Treasured MOM-ents

Chinese New Year at Burnaby Montessori

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

I had Kimi in her Qi Pao (旗袍) for Chinese New Year in School.

Korea also celebrates New Year same day and Yena also wore a Hanbok to school...

* Kimi in her Qi Pao; Yena in her Hanbok

***Thanks Ninang Sabrina for this nice dress :)

The teachers also prepared some ampao (red envelopes with money) which signifies good luck. It was distributed to each student as the exit the classroom.

* Small Ampao with little blessings inside :)

* Lucky Pennies

* A Final pose before entering our home

Looking through the Eyes of Love...

2012-01-23T09:58:00.001-08:00

Ever since I was a girl, I love this song from Ice Castles 1978, "Looking Through the Eyes of Love"

I love the simplicity of the song and how love makes a difference in how we see everything...

That is the reason why I wanted to be a figure skater as well and enrolled little Kimi to learn the basics... My frustrations passed on to my little girl :)

* Avery, Kimi and Caitlyn (2011)

Then, I came across the remake of the movie and got the chance to watch it. I cried buckets as I watched and heard the song played over and over throughout the movies.

every now and then, we stumble,

it takes love and courage to get up and see who are really there for us when we did fall.

* * * * *

Now, I need to get back and see the original one.

I left my copy of the original one in the Philippines :( It was a VCD back then he he!

Looking Through the eyes of Love

Britt Nicole

Please, don't let this feeling end

It's everything I am

Everything I wanna be

I can see what's mine now

Finding out what's true

Since I've found you

Looking through the eyes of love

Now I can take the time

I can see my life

As it comes on shining now

Reachin' out to touch you

I can feel so much

Since I've found you

Looking through the eyes of love

And now I do believe

That even in a storm, we'll find some light

Knowing you're beside me

I'm alright

Please, don't let this feeling end

It might not come again

And I want to remember

How it feels to touch you

How I feel so much

Since I've found you

Looking through the eyes of love

And now I do believe

That even in a storm, we'll find some light

Knowing you're beside me

I'm alright

Now I can take the time

I can see my life

As it comes on shining now

Reaching out to touch you

I can feel so much

Since I've found you

Looking through the eyes of love

Chinese New Year Dinner @ Dai Tung

2012-01-22T21:33:00.005-08:00

For Chinese New Year, we were able to reserve for an early spot at Dai Tung's, Kingsway.

It was way too early for dinner at 5 pm but we wanted to celebrate it nonetheless and every other restaurant only had 8pm onward which means that it will be a late dinner....and with kids on tow, early is way better than dealing with cranky and hungry kids.

I was not able to take note of our orders so I have labelled them based on a copy of a menu I found on the net and some I tried to label as best as I could... :)

First off, we had Kenzo sat on his diner's chair and equipped him with an iphone with data to keep him quiet.

Before the dishes arrived, Kenzo should have finished his food so that he won't get distracted with the grownup food which we were sure he'd love to try.

* Full concentration

* Picture Menu- More enticing!

This dish was so so. I like the jelly fish which is a given but the others were just okay. I love the presentation of their dishes though.

* Cold Platter

* Crab Meat and Fish Maw Soup

Everyone agreed that the Peking duck was really good...

* Peking Duck 2 Way

I love seafood with hard shells- mussels, bamboo shells, but crabs and lobster are my absolute favorites. I put this dish on my finale. I ate all the dishes then got myself ready to have my hands ready as I dived into this dish until everything was gone- almost. I left 2 for my lunch next day :)

* Lobster and Crab Combination

Perfect combination, dried scallop add a bit of saltiness to the tofu. Something healthy to start the year?

* Braised Egg Tofu with Dried Scallop

The eel was really tasty, I just don't like the fish bones that goes with this dish.

* Sizzling Eel Hotpot

...this dish was as expected. Tasty but nothing special...

..and to end the meal... Something sweet :)

* Red Bean Dessert

...we had a couple of friends that doesn't have any family here in Vancouver to join us and celebrate the start of the Water Dragon :)

* Friends: Eron, Stone and Twinny

...and Kimi tried to demonstrate her version of the Dragon Dance... Kenzo doesn't care at all.

* Initial Pose...

...and the Finale

* Bottoms Up.. Cheers! "干杯"

* * * * *

HAPPY NEW BEGINNINGS

FOR THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

* LOVE* HEALTH* FORTUNE*

*FAMILY*FRIENDS*

Tastes like Figaro's...

2012-01-22T10:11:00.001-08:00

The best compliment I could give...

... a great job, Wilbert. Till the next batch ;)

Chinese New Year

2012-01-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

Being in a Multi-cultural countries, I have learned about different cultures and events with Kimi.

Chinese New Year, on the other hand, is a familiar event that we celebrate back home...and with 3 Chinese teachers managing Kimi's class, I expected something to celebrate this important event that signifies the beginning of a new year.

I was not disappointed.

Kimi came home from school today with her art works...

* Chinese Lantern

* Chinese Sign

I didn't know what 吉利 means, this was the first time I encountered this words together with this event so I looked it up. It actually meant "auspicious", "lucky".

* * * * *

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Fortune for the Year of the Water Dragon

2012-01-20T13:21:00.001-08:00

We started this tradition (sort of) last Chinese New Year.

This year, it was just a casual meet up that turned into another lunch date, which end up as a full table lunch date for the mommies...and kids for this year's Chinese New Year...

With the Winter storm warning for Friday, we decided to reserve anyways and keep our fingers crossed that the roads are clear from Surrey, Vancouver and Richmond to Fortune House's Burnaby...

* Fortune House Facade

With Kimi off to school, I had to bring Kenzo as my plus one :)

* Kenzo eating his ~~chinese~~ cookies made by Ninang Sarah

* The kids had their happy meals and

were seated on one side to keep each other entertain

The dimsums were piled high on our table and we realized we ordered more than what we could handle...

Mommy G had to go earlier to fetch Kalen, so we decided to do a group picture...

* Mommies... well fed :)

* Kenzo trying to get his hands on some more

* Kiddos ranger

* My Kimi for the day... Thanks Sam :)

* Last Group picture from the entrance

*... and another one

Disney Cars for Justin's 3rd

2012-01-14T21:37:00.001-08:00

Eventually, a little guy will either be interested in Cars, Thomas or both...

Justin's time has come and he is interested in Cars this year, which prompted him to Mommy G for a Disney Cars Party. Of course, kids his age has more energy so it was more than fitting to celebrate the birthday with gymnastic session in between meals.

* Justin's (Cup)Cake made especially by Roselle

First part of the party was spent in the Gym... The kids had the time of their lives getting a personal gymnastic session with two personnel from Phoenix Gymnastic.

I got my ever-reliable handy camera to take a snapshots of the party...

* Kimi by the bars...

* Carmi and Kenzo enjoying the cube foam pit

* Daredevil Kenzo going heads first down the slide

...by 6 pm, the kids were ushered in to have their meal, BUT, the traditional birthday song first!

* Birthday Boy right in the center...

* Kiddos ready to sing the traditional song

* If Papa Warren and Mama Glenda are Car characters...

...and the nice loots we get to take home, complete with personalized tags made lovingly by Papa Warren

* Kenzo's Car Box

* Kimi's Kitty Box

...clean up session, the two kids were having a bonding among themselves

* Mac and Kenzo

...thanks to Charlie for doing a great video to remember the event by...

* Charlie's Video

...and a picture of the mommies who are there for one another through Good and Bad times...

Cheers to the best mommy friends in Vancouver, Canada! :)

* (L-R) Sarah, Joy, Glenda, Mel and Jo

* * * * *

Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics
4588 Clancy Loranger Way Vancouver, BC V5Y 4B6

* * * * *

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY

JUSTIN

Thanks Warren and Glenda

for a great get together :)

Spider 1 and Spider 2

2012-01-08T22:43:00.002-08:00

I feel good when I see my gift getting a good feedback :)

* Photos courtesy of Charlie :)

Looks real good on these two cuties :)

The Rainbow after the rain

2012-01-04T07:41:00.001-08:00

A Handmade gift from my best friend in Manila, Philippines

THANKS CIARA!

Kimi loves it a lot! There is also a dress for Kimi and a Top for Kenzo that goes with this nice pair of earrings...

THE RAINBOW AFTER THE RAIN

Submitted by: maple

Author: Maple

God never promise us a good life on earth;

but He gave the assurance that there will always

be a rainbow after the rain.

Life on earth is not always what we expected

and wanted it to be. But if we can put our

trust in God, He can sail us through definitely.

God never let us bear what is impossible;

and He makes sure what we bear is the

limit that we can take without much difficulty.

After the rain, things will be changed;

everything on earth seems to be new

and clean. With these renew scenario,

we should be:

- a more positive and courageous person

as indicated by the RED of the rainbow;

- a creative, thoughtful and joyful person

as indicated by the ORANGE of the rainbow;

- an intelligent, confident and logical person as

indicated by the YELLOW of the rainbow;

- a renewed, generous and practical person as

indicated by the GREEN of the rainbow;

- a peaceful, sincere and responsible person as

indicated by the BLUE of the rainbow;

- a relaxed, devoted and wise person as

indicated by the INDIGO of the rainbow;

and last but not least, a spiritual and idealistic

person as indicated by the VIOLET of the rainbow.

* * * * *

Source: http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/24341/288.html

Fun 4 Kidz

2012-01-02T16:17:00.001-08:00

It was a Fun 4 Kidz day once again. (We weren't able to join the first one)

The mommies decided to start the 2nd day of the year right with the kids enjoying the day with their play mates. It was nice to get the kids to meet up before the winter break ends. I am sure they missed the good old times of meeting each other once a week... or maybe it's the mommies that misses those meet ups?! he he!

* Fun 4 Kidz

The price admission for the day was $11.99 (holiday rate). Good thing though we had the buy 1 and get 1 free from the entertainment book :)

Kenzo was confined to the Toddler area, while the other kids had the whole area they can explore.

* Justin in the Toddler Area

* Kimi and Sammy trying out their hand at construction

* Finally got Ryker to stand still for a moment :)

* Ni Hao? Ni Hao!

* Carmi was able to come join us...

Braden and Macky wasn't there so the buddy system changed. It was fun to see them trying out different partners throughout the day.

After awhile, it was time to get the kids to eat their lunch.

...and for the adults to enjoy Joy's home-baked cake

THANKS JOY!

* Carrot Cake just the way I like!

* Service Deluxe!

...Mommy Joy wasn't there but we sure felt her presence... in our stomach :) YUMMY!

...then they found the rides!

* A Dollar well spent!

Imagine, we got the 6 kids happy with a dollar coin...and of course, that wasn't the first and last ride...

they decided to try each of the ride available in the vicinity as well....... uhmmmm

* Carmi and Kimi

* Kalen and Sam

* Ryker and Kimi

* Mommy G and Sam

* Ryker in Motion

* Carmi and Justin

...the coins are disappearing really quick. We had to get the kids back to the play area.

* Choo choo to Fun 4 Kidz

Kenzo went back to the Toddler Area, and we had the kids play again.

* Kenzo loved the balls...

* Carmi and Kimi loved the slides

* Ever-ready smile

* Buddy for the day...

* Carmi :)

...after that, the kids were all knocked out on the way home...

* Sweet Slumber

* * * * *

FUN 4 KIDZ

Richmond, B.C.

Kensington`s Christmas Lights

2012-01-01T22:01:00.001-08:00

I came across an article about a house that is decorated with Christmas lights every year since 1972 with the mission of helping a cause that he believes in. I was curious but was not going to drive all the way from our house to check one house with Christmas lights but I had it at the back of my mind in case we had a way closer to that place...and when we went to Grouse, I took a chance and ask hubby to drive us past that house on our way home.

* 950 Kensington Ave. from the other side

* Entrance... donation goes to Michael Cuccione

* Me and Kimi

* Kimi by the light train

* Moving reindeer statues

* Life-size Nativity

... the decors are going to be on display up to January 8th, 2012

New Year at Grouse Mountain

2012-01-01T21:08:00.004-08:00

It was not a white Christmas, nor anything white this whole month of December. We decided to go up the mountains for the first day of 2012 to see the snow instead and to celebrate 2012 with a date (plus Kimi).

* White New Year

I underestimated the coldness of being up there. I was in my thickest outfit, but I was still cold, while Kimi was oblivious to the cold and getting as much snow as she can handle.

* Daddy and Kimi

Grouse has a couple of Christmas related activities that we wanted the kids to experience but because of all the parties and other things we had to finish, we kept on delaying it and ended up doing Grouse for the New Year.

* Outdoor pond skating rink

Kimi saw the skating rink and urged us to let her skate for a while. She is the smallest kid without any guide, at the farthest part of the rink. She was still balancing when I videotaped her... She walks funny, I guess I put on too much clothes on her to keep her warm that it affected her gait (he he!)

* Kimi tries the outdoor skating

* Waiting in line for the sleigh ride

* Kimi making use of her time at the waiting line

... I was so glad that we were able to do the sleigh ride. The reindeer and Santa part was not available though

* Sleigh Ride

* Kimi couldn't contain her happiness as she rode the sleigh tour

* Picture at the Sleigh Ride

Afterwards, we had to warm up and confirm our reservation for dinner at the Observatory. It was a free gondola ride up when you eat at the Observatory. A good deal... It has a couple of awards plastered on the wall which was a good sign. I was not expecting much with the food but was pleasantly surprised to prove myself wrong this time. The food was in small portion, which was to be expected, but was quite tasty.

The view was spectacular and the service was impeccable.

* The Observatory

* Kimi poses before we ended our date night at The Observatory

Desserts Incorporated

2011-12-30T13:24:00.002-08:00

This year, I was assigned to do the desserts for our annual New Years Eve party at home.

I was itching to try out some recipes I have found online. Something that looks good yet easy for me to make.

I just love Glorious Treat's Rainbow Jello I googled during the preparation for the kid's birthday, hoping to add them to Kimi and Kenzo's Birthday this year, but was not able to make it because I was so busy with the last minute details days before the party.

Armed with a couple of jellos in different colors and a tub of cool whip to put in between each color. I went to work... for the whole day!

* Red (strawberry) Jello and a layer of cool whip

(...around 1 pm)

* At layer 3...

(...around 4 pm)

* Finish product

(...around 8 pm)

* Oooh la la!!! I hope these tastes as good as it looks :)

Kimi was so helpful with the cool whip layer. She does the wiggling of the cup from side to side to keep it leveled for the next jello. Thank you Kimi!

* Proudly made by Mommy and Kimi

* * * * *

As for the red velvet cupcake, I love chocolate and hubby doesn't like it at all. This is a good way to cover up the color of chocolate and probably get him to eat without realizing that it is actually chocolate-flavored :) he he! Fingers crossed. I just picked up a recipe based on the reviews and ratings I've seen. Simple! :) The better the rating, the bigger the chance that it's good, right?

I was a bit hesitant to put the whole bottle of coloring as the recipe called for. It was in oz , and I wasn't sure because all the cups I have are in ml... It turned out correct though. Thank you google and conversion applications!

I love the cheesecake icing. I could eat them without the cupcake but of course, I should not.

* * * * *

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a sweet year ahead

Fun with Beads

2011-12-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

Finally! We got to squeeze a play date with the cousins before the winter break comes to an end.

Girls love crafts naturally, and craft is a great way to let them wind down and have a quiet(er) time for us moms.

* Beads and plastic pegboard

Who says that this simple art would keep the kids occupied for awhile... And it's good for their focus as well as improves their motor skills. Great suggestion for a play date Anne. This kit was labelled for 5+ but I knew Kimi, she loves a good challenge when it comes to craft so...

* Kimi doing a star pattern. Little hands for this little boards.

Utmost concentration and a visual eye for beauty

Outer part first, safe pattern then she was willing to be adventurous as she got more to the center

* Beads complete and ready for ironing

* Kimi's first work of art

Caitlyn, on the other hand, decided to do a nail polish for her project. She copied a template from an old bead art project before.

* Want a maniped anyone?

* Caitlyn and her beauty art

Avery, relied on her imagination and being into princess at this stage. She wanted to make Tinkerbell for her art.

* Great Job Avery, complete with a headband and a ribbon too!

Ironing was the exciting part.

* Parchment paper over the boards to keep the beads sticking into the iron

Beware of getting it stuck to the beads long or the beads will melt and the circle pattern will be gone.

* Final product

More projects after...

* Bead Art Gallery

* * * * *

Thank you Anne

for having us over

Wilton Course 1- Completed!

2011-12-27T21:39:00.001-08:00

I confess. I am a frustrated baker.

I really wanted to do baking ever since I was a kid but baking good seems to elude me during my younger years with an old oven that needs a thermometer to supervise the temperature inside. It was tedious to get the oven to work well and the result of my baking adventures has always been un-encouraging.

I never ventured into baking after that but when I set foot here in Canada, I finally saw my new haven, Michaels. With all the crafts imaginable in every aisle, my earlier frustrations seemed to haunt me once again. I put baking into my personal must do lists and went on with my life adjusting to my new Canadian life.

Forward to a few years adjusting, I got myself a new oven that seems to be easier to operate. I decided to try my hand at a cake decorating class, first. I figured that decorating, I have a background on and I thought that I will try to learn baking afterwards... toink!

I am so happy that I was able to complete the course 1 of baking with my sanity intact :)

* Course 1: Decorating Basics

First day was easy, we had to bring a cookie and the kit needed for the course. No stress here :)

* Tips and Technique Class

* Cookie Decorating 101

Second class was a bit stressful for me. We were required to bake a cake and bring them to class. We were to do leveling (optional), and icing of the entire cake. I did the cake early and got 2 boxes of ready mix cake, in case the first one fails, I have another on hand. I was on edge when I got the cake out of the oven and couldn't sit still until i was able to transfer the cake in one piece into the cake caddy.

* Perfect for Kenzo's upcoming birthday

Third class assignment was easier. We were required to bring cupcakes. I have experienced with cupcake and what are ready mix for? This was a piece of cake (No pun intended)

* Flower techniques 101

Fourth class was cake once again. We had to bake a cake and ice them at home. I was a bit positive because I had a ready mix in my cupboard (remember the one from 2nd class?). I was crushed when I saw the middle part of my newly baked cake didn't actually cooked as it was supposed to and it look like a well when I transfered it into the cooling rack...uh-oh!

It was a good thing though that my cake was high enough and I decided to cut that part that flopped and my cake was a bit low but it was leveled and it will have to do :(

Confidence level: Low again!

This time around we were taught how to do lettering and roses with the use of a decorating nail set.

I decided to take a picture of my seat mate's cake for our last class...

* Daphne's cake

* Mona's cake

*...and mine :)

* * * * *

WILTON CLASS COURSE 1

Michaels Craft Store

Burnaby, B.C.

Boxing Day Dinner

2011-12-26T22:34:00.005-08:00

Nothing would keep us from celebrating every event imaginable...

It is the happiness of being in each other company that gets this event going each year.

Great food...great friends... kids keeping themselves occupied. Perfect!

...and with a chef (Jason) and a kitchen goddess (Joy) in the midst of our group,

the food was exceptionally superb this year

* Our Sumptuous Table

I will do my best to named the dishes...I was so busy filling up myself with these delicious dishes I forgot to ask the name of some of them... he he!

* Crackers with dip

courtesy of Joy

* Mashed Potato baked to golden brown perfection

courtesy of Steve and Sarah, cooking skills by Chef Jason

* Deep Fried Potato Skin

courtesy of Chef Jason and Char

* Embutido Balls (I think the middle part is scrambled eggs)

courtesy of Jason and Char

* Fried Pepper Porkchop

courtesy of Rex and Jo

* Lechon Kawali

courtesy of Karl and Mel

* Sliced Porkloin with Veggies

courtesy of Steve and Sarah, cooking skills by Chef Jason

* Chicken Fettucini Alfredo

courtesy of Joy

Charlie did his specialty....YUMMY!

* Roasted Chicken

courtesy of Charlie

* Lengua

courtesy of Warren and Glenda (Home-cooked)

*Quiche

courtesy of Joy

* Cathedral Jello

courtesy of Wilbert

* Caramel Popcorn

* Banana Bread Slices

courtesy of Wilbert

Of course, we got shots of the people as well :)

* Kenzo by his lonesome

I was so happy to get a picture of Kenzo with my pocket camera :) Thank you Kenzo for staying still long enough for me to get a good picture :)

* Kenzo and Kimi

* So grownup Kalen

* Kenzo soooo happy with his loot

* Samantha and Kimi.... Together Again

* Why the big eyes Kimi?

...and from the professional photographer of the group, Charlie

* Batch 2011, Boxing Day Elite Food Group ;)

The kids had their exchange gift draw a few days before the party, we decided to push through with another exchange gift for the kids with the help of Elfster :).

* Kids with their loots, ready to do their exchange gifts

...will post more picture from Photographer Steve, as well, as soon as I got them :)

Thanks Charlie for the video once again

Thank you Charlie and Joy for hosting

* * * * *

BOXING DAY DINNER

Surrey, B.C.

Kimichua-ism about Santa Claus

2011-12-25T13:05:00.001-08:00

Grandpa decided to do the filling of the stockings from Santa Claus this year...

* Kimi, Mommy and Kenzo

Aberdeen Centre

Richmond, B.C.

(On Christmas Day)

Grandpa: Look Kimi! there is something for you from Santa

(Looks inside the stockings, found some candies that is very familiar. Note: Candy that grandpa gives her everytime)

Kimi: You're so funny Grandpa, This is not from Santa Claus, this is from you!

Grandpa: Errr, (trying to collect his thought) I gave this to Santa Claus, Kimi... How about this one? (Getting a new candy...unfamiliar to Kimi)

Kimi: Uhmm, maybe that is from Santa

Good Save Grandpa he he!

Christmas from a distance... Near and Far... :)

2011-12-24T17:55:00.002-08:00

Christmas is the time when I think of celebration back home the most.

* Christmas 2011

Manila, Philippines

December has always been a celebration as I was growing up back then. We do triple celebration on the 23rd and 24th every year. Cousin Eileen on the 23rd,

* Birthday girl, Eileen

Taken at March 2011, Serendra, Philippines

and Cousin Jason and my Grandmother from my mom's side on the 24th plus the actual Christmas Day.

* Birthday Boy, Jason... based in Singapore

Taken March 2011, Singapore

* Birthday Grandmom, Juliana

Taken March 2011, Philippines

We do a lot (A LOT) of fireworks and potluck. This is one of those rare moments that we are all complete in one place. End of the year is an event as well then, with my aunt's (Betty) birthday on the 31st and my mom starting the year with her birthday as well as New Year.

* Birthday Aunt, Betty

Taken March 2011, Philippines

* Birthday Mom, Judy

Taken March 2011, Philippines

I guess Christmas is different now than it was before anyway, with a lot of us away from home, but still I miss those good old times.

* * * * *

It is just a treat for me when I get something for Christmas here that was sent all the way from the Philippines or my friends from places like U.S. and Dubai. It makes me feel nostalgic and a girl once again, all giddy with excitement to be remembered by their classmate back in elementary during Christmas mail back in school.

FYI: Our school used to have a program that send Christmas mail from classroom to classroom when I was in elementary to high school. You can drop little messages in our lobby during break and someone will deliver those little greetings from room to room during class hours. That was one of my favorite things in school during Christmas time.

To those friend who are far, far away and still manage to send a greeting my way, thank you very much for the small thoughtful gesture :)

it may seem small to you, but it meant a whole lot to me.

Some were personalized...

* Cham Family from Richmond, B.C.; Canada

* Cuervo Family from U.S.A.

Thank you for the nice personalized card... LOVE IT! Maybe next time we can make something like this ;)

* Ninang KC to Kenzo

Kimi will be so jealous with this book :-P and I will try to keep Kenzo still to finish this entire book. I just love this book a lot... Thanks KC :)

* * * * *

Some came via package in our mail...

* Agbada's Package

Thank Kiko and Kc who had a gift for everyone in our family :)

* * * * *

...and from the friends that I have found here

Countless thank you for making Vancouver a home that I wanted to stay in now

It's because of you guys that I have found friends that feels more like a family to me...

* Glenda, Sarah, Joy and Jo

Thank you for the valuable friendship... Love you guys!

* * * * *
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Burnaby, B.C.
Canada

Christmas Eve Celebration in Video

2011-12-24T09:46:00.006-08:00

The very talented Charlie has put his Christmas Day into making this video (I assume)

Thank you Charlie for making this really great video of the party...

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Ong

for the wonderful party

We make it a point to open that date for that wonderful get together each year :)

EAT.DINE.BE MERRY

Christmas Tai Chi Group

2011-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

My FIL has been teaching Tai Chi a couple of years here and he makes it a point to invite students for an intimate gathering every Christmas.

This was the second year for a Christmas Get Together with the Tai Chi students.

I managed to take a lot of pictures of the food but forgot to picture the guests...toink!

* The Table

* MENU *

Hotpot Soup with

Sauce for the meat and balls

Shrimps, Beek slices, Enoki Mushrooms, Tofu

Fish balls, Squid Balls, Meat Balls, Fish Tofu...

Kikiam

Pasta with Cream Sauce

Tiramisu

* * * * *

There was a little boy, Anton. who came with his parents. Kimi played the perfect host and brought him downstairs for a little bonding in front of the screen watching, BOLT. (*Thanks Uncle ken for the DVD)

* Anton and Kimi

* * * * *

Christmas Dinner at Home

Burnaby, B.C.

Canada

Floral and Swirls...

2011-12-20T20:31:00.002-08:00

There is still a lot of room for improvement but...

the tips and tricks imparted by the instructor was quite valuable for someone who doesn't have any background in baking or cake decorating. My icing was a bit on the dry side, hence, the crack on some of the decor but here was what I was able to do on that class...

* Rosette tip to make a flower cupcake

* Pinks and Blues....

We were taught how to do sunflowers, poinsettias and even monster cupcakes... I was not able to do the other icing colors that was why my colors were just in the vicinity of the pastels : blues, pinks and greens... and the ever reliable, white.

Sorry for missing 1 cupcake in the picture above, I was a bit hungry before the class so I ate one of the cupcake even before the start of the class :)

One for Iligan

2011-12-19T11:07:00.001-08:00

Whenever I hear news like floods which kills countless lives in the Philippines (although Iligan is far). I always say a prayer thanking God that everyone in my family back home is safe and wish I could do a little in my own way to help

I found this site that accepts paypal for help

Your $1 helps...

CLICK HERE TO HELP

I just did a bit of my share :)

Happy Giving!

Kenzo @ 2 years

2011-12-17T21:36:00.002-08:00

Terrible... (or Terrific) Two? That is the question. He is a bit of both but he is 100% lovable.

This little guy has added "backpack", "clock" (pointing to upwards), "shoes" to his vocabulary. He says "Thenk yuuu" whenever someone hands him something. He kiss with a smack now and not a fake sound like he does before. He points to his feet when asked to say "feet" and kicks his feet back and forth when he is excited. He loves his "gummies" and runs to the pantry and points, making sounds only he understand pointing forward to let someone get his reward.

Whenever he sees all of us going down, he runs to his grandparents to give each of them a quick kiss then runs halfway to give a quick wave and a flying kiss, gives me his hands so that we can go down the stairs together. I just can't get enough of this little guy!

I love how he wakes up in the middle of the night, scooting over to my side and sighing contentedly when he finds me still in bed with him. He will complain in his own baby language, expressing his unhappiness, when he can't find me in bed when he wakes up. He also loves to play mischief when he wakes up. He goes to the end of the bed and pretend to put his head out on the edge while half of him is in the mattress, trying to evoke a reaction from me, it never fails to get me into action and tries to hold onto his feet in case he really does falls.

He has a thing with pants right now and wearing all the pants he could find within his reach even with a pants on, he will try to wear another on on top of it. It's just so cute. he loves to wear socks all by himself as well and shoes.

Today, he is finally 2. Two years of running around trying to catch up to his daily mischief and making him more endearing as each day passes. I can't wait to see him grow. Whatever happens, having him in our life sure make our lives much more exciting. You don't know what he will be up to the next day.

For our one of a kind little guy, I decided to try my hand at making a cake for him. Sure, it will not be perfect, but it will surely be something made with love. I am not a baker, and doing this cake sure stressed me out. I actually pushed myself and enrolled in a decorating cake a week before his birthday without prior baking experience. I didn't realize that our second lesson would require me to bake an actual cake (ha ha!). Thank you to ready mix :)

* Cake Attempt #1

It was a full day for us and when we decided to do the traditional cake singing, so the grandparents were already in their jammies.

* Kenzo was so happy to see his cake, it made the stress of making it well worth it

* Kenzo tried to imitate Kimi blowing her cake

* A little help from big sister

* Picture with Grandpa

* And one with Nana

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HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY KENZO

Love you sooooo much

Van Dusen's Festival of Lights

2011-12-17T11:25:00.003-08:00

One of the best place to experience a Canadian Christmas Tradition here in Vancouver is the Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Botanical Garden.

I actually haven't been here yet and this was also my first time to see it with millions of lights lighting up the garden. I wish to go back there in a different season to see the garden itself.

It was Kenzo's birthday that night and I was urging hubby to celebrate it somewhere other than at home. So begrudgingly, he agreed to go outdoor even though it was cold that night. The kids were dressed in layered clothing and bulky jackets to ensure their warmth as they walked through the garden.

* Van Dusen Indoor Main

I was glad we went there early as there was already a long line outside for tickets. It was also good timing since as soon as we walked out of the ticketing we saw Santa Claus walking to his room and we had the opportunity to take a picture with him before he went on his way for storytime.

* Picture with Santa

There was a toy train outside Santa's Living Room which unfortunately, wasn't working that time. Kenzo was still sleeping at this time and we had to make do taking pictures of the surrounding and us three.

* Toy Train

We chance upon Santa doing his storytelling to the eager kids.

* Santa Claus telling a story about the reindeer

It was hard to take a picture of the lights but I had to try and see if I can capture the festivities around us.

* This is the first part we saw from where we came from

* TREE-io

* Papa with his little princess

* Exquisite lights...

* From the Walking path...

* A Walk further down the path...

* Dancing Lights

* I wish this is an outdoor ice skating... would be so magical...

There was a Make A Wish Candle Shrine further down the garden...

* Kimi making a wish

* Wish...granted?!

.... hunger finally strikes and we went to try the Whistler Wood Fired Pizza

* Little helper taking orders

* Little hands ready to grab a bite

* Birthday boy finally smelled the food

Going around once again to take some pictures with Kenzo...

* Papa and Kenzo

* Little Chuas

Finally, a lady saw me doing all the shooting and volunteered to take a shot of us as family...

* There is me! :)

Hubby couldn't take a hint.... Oh well...

* Another one of me.... Woohoo!!!

Other Photo Friday (Travel Photo) via Delicious Baby

* * * * *

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Van Dusen Botanical Garden

Vancouver, B.C.

Christmas Pail

2011-12-16T20:07:00.005-08:00

I made this with Kimi for her teacher in school.

She got 3 in school. Miss Tanya, Miss Su and Miss Doreen.

* Felt Paper cut outs (pre-cut) in white pail

* Nana made the pinecone tree for the teachers as well..

Crafty Nana eh?

* Pinecone tree outside the plastic

* Now my manger set has a tree to make it look more Christmassy :)