What has become of Valentine?

I didn't grow up here so I don't know what my childhood's Valentine would have been liked in school. But when I was young, our Valentine basically consisted of collecting the most heart-shape stickers on our uniform and maybe (just maybe) a few roses or flowers.

Nowaday, with one kid in Elementary school and another one in Daycare I didn't realize how much it has become such an event. Last year we weren't in the country so I didn't know about this. This year boy... I wasn't prepared for all the preparation I had to make. Granted it's nothing as major as Christmas season. But still.. It's just a Valentine day!

For my daughter, I came up with a simple and economic solution for her valentine for her friends. A heart shape paper with her handwriting for her friend sticking to a lollipop. Add a little bow then we got a heart flower. Then today we worked on making her a mailbox so that she can bring the valentine to her class and also possibly collect one (or many) from her friends.

For my son, since there is no instruction and probably they wouldn't care how and what we bring. I just got a bag of lollipop and a Valentine plastic tub for him. I have never thought that I will be needing a tub just like Easter and Halloween. Now I have one more tub to keep track of for the Holiday.

I seriously think that it's a plan drafted up by dentist, candy companies, and card companies... ;) Just my 2 cents.

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My little Picasso...

Ok. I might have been overstated it. But any proud parent would have said the same thing about their own kid!!!!

This evening we went to our first Art Show at my daughter's school. It was a way to support school I guess since technically I don't see why we have to pay for my own daughter's art. But I figure that the teachers have done such a wonderful job, a little support won't hurt. I can't really volunteer as much so monetary donation is my way to help a school.

The Art Show started from 5:30-8pm. Since I didn't want to come home late, so we head there by 5:30 and the gym is already packed. We walked around a bit trying to find her art and ended up found cookies and drinks first. Good lost, I guess. :)

Well, I'm sure this will not be the last time but I guess the first time is the one that they will remember. Good thing I have only 2 kids!!

Simple pleasure

It's so simple to be a kid. This past weekend, we didn't do anything special in my opinion but I think my kids had so much fun just to ride their bikes in the parking lot.

Our house is on the slope so we can't really ride the bike on the street in front of our house. Luckily, we live very close to the community pool. And being in the dead of winter (seriously? It's in the high 60 that day), the pool is closed and there hardly was anyone in the tennis court. So we took over the parking lot there.

My daughter just got this new bike this past Christmas. She was begging for girl bike. See! We are into "Green Living" so we tend to reuse stuff (AKA hand-me-down) items from friends. I don't really mind. They grow so fast (not so much in my children's case anyway) so it's kinda make more sense to save for their college. Anyway, off the topic here. So we had an old bike from our friend which is still in a pretty decent shape. Except it's in a boy-ish look. So Santa granted her wish this year.

My son is way too small for the bike with training wheel. So he settles with a tricycle which I think he starts to get a hang of riding it. Good thing I got him a helmet set a few week ago. We can already see the scratch on the knee pads and helmet. Plus when we got home, we got the proof to show daddy that he did ride his bike. He fell a few times. And one time he did manage to scrape his upper lip a bit. Ouch!!! But all in all they had a blast. And yet we didn't even have to spend a dime!!!

A Virgin Primary Voter

Good afternoon, Super Tuesday voters...

This is my first time to get to vote in the primary. I won't go into detail about my political view. I'm just so excited to finally get to have the right as a US citizen. I'm not very vocal about my political view by nature. And quite frankly I'm still learning about the system here. Heck! I just learn the difference between Caucus and Primary last month! It has been interesting espcially since last couple elections to see how your vote does really count.

We voted at Windermere Lodge in another community nearby. We head out there around 3 pm so that we can beat the office workers crowd. The process couldn't be easier and faster for me.

I went in, filled out the form, checked for my ID and then got my card.

It took only 2 minutes for me to finish. Then another 5 minutes to wait for my husband. :) I wish I would have brought my kids with me just so they can see and learn about the process in their early years. But with 2 sick kids, I also don't want to get the volunteers sick. Maybe when we vote for the Presidential election.

Build-A-Bear... Where Best Friends are made...

This weekend we didn't make it to IKEA. We went to a birthday party at Build-A-Bear store. This is the first time for the kids but my hubby and I had been there before. It was such a fun experience for them. I think just the idea that they have the say in everything their bear to be made have made a huge impact on them.

It was a busy day though. The party has 19 kids. Just to imagine that and that didn't include other customers in the store.

First step is to pick your bear or bunny or turtle.. There are more than just a bear. Once that's done then they move to the Stuff Me station. This is where they get to put a heart into their little friend and see how it comes to life. (not litterally but you know what I mean)

Then we couldn't possibly bring home a bear without giving them a proper bath. The bath station is cute and fun. Sure does help them learn to about good hygiene.

Next, we need to dress him up. This is where the store really makes a lot of money. There are lots of options for them from normal outfit shirt and skirt to sport fan outfit. Or even Limited Too version of a bear..

Then you will get to register your bear and receive a birth certificate just like bringing home your brand new baby.. What a concept!!!

There are several other copy cat type of stuffing bear that you can see when you walk in the mall or shopping area. But I think the whole thing is not just about stuffing your own bear but the whole experience in the store. Walking around to pick up your bear, stuff him, clean him and dress him.

IKEA for a day

I think IKEA should be listed as part of the destination in whatever city they are in. I love IKEA!! But I know that IKEA is not for everyone. Their products have such a good price but the quality well... it depends on what you buy. If you want to get a furniture that will last for generations then don't bother.

Out of a blue yesterday, my daughter asked 'Mommy, how come we haven't been to IKEA for a while?' Guess.. it shows how much we have introduced our daughter to IKEA.

One of the thing in IKEA that we haven't tried (even after several attempts) is their children play area. It seems to be that they allow only 2-3 children in there at a time. I mean come on... you are that big do you expect to have only a handful of customers at a time. It looks cool enough even I want to stay there but yet we are not there at the right time every single trip.

Maybe this weekend we might be lucky!