Garden of Jasmin

Pure Silliness

2007-02-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

New Perspectives

2007-02-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Old Hollywood

2007-02-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'm White and Nerdy

2007-02-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is only the beginning of my Art career!

2007-01-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Excuse me while I dress myself =p

2007-01-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Strike a Pose - Camera Ready

2007-01-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Mommy remembers when she had to
create the camera "moments"

Now she nearly misses most of my brilliant photo ops, LOL

Jasmin is actually laying upsidedown on the couch (with daddy's help), but mommy claimed artistic license to post the picture sideways. =p

My new Dance!

2007-01-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Shake your Booty Remix - on all fours!

First time slurping Spaghetti!

2007-01-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

She loved it so much she stuffed it into her nose and inhaled the aroma! LMAO! Apparently, Daddy did a great time preparing dinner!

Snacking Healthy

2007-01-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

Daddy thought that this was cute.

A Ray of Sunshine

2007-01-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Just to be close to you- Daddy

2007-01-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

She's in a hairy situation :p

2007-01-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Daddy felt inspiration from...

She's up to no good...

2006-12-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

It took her 13 mos and one week to get the courage to climb her old chair.
She lifted herself up with her arms- what a feat! lol

Her two Favorite Christmas Toys

2006-12-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Game Box doubles as a Rug Sled

Maracass from Target- $1 Special!

How did we do it?

2006-12-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

She's got Fashion Sense!

2006-12-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jasmin's Fashion Statement without any help

Hats make me cry, but they look so good

Daddy & Me

13 months and counting

2006-12-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

I just need to call my agent before I make any plans with you...

I'm waiting for the President to call me back...

I'm making sweet music...

Life can't always be so serious...

Mommy likes to stare at all of my "faces".

2nd Christmas- 1st Holiday Pictures

2006-12-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Guess Which one's on the Christmas Card...

My Daddy said something about a big forehead.
The nerve- his whole head reflects so much light it's blinding. Ha ha ha

A few more Pictures of our official Todd-ler HEHE

2006-12-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Playing Daddy's Hand-picked Birthday Gift

First encounter- of the CoolWhip Kind

I inherited Daddy's Bedhead (wink)

12 months and I only have 6 teeth!

Jasmin's 1st Birthday Party!

2006-11-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Today we had Jasmin's first ever birthday party! Mom worked until 1pm and made it "happen" with Daddy and Grandmother's help. Granddaddy was helping with household stuff. We had fun with our guests playing with gifts/toys. We asked our friends to make a scrapbook page (7"X7") or two for Jasmin's birthday scrapbook. We wanted to emphasize the importance of family and friends and the memories that hold us together.

Phew! Jasmin loved her party- especially the devils food chocolate mini cupcakes with whipped creamcheese frosting. It was a success and joy to experience.

Happy Birthday- Dear Jasmin! Thanks for a great first year intro to motherhood. =) Muah!

The Purrrrfect Costume Choice!

2006-10-28T07:21:00.000-06:00

I went to Target to buy Jasmin's first ever halloween costume yesterday... and ended up buying next year's too since they were on sale. We did a dry run last night since I'm taking her to our company Halloween Party this afternoon. Tell me that the costume isn't the best!

11 Months & Playgroup

2006-10-25T14:46:00.000-06:00

Jasmin's Latest Achievements:

~ Waving
~ Splashing in the Bathtub
~ Sipping from a straw
~ Climbing Stairs
~ Taking steps holding the couch and other available limbs and or furniture
~ Holding Mommy's Grocery list w/ coupons
~ Squirming away from Diaper Change
~ Drumming on hollow objects
~ Feeding herself
~ Nearly taking clothes off/ preventing them from being put on her body
~ Petting the cats

Home Grown- 10 mos old Already!

2006-09-23T20:59:00.000-06:00

We grew this mini-watermelon plant. And this watermelon is about 6 inches in diameter and about 2 pounds. Jasmin is about 28 inches and over 21 pounds in a short ten months!

First time...

2006-09-20T14:54:00.000-06:00

Working my appointed evening shift last night. It was a very busy evening to start. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the busiest. So far- I like working in the PM b/c the office has a nicer feel with smiling kids and families in and out of there.

The job turned out to be a little more involved than just being "receptionist", but then again, I've never been a receptionist before. I pretty much do everything put administrative stuff to keep the company going smoothly. Still learning, but I think I'm lucky to have this job.

No Boundaries

2006-09-20T14:52:00.000-06:00

Jasmin is climbing over bodies, puller herself up on everything and using any "body" as leverage to pull herself to standing. She's even moving her feet around now and doing one handed maneuvers. Hopefully she won't get too confident and fall.

She also understands now that she can follow us anywhere. As long as she can hear where I am- she'll crawl to find me.

Happy Apple Farm

2006-09-16T17:08:00.000-06:00

We decided to go apple picking and get a pumpkin. This place is just a short 20 mins away from where we live. It was a nice place- very family oriented. We bought 2 lbs of dwarf apples and some honey mustard dressing at the "country store". It was a cool place. I wanted to do something special for Jasmin's first Fall season.

Jasmin's world has been turned upside down!

2006-09-13T22:04:00.000-06:00

Here comes along "Jackson"....

Pulling herself up

2006-09-11T16:30:00.000-06:00

First time ever with no assistance. 9.5 mos old.

She's got personality

2006-09-09T21:06:00.000-06:00

Today, the three of us went to Texas T-Bone Steakhouse because the teachers received $10 off coupons. The dinner (Asian inspired beef rolls for appetizer, and a chicken/steak duo with sweet potato and pilaf accompaniments) was delicious. Jasmin enjoyed tasting the "grown up" sweet potato.

Jasmin seemed to be in her element. She was sitting diagonally (not "square") twisting around in her highchair and trying to win people's stares. Apparently, her parents were yesterday's news. She had a sizable audience and seemed to know how to get attention almost effortlessly. It was a glimpse at her pure personality. It was cool to watch her work it. I was tickled at her social prowess as I still have some skills to work on. LOL

It was a nice unexpected outing.

Things are turning around

2006-09-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

Mama (that's me) got a job! I'll be able to stay home during the day while Todd works, then work evenings as a receptionist. I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds. Wahoooooooo!!!!!!!

I can't wait to start...

She's going bonkers!

2006-08-25T18:18:00.000-06:00

Nothing is off limits. It feels like she has been progressing by leaps and bounds just within this past week! She's already trying to pull herself up to a stand and she just started crawling.

I was reading when I looked up and she was halfway upright on just two legs! She was holding onto my eBay drawers on the livingroom. Thankfully, she's very cautious. She wasn't going about it haphazardly- at least.

Ugh! I'm not going to get a minutes rest from now on. She's into everything now! And Proud!

Jasmin's 9 month stats

2006-08-25T08:09:00.000-06:00

Jasmin's Well Baby checkup went fine. No shots this time.

She weighs 21 pounds (90th percentile) and is 27 1/4" long (50th percentile)

Her head circumference is in the 95 percentile! Whoa. I hope that's a big genius brain growing in there. =p

She's crawling faster each day but looks more like an inch worm! LOL She can barely hold her belly off the floor. haha But she's sure proud of herself. I think she just cries to get our attention to make sure we're witnessing her feats.

Look at what appeared this morning!

2006-08-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

Hair Thing!!!

It has Cheeks!!!

Happy 9 month Birthday!!

2006-08-23T19:53:00.000-06:00

My Recent Accomplishments

* Getting on all fours

* Crawling backwards

* Wiggling forward (for the remote control, of course)

* Clapping hands

* Signing "milk" & "dog"

* Sitting up from laying down

* Front & Side splits (OUCH!)

New Seeds

2006-08-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I tried planting more seeds indoors. Basil & dill sprouted faster than I expected. Some of my lettuce seeds emerged today just 48 hrs after being sowed! Our garden is bursting with overgrowth as we didn't plan it very well and we're still getting used to "gardening" as opposed to container growing.

Our mini watermelons are pretty much taking over the garden. I know- they're supposed to be spaced out over hills and such, but it was mostly an experiment that did remarkably well. We have another similar plant that must be mini pumpkins but they weren't marked when planted and there aren't any telltale "fruit" on the vines yet.

We have a potato plant that is multipling and doing well. It's our first time trying potatoes. Our tomato plant that waned during our 2 week vacation is coming back with a fury. Our onion plant... I'm not sure... it seems to be doing fine. It's our first time planting onions (an old one from the grocery store) and I don't know how they grow. I think we have a collard green plant growing too that has grown purple blooms (maybe an eggplant plant?)...it's doing well considering that the watermelon plant is invading its space.

We have a zucchini plant that is going like gangbusters. I think we've had 6 large zucchini in the last 2-3 weeks. I think we're getting tired of squash. And our corn grew strong but only 2 "cobs" matured. A squirrel tried one. =p And "Mammoth Sunflowers" are truly large. They were a success and dominate our back yard "landscaping".

I think next year we have to plan better and double the garden size to 24' by 12'. More fresh veggies to come! =)

I finally did it

2006-08-19T14:20:00.000-06:00

I organized all the wedding pictures into a few wedding albums. Now I don't have to be embarrassed when someone asks to look at the pictures, that's assuming that they would. LOL

It was a big undertaking: eight rolls of black and white and color film. It was nice to reminisce. Todd even helped a little. Jasmin tried to interferre, but we staved her off with last week's newspaper.

Everytime she crinkles and swooshes the newspaper she blinks. For any sudden noise, she blinks. She's a riot.

I'm not connecting with my body

2006-08-17T18:45:00.000-06:00

I feel like my spirit jumped into a foreign body. Why do I not like how I look? It's as if every time I look at a photo or in the mirror I'm seeing something I not expecting. It's not that I think that I'm prettier than what I see, I just have a different notion of how I look.

I'm not saying I'm vane. I'm the opposite. I wear makeup once in a while just for a variation on the same awkward theme. Does Jasmin think I look like a freak? LOL

Is my brain playing tricks on me? I guess it isn't important- I don't see many people anyways. I was never a social butterfly, I mean, moth. =p

Do you know you can make homemade yogurt?

2006-08-17T18:40:00.000-06:00

I tried it. It came out just fine in our Gevalia Coffee maker thermos thingy. It's very cheap to do and convenient when you make it to incubate overnight. Today, I'm trying to make yogurt cheese from what portion I made. To do that, you just pour some of your yogurt into a funnel with a coffee filter on it and strain the whey into a bottle. You can also use a cheese cloth and hang the thingy over a bowl. For me, the funnel-bottom technique is easier. So I'll tell you how it works out. It should result in a ricotta cheese like consistency. If it comes out well, I'll try mixing herbs and flavorings into the yogurt before I strain it.

I also made homemade granola. OMG! I love love love yogurt over my granola and it was cool to make both of them. Boy did I make great granola!

Why can't I be Super Woman Every day!

2006-08-16T08:21:00.000-06:00

I have my good days, and my bad days. It's hard doing the yo-yo thing. If I'm not careful, I'll develop worse eating habits and gain weight. Urgh.

I'm having a hard time feeling like anything I do has value. I guess I value appreciation more than others. Feedback is helpful though!

Todd's been overhauling the garage. It looks amazing! He's cut two "windows" into the garage door, whitewashed the walls and put up more shelves. On top of that, he's organized most of his stuff! His next mission is to get his stuff out of my laundry room so that I can take over and get a laundry station going and hopefully a sewing/crafts table.

I hate doing more to the house because I don't want to stay here! Todd is committed to this mortgage like another "marriage". LOL I want to hear: "okay, it's time we move back to Illinois."

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BTW: I've made homemade yogurt with success. So- I had to make homemade yogurt to compliment it. YUM!!!!!!!! I've also been making homemade flour tortillas. I never knew that they were so much better than the perserve store bought stuff! I'm not buying that cardboard ever again!

I want to start growing bean sprouts. I also want to create a plant station in the basement bathroom that we're not using at the moment- to winterize some plants for next year and start new plants. We need a pretty Wandering Jew plant to hang in our bedroom and maybe a pothos for the guest room. Maybe I can get DH to make a gardening station off the side of the dog-house.

Lickety Split... position that is...

2006-08-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

8.66 months and what a smile! =)

New Moves

2006-08-11T11:34:00.000-06:00

Ms. Baby J is trying so hard to crawl!

She's been pushing herself to a sitting position from being on her belly! Every time she does it I'm always to late to see how she actually does it. She is so fast!

Now she's a pro at doing push ups but doesn't know how to coordinate her four "paws". We're trying to show her to use her knees. She does pivot on her belly and "scoot" backwards. I now consider her mobile and out of control! LOL

I have an excuse!

2006-08-09T11:48:00.000-06:00

I don't think I should feel proud, but I do feel relieved. In my 26 years of life, I was called to jury duty for the first time. Lucky juror #713 was excused! Last night they declared numbers 491-750 on "standby". Then, I called at 11:30 to check and see if I still had to appear. My number was e*x*c*u*s*e*d!

It is my duty as an American to do my part for our judicial system. But- today was such a beautiful day, too beautiful to be locked in a court room! whoppee!!

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OT: My eBay Efforts

In March, I tried selling around eight things on eBay. To my chagrin, only one sold! The only item that I feared to part with!

These past 10 days I posted about 23 things and 8 items sold! So- I'm getting better- no? =)

I'm still working on getting better profits- but I think I have a better handle of it now. Thank God!

Freebie Fever

2006-08-07T15:39:00.000-06:00

I have heard that even the richest and most famous people love anything with the pricetag: F.R.E.E.

Well, I might not be anybody "special", yet, but I do love my freebies! Sometimes I envision a phase in my life where I will not need to buy very much of anything b/c of freebies. I guess you could say I have a secret ambition to make all the "freebies" out there "work" for me. LOL

There is no "genius" to living well w/o breaking the bank. A lot of us have overindulgent tendencies. If we could stretch things out, reduce our trash, substitute and "MYO" we'd be fine! It's not that we "can't", it's that we've conditioned ourselves to give "more worth" to something just because we didn't make it ourselves. Would you rather spend more money on the most expensive coffee, or a babysitter or even a weekend vacation?

It's about priorities. Sometimes I challenge myself: how long can I make this ______ last? How many days can I last w/o pointless drives around town? Why shouldn't I want to use my money smartly- for my own enjoyment rather than to fatten corporate pockets? Would I spend my last few dollars on cigarettes (I quit, by the way) or gas or groceries. Would I be happy with an empty tank of gas, empty stomach and a cigarette in my hand? I wouldn't.

People spend money like it's guarenteed to keep spilling in our pockets! They take their 40 hr week pay for granted and yet complain about their thankless jobs? What do we have to show for our "labor"? There are plenty of "one hit wonders" out there that made a great temporary income but didn't make it work for them. Are they saying that it's impossible to live off that one time paycheck for a good chunk of their lives? They couldn't save for their (unsteady) future? Were they provided any guarantees that their success would continue? No no no.

We're not a disciplined society, at least not with our money/debt. I'm working at being the financial minority.

Put to the test

2006-08-02T14:10:00.000-06:00

A Sign from God or the Devil?

Today, we realized that we miscalculated some of our finances. Todd went to the bank to deposit $100 and was amazed that the deposit slip showed the deposit, but he also got the money back.

Remember I said we could really use the money? He came home and told me the story. I knew that we needed the money maybe even more than others. I had to think over it a few minutes. Isn't it sick that when you get money it has to be in a mix up?

I had to think about what I'd say to Jasmin and what the chosen courses of action would say about who I am. I had to remember that, above all, it wasn't our money to begin with. Even though we had possession of it, it didn't *belong* to us. How could I feel good about that- even if it wasn't our mistake. The facts are still facts: it wasn't our money.

I had to take the $100 back to the bank. What could I control; only what I could do that was right. What if when I gave the money back and the lady just pockets the money? Who knows. I did what was right. I will never feel guilty for making the situation right. I would want my money returned to me if I were the one who made the horrible once in a lifetime mistake.

The ironic part was that the teller who made the mistake was the assistant manager whom I asked to talk to! Honestly, even devilishly, I was hoping for the irresponsible person to get in trouble or that maybe some fees would somehow vanish. You know- I'm not perfect- I have some Devil in me. But, I can only hope that since I spread good Karma, that it will come back to me.

DH forgot our 2nd Anniversary

2006-08-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

I'm just a little bummed. Deep down, I wasn't surprised that he forgot.

It's our 2nd Wedding Anniversary!

2006-07-31T14:47:00.000-06:00

Yup- just a short two years ago, Todd and I got married at the park district gazebo. Now, we have moved out of state, bought a house and already have a baby! So much can happen in just two years.

Just another day to miss the rest of the family. =( Love you all.

On the move...backwards

2006-07-28T17:54:00.000-06:00

"Lil Miss J" is on the Mooooooove

She's moving alright. Just the wrong direction. lol She even does "Downward Facing Dog". Seriously. And, whenever she does a muscle move (levitation) she grunts or whines. As Todd says, it's "high-larious".

She's not settling with just sitting pretty and meditating. She's turning on her bum. She now knows how to go from sitting to laying on her belly.

With all of the movin' and groovin' she's doing, she's getting flabs of skin and losing the marshallow fattiness she wore for months. It looks like she had a gastric bypass surgery and has the extra skin hanging around.

Her two bottom teeth in the center are showing through- almost cutting through! I can't wait to take pictures of her with teeth.

Hmmm... that's the gist of my update. Peace.

Baby or Bumble Bee? 8 mos.

2006-07-28T14:12:00.000-06:00

Todd's Proud Harvest

2006-07-26T13:32:00.000-06:00

My Urge to Write

2006-07-23T19:25:00.000-06:00

Today, after a sweet nap with Jasmin, I brainstormed a brilliant angle to write a book. It's going to be my secret project until it's published. Cheer me on! (wink)

Family and Friends out there

2006-07-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

Are you riding the new wave- Skype? I'm going to try it out. Maybe the next time I call you, it will be through the etherworld.

New View of Dear Jasmin

2006-07-23T19:13:00.000-06:00

Jasmin was so tired from crying that she fell asleep folded over her lap. I'd imagine that this position (in itself) would inspire more tears!

BBQ... of the Jasmin kind

2006-07-22T18:46:00.000-06:00

She tried the potato (loved it) and grilled onion (loved that too!). Have we made "baby food" look to ordinary? lol

First Time Trying Watermelon

2006-07-21T22:43:00.000-06:00

Hmmm, Watery & Sweet

Oh yeah~ I like it!

How my garden grows

2006-07-21T15:05:00.000-06:00

Reaching the Sun

2006-07-21T15:02:00.000-06:00

A Good Nemo Impression?

2006-07-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

Fishy Face: Mom's Favorite "Look"

2006-07-20T10:06:00.000-06:00

07/19/06

Bedroom Overhaul

2006-07-19T21:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I love being a mother and I like having reminders of my baby all around the house. But, I've decided after nearly eight months of bedroom chaos, I need to make it our adult sanctuary. The only thing in our bedroom that is "baby" is the picture of Jasmin and I in the YMCA pool. The playyard is about to go downstairs so she can hang out with me when I'm playing on the computer.

So- Today I cleared off my "nightstand". I placed an oval mirror on top; and put a small clock, note pad, lotions, vitamins and skin cleanser on top of it. I put a picture, as mentioned above, of Jasmin and I, another picture of my wonderful inlaws, and a wedding picture on the stand. I also have a walkman (hidden) with my yoga music CD. And- I put a few books and my journal with a flashlight for the "bookend".

Todd helped me fix the closet sliding doors. Then, I flushed the closet of the clothes Todd won't wear and organized it. I downsized Todd to a smaller "dresser" by swapping his with the one in the guest room. Finally, I made sure to neaten my dresser as well.

Todd wants to reposition the bed and change the wall hangings around. Tomorrow, he'll work on his nightstand. I think our finishing touch would be a hanging plant in the corner where the hamper is.

The bedroom was time-consuming for me, but I love being productive.

Peek a Booty

2006-07-18T15:41:00.000-06:00

~FRONT~

~Back~

I fit into 18 month size already!

2006-07-18T09:36:00.000-06:00

We're going to a playdate today, so I decided to doll her up in a brand new outfit Grandmother picked out for her.

Standing on my own two feet!

2006-07-17T20:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Together

2006-07-17T20:28:00.000-06:00

How did I let the days go by so fast?

2006-07-16T20:47:00.000-06:00

Here is Jasmin the day after she was born in her "going home" dress. I feel a weird pang of sadness. Being pregnant with Jasmin was such an intimate relationship- before she was "her own". I wonder how much she missed being protected inside me. I wonder how pleased she is with her parents and her humble surroundings. Is she disappointed? Did God want this for her?

I know I've changed so much- and it hasn't hurt a bit. So many people are afraid of change. I was blessed to become pregnant with such an amazing spirit. I think those nine months forced me to surrender to "the force". As much as I feel blessed and more "significant" since becoming a mother, I teeter with notions of not being enough for her.

In a way, the "teetering" motivates me to work on myself and pursue everything I dreamed of. I know most people don't know it- but I am. It's been a terrific personal journey. As though, I'm evolving- and watching Jasmin's live evolve at the same time.

She is such a joy- pure joy. Even her cries and tears are joy- they empower me because I know that - for now - all she needs is my embrace. Her smile can unarmour even the most stoic individual. Her smiles send warmth to my soul, and effortlessly- my day becomes brighter.

Now- in anticipation of her growing mobility, I wonder how far she will stray from her mother. Did she only need me for that short time, even when I was an amateur? I hope we stay close for the rest of her life. I hope she never moves away from me permanently.

Now being back at home, I think I feel even more "Illinoi-sick". Knowing that the time we spent there was all that I dreamed it would be- I know what I'm missing.... what Jasmin is missing out on.

I hope that we will move back to give her what she will treasure for the rest of her life- memories with her whole family. What did we do moving away?!

I'm at peace in Dreamland

2006-07-13T19:07:00.000-06:00

I like to play with my food!

2006-07-13T19:05:00.000-06:00

Would Winnie the Pooh Approve?

2006-07-13T19:04:00.000-06:00

I took Dad's Sox Hat b/c he lost mine^^

2006-07-13T19:01:00.000-06:00

Dad lost my pretty hat at the Carnival~

2006-07-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

Dinner Time with Grandmother

2006-07-13T18:58:00.000-06:00

Baptism June 29th 2006

2006-07-13T18:52:00.000-06:00

Jasmin and her baby cousin, Jerilyn, were baptised during the same ceremony. Jasmin's dress was size 18mos and it barely fit her! Thanks Therese for picking out such a beautiful dress!

Going going....gone

2006-06-26T15:30:00.000-06:00

Vacation....Here we come...

Gift for my niece, Jessica

2006-06-24T11:32:00.000-06:00

I made it just for you =)

Sitting up all by herself @ 7 months old

2006-06-23T21:19:00.000-06:00

It looks like she is leaning against me, but Todd took the picture and can vouch that she's a proud sitter. She's seven months to the day and I finally got around to getting a few copies of her birth certificate.

Jasmin is closer to crawling...

2006-06-22T18:12:00.000-06:00

I caught the moment. She was on her belly...arms stretched and belly off the floor and pushing her feet against our lazyboy. She looked proud. Now-I'm bracing myself to keep an owls eye on her every move. Everyday she is rolling farther and farther, standing up for longer periods of time, and taking more interest in and examining her toys. And I wish I could take the credit for teaching her all of it, but it's nature that's leading the way.

Off-Topic
Jessica: I'm crocheting some stuff for you because you're my first and special niece! Kisses & Hugs

Primerica to the Rescue!

2006-06-21T19:24:00.000-06:00

Early this year, I became a Primerica associate but had to wait to have our finances shuffled and fixed. The wait is over- Thank God!

We had to wait until we had a year of mortgage history and this was the month! Thanks Peggy & Jerry for helping us move in last year! You're the best in-laws ever. =)

I feel like we took a huge step in the right direction. I'm 26 years young and am happy at the prospect of ditching our debt- house included- in about 14 years. I can't wait until I'm forty and financially set. The trick is to work towards financial goals on a daily basis and develop better habits.

Let's face it: rich or poor, most of our parents did not explain finances to us. Either you were brought up wealthy and felt set for your own future. Or, you were poor and didn't know what to do with the two pennies you rub together. And- most of those financial company giants out there don't want us be educated in their business to keep us dependent in debt (scary). If we don't have debt or mortgages- how would they make money?

I don't place blame on parents on the whole. Half the battle is the media and our materialist and capitalistic society. It's sink or swim in the big bad world; the best way to keep above water is to arm yourself with the facts.

How many of us work copious hours at jobs we don't love and end up missing out on family time? How many of us have anything to show for our incomes? Is it "in" to be in debt? I hope it changes soon.

I will do my best to help Jasmin learn the ins and outs of the power of money and the value of our underpaid time.

But for now, my family has a plan and is on track for financial independence! Oh yeah~

Today's Outing...to the Falls...

2006-06-20T15:03:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed our short hike up the mountains. Now Todd has an idea how it is to be pregnant. LOL

Happy Father's Day Todd!

2006-06-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

It was a lazy holiday for the Fam'. I made breakfast; we had a frozen pizza for dinner. Didn't go anywhere.

I did give Todd an early Father's Day gift subscription a week ago. We also went to a Mexican Restaurant for lunch last week. So, I think we officially "celebrated" last week and today was an anti-climax.

Perhaps next year Jasmin will talk and we'll have a grand old time doing something together...

Crampin' my style =p

2006-06-17T13:54:00.000-06:00

As I said before: I am so excited for our upcoming trip back to IL.

But- the thought of my dear plants wasting away is cramping my style!

It's frustrating to think that I put so much love and care into making them grow and stay healthy, just for them to go to rubbish. =(

My inner earth goddess is screaming in protest. It's always wanting to be fully released. My stash of gardening stuff is building and feeling abandoned. But since we're leaving soon- I don't want to sow anymore seeds until we get back.

I truly would love to be the all-time green thumb. I worked in a flowershop- how else should I be. LOL My problem is that I'm a sporadic gardener. I'd really love to prepare and plan an awesome garden so that perhaps I'll have a beautiful, organized, booming garden in the near future.

Do you think people would pay me to maintain and play in their gardens? LOL

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Random Salad Idea
I tested this combination with a few lunch guests the other day and it was a hit.

I sliced canned carrots, canned beets. Combined them with cut lettuce and soy beans and add cheddar & parmesan cheese. Not only was it colorful, but it was sweet and healthy.

N.B. Don't mix ingredients together ahead of time b/c the salad will discolor (like the beet color). Just slice and shred ahead of time and combine when you're ready to serve.

Sittin' Pretty

2006-06-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

This is Jasmin in her Daddy's old rocking chair! It was her first time sitting in it and she was beaming in front of the camera

Choices

2006-06-15T15:55:00.000-06:00

My new layer of understanding:

A lot of times, I still ponder and feed the pool of tears in my heart. I revisit the reasons why I was abandoned as a child. The child part of me still asks "what can a three year old child do wrong enough to be given away"? The answer is that it wasn't anything that I did at all; my mother made a choice, and the tidal wave that ensued altered my life tremendously.

But now, the adult part of my mind keeps editing how I digest this information over and over again. If my mother hadn't made that somewhat tragic decision, my life would not have been blessed with enriching experiences and beautiful friendships that I cherish.

Most of all, if I'd stayed in Korea, I would not have met Todd and would not have brought Jasmin in the world. If the tears of my past were the price of the blessing of my daughter, then I should be thankful- if only about my Jasmin.

I got the better half of the deal. I did nothing wrong; I had nothing to regret; I was able to be highly educated; I was able to experience the world and not just a rice paddy;I grew up strong and survived all of my own choices. And now- I have my daughter. Yes- I have prevailed.

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Logical Tangent:

I read a post on another blog about losing a child through untimely death. With each word I read I felt my heart swell. The lady wrote about how our children are merely lent to us by God for a time. Though it is a beautiful sentiment that I agree with, I refuse to think that God would ever take my Jasmin away from me. Would he dare hurt me like that?

Newest Best Picture

2006-06-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

6 Months & 3 weeks

Transition away from Basinet

2006-06-14T14:05:00.000-06:00

Last night was the second night that I put Jasmin "to bed" in the play-yard in our room. It is the middle step towards getting her to sleep in her crib in her own room alone. I think I'm having a harder time than she is. I think I've only let her sleep the whole night with us twice; but I've never been scared to let her sleep with me a few hours at a time. I love the way she giggles and smiles when I put her in bed next to me. It's like she thinks it's a sleepover- SO CUTE!

I have to get her used to sleeping without us soon because we'll be using a crib for her when we're in Illinois in a few weeks. So far she's been great with the change. She's never slept in a separate room since birth so I'm afraid we'll both have a hard time adjusting.

Jasmin is doing wonderful though. She's been a fairly easy and a very happy baby. She's even keeping herself entertained playing with her feet. She's also moving around to the different activities in her Ultra-Saucer. Her new thing is to change the channel or volume on the TV with the remote.

I still take forgranted her small feats because the days fly while my mind is still like molasses. I even threw a baby washcloth in the toilet! And then I burned cookies! And then, just as I was telling her that I hoped that she wasn't accident prone like her momma-I broke a glass! And all of that happened before 10:30AM today.

Give me Five!

2006-06-12T19:27:00.000-06:00

Ms. Jasmin started slapping Todd's hand and "giving him five". It was hilarious. It's a new development. I'd rather get "fives" than her pinches. lol

Her tickle spot is right on the back side of her ribs on both sides. And-I'm biased of course- she has the cutest laugh! It cracks me up to hear her laugh and giggle.

The anticipation is killing me =)

2006-06-11T16:09:00.000-06:00

We bought tickets to fly back to Illinois at the end of the month a few weeks ago. I can't stop thinking about seeing our family again. Well, it's "Todd's" original family- and my family by choice.

Yes- I may be one of the few married women who has a great relationship with their in-laws. But- I also don't have a close relationship with my own family to "fall back on".

I have been in denial for nearly two years. I AM SOOOO HOMESICK, or shall I say- "Illinois sick". lol I feel like I got the better end of the marriage deal- a husband and an extended family that I adore.

If ever I have a sad thought or a bad day- I focus on my daughter or the impending trip back to where I call "home".

Today, I called my SIL to go over some ideas and start planning our time together. I was almost in tears during our conversation. But- I think we will make the best of our time together and perhaps Todd will want to move back to IL in the next few years. (crossing my fingers)

I haven't felt this excited for anything in years. I'm going to relish every minute of our visit and take many photos and digi-tape the highlights.

Good thoughts from now on. =)

Violin-o-phobia? =p

2006-06-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

Well, for some reason "Ms. J" was not happy listening to the violin today. Everytime I played, she started crying- especially the higher notes. Well, I'm going to have to get her warmed up to the string sounds b/c I'm going to have her play when she's three or four. lol

Rumbi Island Grill

2006-06-10T19:20:00.000-06:00

We got to eat here free tonight!
It was a promotional-invite only- dinner event and the mom's group was invited! Wahoo! There are perks to being a mom. lol

I had the Mahi mahi with pinapple salsa, rice and caesar salad. Todd had the Pork BBQ hawaiian style.

The meal was soooooooooo delicious!
Now, if only we could get them to open a location a lot closer to us!

I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a different eating experience and very yummy palatable food. It's exotic food that's not "scary" to eat.

It's a very family friendly place.

Aloha! =)

~Spoon-fed Baby~

2006-06-09T16:11:00.000-06:00

Today she eagerly gobbled down her rice cereal
mixed with applesauce & water like a pro- sucking it off the spoon!
She leaned toward the spoon and ate every bit of it!

Our hearts danced

2006-06-09T13:22:00.000-06:00

I wish Todd recorded Jasmin and I on our new digicamcorder. Out of the blue, I decided to hold Jasmin and danced around the room. OMG! She loved it! She was smiling and giggling.

She likes being upside down and exploring her physical world. If her feet happen to touch something- she pushes and kicks. She learns with every sound and touch. It's so cool to begin to understand her processes for learning all things related to life. I makes me realize how much people can take the littlest things, beautiful things, for granted.

OT: We're pretty sure that Jasmin has captured the essence of her Daddy. She seems to mimic his coughs and zeros in on the location of our remote control. You should watch her in action. =)

FLY LADY worked for me!

2006-06-09T13:17:00.000-06:00

I know I've already posted this link and praised the concepts. But now, after two months of fluttering, I've made it work.

Today we had a person come over for an appointment with 15 minutes notice. And, you guessed it, I was ready and I finished tidying up just as the person arrived. I've now become a believer!

Now that I know it can work for me, I really need to work on the 15 minute rule...

All Consuming

2006-06-08T20:48:00.000-06:00

Check it out. It's a pretty cool site and I've added it to my blog.

My latest observation & prediction

2006-06-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

It took me a while to realize that when Jasmin insists on leaning to a particular direction while sitting in my lap that it was in the direction of the remote control! OMG, what a Daddy's Girl!

My next line of thinking was this: If she's so interested in the remote, maybe she'll be motivated enough to crawl to reach it. So I can "use" it to encourage her to practice crawling.

My third thought was: OMG, we watch too much TV and I should never admit to or share such information. Oops! (wink)

And my final thought was: wouldn't it be funny to record in her baby scrapbook that her first crawling adventure was to apprehend the remote control!

Does this make a daddy proud? (wink)

Frugal Does a Body Good

2006-06-06T20:02:00.000-06:00

Ok, I couldn't resist making my own contribution to all of the frugal genius out there. It's a work in progress- so check it out frequently.

I'm amazed

2006-06-05T18:48:00.000-06:00

I've watched my Jasmin in a short few weeks blossom into an active and inquisitive baby. Just as I was wondering if she'd do anything (other than being cute and loveable) to inspire motherly pride- she's made up for the months of patiently waiting for her development and smiling and congratulating other proud moms.

With a deep breath- I blurt my proud thoughts for the first time. Over the course of the last month: Jasmin has been rolling back and forth, doing push ups, sitting in a lap and chair, holding her toes, giggling uncontrollably, rocking in her rocking chair and reaching for me and the remote control (a true daddy's girl).

Today- in an experiment of sorts- I moved her LeapFrog activity stand to her while she was sitting in her rocking chair and she started playing with the lever thingies and smiling and laughing! I didn't have to tell her what to do. She did it all by herself!

Ok- I think I've done enough boasting for one post. I've had quiet confidence in my Jasmin; today, I decided it was time to voice my pride!

Jump up, Jump up and get Down~

2006-06-04T16:44:00.000-06:00

If I could post video files- I could show everyone how much Jasmin is enjoying her UltraSaucer! She's to the point were she has much better balance and feels comfortable putting weight on her legs. Now she's playing in it almost standing straight, bouncing and not using much arm support. I'm so proud! She started out just leaning against the thing.

BTW: We purchased a Digital Video Camera today! WAAHOOO! Now mommy has another toy to document all of our precious family moments. I figured we should have it for our trip/reunion to Illinois later this summer.

Future contestant on "The Biggest Loser"?

2006-06-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

We went to a birthday party today

2006-06-03T16:32:00.000-06:00

I dressed Jasmin in her cute summer jumper (with pant bottoms) for our friend's boy's 2nd birthday party.

We had fun. The cake was a Tonka truck cake- very cute.

There were more people there than I anticipated and I guess I went into shell (snail) mode. Thank God the BF/our friend of the mommy went to pick Todd up so he could be there too. Otherwise, I would have felt social overload. lol

It was nice to get out of the house. But I noticed that I am not taking Jasmin out enough because she gets so scared around other people. Do you think she was mirroring my shyness? I should be more careful of the example I give her. I guess I'm not the perfect mother I strive to be.

All in all, it was a beautiful day for a birthday party and we made the best of it.

Hill Billy Housewife

2006-06-02T14:31:00.000-06:00

In my quest for frugal nirvana I found the above website. A lot of it is very helpful and insightful.

Is it a bad thing to be Asian and have a southern accent? (wink)

2006-06-01T13:45:00.000-06:00

Perfectionists are not productive!

We do a yo-yo cycle of behaviors: doing everything & be "perfect", or do nothing and let everything fall apart. I believe that the biggest slobs (me too at times) are the world's biggest perfectionists. And that-in itself- perpetuates the cycle of beating ourselves up. Perfectionists do things that sabatoge their sense of worth and well-being in huge gestures that relieve guilt or that attempt to achieve acceptance/love.

It doesn't have to be "all or nothing". All we can do is do our best. If people don't love and cherish us for our hearts and our loving gestures, they are toxic and shouldn't be part of our lives. One of my favorite books (in my self-help days) is called "Toxic Parents". It is not reserved just for families and most times helps with the spectrum of relationships in our "spheres". When you add "perfectionism" to a "toxic" relationship our spiritual self tends to morph into an equal opportunity punching bag.

I think our biggest/worst "toxic" relationship is with our "perfect" alter-ego. I became friendly with a fellow adoptee who was in such a toxic family situation that his parents convinced him that he was nothing and that he should die. So one day, he laid in their yard for hours just willing himself to die. How heartbreaking is that!! I nearly cried myself silly when I listened to that.

We need to make friends with that alter-ego so that it doesn't resemble toxic people in our lives and have it fight on our behalf. We need to subdue that inner "perfect" alter-ego and have it admit that even "it" can't be perfect.