White On Rice

Yes, Indeed-e-doo, I need to post.

2010-03-20T13:45:00.005-04:00

SO, lots going on as you know since I have been posting on the blog every day for the past three months, phew it was a lot of work.

What?

You didn't see the posts?? Thats inconceivable (princess bride accent)!

Okay, you're right. I didn't do it.

But I thought about it.

That should get me some brownie points.

Or at least brownies?

ANYone??

I guess I'l start with the most recent and then work my way backward with what I can remember (which with my memory won't be much). The soy sauce are on Spring Break as we speak, they have alllllll next week off from school. I am on Spring Break too, I guess. The Winter Quarter just finished and Spring doesn't start for a week. I am back to babysitting full time this week, so I'm not really how much it is going to feel like a break for me LOL. I am looking forward to watching both the almost two year old and the three month old. EWW boy, good thing we got the van. PS- I forgot how much FUN (no sarcasm there at ALL) two year olds can be.

On Thursday I went with T-dawg to COSI for a class field trip. It is like a hands on science museum for all of y'all who aren't from around here. SO, I thought it was going pretty well and I only had a mild headache when ten minutes before its time to get back on the bus one of the boys in my group shows me his shirt that he has thrown on top of a twelve foot tall nose. Of course he proceeds to attempt climbing the nose to retrieve it when I tell him nu-huh buddy. He had to tell the peeps who had to call the other peeps with the ladder. Needless to say, I was running all over COSI trying to get the kids to the bus on time. But hey, at least no one was complaining that all they wanted to see was the sea otters (spoken in a VERY whiney voice) like last year at the zoo. All in all I guess it would be a success.

Last weekend we had a few errands to run on Saturday and so the kids were supposed to be getting dressed to go out. Puppy rushed into my room and asked me, "Mom, are these the pants that make me dressed for a flood?"
I looked at him and told him that they were then he yelled, "GREAT!" and ran down the stairs. Of course I had to run after him giggling trying to figure out what was going on. He informed me that it was going to rain and there may be some flash floods so he wanted to find his water shoes and be prepared. I am still giggling about it now. Plus, I don't think it ever really rained that day. It just drizzled a little, no matter Puppy was prepared come rain and high water! LOL

Salty had a birthday. Yeah! She's five not fifteen, so don't ask. She wanted to have a party at Chick-fil-A just like last year. I tried to explain that I would get the pictures mixed up, with my good memory and all, but she wouldn't be dissuaded. There seemed like quite a few children there from dance, school, and church; but they behaved really well and we all had a nice time :o) Thanks to Photographer Anthony who took time off his real job to visit his daughter at her party and take a few pictures.

Someone else has had a birthday recently, too. Puppy is now eight and is anxiously awaiting his baptism (scheduled for April 10 I think). He wants to wear goggles. I told him I can't wait to take that picture :o).
Puppy surprised us all when he decided to have a party this year. He has never been interested in one before. Of course he waited until the last minute to decide, but it worked. We had some boys over to the house for his Backugon party.

Yeah, it snowed.

2010-01-09T13:57:00.002-05:00

Just Do It!

2010-01-07T11:20:00.006-05:00

*stepping on soap box*

Seriously people, what is so hard about recycling? I do not understand why when I drive down my street on my husband's favorite day of the week (trash day!) that less than half the homes have set out recycling bins for collection.

As previously stated, THEY ARE PICKED UP RIGHT ON YOUR FRONT LAWN. There is no having to drive to the recycling center with your used cans dripping all over your car's leather interior. Its simple: place recycling bin in garage, use can (box, paper, plastic, etc.), open garage door, throw empty can into bin, on aforementioned collection day kick the bin down to the end of your drive way, after collected kick bin back into garage. Then repeat. I need someone to explain to me which step of that was too difficult, I just don't get it.

Are we trying to deplete the world's resources so that our children have nothing but a barren wasteland left? If we truly care for our children wouldn't we want to leave them the best? I would assume that these people who don't recycle aren't likely to go to the Grand Canyon with a can of spray paint, leave the water running in the sink all day, or leave their car running in the drive way all night. Sure, I'm not changing to world by recycling, but if everyone did it, maybe it would could.

Mad props to all my homies that are trying to make a difference!

http://www.dosomething.org

Our Holiday In Pictures by Salty

2010-01-05T11:43:00.010-05:00

SO, Salty got a "real" camera for Christmas, and has been taking pictures ever since. (remember the blog post when I was readying the memory card, sheesh, that took forever) Here are a few of her better pictures :o) Enjoy, they are the only ones taken of our Holiday festivities. I think she did a great job :o)

This was Salty and Puppy's favorite past time, Tickle Time with Uncle Thanh. That and the "moon at noon" where they would wake up Uncle Thanh using lots of noise around 12pm. Hopefully it didn't involve too much mooning?! I should ask Thanh LOL

Here's Salty and Cousin E playing dress up. They had a great time playing together. Okay maybe E wasn't playing dress up, but he did like the little polly pockets and tea party.

This was taken New Year's Eve right after Salty yanked out her first tooth

Aunt Quyen and E playing. Not the best picture, but only one of Aunt Quyen. Salty had a great time playing with her during our trip.

Celebrating Grandpa Nguyen and Thanh's birthdays, January 1.

Birthday

Birthday

Cousin E

Uncle Thanh

Grandma and Grandpa Nguyen

Aunt Phoung

The contens of Salty's purse

Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Gen VIA skype, we spoke on Christmas morning

tired Mom and Dad on Christmas morning

Salty's new Strawberry Shortcake dolls

Christmas morning

Christmas morning

Christmas morning

Christmas morning

Salty's Christmas Recital

2010-01-03T16:51:00.002-05:00

So, Salty was a little put out that there wasn't a cute outfit for the Holiday show. She still looked pretty dang cute if you ask me. okay that took forever to upload, now I remember why I hadn't done this before. . .

Puppy's Christmas Recital

2010-01-03T15:14:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know he forgot to dress up. It was a school night for goodness sake. Hey, at least we weren't late :o)

Lost and Forgotten October Post

2009-12-31T13:39:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-25T00:54:00.002-05:00

'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!

2009-11-18T19:50:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-11-02T11:02:00.004-05:00

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.

2009-10-16T14:57:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-10T12:31:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-09T20:17:00.001-04:00

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:

2009-08-29T14:13:00.008-04:00

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

2009-08-15T18:09:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-23T12:01:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-23T07:31:00.007-04:00

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?

2009-07-02T14:06:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-02T13:20:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-21T21:19:00.006-04:00

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

Star Wars Weekend--Disney Hollywood Studios

2009-06-21T15:27:00.008-04:00

"We look like idiots in these things!!" --puppy

2009-06-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

We said "HI" to Mickey for you, by the way

T-dog didn't mind, but Puppy was complaining when the Soy Sauce had to don life jackets for our boat ride around Disney. We happened to stumble upon a "Magic Moment" and were able to take a special cruise around the Epcott WaterWay (where our "Resort" is located) and watch the World Showcase fireworks from the water. It was amazing. A little less than and hour after the, "we look like idiots in these things!!" we heard "one...two...three...(three little voices together) WE LOVE DISNEY!!" It was a magical experience to say the least!! PS--The picture is of a little wave hopper, not the boat that we rode.

Captian Ron took a great picture of our family from the dock.

The view of DownTown Disney from the boat.

The fireworks grande finale

Epcott Monday

2009-06-20T00:06:00.000-04:00

the Belle of the Ball :o)

Snow White and a poison apple

Salty and Cinderella

Character Breakfast: Aurora "Sleeping Beauty"

Mickey Dreams Come True Show

2009-06-12T22:17:00.004-04:00

The Mickey Dreams Come True show is a must see. It is a program that is put on right at Cinderella's Castle and includes many favorite characters as well as fireworks, who doesn't like fireworks? We were getting a feel for our new camera lens during the program. The zoom is incredible, like you are right on stage. Check it out!

Sunday, the Magic Kingdom (notice there is no "J" in magic)

2009-06-09T23:51:00.011-04:00

After we got checked into our "resort" (quotation marks HAVE to be around the word because every time I accidentally slip and say hotel, I am quickly reminded that we are not staying in a hotel, but a "resort" :oP So there), we headed to where the magic is, the Magic Kingdom. We ended up staying until closing time 1am. Seriously. No Kidding. Yes, it was late, and we didn't even get everything done.

The first person we met, the FairyGodMother

Cinderella's Carosel, the first ride :o)

Then it was off to Ariel's Grotto. After Salty got a tiny spray of water on her, she cried the rest of the thirty minute wait that she wanted to go back and change, and oh yeah, she wanted a towel. Finally she quit crying then Ariel started talking to her.really fun King Author photo op :o)

We Made it to Florida!

2009-06-09T23:42:00.003-04:00

Phew--we finally made it. It was seriously a long drive

Salty's Dance Recital

2009-06-05T06:36:00.002-04:00

2009-05-19T15:57:00.003-04:00

Okay, well I tried to get my thoughts together, but it never happened. So, I will just go ahead with whatever big news I can remember.

First, and foremost; I got through "THE" talk with T-dog and no one spontaneously combusted from embarrassment. I still don't know how it happened or what exactly I said, but he had a question and I thought, OH BOY! here we go!! But I am really glad we got through it all. If he hadn't have asked, I probably would procrastinated until he was thirty. Okay, this may not be "news" to you, but I had been worrying about it for a while now so :oP there. ps--It is a good thing he thinks like a scientist.

Salty finished with her little pre-school last week. She is glad because now she can devote all her time to her favorite activity: playing with her friends. Some days I feel like my house is a drop off center, but I don't mind. It keeps Salty busy slash out of my personal cosmetics and jewelry, so I'm all for it. Sometimes, when the kids are playing really well, I even get a little cleaning done. Now, that's what I call a good day :o)

Baseball has started, well it is spring! I am proud of the kiddoes. T-dog is usually actually practically possibly excited to practice throwing/catching/hitting/and yes, pitching with Rice a few evenings a week. AND, this just in!! At Puppy's first game, not only did he not chase the butterflies (there actually weren't any), but he paid attention and made a few awesome outs when he played third base. He and T are doing so great at hitting as well. They're getting a hit practically every time they're up. That is no easy feat, especially for T because his league is now pitched by the kids--some of them are pretty good pitchers and its super hard to get a hit, and some of them aren't super great pitchers (not that they can't be good, just maybe need a little more practice, hey that why they're playing) and its super hard to get a hit. So baseball is good.

Salty's dance recital is coming up, so that's pretty exciting?

Memorial Day, yeah!

School is coming to an end of the big guys. So of course that means field day, field trips, end of year parties and picnics. Phew, I do not remember having this much fun when I was elementary school. I distinctly remember our ONLY field trip was walking through the 'hood to get to the grassy Town Commons to hear a story and have a picnic lunch. Seriously, there was no going to the ZOo with a big bunch of first graders who keep trying to tell you which way to go, running off, and pouting at every exhibit because the only thing he wanted to see was the otters. I'm hungry. When are we going to see the otters. I need to use the bathroom. This is boring. My feet are tired. When are we going to see the otters. When is lunch. Can we wait in line for an hour and a half to see the baby elephant? Phew, I am glad that is over. Afterwards there were a few other parent chaperons who were like wow that was fun. After I asked them if they didn't have a headache I told them next time they're getting my group! HA HA just kidding I am glad I was able to go. It was a good day spent with Puppy and a few classmates.

Oh yeah, we also went to the park and took some family pictures. The kids didn't really want to do any of the poses I had in mind, but we ended up with a few good shots. Oopsy, they must be on the other computer, I'll upload them later. Promise. Yes, I know I'm a procrastinator, but it will get done, sometime. ha ha ha Oh crap, that reminds me that I have to go water Rice's grass and tress. chao

booyeah! that only took one day.

Did you know that I'm gifted? Really! I got the letter in the mail.

2009-05-07T22:49:00.003-04:00

So we were having a cook~out and feeding the sister missionaries when these words actually came out of Puppy's mouth. T-dog was chit-chatting and trying to impress our company when Puppy had to throw something out there, too. Did you know that I'm gifted? Really! I got the letter in the mail. (in case you didn't catch that I already said that :oP). All I could think to say was, well he did actually get the letter in the mail. Serious hilarity.

Salty got her ears pierced. I can't believe she went through with it (back story coming. . .). She initially wanted it done when her G'ma and G'pa Nguyen were in town over the summer. We were shopping at the local mall with auntie when Salty said she wanted to get her ears pierced. So, we walked over to the store where these sort of things happen (FYI- they have tons of sparkly things there in case you're ever in need). A girlie was getting her ears pieced and Salty perked up to watch until the lady put on rubber gloves, then she was outta there like a bat outta you know where. So, to sum this up, last week when we were running a few errands at the mall. Salty was game. I was surprised that she didn't run away before it was over, but chickadee didn't even flinch! Way to go tuff guy. She was a little worried that when her 8 weeks were up and she could change her ear-rings that they would use the gun thing again, but after I cleared that up, she was happy as a bugger farmer. ps Uncle Not-so-scary, they still tease Puppy about that :oP

more to come later w/ pictures to boot, but need to put my thoughts together ..this one will be a doozy :o)

Our Trip to North Caroilna

2009-04-19T21:37:00.004-04:00

Wow, that was fast. I bet you didn't even know we were gone, but we're back. We had a whirlwind of a trip, but are really glad that we were able to go to attend my little brother's wedding. On the way there we had lotsa "family time" (ie we were squashed together in a van that none of us could escape). I found out what Rice is going to do when he wins the lottery. He is going to buy a house in Dave Mira's neighborhood (in my home town) and buy a riding lawnmower. Yes, you read that right, a riding lawnmower. He plans on starting up a lawn care business where he mows grass (on his riding mower) between the hours of 10am and 12pm. Hey, everyone needs a dream. When it got good and dark, Puppy looks out the window and says, "Hey, I think I can see some cancellations." I told him yeah, me too and tried to keep a straight face.

T-dog and Puppy were the ring bearers and Salty was the flower girl. They were super~handsome and beautiful. The wedding was very low key and we didn't have a run through so they weren't really sure when the supposed to do what, but they did a fabulous job (and looked cute doing it)! T-dog was realllly interested in when they were going to kiss. . . I told him the key words to look for so he could close his eyes, BUT I watched him jump up so he could see what was going on there. . . hmmm, not sure if I like that, but oh well. One day he will be getting married himself, he should at least see how its done. At the reception, after Salty had eaten about four dozen cookies, I leaned over to tell her a secret. I whispered that she couldn't eat any more cookies. Then she sat up and said, "I have a secret for you Mommy." She says, "I'm going to get another cookie." smiles, and runs away.

The ceremony was nice and Ronnie and Genevieve looked wonderful and happy. Congratulations you guys! Hope you find the present we left :o) It was great to see family again. I miss you guys.

Violated

2009-04-11T17:53:00.002-04:00

Does anyone else ever get WEIRD comments on their blogs??
It went from annoying to scary pretty quickly.
What do you do. . . who even knows this freakishly (surprisingly) interesting blog even exists? . . besides family and friends.
I suppose we are on the world wide web, whatever that means. But, I am feeling violated.

I know Its Been a While!

2009-04-06T21:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, yes. I know, you are begging to be updated. Well here goes

u wish you knew what was up

p lease don't beg next time

d on't even get me started. . .

a t least I could tell you something?

t ime really does fly doesn't it?

e eeek! If another six year old corrects me when I say I'm going to Disney Land instead of Disney World, I'm going to bang my head against the wall. How does every one besides me know this stuff by heart? I have to think, Florida --the center of the World; California--Land that may fall into the ocean.

s o, Puppy told me the other day when I was trying to explain that why we don't hit girls that if you can't hit them, they at least should do all of the cleaning and the chores.

There you go, now you know everything going on around the Porkchops and Rice family.
You know what I realized? If I don't write down all those cute little things the soy sauce says, I forget before I have time to get them posted up here on the bolgilicious.

You aren't going to believe this, but Rice is reading me a book at this very minute!! He said he went to the library and picked it out for me. After I laughed and reminded him that he's never gone to the library by himself, to quit joking, he pulled it out of his briefcase. So, I guess he says there is a library at work and he's in there all the time. . . He thinks I'm really going to love it. Oh really, I say, what's it called? Freakanomics. ?! Sounds like non fiction (not on the top of my must read lists--but the title does have freak in it, could be promising). So he's reading it to me while I'm re-newing things at the library online so we won't incur overdue fees. ShhhHHHHH, don't tell him that I moved on to updating the blog because I'm not sure if he has ever read a book this long before (other than text books for school and what not, of course he's very smart). Chewing gum is a billion dollar industry. WOW we are really getting to the meat and potatoes of this book. Better get back to listening :o)

ps, this is just between us--his voice is kinda monotone, I might pretend to listen while I take a quick nap

Someone had a Birthday!!

2009-03-22T18:02:00.002-04:00

Only one little friend cried at the sight of the Cow. Salty had a nice birthday party at the Chick-fila. They took care of everything, I just had to bring the light up princess cake (thank you Kroger--I've been under a cake curse for the past year). It couldn't have been a better day, well, maybe a few less sick brothers would have been nice, but at least Salty didn't get sick until after her birthday, YEAH!

Puppy Practices

2009-03-07T10:17:00.002-05:00

Gymnastics Ribbon

2009-03-07T10:02:00.005-05:00

Well, another quarter of gymnastics comes to a close with yet another gymnastics ribbon. Salty has quite the collection. Here are a few pictures from the event. Salty hugging her fabulous gym coach, Mrs. Sherry; Salty not paying attention (which sometimes happens :o); and the girls all showing off their ribbons. I tried to record Salty receiving hers, but she wouldn't stay on the block long enough.

The Nguyen's Head to the Park!

2009-03-07T09:15:00.003-05:00

Yeah! The weather was warm enough to go to the park on Thursday so we stopped in after school. I figured, Hey we better take advantage of the nice weather before it snows again. Puppy had to show me how awesome he has gotten on the monkey bars, Salty wanted to swing and T-tawg just wanted to push baby around in the stroller. I always wanted a sister, so we could share clothes, but who needs one when you can wear your nine-year old's instead. Thanks for the coat T-dog!

Wanna See What's Between My Toes?

2009-03-02T14:39:00.006-05:00

Salty's new favorite thing is to take her socks off and ask me, " Wanna see whats between my toes?" I think she likes the way I scream EWWW Gross! when she yanks her toes apart and has some toe jam in there. She likes to make a treat for me with the toe jam and tries to make me eat it! But we did discover that she has a mole between her last two toes on the right side, so I guess there is an upside to this new game? *note* video to come

So we sent back our video camera because it was pretty new and went kaput, they sent it back and said it was fixed. YEA! we thought and I tried it out to make sure it worked. When Rice got home we went to check it out and it wouldn't work AGAIN!! Weird, I know but we have some anti-technology thing going on in our house, don't even ask how many times we've had to replace our phone. Anyway, Rice called them and told them and they sent us a new one!! Woohooo I've got a video camera again and can't wait to upload some more super silly things.

T-dawg's team almost won a game!! They were even ahead by one going into the third period, but they, sadly, were defeated 8-9. Okay so what?... T wasn't actually there since this game was on Sunday, but that is the highest scoring game his team has had this year. Hooray for them!
On another note, this is the last week of hockey. Can I get a whup-whup! Ye-haw, I can't wait to get a pool pass and hang out somewhere warm for a change!!

Salty's Photo Shoot!

2009-03-02T14:21:00.004-05:00

So (there it is again!) Salty was asked to participate in a photo shoot. A friend from hockey who works at a company that makes educational toys and games (that you can pick up at Sam's Club by the way) needed some kids for pictures to go out the outside packaging for some new products. I thought, sure, why not. Sounds like fun and she would get a goodie bag with some of their products (which she loves) . Terribly enough, this shoot fell on picture day at school and she was going to have to miss it!(BUT, g-ma, there WILL be a picture day at Dance, so don't worry, you will get a new picture of her sometime...) I was a little sad about that, but thought that this would be a one time opportunity.. blah blah blah.... so we went.

For forty-five minutes and five grown-up trying to help, SALTY WOUDLN"T SMILE!! Seriously, my face is sore from smiling so big to try to get her to smile. I bribed with the you can open your birthday present from Grandma early if you smile. One lady there made a bargain that Salty would smile after every page if she would read Salty's favorite book. . . on and on it went. No dice. When we left, our friend from hockey said, "Oh, she did great. The kids don't have to smile in EVERY picture, some of her shots were great!" Sure, uh-huh!

At least it was a fun experience and now I know Salty doesn't deal with a room full of fun toys and grown ups trying to make her smile......oh well, live and learn <3 :o)

My New Beauty Regimen

2009-03-02T14:03:00.003-05:00

******WARNING******
This is not a joke, If you aren't going to take this seriously then do not precede!!

SO, (have you ever noticed that I can start ANY sentence with that?) I was at a Young Women's activity a few weeks ago and the topic was Natural Beauty/Skin Care. Okay, I thought here we go, lets put lemons on our eyes and talk about our crushes. First, I had to be corrected that lemons would ruin your eyes, its cucumbers, silly. The lemon juice you apply with a q-tip only to the tip of your zit (acne) and it dries it right up. I wasn't all that impressed with the avocado and honey face mask, BUT I did pick up a few good tricks.

Wash your face with oatmeal in your soap--not just good for if you get hungry while washing, it absorbs the oils on your face and acts as an exfoliant. don't forget to grind up the oat meal a bit.

Instead of expensive body exfoliates, you can use a mixture of sugar and peanut oil with a dash or two of essential oil for fragrance and you have the best stinking body scrub money can buy. Seriously smooth as a baby's you know what.....

Last but not least, the peanut oil that we rubbed all over our faces for a moisturizer left us all feeling so soft that every one there ran right out and bought peanut oil on the way home, just to keep in the shower. Wonderful Deb Storm told us that you can use it all over after you shower instead of a moisturizing lotion (apply before you dry off) and you will have the softest skin ever. Well she wasn't lying. Now after a shower the soy sauce all ask for peanut oil. Rice is a little concerned for when summer hits, if my skin will fry like the picture of fried chicken on the side of the bottle, but hey I can use sunscreen... this is great!!

Plus, if you need dinner ideas, just check out your handy dandy bottle of oil in the shower and she what good things you could fry up for dinner. Yum yum!!

Someone Turns Seven!

2009-02-22T16:08:00.015-05:00

2-21-02 to 2-21-09

This One's For You, Grandma!!

2009-02-16T17:49:00.006-05:00

Thank you for the Valentine's Day money. Today we went to Toy's R Us and got to pick out presents. "I love you, Grandma." says Salty. Puppy picked out a green light saber, T-dawg got a new Bakugan, Satly (of course) got a fairy Barbie. We had a great time at the toy store picking out our presents. THANKS AGAIN! Love, T-dawg, Puppy and Salty

ps Hope you like the present we picked out for you

Space Book and other New Developments

2009-02-15T19:39:00.004-05:00

So, I don't know how all of you guys keep up with all of your on-line goings on, but Face Book is throwing a wrench in my system. I don't understand it. I think I am going to delete it anyway. So rest assured that if I delete you as a "friend", I'm not giving you the on-line disss (ie cold shoulder), I just can't figure the durn thing out.

Last week, when I picked up the boys from school, Puppy announces, "I have a new girl friend!" Hmmm, I think here we go (isn't he a little young), "What is her name?" After a little coaxing and reassuring that no one would be allowed to tease him, he told us. While I was thinking about this new development, I asked him, "Does she know about this?" He sheepishly replies, "No." "Oh, good," I said relieved, "better not tell her." "Oh, I won't!" he laughs.

Salty enjoyed having a "friendship party" at her school and getting her Valentines ready. She was excited that friends would give her valentines too :o). Puppy and T-dog were very meticulous in choosing which Valentine went to which person in their class. It seriously took T-dog an hour and a half to get all of his addressed.

The STOMACH VIRUS came to visit us this week, too. Needless to say, every inch of the house has been disinfected and washed in scalding hot water (hopefully nothing shrunk).

Our Young Women's presidency completed a meeting in 65minutes. Nay sayers were skeptical, but I knew we could do it!! Ye-haw for us.

Girl's night! WOOHOO we had a good time. I, personally, thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine at Macaroni Grill. Happy Birthday Emily and Bethany.

Don't have too much fun on Valentine's Day, my cousin told me that it's initals are VD! Stay away from that, but share lots of love arround! Love you all--Porkchops

Week in Review--please be kind, rewind

2009-02-09T14:35:00.005-05:00

The last few weeks and been some of those busy days where you lay your head on the pillow at night and say, "Seriously?!" then get up and do it again the next day. But life has been continuing on for the Porkchops and Rice family.

Last week, at our New Beginnings program, I received my Young Women Hood Recognition. Yeaaa, I'm pretty excited that I finished and no, I am not 18 (even if I DO look it--hey, no comments on that one!). But, Young Women leaders can complete the program and receive medallions. I almost had it completed when I was in the Young Women's leadership in Greenville, but I finally finished it up here in Columbus. The bishop asked me before hand if he could ask me a couple questions when he presented it to me. Of course I thought it would be something like what was your favorite project or value experience, but oh no. He likes to put people on the spot (not a bad habit) and totally caught me off guard. He asked me to describe the history of the logo of the Young Women's motto. After asking him if he was serious (and wishing to use a life-line) I told him at least I knew the motto? Ha! Thank goodness our YW President was doing some great pantomiming in the back row, I did finally catch on. YW carry the torch, light the way, etc... Phew that was a close one. I wish you all could have been at the program (not only because it involved Your Truly) it was such a good time for the girls and everyone involved. It was a lot of work, but the girls had a great time (me included) dressing up and walking the runway. We had a Personal Progress Princess Pageant and the girls came dressed up representing different states, they were interviewed and all were crowned, "Daughters of a King".

I also got to help celebrate a Amy's 30th birthday! We had so much fun together. It was a blast from the past as we all dressed up in 80's paraphernalia. I'm not going to like, we DID make leg warmers. Don't get jealous, you can do it too. First buy a bathrobe at garden ride for 2 dollars, then snip off the sleeves. Sew a pocket the top of the sleeve and thread trough some elastic. Stitch the elastic together and viola! LEG WARMERS!! Or just send 99.95$ to me and I'm make them for you. Call in the next 15 minutes and I will send you two pair for the price of one, THAT'S RIGHT, two for the same low-low price! LOL They really do keep your legs warm.

Woohoo we have parent-teacher conferences this week. I want you all to know how much I love hearing, "If we only had a class full of Puppies/T-dawgs...." After I pick my chin up off the table, I ask them if they don't stomp their feet and use their whiny voices when they don't get their way. Ha ha just kidding. I am glad my kids behave.................at least in school! :o) My kids actually look forward to this week because the school conveniently has a book fair the same week. My kids are allowed to buy a book! (they love books as much as I do!) So this is a momentous occasion.

Salty did a cartwheel! And she let me curl her hair for church yesterday. She was so cute. I had to explain to her that yes, you DO have to say thank you when someone pays you a compliment.
In cub scouts, T-dawg learned how to properly care and use a knife! ARGGG! So I guess he is allowed to use knives now, thanks a lot Sister Hammond! (ha ha just kidding :oP) He came home with tons~o~soap for carving. He really enjoyed it.
Puppy passed off the last song book in his Suzuki Violin book 2 (he really enjoyed it--Minuet by L. Boccherini) and is headed onto book 3, yeah for him! IF I had my video camera, I would record and upload him playing the song but you'll have to use your imagination.
Update on the camera, after leaving the batteries out for 48 hours it did still did not work (imagine that!?) but they ARE going to fix it. So we sent it in to them, cross your fingers that we'll get it back before 2010!

Jonelle had her babies!! I asked her how she got exactly what she wanted, one boy and one girl, but she was keeping a tight lid on it. I visited her and got to hold both of the cute little bundles of goodness. They were so sweet and little. I wanted to take one home in my pocket, but Dillon and Bradley would have beat me up. Seriously, they looked like they were going to argue over who got to feed them. They are going to be terrific big brothers. I said it was good that there were two babies, so they could each hold one! ha ha
I just have to say, it was an ordeal getting to the hospital. I thought it was all good with Tom-tom, but oh no. There must be two Riverside hospitals because I ended up downtown with nary a hospital in sight. Thank goodness for my wonderful husband who found the actual address for me. I made it a little disheveled, but only a little late. I hope the ice cream wasn't melted!

We're headed to Findley, OH for Puppy's first Hockey Tournament this weekend and will be gone for the weekend. T-dawg also has a day long tournament here on Monday after we get back. Yeah hockey (smile plastered on). It IS fun, but I am looking forward to baseball season (doesn't take place in a frigid ice rink).

Golly, we have been so busy! Stand by for more updates.

"Let them eat Cake!"

2009-02-08T23:02:00.011-05:00

Instead of heading outside last week, when we had a snow day, we chilled inside where it was nice and warm.

First thing in the morning, I was addressed by T-dog who says, "Since I don't have school today, I will help you with Isaac. I will be your assistant babysitter and you can pay me five percent of what you make." I said, "How about you be the assistant TO the babysitter and I pay you nothing." "Okay," he says, "that sounds good!" (Small "Office" joke)

Then there were dragon attacks. You can see the resulting scars here.

Salty wanted me to play Princesses with her. I quickly told her I would be Ariel (the Little Mermaid) since she always wants me to be the bad guy. She says, "You will be Ursula (the bad guy) because you are always mean to me." I asked her what I do that is so mean. She matter of factly says, "You make me sit in my room when I call you an idiot." Yes, yes I do.

Then we all enjoyed some ice cream cake

After lunch, Salty took a nap in the bathroom for some strange reason.

The kids had a great day playing and didn't even want to come upstairs to eat. When I called down for them to head up for dinner, Puppy pouts, "What even IS dinner?!" as he stops up the stairs. T-dog quickly informs him that, "Its the third meal of the day."

We had a great "Snow Day" and hope y'all did too :o)

60 Degrees??

2009-02-08T22:33:00.012-05:00

Wow, I can't really belive the forcast, but it is supposed to be 60 degrees this week. Just last week it looked like this outside.

Sure, I have been dreaming of this:

Or even this:

Looks like we're headed to the park this week!

"Hockey is a Dangerous Sport"

2009-02-08T22:03:00.007-05:00

We were at the local Sports store looking for a helmet for Rice. He informed me that he signed up to play for the Nationwide Hockey team and needed a helmet that was manufactured in the 21st century. Alright, I say, so we go. During the forty-five hours that it took him to find a suitable helmet, I was checking out the sales and was looking for some new shin guards for T-dog. I noticed the tag on one pair that read, "Hockey is a dangerous sport. The proper use of protective equipment does not protect against ALL injury." Wow, thanks a lot. Just what you want to read on a piece of protective equipment, right?

So anyway, Salty and I had the pleasure of working in the penalty box during a recent game of T-dogs. There were a few good penalties called, and the boys all assured me that they wouldn't get caught doing it again. It was quite fun and a perfect opportunity to take a few pictures of T-dog.

"Snow is Falling the Size of Cupcakes" --Puppy

2009-01-28T07:56:00.006-05:00

Where to start, hmmmmm, so much has happened since I've last blogged.

Well, I have to tell you, I am pretty excited about this, I found a new way to shovel the driveway. I know what you're thinking, how is it possible for there to be a new and different way to shovel snow?! But hold on to yer Grannie panties here it comes, well first I have to preface. Take a deep breath and be patient. Down the road literally and figuratively there is a man who likes to run, he likes to run in the hot, hot sun. And this is not an, "oh me, oh my, what a lot of wonderful things go by. . ." thing. He runs, all day, from here to there in none other than his underwear. Anyways, enough said about, "underwear running man". Or as Puppy likes to put it, "the man who likes to run in his undies." Back to prefacing, he was shoveling his driveway on Sunday, when we only had an inch or so of snow, with his inside/outside broom (the kind that the janitor pushed around when you were at elementary school). I was stunned into rubbernecking, I am ashamed to say.

I couldn't wait to try out this new fangled idea. So, yesterday, I figured it was time to shovel the snow off the driveway before we got seven more inches on top of the three that we already had. I used the push broom, and I have to tell you, it was pretty stinkin' fun! For all of you who have back issues and still want to be able to enjoy the pleasure of shoveling the snow, the pushing action that is utilized in this method is very gentle on the back (Not only am I the president, I'm also a client!).

So, WOW its still snowing. It was ice last night, so there is a layer of ice under the fresh snow. That is always fun for Lilly. Well, its fun for me to watch as she runs outside in the snow to find a place to squat (she loves the snow as much as I do and is in a hurry, let me tell you!--as in NOOO don't do it on the porch!). Anyways, the crunch and fall that ensues every step is funny as she looks at me like I can do something for her. Actually, Rice has dug out a spot for her before, but that's another story.

I know how much you are loving the videos and would have more, BUT my digital camcorder is on the fritz! Can you believe it? I was just singing its praises, and now, it won't turn on, well it will, but all you can see is the start up screen. No play back or visual to take new videos. We called the company and they said to take the batteries out for 48 hours, I am trying to figure out how that is going to fix it, but will keep you posted. So while we're trying to get that straightened out, you're just going to have to visualize. Work with me here!

On top of that, I know you're thinking, "What? There's more??". As we were trying to download the last of the videos from the camera, we realized that the memory in the computer is full. I don't think that has happened since 1995! (I'll have to call the Book of World Records to find out). So, Rice did a little checking and we found out this computer has exactly as much memory as his ipod. One word. SERIOUSLY?!!? For real?? How could that be??
So, we need to get one of those external dew-hickeys so I can even post the totally freaky pictures I took of all the icicles hanging down off the porch like millions of daggers.

To top it all the soy sauce (see introduction) has been running around and definitely NOT using their inside voices ever since this new snow storm started yesterday. Its like they slept in a vat of maple syrup and through osmosis (I know that only refers to water--just go with it) their bodies absorbed all the sugar and they have been on a high fructose corn syrup high ever since they woke up. The little boy that I babysit's Dad said he could pick up his little one early when he saw the state of the soy sauce this morning (it was that bad!). I think he was just kidding, but will keep the phone close by all day just in case.

Speaking of phones, Rice has a two hour delay. I didn't know that was possible for grown ups. I told him I wanted one too, but he says it doesn't work that way. He decided to stay and work from home rather than try to fight the crazy traffic (you would think the people here would know how to drive in the snow by now!). As he headed down to the basement to get started he says, "If you need me, I'll have my cell phone." Okay I have to say it again, SERIOUSLY?! Apparently he was. I can't wait to call him later and tell him his lunch is ready.

Here we Go AGAIN!

2009-01-24T23:57:00.007-05:00

I know all kids like to do their favorite things over and over and over again. BUT, if I have to hear Salty sing this song again, I think I may go crazy. I have to preface this, so you can understand what it is I am talking about here. Salty is allowed a little T.V. time pretty much every day, as long as she hasn't been misbeahving too badly. Everything is pretty normal so far . . . this is where it gets a little interesting. Every day she wants to watch the same movie. Okay, you say, lots of kids have a favorite movie. But oh no, not like this. Salty has to get ready to watch her movie. She has to dress like Barbie. So, she changes into a skirt or dress, fancy shoes, necklace, magic wand (that looks like the magic mirror in her movie), backyardagain guitar, lightsaber for a microphone, pillow and blanket (those two were a no brainer). If something is missing, she has to pause the movie in order to find the misplaced item. Then she is ready. She promplty skips to her favorite part of the movie (the last five minutes) and watches it (and acts it out) over and over and over again for her half an hour of television viewing privilidges. She usually does not get to the end of the thirty minutes before her brothers, Dad or I have had enough of this song. I find that I am humming it while she is gone to pre-school and am having dreams about Barbies and best friends. I think its growing on me :o)

It's a Snow Day!

2009-01-24T23:47:00.006-05:00

We were really excited to have loads and tons of snow last week. The kids couldn't wait to get outside in the negative 20 degree windchill to play in the snow. Seriously ever day the boys would ask if they had school. They would be SO mad when they realised that snow does not equal no school. They were ecstatic to find out that sub-zero freakishly cold weather equals no school in Columbus. Of course, Rice had to remind us that he never had a Snow Day growing up in Canada. Not even when it was so cold and windy that he had to walk to school backwards . . . I'd like to see the kids do that now~a~days!

T-dawg's tips on how to annoy your favorite girlfriend

2009-01-23T16:57:00.006-05:00

tip 1 You must pester the girl by complimenting them on how beautiful they are repeatedly. (Some compliments are '' There's a hot girl!, You're a hot girl! and Ooo laa laa, you're hot!)

tip 2 You must also constantly remind the girl of funny things they have said. (This is easier if you have known your girlfriend for a long time. If you have just started dating, see the bottom of this page.)

tip 3 To annoy the girl at full power, team up with a friend and combine the tips above. (If you can't reach your friend or have no friends do one of the following: 1 Get a friend. 2 Annoy the girl as best as you can without one.)

Alternate mode for tip 2: Spy and eavesdrop on the girl as best as you can. Then do tip 2.

Dance Class

2009-01-23T12:02:00.013-05:00

Well, all y'all know how much Salty loves dancing. She started a tap/ballet introduction class in January. All Christmas long she would ask, "What does January mean?" At first we were unsure what she meant. She had recently learned the, "Deese are the Month's of tha Ye-aaarrr" song (you should ask her to sing it for you). But, after a few times we realized that January meant DANCE CLASS! So here is some much anticipated footage of said Dance Class:

Raising Cane and Other Blunders

2009-01-17T15:47:00.011-05:00

Today, while running around town, we noticed that there is a new fast food joint coming to town. There was a big sign saying "Raising Cane" would be coming soon. On the sign the "raising" was smaller and in cursive writing and the "cane" was larger and printed in script.

Rice says, "Cane. What kind of food do they have?"

I reply, "I think it's a chicken place. And it's RAISING Cane."

T-dawg pipes up, "Well, it sounds like a place where old retired people go to get their chicken fingers!"

*no offence if you like Raising Cane, are retired, or like chicken fingers.

Later the same day. . .
Salty was dressed up in her leotard, practicing her tap moves, when she needed a bathroom break. After a minute she called me in there.

"Umm, Mommy, what is in the toilet?"

(Here is where I do NOT want to talk about potty things--again!) I lean over to peer behind her and see her scrunchie that was holding her hair up floating in the toilet. "Oops, I guess your scrunchie fell off, huh?"

We laughed about it for a second, then I took a deep breath to ready myself (for she had already tinkled )and reached in. I held it over the bowl for a second to dry out before removing it when I hear, "Mom, something's dripping on my bhhhhuuuutt!"

I guess you have to hear the way she says that last word, okay its not really a nice word and hopefully you won't hear her say it, but it is totally funny.

Needless to say, we're headed off for baths :o)

Here is a link to another wonderful blunder http://nathanandemily.blogspot.com/2009/01/you-wan-piece-of-me.html --promise you will giggle

Puppy's First Goal!!

2009-01-14T18:40:00.016-05:00

November 9, 2008, early in the morning, at a chilly ice rink in Central Ohio, Puppy scored his first goal! We were so excited for him. During the whole game he was on fire. He had at least five breakaways and tons of shots on goal, but the goalie was just as ferocious - not letting any pucks pass the goal line. The Bruins were leading by a goal with thirty seconds left in the game, in a desperate attempt to tie it up, the Flyers pulled their goalie. Puppy broke loose on another breakaway. He shoots! He scores!!!
Since then he has been tearing it UP, scoring two goals at his next game.

This picture is one of his near goals, but the goalie made a great save!

This is Puppy going for it, full throttle ahead!

The previous weekend, Puppy took his first turn ever in the net. He played an awesome game and made lots of saves. It was pretty cute when he missed this one because he wasn't paying any attention since his team was dominating. When he finally decided to quit day dreaming and focus, he was a little too late. He has such a cute little sheepish look in the picture--like he's saying OOPSY I forgot! The whole situation was pretty funny because all week, when we would ask him how he felt about playing goalie, he would arrogantly reply, "It's going to be soooo easy." Then the night before the game, I asked him again--he was looking a little worried. He said, "Mom, what if I can't stop the puck?!" "Don't loose your confidence now, you're going to do fine." I told him, and he did great :o)

He's just too cute! Puppy so schmuppy!

I Just Got to Shovel the Driveway, YEAAAAAA~!

2009-01-14T12:47:00.003-05:00

I don't know how well you know me, but now you'll know a lil' secret. I LOVE to shovel snow. Right now you may be rolling your eyes up toward the ceiling, speculating on how long I will keep up the sarcasm, but I'm serious. Tingling fingers, wet crusty snow stuck to the bottom hem of my pants, runny nose and all.

Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, I didn't really have many chances to practice shoveling snow, but ever since we lived in Cleveland, I have come to love the monotonous feeling of bend, shovel, throw--don't slip (for I have on many occasions). I first started shoveling snow out of necessity (we lived in Cleveland-duh!), for we had to shovel it many times a day there, but I really grew to enjoy and look forward to the shoveling. I liked it so much, that even nine months pregnant with Salty, I would still run to beat Rice to the shovel, so I could do the shoveling.

It feels like it has been forever since I've gotten to say this, but I am happy today because I got to shovel snow. :o) By the looks of it, I may get to do it again before all is said and done, YEAAAA!!

*post script--the dog ran away while the fun was going on and has been out in the snow ever since--keep you updated on the frozen doggie. ..

*post post-script ..update, she's back and thawing :o)

Our Visit to the Great White North (actually non-white, but there was snow)

2009-01-13T15:22:00.007-05:00

We had a great time visiting with Rice's family in Canada over the Holidays. The boys were way excited for the road trip (meaning in kid language lots of free nintendo time in the car). Salty was excited to see Auntie (that means new Barbie movies and lots-o-shopping :o) and she wanted to share her impressive Vietnamese vocabulary (which consists of: shark, chair, telephone and classroom) with her Grandma & Grandpa. The kids were really glad to see everyone, especially their two-year old cousin that they haven't seen for nearly a year and a half. Rice was almost just as excited eat rice (something he hasn't seen in almost as long he jokes) with every meal while we were visiting.

I call this one the telepathic cousins, it would seem that they had some form of communication going on, I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. If you listen carefully, (not to the inane yelling) you can hear the little Ookie (the little monkeys from Mario Party) saying gunnng, gunnnng gunnnnnnnnnnng, Salty seems to understand the Ookie language better than I. My best guess would be, "Sit there and try to look bored whilst I pick my cute little nose." but I am no expert. I am just kidding, he is a smart, sweet little Ookie who stays up way past my bedtime, but I hear that's when he gets all his good learnin' in :o)

Little did we know, when we set out on our Northern Expedition, that we would find a New Light Saber Guy, but we did. The kids had a great time playing with their Uncle!

All in all we had a wonderful visit with family and Rice's old friends. Its wonderfulness was amplified by the use of our Family present of a GPS. Wouldn't you know it, that guy was always right! I have to admit, we doubted tom-tom from time to time. But he hit the mark every time--even if he did have a slight speech impediment. It was nice being gone, but even nicer to be home and back to our busy life. Here's to Family ;o)

Lightsaber Guy, Need I Say More?

2008-12-24T22:20:00.005-05:00

A light saber and a sunny day, what more could a kid ask for?? This video is from earlier in the fall, but I couldn't resist posting our Lightsaber guy :o) He is pretty good, eh?

*please ignore the arguing and whining in the background...must be the neighbors :oP

I'm Finding a New Home!

2008-12-24T14:30:00.007-05:00

So, the day before yesterday Puppy was getting in trouble for being Captain Destructo AGAIN. After his discipline, he comes down the stairs with his favorite stuffed animal (a doggie)--Softy, his pillow and a bookbag. He puts his heavy coat on over his pj's and his sneakers on his feet (with no socks--by the way).

Rice tells Puppy to tell me whats going on, and that is where he informs me that he is finding a new home with a nice family. (This is where I told Rice fine as long as he didn't forget to take a picture :oP) As he is saying his goodbyes, Salty is hurrying to get on her shoes and coat. I'm coming, toooooooo she says. I asked Puppy if he wanted some lunch before he left and he gladly obliged. After enjoying his spaghetti and meat balls (thanks to Chiefboyrdee) and asking me for the address of a friend down the street, he was ready to go.

About the time that Puppy is walking out the door into the sixteen below zero windchill weather (with Salty following closely behind), Rice informs Salty that you can only run away if you have had a spanking. She scurries in and slams the door, "Mom I'm ready for my spanking." she says. I tried not to laugh as I told her that I wasn't going to spank her so she says, "Okay, fine. I'll spank myself." She then proceeds to spank herself and say, "OWWW that was a hard one!" Then headed out the door to catch up with Puppy. Then Puppy came back inside informing me to tell Salty that she wasn't allowed to run away--and that she was still following him. Then was gone again. During this whole incident and all through lunch, mind you, T-dawg is off and on again crying, asking me whether Puppy was really running away or not--just to add to the drama.

After two plus minutes and half way down the road, Puppy and Salty returned. By the way Rice kept an eye on both of them as they were "Running away."

*I am sorry to say, I am sad to report that Rice, the wonderful guy he is, didn't actually get any pictures. I know, I know, what pray tell was he thinking?! He decided to film a goodbye video instead, and it didn't turn out well. Sorry, you'll just have to use your imagination this time ;o)

The Way the Toylit Works by Puppy

2008-12-20T16:58:00.001-05:00

The way the Toylit works:
Inside The Toylit There is a clam. and There is a stick Tide To a Chain. and when you pull the chain the Toylit flushis and then when The Toylit flushis the clam opens and all the water goes insie the clam and then the clam opens and spits out new Water. Then the Toylit is Done flushing.

So a few months ago, our six-year old did some super~duper investigating and came up with his thesis. For three days, he ran from bathroom to bathroom, taking the lid off all our toilets and Bill Nyeing his way to his new found discovery. So if you visit a restroom, where the lid is off the back of the commode, Puppy has been there. :oP He is quite proud of himself, and strangely enough so are we.

Introducing the Travelin' Trifillers

2008-12-19T13:12:00.001-05:00

My friends and I decided to travel to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to find out the mystery of MothMan. Well, actually, they were going and I asked to tag along; I don't think they regretted letting me come too much :oP. We didn't find the real Mothman, but we did find an awesome little bar. This picture is us at the Double D Lounge, it was the Karaoke Contest night. You know we had to to' (tore) up tha joint! The first picture is of the nifty sign I found by the restroom at the MothMan museum. The next one is another from the museum. Then there is Stephanie and me rocking out to Ice Ice Baby at karaoke night. Then me and my old buddy mothman. What a great trip it was.

Something I N E V E R thought I would See . . . Seriously . . . Are you kidding me??

2008-12-18T22:09:00.001-05:00

This video is the reason that we are delving into the blogiverse, well, at least it was why I finally assented. I always thought that you need something blogalicious in order to post, but this is far from our usual blo(g)se life. So anyone that knows us, knows how much Salty LOVES Barbie, her fav video is Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses (I think they forgot the thirteenth princess). So while I was cooking dinner and our three-year old was doing her thang watching her show, the boys come up from playing masters of destruction in the basement and start watching the movie with her. This is where I though, OKAY, they sometimes do this. Then the dancing scene starts and Salty started dancing along. T-dawg and Puppy are seriously fighting over who is going to have first dance with her?!?!Alarms are going off in my head, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming, then, like a good mother, I ran for the camera. I can NOT wait for my kids to grow up so I can torment them with these videos :oP just kidding

*note the part when T-dawg throws Salty to the floor--don't eat/drink while you watch this or you may choke/spew*

**did not burn dinner while this took place--pat on back--it was a close one**

The Nguyen Family

2008-12-17T23:18:00.002-05:00

Here we are, we did it. You can now keep up with Porkchops and Rice and the rest of the Nguyen clan online. Try to hold your applause until the end.

Since this is our first blog posting, let me introduce the rest of the clan. As you can already guess, I am Rice (not white-rice), which leaves the (Southern Fried) Porkchops for Susan. Tdog (9), Puppy (6), and Salty (3) are the soy sauce of our life.