Sure Surly

I realize my last post sounded a bit surly. It isn't that I'm not grateful that we were one of the few fortunate enough not to lose power. I am. But take a look outside our window and you'll understand where I'm coming from.




Anyway, Nick and I were able to get out and about today, so the irritability (poor Scott) is gone. It was a glorious 43 degrees today. I took him to Gymboree and we met up w/ Heidi and Erin and their girls at ChickFilA for a late lunch. Impromptu lunches are rare, but always lovely when you can swing it. One more sunny day of 40-50 degree weather and all the surliness will completely melt away.

Cabin Fever

We've been trapped here for days. I've not seen civilization since I don't know when. Okay, we could have gotten out of the house today, but, admittedly, I was too lazy to get myself and Nick all bundled up. Scott and I let Nick play in the "snow" yesterday for a bit, and it took longer to dress him than the time he spent outside. He did enjoy his brief escape from confinement, running around like a mad man in the back yard. Nothing like playing on a huge sheet of ice with a dusting of snow. Our final total is 2 inches of ice. I won't wax poetic about the ice. I'm done w/ it, ready for it to be gone. If I'm gonna be trapped by a winter storm, there needs to be snow. Lots of it. Laura Ingalls, Little House on the Prairie style snow.

Here are some pictures during our confinement...

Not sure why, but he's obssessed w/ looking glasses. That's what he calls them.

Made a get well rainbow for his Magi, who's feeling under the weather. Hope you feel better soon!

Don't you just want to eat him up?!

Bundled up like Randy on a Christmas Story

Old Man Winter

We've been iced in since yesterday afternoon. We're feeling a little stir crazy (esp. Nick), but are grateful that we still have power. For now. Thought I would share some pictures of the the ice storm. The ice is about an inch thick in some places. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm.

Year Of The Ox

Happy Vietnamese/Chinese New Year! In Vietnam it is called Tet. For those who don't know, just a little bit of background. It is based on the lunar calendar and falls on a different date every year. This year is known as the year of the Ox (one of 12 zodiac signs), which symbolize patience, hard work, tenacity and loyalty. I'd say that about sums me up. It is typically celebrated for 3 days with lavish meals among friends and family. A big tradition is giving away red envelopes called "li xi" stuffed w/ money. The red color symbolizes good luck. The younger you are, the more money you rake in, as it is normally given to you by someone who is older. I remember when I was a kid going to the Asian market and wishing every adult I could find a happy new year. That would immediately produce a red envelope. How easy was that?

We went to Fort Smith on Saturday to have an early celebration w/ my family. This year, my parents set up a "money tree" and you could pull 3 envelopes from it. Some had more money in it than others. Nick got the envelope w/ the most money in it, of course. I'm sure my mom rigged it. I hope this will become a regular tradition. My mom also made a traditional Vietnamese soup, which contained among other things, pigs feet. Scott ate it, I had chicken nuggets, we'll leave it at that.

I don't have any pictures to load yet, but will add them as soon as I get them. In the meantime, I thought I'd change my background in celebration of the holiday. Here's wishing everyone and happy, healthy, and prosperous "new year"!

More Than Meets The Eye

So I totally stole this from the Meanest Mom blog, but it was just too awesome not to share...



Can't decide if Starscream or Optimus Prime is my favorite.

Pokey Pokey

Nick calls the Hokey Pokey (sp?), "Pokey Pokey". And for some reason he thinks it goes something like this...

Redefining The Word Fun

Well, the over-nighter went off w/out a hitch! We headed out Saturday morning and dropped Nick off at my parents. He loves going there and had a huge grin on his face the moment we pulled into the driveway. We got a very distracted goodbye. He apparently asked about us a couple of times, and for some reason my mom told him that we went to Walmart. The whole time. I was torn b/t laughing hysterically and asking her what in the world she was thinking. Seems it was enough to placate him though.

Scott and I lost no time getting out of there. Guess my mom was anxious to get rid of us too, as there was no offer of lunch. This coming from a woman who will ask you an hour after Thanksgiving dinner if you're hungry.

On our way back up , Scott suggested we do least 10 "fun" things. We redefined the word. Let me quickly outline...

* Ate Corn Nuts and drank Big Red. I'll let you guess which one of us considered this a "fun" activity.
* We had a leisurely lunch at Pesto Cafe. Yum!
* Was going to watch a movie, but nothing good was showing. Instead we curled up on the couch after lunch and watched a rental. Pineapple Express. Weird, but funny.
* Had afternoon snack at Cold Stone Creamery
* Took a short nap
* Had drinks at the Aloft bar
* Ate dinner at Bonefish Grill
* Turned in early (it's fun when it's a choice)
* Slept in
* Read the paper in bed (this is impossible w/ Nick)

Rock stars got nothing on us. We left Sunday afternoon to pick Nick up and to hang out w/ my family for a couple of hours. Nick gave us a big grin when we arrived, but was too busy bossing his uncles around to pay much attention to us. We probably could have left him there a few more days. But we missed him too much. We spent a good portion of our free time talking about our little man and how much he makes us laugh. We missed his constant jabbering and singing. The house was lonely w/out him, especially by Sunday morning. We are glad to have him back.

A big thanks to my family for taking him this weekend. It was nice being able to recharge and relax, knowing he was in good hands.

A picture of our little thug

Over-nighter

Scott and I have only been away from Nicholas on one occasion. Last May we took a trip to DC w/ another couple for the weekend. Scott's parents came and watched Nick. He did extremely well, in fact, he didn't ask for me once (traitor). I imagine "no" was not a word he heard often that weekend. He was living the good life. Well, Scott and I are planning to take our little man to my folks tomorrow and let him stay the night. Then we plan on having a grand ol' time! This will be his first time away from home w/out us. Fortunately for Nick, the word "no" is rarely uttered by my parents when he is around. I can see it now... he'll strut into my parents' house and immediately demand ice cream, which he will receive posthaste. He'll eat copious amounts of candy and will be up until midnight. He will then believe this is the new order of the world and expect the same treatment when he comes home. *smirk* Let's wish them luck!

I'll let you know how it goes. Have a great weekend!

One Mean Blog

I know we all do it. We click on links from our friends' blog to other people's blogs, people we don't even know. It's really entertaining when you've got the time. Don't remember where I found this particular one, but it has been one of my absolute favorites. She will crack you up! If only I could be half as entertaining.

Here's The Buzz

So I told you in a previous post that Nick was gonna get buzzed this weekend. Clippergate went down early this morning. He knew something was going on, but couldn't quite figure it out until we ambushed him. He howled like a trapped animal. Quite funny, actually. I've always wondered how torturers could stand to hear their victims screaming. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can tune out the wailing. Let me tell you, there was hair everywhere and lots of it. It's super short, but we think this is the route we're taking going forward. The buzzing, not the torturing (but I suppose it's all about perspective). It shouldn't take nearly as long next time, as we plan on investing in some clippers ourselves and making it a monthly event. The only downside... he slipped the other day running around the house and hit his forehead on the corner of the wall. There was an immediate bruise, swelling and mark. So now instead of thinking we don't groom our son, people will think we abuse him with the clippers.

This was his good side.

I told you it was short. Isn't that wound just pitiful?

Thought I'd kill two birds w/ one stone and show off the fab scarf I made him.

"Chick-Freel-Way"

My friend, Beth, has a post labeled "Did U Know". In it she talks about searching for online codes that can provide you w/ discounts or free shipping for your online orders. I hope it will be an ongoing series. But not wanting to completely copy her idea, I'm starting a series called "Did Chu Know?" Totally different.

So Nick and I had lunch w/ my friend, Shannon, and her son, Kale, at Chick-Fil-A today. Good times. Anyway, Did Chu Know that you can return the toy in the kid's meal and get an small ice cream cup in return? I didn't and had to share it. If you already knew this, just humor me.

Game Night

We had the Pittman and Key families over yesterday for some food and games. I think a good time was had by all. Kate, Jacob and Nicholas got along really well. That always makes for a pleasant evening when the kiddos behave. Here are a few pictures from our gathering...

Kate and Nick. Cute, huh?

Nick giving Luke some love

Kris showing us the eye of the tiger

JP on drums. Kim and Jacob on the mike. Check out Beth in the background!

Catching Up

Well, well, well. Look who's back. It seems I've lost my blogging mojo. But since this site is really about ol' Nichol-hiney, I'll persevere and see where that takes me. Nothing too exciting, but let me catch you up nonetheless.

** Big Boy Bed **
Yes, I know my son is almost 3, but he had been perfectly content in his crib. He never tried to climb out, well never made a real effort anyway. But Scott thought it was past time. I agreed, sort of. Visions of him strutting out of his room willy nilly flashed before my eyes. Initially, there seemed to be an invisible wall around his bed. It never occurred to him that he could just climb down and leave. This lasted all of one day. He would just come strutting out grinning, pleased as pie with himself. We also had a visit at 5:24am the other day. I firmly told him,"no more getting out of bed, understand?" That actually worked if you can believe, but we'll see for how long. He does enjoy this bit of independence during naptime, as he is quick to give me the boot after I read him a story. He loves lying in bed reading by himself. It's pretty cute.

** Fashion Forward **
He's really into scarves right now. Steve on Blue's Clues had a green one on, so he kept asking for a scarf and would find anything that sort of resembled one(umm, like a wire) and wrap it around his neck. Did you know that scarves for boys are hard to find? They were for me at any rate. My friend, Christina, got us this super cute snowman family kit (Thanks, Chris!). In it are 4 felt "scarves". Nick walks around the house w/ all 4 things wrapped around his neck, even though they are super itchy. Yesterday he insisted on wearing the green one w/ his green rain boots to school. He looked quite ridiculous and I made sure everyone knew my son dressed himself. Since I was unable to find a scarf for him, I decided to knit him one. It was more weaving on a loom, but I was pretty proud of myself. Of course, the one I made for him is lying crumpled on the floor while he wears the other 4. Scott and I are thinking he needs a cape.

Here he is w/ his snowman scarves and hats. Look at how long his hair is!

** Hairy Situation **
My boy needs a haircut. Bad. For those of you who didn't already know, Nick acts as if you're pulling his fingernails off if you even look his way w/ a pair of scissors or clippers in your hands. No amount of candy, popsicles or begging works. He flinches so much that you're afraid you'll cut his ears off. So my friend, Laya, stopped by today and let me borrow her clippers.(Thanks so much, Laya, it was really good seeing you.) I'm going to attempt to traumatize our son this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Christmas Story

Warning: Long Post (oh, not like you've got anything else going on)

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas! Can't believe it's over and another year is almost at an end. We had a super fabulous Christmas and feel truly blessed that that we were able to spend it w/ our loved ones.

Before xmas I had grand schemes of blogging in detail of our holiday adventure. But, that vision has been replaced by a more practical and realistic plan which is to blog about what I can remember at this moment. We had Christmas w/ Scott's family the weekend b/f and then went to Fort Smith for Christmas w/ my family. Instead of doing individual posts, I thought I share some of our favorite moments and images, in no particular order. We'll see how this goes. I'm sure memories will come pouring forth as I type.

** Crafts made by Nick in school **

Is this not the cutest?

**Pictures of Nick**
Nick had his picture taken a couple of weeks back by our family friend, Abraham. It was his first time photographing a toddler (a very uncooperative one I might add). I thought he did a great job. Here are a couple of our favorites.

** The Gift Game **
Scott's mom started this great tradition a few years back w/ me and Jill (Scott's sister) and expanded it to include Scott and Denis (Jill's husband) since they wanted in on the fun. We usually head out for a day of shopping when they arrive for last minute gifts. She gives us money b/f we hit the stores, but stipulates that it needs to be spent a certain way and/or in a set amount of time or we have to return the money. The first year Jill and I were required to spend all of our money w/in 1 hour on anything as long as it was for ourselves. Trust me, we had no problem with that challenge. This year our game was a bit different. She gave each couple money and told us we had to give the money away how ever we saw fit. Once we did that we would receive our gift. Of course we could have stuffed all of it in a kettle, but we wanted to be more thoughtful about it, as I'm sure that was her intention. It really was a wonderful idea, a great reminder that giving during Christmas is not restricted just to your family and friends.

** Towel Spa **
I got many fantastic gifts this year (but not one ProCaulk tool, does anyone read this blog?!). One of my favorites is from my incredibly thoughtful husband, Scott. It's the Towel Spa. It's a box that heats up your towel (or robe, gloves, etc...). Imagine stepping out of the shower on a frigid morning and wrapping yourself in a nice, warm towel as if right out of the dryer. Well, imagine no more! I actually put my robe in it. Heaven.

** Christmas Eve **
I think it's part family made tradition and part culture, but as long as I can remember, Christmas eve has always been the big night for my family. Way back when, my family would gather on Christmas eve and hang out, get in a good nap, go to midnight mass, come home and have a huge feast and then open presents. Seriously, we'd be up until 3 or 4 in the morning, at least. Fast forward 20 or so years. I can barely keep my eyes open during midnight mass (don't worry, I'm praying in my head) much less come home to a huge turkey dinner and presents. So we adjust, especially since we've got Nick and it's all about Nick according to my mom. This year we had dinner at a normal time, 6pm, at my Aunt Tam and Uncle Peter's house. Then we came home and let Nick open some of his presents. We saved some for the next day, just so he wouldn't overload on presents. Rough life, indeed. After Nick opened his loot, we made the the executive decision to open ours. Watching Nick open his presents whetted our appetite, so we thought what the heck. We wrapped up just in time for midnight mass. We all crashed when we got home and slept in the next morning. A bit nontraditional, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

** Reinforcing Stereotypes **
My parents love karaoke. My brother, Nghia, got them these fancy new wireless microphones to replace their old ones. Guess who else took a liking to it?

Is his hair not ridiculous?

That's it for now. I was expecting a floodgate (that word looks so weird. flood.) of memories, but there must be a bottleneck. I'll be back once I've had some coffee and clear the cobwebs from my head. I'll load a slideshow as soon as I get all the pictures loaded onto phanfare. Love to all.

Merry Christmas!!

No time for blogging. I'm normally finished w/ my xmas shopping by the 15th. Alas, there is still shopping to be done and presents to be wrapped. What was I thinking?!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to send warmest Christmas wishes to everyone. Have a safe and blessed holiday. We look forward to catching up w/ everyone in a few days and sharing our family fun.

Love,
The Robinsons