Lost and Forgotten October Post

Here are a few photos g-ma took for us in October because I was too self-involved with the whole Cancun thing that I forgot to take any pictures. Thanks Mom, you're the best.
Here's Halloween, of course. And T-dog's 10th birthday. And a few random pictures g-ma took whist she was here. It was great having Gandma in town for Halloween and T-dogs birthday for the first time. It was a great October :o)

Wow, a New Blog Post

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Mom.
Well, me and the dog that was just barking at the sound the computer made just a minute ago.
SO, since I am up waiting to download pictures from a FULL memory disk, I thought I would type you to death so I wouldn't fall asleep.
I just tucked papa in his kerchiff into bed for a long winter's nap, (a few hours ago). He's trying to get rid of a cold, so I am doing this evenings festivities all by myself. It is kinda quiet and I'm sorta jumpy--listening out for kiddoes.
Hmm, SO, here's an interesting tid bit of information: I accidentally on purpose let it slip about the big man in the red suit to Puppy tonight.

I was tucking him into bed and he gave me a new (for the 27th time) updated list of the pokemon that he wanted for Christmas, then he asked me if I had gotten any for him. This is were I precede to tell him that the presents under the tree are all from his Grandmother and Aunts and Uncles; that none were from me. He looked at me in the darkened room with sad eyes and said, "You didn't get me a present?" (Okay, here is when I start to feel bad--of course I had gotten him a present, just its label said Santa!) "After I made you a picture frame and helped Dad pick out a present for you? You didn't get me a present??" Goodness me he looked so sad, what could I do? Now I stepped in it, right?

After promises of keeping the info on the down low, I told spilled the beans. I felt awful for having told him because I flubbed on the whole "I didn't get you a present thang". But, after having thought about it, it was definitely time for him to find out. Perfect timing probably right before he woke up angry that Santa didn't leave him exactly what he asked for. I guess I'm patting myself on the back now. Plus, he feels like a grown up, being in on the secret--that he pinkie promised to keep. Here's hopein'.

Great, now the battery has died on the camera and I guess I'll have to start all over again tomorrow. Guess that's what I get for having a 2gb memory chip, that and procrastination will get you (read me) every time!

Birthday Blast!

Just wanted to send a shout-out to my homies who made this birthday a blast!
It was pretty fun getting kidnapped (adult-napped sounds like geriatric nappy time) and had so much fun hanging out and what not! I just wanted to say FANGS alot!! ha ha that really was funny if you were there. You guys are too awesome!

So, Cancun, What Can I Say?

SIGH.

Rice and I had oodles and goodles of fun in Cancun. We didn't actually take that many pictures, but I'll post a few. The stay was great, especially the all inclusive food and non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiris and another yummy one called the Mayan sunset. Did I mention the food? It was yummy.

It was so relaxing hanging out on the white sand and in blue ocean (it really is that blue--who'd of thunk it?). The water was more salty than we're used to on the east coast; that was surprising. The highlight of the trip was speed boating out to the coral reef and snorkeling there. Of course we don't have any pictures of that, or the sun burn that entailed, but it was awesome. I think Rice enjoyed the speed boat a little too much LOL (he was trying to do donuts and flip the boat over!--okay maybe not but it sure seemed like it).

We also took a tour bus out the Chichen Itza (it was kinda like the two hour turn that turned into being trapped on a deserted island--just kidding) which are the Mayan Ruins. It was historically and archaeologically interesting but also scary at the same time. I dunno if its just me, but hearing about human sacrifice, cutting off the champion's head and what not is a debbie downer. That wasn't even half a scary as the street vendors there a-hankerin' for your business. I have to admit it was kind of funny when their English didn't exactly jive with what they were trying to say, but they were a little over-persistent for my likes. So, no one told us before hand that this was the place to get all of your souvenirs (because they're super cheap) and we only had a few dollars. So we spent the day trying to find someone who would sell us those cool tribal makes for the scant few dollars that we had.

Did I mention the food? Oh, I got a facial at the spa, that was an experience :o).

Rice did NOT take me out dancing for my birthday, but I guess I can forgive him since he did take me on a nice vacation :o). He did dance with me in the lobby of one of the sister hotels where there were fun festivities going on, but passed on the karaoke (thank goodness). Oh wait, I almost forgot, while kiaking, Rice introduced me to the salt water beaver. I still think it was an alligator and was totally justified and squealing like a girl.

Overall, we had a super stellar time. I even wore the sombrero as we walked down the street in Cancun (Rice said I looked really cool). The soy sauce was safe at home with grandma. Thanks grandma for putting up with them and all their activities.

On a different note, I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY CHURRO!!

Here I Sit.

Okay, am sitting here waiting for the plant to turn the liquid from blue to yellow (hopefully--seriously crossing fingers because this is the SECOND time I've tried this) and have now run out of things to study. So, I thought I would update the ole blog-o whilst I wait. Yes, I know its been a while (and I have read your blogs btw --can't believe I just used that acronym!). I've just been negligent, so sue me.

So all this work has kept me from my reading habit (slightly-what?? a girl needs a good read every now and then). BUT, I have been intrigued by the thought of how I would be described in a book. You ever think about that? Okay, anyways, tangent.

Here's another tangent, we were listening to Salty's favorite CD in the car the other day, and I happened to turn it directly to my favorites. T-dog asked me why I like the sad songs. I hadn't really thought about that before. So after I did, I realized most of my favorite songs are sad ones. What does this say about me? I like minor chords?? Sheesh, and would this be mentioned in my description in a book? (Look at the segway, my newscaster neighbor would be proud) Speaking of books, I like the sad books too. Is that weirD?

How about that Michael Jackson song. WOW. That's all I can say. That, and is it over yet? LOL I'm glad its the last new MJ song I'll be subjected to. WHAT? Its almost as bad with Modona. Anything produced in the last 9years = not so hott.


OHhHH!!

I thought I had a color change there, just a little over excited. Still blue.

So my kids have discovered YouTube for real now and they want to send every waking minute there. Is it sad when a four-year old can turn on the computer, open up explorer and type in youtube? Their new found love is Donald duck cartoons. There is one, youtube Donald Duck chief, that they know by heart. Oh, and Daisy duck fat. Seriously, they were preforming it at the dinner table. Who knew you got dinner AND a show at the Nguyen household. Well, I guess anyone who's eaten dinner here would know, eh?

No school today so the kids are arguing about trading pokemon. Puppy just said he had a marvelous idea. That made me chuckle. Hopefully his idea is to stop fighting.


UGH, its still blue.

Salty watched an Authur episode about Binky Barns being allergic to peanuts. Afterward Salty asked me what she was allergic to and when I told her she wasn't allergic to anything she was upset. So, when she squirmed when I was giving her a kiss, I told her she was allergic to kisses. So now she says, "I'm allergic to kisses, it gives me anaphalaxis." LOL

Two hours later, its still BLUE!!

Shamtastic to blue water, Cancun, here I come.

A Conversation in the Car

Aidan: Have you ever seen a candy cane Addie?

Addie: Yes, there's one behind my couch.

Aidan: Really?

Addie: Yes.

Aidan: For real.

Addie: I told you yes.

Aidan: No, Addie be quiet I was talking to your mom. Do you really have a candy cane behind your couch Susan?

Me: Um, not that I'm aware of.

Addie: Yes uh-huh. I was peeking behind the couch and I saw-ed it.

Aidan: Wow. A real candy cane.

Addie: Yep.

It was interesting how the conversation went from there to riding a bicycle on the street and having to squish an apple and saying, hey, I just squished an apple. These two little guys have the most interesting conversations. . .

Soy Sauce fav song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So48F5Tt9Tw

i think it reminds them of their mom

"... while you were out clubbin', I just made caramel deights...."
what?! What?! I knit sweaters YO!

Things You Didn't Know:

I was this close to putting deodorant on my tooth brush yesterday. Seriously, it was pretty freaky.


The lady on the news said the sound that was made when a gun shot into her window was "POW". I was amazed that the old Batman and Robin show actually had it right. (Still waiting to find out where the KA-BLAM came from. . .)


The worst part of having to go back to school according to the soy sauce is having to wear underwear everyday.


Rice's Nationwide hockey team won first place in their divison (old foagie division).

There is a new principal at the elementary school that may be totally fictitious. Haven't seen hide nor hair of her. Either that, or she's heard about me LOL.

I read a jillion zillion books this summer. Sigh, very sad to see it go. Summer readin' had me a blaaaast. Summer readin' happened so faaaast. I read a book, crazy can be. ..

We have a teenager in the house, and she's only four. We have to hear song after song after song on her new Taylor Swift CD. I keep having to tell her to turn it down, no kidding. It may be because she plays her CD on the DVD player because she doesn't have a CD player. Hello Santa, my old friend.

The only way to get puppy to smile is to get him to say his code name for Lilly (the dog)

If I hear, "but wichadee likes it!" one more time I may loose my marbles.


T-dog and I are enjoying swimming at the Y on Saturday mornings. He's taken to swimming like a fish out of water :o) FOOW may be his new nick name. He is trying hard so that he can be on the YMCA swim team in the spring and has really come a long way. I look forward to our time together all week.

I am working on my bikini bod for Cancun. (not much success there LOL--but at least I am getting used seeing myself in a swimsuit without shreaking)


Puppy's first travel hockey tournament is coming up in mid-September.

Puppy is a natural at the hulahoop. Every time he does it you will hear him say his trade mark, "this is eeeeeesay" statement

Salty is also very capable on the hulahoop as well, it took her a few times to master the art, but she is a pro at swinging her hips. Shikera watch out here comes Salty.

Salty is anxiously waiting for dance classes to resume and pre-school to start.

I am loving teaching aerobics again (hint--school started) ps, my ham strings are sore

Did you know I was sick? I'm better now. It was terrible, I've never seen a human being with so much err, "drainage". It was like beam me up snotty, to warp speed. Thank goodness no one else got sick.

Unless you count Rice's "allergies" as being sick. Yes, the ever dreaded "itch spots" are back. He has been cleaning the vinyl siding and (supposedly) he's having a reaction to the oxyclean? maybe the fiberglass ladder? I know he does break out when he comes in contact with fiberglass, but its a ladder?! If he gets much worse, I'll be the one to give him a shot if he doesn't head to the dr for his beta methazone.

OHH, my fav. author is heading to town!! Yippie.


Sheesh, do they ever take after their dad. I am working on photo-shopping shirts onto the boys.





I can't spell doesn't or comming.

Here's A Tip

When it is so late that you start singing the Franklin University jingle it is definitely time to head to bed!

Why is sheep shearing on television? Is this a new sport?? I think it may be time that we had more channels.

So, only 10 days until school starts for the boys, not that I'm counting. It was such an enjoyable summer; I am sad to see it go. Kinda sad and kinda happy at the same time (hidden meaning--seriously looking forward to going to the grocery store without a panel of esteemed guests that need to deliberate about everything that is put into the cart). PS--also looking forward to teaching aerobics without having to shout; no put that down, don't throw that ball at the littleies, no looking at me with that evil eye, quit chasing the girlies and growling like a dinosaur, no pretending the chairs are Jedi fighter plane thinggies, and for goodness sake QUIT MAKING THAT NOISE. Seriously its going to rock, so now is the time to start attending (hint-hint).

The weather has been so moderate this summer that it has been nearly perfect, I am definitely dreading winter, but looking forward to autumn. I am especially looking forward to one specific week of fall when I will be enjoying the scenery in Cancun. YEAH BABY, you heard right. And honestly, its about time. If it takes wonderful husband two years to get the hint next time, I may have to use strong words with him. . . just kidding. We are both excited for our first vacation without the soy sauce in 10 years.

Sheesh, hockey has already started again, meaning I need to re-stock the van with sweatshirts for the frigid rinks. Puppy is pretty excited for this season and is looking forward to the tournaments that are planned for his team. I love it when he gets off the ice sweaty and tired! At least I know he will be subdued for a while (like 12minutes). PS--he has been trying so hard in violin. I almost cried the time we practiced a particular difficult part of a song and he decided to play it over and over and over again until he got it perfectly right.

Salty went with me this week to sign up for her dance class that starts up again in September and was soooo excited to see her favorite dance teachers Miss. Stephanie and Miss. Dara. Believe it or not they were arguing who gets to have Salty in their class LOL. I don't know much about dance, but they tell me she's pretty talented (of course I thought that--hello! her mother here). It could be all that practicing she's doing day and night and night and day. I need to get her some of those self tying tap shoes so I can quit having to do it.

T-dog, t-dog, t-dog. It has been quite a summer. . . he keeps telling me he thinks he's got a hair growing under his arm. We've had lots of other "talks" and I am deciding maybe I can discuss grown up things without giggling. He is starting his last year of elementary school, I can't believe how big he is. Seriously. We were trying on pants for fall well lets suffice it to say that he is a slim no longer. He can definitely hold up his pants these days. He is starting swimming this fall, soon he's going to have man muscles ....(sigh)

Okay now they're using scissors to cut the wool off the sheep, I have to get up and turn the t.v. off! Where's PETA when you need them?!

More Ballet

Salty had a great time doing a summer dance class. Even though she had a few make up classes in a full class, most of her classes were just her and another little girl with Mrs. Stephanie--Salty's favorite dance teacher.

Puppy's Recital July

Puppy did a great job at his last recital. First, he played a duet with his fabulous violin teacher, then he played a solo. There were also cellist preforming there and they all commented on Puppy's memorization. Great Job!!

What the Smack, its July?

When did that happen?? Okay, I may be revealing too much about myself here, but I thought there were 31 days in June yesterday. I know, . . " thirty days hath September, April, JUNE, and November, all the rest have 31, except for February all alone..." I know. Stop singing, I KNOW!

Its not the lazy days of summer in the Nguyen household, nosiree! Between swimming lessons, baseball, hockey, ballet, gymnastics and music lessons I can't seem to remember what the date is anymore. There's no school week and weekend, just one long day that extends on until Aug. 25th. Being the Mama Bus is exhausting, I think I am going to start charging 50cents a ride!

Case and point, I pulled over to the side of the road last night to switch kids off with Rice so that he could get to ballet and I could get to baseball. I was blocking someones driveway. If I had time to stop and think, I think I would be embarrassed. Good thing there's not time for that. :oP

My Thoughts: Diary of Disney Vacation

Monday: Man, it really is hot. I didn't even know I could sweat there.

Tuesday: Is it possible that its hotter today than yesterday?

Wednesday: Boy, I wish it really would rain instead of just being cloudy. Its so hot that I am about to go jump in that fountain with the kids, think anyone would look at me funny?

Thursday: Still sweating. Oh look there's Mickey!

Friday: Heat exhaustion anyone? Why don't we swim to Epcot today instead of taking the boat?

Just kidding by the way.

Okay.

WOW.

That was fun.

When I first got home I wasn't sure if I would ever want to go again, you know been there, done that. But now I'm looking forward to heading back one day. It was beautiful (I don't know if I mentioned hot?), exciting, and magical all at the same time.

Nothing will replace (in my mind--since I didn't get a picture) of Salty's face lighting up when she met the princesses; the fun I had getting jerked around in the medieval whirl with the boys (and the look on their faces either ha ha ha); teasing Rice because he didn't want to make the teacups spin too much (the wuss); the feeling of weightlessness as we dropped 13-stories in the "Tower Of Terror"; running around the World Showcase at Epcot (and I mean running because I had left one of our bags {with our precious pictures with Belle and a few souvenirs} in Mexico where Puppy and I had previously {5minutes ago} lunched on a delicious Mexican cuisine [do not try this at home]); waiting in line an hour and a half to ride Soarin' {[it was definitely worth it] okay it was mostly worth it but not the headache that ensued from keeping Puppy off the five hundred other people waiting in line and the hand railing--he thinks he's a monkey}; oh yeah, Mission: Space (oh no mom, this won't make you barf, we did the baby green [easy] team with dad, lets do orange {g-force activated} with you mom {don't give in to the flattery, Oh mom, you're the best and the oh no, it won't make you barf) it was serious fun!; watching the fireworks from the boat; and so many more unforgettable memories (that I can't seem to remember at this moment). It you have the chance, you should go!

ps thank goodness for spell check, you don't even want to know how I spelled Thursday

okay maybe you don't, but I'm not tellin' :o)

Yes, Another Disney Post.... WHAT?? we took lots of pictures :oP

These first pictures are from the Happily Ever After Character Dinner. We had a great time meeting the characters from Cinderella




This was the Primeval Whirl. Needless to say we were a little woozie after this ride. It almost made up for Rice not letting us spin on the Mad Hatter Tea Cups, almost :oP.
These photos are from a 30-min.Beauty and the Beast musical. Salty and I loved it and the boys didn't even mind watching, so it must be good.




The army guy was hanging around the new Toy Story ride in Holly Wood Studios. It was a fun ride, ahem, maybe because I got the most points by hitting the targets. :o)
This is me before the ride down Thunder Mountain. If you aren't a lip reader, I am saying, "GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

This picture will live on in infamy in our household. Even though the boys are here, building their own light sabers, they don't actually own one. After we made and purchased the light sticks, Puppy had that attitude. We realized the look on was his face was dissatisfaction. They ended up returning them. It was quite funny (aside from the enormous amount of time it took to return them). Even funnier was that at Hollywood Studios, they had different colored pieces that were more satisfactory to Puppy, so he built a new Light Saber. And actually kept it. I teased him the whole time we waited in line to make the night light, but he hasn't asked me to return it, yet.

T-dog took this one of me and Rice at the phone booth in the UK in Epcott. I think the fact that it is off-kilter gives it a cool dimensional quality ps--he is working on his picture taking skills