess what is even better than just watching the kids having fun!?! This place even has indoor picnic tables! That makes parents having more fun and relaxing while the kids also have fun. Without a doubt, I will come back to this place again with our picnic food!