Sunday-Wednesday Pictures

Sunday

Another attempt at lumpia goreng after a messy failure a few years back. I made this for Chinese New Year dinner with some friends tonight. 

This dish always brings special childhood memory as my mom always made this once a year for Chinese New Year. I hope I continue this tradition with the girls.

Monday

I love how much they enjoyed looking at the scrapbook album. Kyrene just excitedly pointed to the pictures while Hannah flipped the album. I love how the pictures in album can be more enjoyed, rather than hiding in the hard drive of my computer. Love to see how my work is appreciated.

Tuesday

Kyrene's first attempt at finger painting. She enjoyed it for a few minutes, but then complained of the dirty hands, demanding to be washed immediately.

Wednesday

"Goodnight My Duckling" before bedtime. A new favorite.

Cooking Day (24/365)

We spent much of the day cooking and preparing for Chinese New Year. Lots of dumplings and lumpias!

Thursday and Friday Photos (22-23/365)

Kids truly don't need expensive and numerous toys around. Who knows diaper boxes can be so much fun? Kyrene loves being pushed around in her little "boat" and Hannah happily takes on the job.

Hannah has been gladly participating in domestic responsibilities around the house, including folding laundry. She loves it, but sometimes gets easily frustrated when things don't align properly (she's quite a little perfectionist). But with a little training on the job, I think she'll be a laundry master in no time.

Good Days (20-21/365)

Although I may not agree on how Obama stands on some issues, I couldn't help but feel so moved by the whole inauguration event. History is being made and we're part of it. 

At the mall tonight, Kyrene had her first carousel ride with Daddy. Hannah just wanted to stand by and ride the rocking horse instead.

From yesterday and today (18&19/365)

A relaxing evening at home with the girls yesterday, who were dancing to grandpa's CD. Daddy was out studying, so it were just us girls. The picture is not so perfect, but I love it anyway because it represents a tiny bit of our day. 

Today I caught Hannah whispering "Good night" to Tigger and giving him a night kiss while putting him in his "bed". I told her that Piglet can come along to sleep on the other side of the "bed", too... She said it just the same way as I do when I put her to sleep:)

Lately, she's also been having lots of imaginative "conversations" with her stuffed doggie, and various objects of affections around the house. She mostly loves pretending her doggie to be "Buster" in Winnie the Pooh, keep saying to him: "Something's wrong with Buster! You're okay, Buster!" 

"Small" the Ant seems to appear in our house a lot lately, coming in form of a super little red purse, or yellow hat from the Potato Head gears.

It's just plain hillarious listening to those small talks. Just one of those little simple things I love being home with the girls and being able to catch the momenth throughout the day...

Beautiful (17/365)

A view from our front door yesterday afternoon: 

Having lived in Grand Rapids for a year and a half, I started to enjoy the beauty of winter. In spite of the bitter cold temperatures and limited outdoor access, I've come to appreciate the hidden loveliness of delicate snowflakes enveloping the bare tree branches, fresh snow blankets covering the ground, rare winter sunshine peeking in the morning...

Although yes...I'm still longing for spring, but there's something about winter here that tells you to slow down, to enjoy home, to notice and appreciate the nature cycle of life around you. 

Longing for Spring (16/365)

It has been a bitter cold week and I'm truly longing for spring. 

Catching up (Day 14 and 15)

A photo from yesterday:

Squirrel watching

Yesterday was quite a cranky day for Kyrene, who kept clinging to me for dear life throughout the morning. Thankfully, by lunchtime, the girls were happy campers as they watched bunch of squirrels racing up and down the bare branches. Kyrene was squealing, saying some fuzzy words of excitement when she saw the cute creatures scurrying around and jumping from one branch to the next.

Today we skipped the library storytime, because it is COLD outside. This week we are swept with low single digit temperatures and below-zero wind chills. I don't like the idea of bringing them out under such severe cold weather. The girls were pretty content most of the time, thankfully...

Poopy training in session for Hannah. 

Kyrene is just along for the ride:)

So not very happy...(13/365)

The girls had been up from nap much earlier than usual, since we got a doctor appointment at 2:30 yesterday. After bath time, Kyrene burst out in a little short tantrum, when I tried to feed her some peaches. I just had to take the picture since this has been her newfound "skill" of dramatically throwing herself on the floor and crying the saddest cry.

Yesterday's appointment was quite an episode for Hannah. And...we couldn't tell her much earlier to prepare her, since it would only build up her anxiety level. She was a happy camper, thinking it was Kyrene who needed the doctor, until it was her turn for checkup. Then, much tears and screaming ensued, which basically said "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ME!!!!"

All the while, Kyrene trotted happily around the room while waiting and then let the doc did whatever needed to be done. 

Weigh in? Happily sitting up in the scale for you! Need to listen to my heart? Look into my ears? Have your way! Shots? Naaahhhh....only felt like a pinch. 

It's quite "entertaining" to see how my girls are so different from each other. Certainly, my life would get too boring if they're too much the same. 

Starfall (12/365)

Hannah's been learning some phonics this past month and she's been pretty enthusiastic about it,  sounding out the letters while reading the alphabet book. And lately, she's been able to tell me the beginning letter of random words when I quizzed her.

I discovered Starfall a couple of months ago and Hannah just can't get enough of it! It goes through the letters and their sounds, with many interesting pictures and music. Even Kyrene wants to join along everytime Hannah gets on the computer, just like this yesterday morning.

Snow Love (11/365)

When we got home from church, Hannah insisted to stay outside for a while to play in the snow. I remember last year, when she saw snow for the first time, she was so afraid to even step on the snow when we walked outside. I used to try to convince her that snow is just "sand", a cold one...

Eventually over time, she got better and this year she just couldn't get enough of snow! She loves kicking the fresh snow with her feet, while letting out squeals of delight. Good times...

Another Reading Bug (10/365)

Another day of heavy snow coming our way and again...we're just home all day. I'm just delighted that scene like this has been quite the common occurence when we're home. 

Watching my girls sitting down with a book is one of my favorite things. Just precious...

Reading Bug (9/365)

It's been snowing quite heavily since yesterday and at times it can be hard to stay inside all day long. One of the things the girls like to do is standing on this little chair by the window and watch the falling snow, the passing cars, and if the time is right, seeing Daddy's car rolling in the driveway.

For a moment, Hannah just stretched her legs between two chairs and "read" to herself. The "I Went Walking" book has been a favorite and it's one of the books she can memorize. 

Shaker Eggs (8/365)

Library storytime resumes today, and it's good to be back on our weekly routine. Hannah was happy to see her much-loved Miss Kristin and Miss Brittany. On the other hand, Kyrene was just delighted to see bunch of shaker eggs scattered on the floor, shaking them vigorously while dancing to the "Alabama-Mississippi" song.

Our library is just the best!

Daisies (7/365)

We went to the first MOPS meeting of the year, amidst the light falling snow this morning. I'm glad we made it, because we all came hope refreshed. Hannah and miraculously Kyrene, stayed in the nursery the entire time; giving mama the much-needed break.

The ladies in my group were given these daisies that adorned the tables this morning. Stems wrapped in a saran plastic and a ribbon, the daisies were clutched in Hannah's hand on the drive home. At first she didn't want to let them go, but I convinced her that the flowers need some drink of water. 

She happily obliged, and even helped me arrange the flower in the little vase. Love that serious look on her face, as if she's got the biggest job in the world.

And...daisies are my favorite flowers. Just made my day...

Pooh Love (6/365)

After night bath yesterday, Hannah got to watch the new episode of Pooh. And of course, Kyrene tagged along. When Hannah was under two, we tried to comply with the no-tv-rule. But, when big sister is watching, who can resist that cute, cuddly Pooh slurping honey?

No Nap Day (5/365)

Daddy's back to class yesterday and the girls seem to conspire to not take the afternoon nap. Just one of those days...

Little Mopper (4/365)

The girls are currently in love with the Swiffer Mop. Hopefully it continues for quite some time and I'll have quite a housekeeping workforce around here.

In the Kitchen (3/365)

I snapped this picture last night as you both were busy "cooking" in your kitchen. Seeing you girls play side by side is one of the greatest simple joys I get to enjoy as a mama. 

Of course, this sweet moment didn't last long as some bickering happened shortly afterwards:) 

I hope this foreshadows the sweet sisterly bond as you both grow side by side. To be there for each other through thick and thin, to comfort, to listen, to hold one's hand, to pick up the other when she falls, to pray for each other...

You both are so blessed to have each other.

With Uncle Erick (2/365)

Last day of my brother's visit before he goes home tomorrow. Hannah was sounding out the alphabets, looking so all-knowing and grown up...

He's been staying for almost a week and the girls love having him around. Hannah especially loves dancing to the "Silly Dance Contest" and showing her cool moves to his uncle.

Wish can have him around more...

Project 365-Day 1

This year, I'm attempting to chronicle our family life, good or bad, in pictures.  

One picture a day

In this busy season of life with children, little things often get unnoticed and suddenly a year has gone by. That is my main reason of jumping into this, wanting to stop in the midst of all the diaper changes, cooking, cleaning, and seemingly unending list of to-do's and simply smell the roses. I want to remember what my backyard looks like as seasons change, the morning sunlight, favorite places we go, or when the cherry blossoms burst out gloriously in the spring...And hopefully at the end of the year, I'll be able to capture and freeze some moments in our lives, even the mundane, beautiful details that often fly by without being savored, enjoyed, or appreciated.