Savin's Universe

Flaunting It In Your Faces

2012-01-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

So I thought it was the perfect time to blog about this ring during my 11 year Anniversary, but I caught up on other things and haven't blogged in a while. Our Wedding Anniversary was on December 2. Doesn't it look awesome. I have had a lot of compliments on it in the last few months, and I have been mentioning it to my husband. He informed me the story I have been spreading around was inaccurate. In addition to flaunting my bling in your faces, I will also tell you of its story (as far as I know it).

First things first... when I was trying to take pictures of this ring (trying to get it in it's perfect light) I realize that I would not make a good hand model. The stubbiness of my fingers did nothing for the ring. Yes, it was hard to take a picture with an SLR camera with just one hand. I did the best I could. If you want to see it in all it's magnificent please feel free, it is on my finger all of the time.

When Chad and I was thinking about getting married, we both agreed that I would have nothing to do with finding the ring. I mean he hasn't even asked me, and why would I go pick something for him to propose to me with. Also he wasn't going to propose without a ring. This was one of the best decision we ever made.

The summer before he proposed I decided to take a break from college and live at home to spend some time with my family. Chad also went to live with his parents and get a summer job. It was the hardest and longest summer we ever spent without each other. He was in Tampa and I was in Jacksonville. It was good that we were busy with our summer jobs. This is when he was actively searching for the perfect ring. If you know Chad, you would know that if he was going to make a big purchase he wasn't going to do it lightly. He researched, learned all the things you need to know about diamonds and wedding rings. He learned all the the cuts, the color, and quality of the diamonds. The possibility seems endless and the stores were many. He didn't like the chain stores, because they were overrated and over priced.

He went to a Pawn shop, yes I said it a Pawn shop, where he met a nice enough jeweler. Chad had a really good feeling about this guy. He looked at many diamonds (I think). Well in the end he choose this diamond. No not the ring the diamond.

Then the jeweler designed this ring and threw in the two smaller diamonds in for free. Yes, this ring was designed for me. Isn't it beautiful, just for me.

*sniff *sniff

(Sorry I am crying, that is what you get when a pregnant girl is blogging about her wedding ring.)

After a couple weeks we got back to school that fall, he proposed. I stared at it for days... thinking to myself "Wow, he did a great job." I never expected that he would be able to fine me the perfect ring. He did, and I adore and treasure it always.

How many carats is it you ask and how much does it cost? Well, he worked as a IBM computer tech for the whole summer to pay for it. The color is pretty clear, the more color it has the cheaper it is. I am going to keep you guessing on how big it is.

Really, Do You Not Know Me?

2011-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

I was informed today that someone I knew since college and assumed to be one of my good friends dislikes me. Apparently, I offended her 5 years ago and she stopped talking to me for that reason. I realized she stopped returning my calls during that time, but thought she was too busy for me or that she doesn't want to hangout with a married with children girl. Sometimes I would joke around when I tell people we don't keep in touch is because she was jealous of my life style. (Married with children... It is such a glamorous life, as some of you ladies might know. The unwashed hair with food in it, the stains on the clothes, the chipped up nails with too much cleaning... etc.)

Well, I found out today that she stopped talking to me because I called her fat. I don't remember ever calling her fat, but I never said she wasn't, either. I do remember something I talked to her about the last time we REALLY talked.

Before I tell about what I said I need to tell you a little about me. I come from a home where we tell each other the truth. They don't sugar coat anything. My parents are like that. My dad once time told me I sang like "a cat in great pain." My mom constantly told me I need to lose weight. Do you think they did it to hurt my feelings, no they thought they were helping. They love me and they want the best for me. Yes, I had low self esteem with my mom's constant nagging, but I thought my dad was funny. You know the difference between my mom and dad. My dad only said that once to me, but my mom nagged me about my weight all the time. (Don't worry about me, because look at me now. I also had people in my life who told me I was a "beautiful daughter of God.")

I like people telling me the truth even if it hurts my feelings. I rather know the truth, then having lies told to me.

Well, I learned that if you love someone you need to tell them the truth. So to all the people out there that I tell you "like it is" I LOVE YOU. I also tell you how awesome you are, too. Yes, you are a child of God and he loves you, too.

The first time I started being friends with Chad, my husband, I told him he needed a makeover. I told him he needed a hair cut and what kind of clothes he should wear. Did he get offended, no. He got some docker flat front pants and he got a hair cut. Too bad I don't have a before picture. :) (Oh honey, you were handsome before, just not with pleated pants and that long piece of hair that you wrapped around your head.) Hey he must not have mind, because he fell in love with me anyways.

I told a friend that I thought her couch was dirty, but I sat on it anyways. Just stating a fact, not doing it in disgust. That is why she likes me. Ask Ms. Heather Sprague and she will tell you that story and how that is why she loves me. :)

This is me and if I can't be me around you, then I don't hang around you very often.

The girl, the friend, was always so eager to get married. (Oh maybe I shouldn't say that, it might offend her. Well, this is my story I am going to say how I felt at the time.) Like I said she was very motivated to find a husband. She would always have these high standards. She always picked these gorgeous guys (that was the only thing I knew about them). She would make friends with them (she always said she liked how Chad and I was friends first) and then think they have feelings for her. She would devote all this time with that one guy, but only to be let down. This is what I saw and felt at the time, but I could be wrong.

I wanted to help her and make her see that shooting too high is not always the right thing. I cared about her and I wanted the best for her. I told her, "Most guys only care about the outside appearances and they only want skinny girls." Then I said something about how boys are very superficial. I just wanted her to lower her expectations a little bit. (Yes, she is a bit overweight, but so am I and I know how hard it is lose weight. After the nagging from my mom I do have a weight complex. Do you guys see how hard I workout?) Personality and character is important on a person, but not looks. We can all agree that looks are never going last. We all are going to change, no one will stay in their prime forever.

I don't remember every detail of the conversation, but that is when I offended her. She in turn stops returning my calls and stops talking to me. I just thought we were better friends than that. Never in the conversation did I say, "You are fat and I think you are no good." I love her and I hope she could see what I was trying to do.

If I have offended anyone, please know that I was only trying to help. I just thought you might not know that your couch was dirty. rehehe

Also remember the good things I said about you, because I say those too.

Give me the respect of telling me the truth, because you know I will do that for you.

P.S. She got offended that I asked her to babysit. Said I was flouting my family life in her face. OMG - I just needed a babysitter and everyone was unavailable and I thought I might give her a shot. I really wanted to go to that wedding. Needless to say she hasn't talked to me since then. About 2 weeks ago.

Pita and Peeta Obsession

2011-10-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

There is this cute little produce place that is a few miles from my house that I love. Lakewood Produce have fresh produce from local farmers. They also has free roaming hen eggs and free ranging beef (I hope I am saying that all correct.) Of course not everything is local or organic. I love getting my tomatoes and cucumbers there and when I am there at the right time I love to get the pitas. A local lady makes them fresh everyday and she brings them in between 11:45am - 12:00noon. If you don't come within a couple hours of that time they are gone. They are the freshest and best pitas I have every had. Way better than the big chain grocery stores.

The last couple of times I have come to late to get any pitas, so I decided to show up at the drop off time. My youngest usually naps at that time so I haven't risked it, but she has been stay up a little bit later so I decided to try. When I showed up the parking lot was full and there were quite specticle. I was saying to myself, "Wow, what is going on? Is there a Jewish women party? " It was like a Justin Beiber concert, if Justin Beiber was adored by old Jewish women instead of young girls. I see them coming from a van with bags and bags of pita. I assume this must be the pita lady dropping off her daily fresh pitas. I reluctantly went in the store and wait for the pita lady to come in. I looked at some vegetables while I wait for her to come into the store, hoping in my heart that she will have one bag left for me. One lady in the store couldn't wait in the any longer and she ran out to get her three bags of pita from the van. After she did that I was paranoid, I asked the cashier if she was coming in. She assured me that this happens all the time and she will come in soon. I made a comment about how crazy they were, but in my heart I was ready to jump one of those old ladies if I didn't get my pitas. Fortunately, the cashier was right. I didn't have to hurt any old Jewish ladies that day.

As I sat down to my nice warm pita for lunch, I think about my other love of Peeta from the Hunger Games trilogy. The first movie will be coming out March 2012.

Disclaimer: I will be writing about these books like you have read them before. So if you haven't read them and want to read them do not read on.

Grown middle age women is looking forward to the first movie. I wonder how crazy it will be at that midnight showing. Will there be crazy women waiting at the door trying to be patient, but in their hearts they want to push everyone aside so they can be the first in line?

My friend talked me into reading this trilogy. Yes, I blame her for my obsession for Peeta and for the depression I went through when I finished the books. First, I read all three books back to back without any interruptions. I ignored my husband, children, and any housework but that wasn't anything new. After I finish it I moped around the house in my pj's for days. (not new either) I lost 5 pounds and I think I needed to see I psychologist. (I was really happy I lost weight.) It didn't have the happy ever after ending that I was hoping for.

When they first introduced Peeta, I instantly fell in love with him. He was my Clark Kent with the Superman heart, just like my husband. I was heartbroken when Katniss didn't realize her love for him at the end of the first book. (Yes, she loved him. She just didn't understand the feelings she had for him, because they were forced to be together.) When he was captured and tortured, I held on to the idea that he was strong and he won't lose that Superman heart. Alas and sigh, poor poor Peeta, oh my Peeta what has happened to you. I cried.

It's ok Superman still lived on when he saved his Katniss. My weak Clark Kent, but my strong Superman still lived on.

This is why I can not get into the Twilight Saga.

Domestic Goddesses

2011-10-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I had an appointment with the "Baby Doctor" (OBGyn) whatever they are called for a check up. If you have been pregnant before you might know the process. During these visits you come in pee in a cup and wait in the waiting room... sometimes it takes awhile for them to call you back. When they do call you, the nurse checks your blood pressure and the baby's heartbeat.

Then the Doctor comes in to the measures your belly and checks you over. This is what happens to me. He measures my belly then says, "Well, you are measuring good, your pee is good, and baby's heartbeat is good. You are good. Do you have any questions for me?"

What that was it? Seems like a waste of time. Since I spent that time waiting for him in the waiting room. I decided to start think of some questions. I don't know what yet, but I was going to make him spend time with me, dang it. Ok I have had 3 babies already and I pretty know almost everything, about this stuff.

I asked, "How will the C-section go?" - I have had 3 C-sections.

I asked, "Did you know that I want my tubes tied?" - I know I told them already and they wrote it down.

I asked, "I am running, Should I keep running?" - Knowing that if he says I can't I was going to anyways.

I asked about the prenatal vitamins. - Yes the nurse told me all about them already.

I made him spend at least 10 more minutes with me. I felt a little satisfied.

Although, I had a pleasant time waiting for him in the waiting room. After I signed in and before I sat down I readjusted myself. I apologized to the ladies that were sitting there. Maternity pants do not like to stay up. One really pregnant lady said that she understands and we talked about maternity clothes for awhile until she was called. A lady that was sitting close by would just smile and occasionally laugh at our jokes.

After they both left I decided to look through a magazine. I found an article that caught my eye, "The Pleasures of Making a Home,

Read one writer’s take on the joys of being a domestic goddess."

In the 50's woman were homemakers and then in the 70's women started to burn their bras and we all became working women. Well, more woman are staying at home more. The writer says how her mother doesn't understand the choice of having a big family and staying at home.

She writes, "I never took a home-ec class, but I smoke my own salmon, make jam, butcher wild meat, garden, bake, cook a lot of family dinners and raise laying hens....While my mother had her coffee on the first day of school in the faculty room, I treated myself to coffee with friends at Mountain Market & Cafe on that blissful morning every year when my five children were all back in school. "

She also goes on to tell that after coffee they would go blueberries picking. One year while they were picking,

"Just then, one of my companions yelled, “Get the camera quick—I’m taking off my clothes while the sun is out....Turns out that she had arranged for another one of the ladies to take a picture of her while she posed picking matching blueberries as an anniversary present for her husband.”

At this paragraph I started to giggle in the waiting room. A lady looked at me. Maybe she thinks that I am a hormonal or at least crazy. I didn't care about her, I kept on laugh and this time louder.

She then writes, "Driving home, the chatter veering randomly as always, we talked about what we all had written on the annual school registration form in the space labeled Mother’s Occupation. I had left mine blank. One of us put homemaker; another had written housewife. “I didn’t like those options,” declared the friend who took the photographs. “I wrote domestic goddess.” We all laughed. How appropriate, given our photography escapade."

I never inspire to have big family and be a stay at home mother, but here I am. Maybe it won't be so bad. One day I can take a picture of me in an apron for my husband. I wouldn't mind being a Domestic Goddess.

Caption: "My mom in two words Domestic Goddess"

How Do They Do It

2011-10-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

So today I heard about a woman who was 38 weeks pregnant woman ran a marathon. She finished the race at 3PM and had her baby at 10PM the same day. Can you believe that? Okay... I ran a 15K in 1hour and 53mins when I was eight weeks pregnant with my third baby, but I didn't run anymore that pregnancy. I am 20 weeks with my fourth child and it is starting to hurt to do a walk/run 5K. So I am asking how do these women do it? I was planning on running a 6K in the Thanksgiving Run, but it looks like that will not be possible. I will almost be 7 months by then. I am really bumped out about the whole thing. My endurance is there, but the pain in my lower abs/pubic bone area is very sharp and as the baby gets bigger it is getting worse. The nurse at my doctors office told me I need to slow down, but I don't want to. She then suggested a pregnancy corset or a sling.

Do you think those women wore these things? I am scared of them.

I really want to do that Turkey Run... I would really look like a turkey.

I think I might try something like this... not the corset, but something.

Ode to Food

2011-07-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

O' Food... how I miss you.

I miss cooking you and eating you.

I miss overeating you.

I miss indulging in your sweetness and/or saltiness.

You were one of my passions.

I exercise because I needed you.

The taste and the joy of you.

When o' when will we truly enjoy each other again.

Nice cold glass of water where have you gone.

I miss you the most.

I can not workout in this Florida weather if I can not have you.

Ice pops are not as satisfying.

Final Fourth

2011-07-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

If anyone still come to checkout this site, you will be one of the first to know. I am not announcing this on Facebook, yet. We have inadvertently created a new addition to our family. It was a surprise, but it is a happy one. I am a little scared with the news and very annoyed with the 1st trimester symptoms. Being tired and nauseous with 3 small children is not fun. I hope I will feel better soon, but with past experiences it wasn't the case. So many plans for this summer has been canceled or postponed.

The kids don't seem to mind too much, they are loving their inflatable pool. The older ones Nysa and Kaya help out alot. Example: I was throwing up after we came back from the grocery store. They got the grocery out of the car and put it away. Rayna, the baby, doesn't know what is going on, but she knows how to say "ewwww" when appropriate.

Wish I was one of those women who loves being pregnant.

Wish I was one of those women who feels good when they are pregnant.

I do make beautiful babies.

Never a Bad Day to Start Writing Again

2011-03-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to repost something I did in the past. I thought this is funny and I hope you like it too.

1. My husband thinks I am the sexiest woman alive... and he is right.
2. We have the cutest girls in the universe... seriously have you seen the pictures? How could they go wrong? Look at their mom.
3. Don't take me too seriously... but seriously look at the pictures.
4. Everyone thinks I was put on earth to solve their problems. How do they find me? People I can only take so much.
5. I feel like I have to solve people's problems. I love solving their problems.
6. I am an Almond Joy kind of girl... I always feel like a nut.
7. I love looking at myself in the mirror... truly, I like looking at myself in anything with a reflection. Seriously people, when I walk by a store window I pretend to look inside, but in reality I am looking at the reflection of myself.
8. I work out hard so I can look at myself in the store windows, and say "Look at that hot girl."
9. I really work out hard so I can eat what I want.
10. I loooooove rice. I need it at each meal or I feel empty.
11. When did celery started tasting good? I use to hate celery, now I tolerate it.
12. I like to be funny, but sometimes I am not good at it... but I laugh at it anyways.
13. I love my girls. Even if they drive me crazy sometimes.
14. I sometimes feel like I neglect them... I like to drown them out by pretending they don't exist for awhile. Seriously, I love my girls.
15. I have many talents, but the one that people are really impressed with is my hula hooping skills... and let me tell you I "got some nice moves."
16. I find it easy to make friends, and yes you are my friend. Yes, you are... and I don't take no as answer.
17. Sometimes I know that I am not the center of the Universe... only sometimes.
18. One day I am going to rule the world by my looks alone.
19. I think that best friends make good lovers. Look at me and Chad. That wasn't funny, but I laughed anyways.
20. My husband is my universe and I call him way too much when he is not near by.
21. I love to entertain.
22. I love to laugh and if I am not smiling, it might be that time of month and you need to start running.
23. I use to think I was ugly. I don't know what changed my mind... I must have looked in a store window's reflection.... HOT.
24. Seriously, look at the pictures. LOL
25. If I am staring at you... don't worry I am not in love with you. I am planning a makeover starting with your hair.

the good ole days

2010-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Turning 6? Where did my baby go?

2010-03-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, Yes my Kaya has turned 6. She is not a baby anymore, even if I told her she needed to stop growing when she was two. On March 2nd the day of her birth, I went to her school, took her a cupcake and tiara, and I ate lunch with her. She was so excited, and she felt so special. She should feel special, because she is.

I know she has the same birthday as Doctor Seuss, everyone at school liked tell me that.

This Saturday we had a small birthday party for her. We had a few friends over, had really yummy food and had some fun games.

This cake was made by a friend, Rachelle.

She wanted to practice her art, and she made this for us for free.

We had donut on a rope... that was fun.

Mercy Rule: After a frustrating couple minutes we let them use their hands. They were so funny and they had lots of fun.

The big hit was the treasure hunt. I left clues all over the yard and at the end they find a treasure box with beads and gummy bears, which looked like jewels.

The one in the air conditioner out sucked in when the heater came on so mommy had to give them the next clue.

They found the clue at the rose bush.

Recall... Really

2010-03-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

One cold and lonely day... as I was putting my 4 and half month baby to bed, one of the bars of the crib fell off. Ohhhh Nooooooo Thank goodness she doesn't move very much. I rolled up a towel to put it between her and the broken side. ****Flashback****(The slate broke way back when Nysa was using it and Chad fixed it. When we put the crib back together it broke some more and Chad fixed it again, I don't know how well.) I was off to look for a used crib on Craigslist, but I saw a post about the crib recalls. Well, Why not... I crawled under the crib and found the model numbers, put it in the computer. What did you know? It is a recall. Well I read all the instruction and did what they told me to do, and voila I got a voucher for a new crib in four days. I sent it on Tuesday and got it that Friday. We went to Baby R Us right away and got Rayna a new crib. Good thing too, that bassinet part of the pack and play wasn't going to hold her any longer. Love it.

Can you guess who is who?

2010-03-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

As I was going through Rayna's pictures, it made me think of a picture of Kaya I took when she was a baby. If I had them all at the same time they would have been identical triplets.

Below are baby pictures of all my girls, can you guess who is who.

You will find the answer in the comments.

A Woman I Only Met Once...

2010-02-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

My grandmother, my mom's mom

She has gone to a far better place.

Should I be sad? probably

Did I know her? not really

Now both of my grandmother have passed away.

Neither one I knew very well. Only one I ever met.

Is it sad? Yes

Did I miss out on meeting and know two great ladies? Probably

Did they live a long and productive life? Most Definately

They were both in their 80's and 90's.

Sorry to say I do not know her name. I just called her grandma. She had 10 children... 3 who died before she met her fate this morning at 9:00 AM EST. My mother was the 3rd oldest, the third girl. I wish I could tell you more, but I know so little of her. I know she was loved and she loved others. When I met her she couldn't stop looking at me since I was the last grandchild she didn't have the pleasure in meeting. (Of course safe the best for last.)

Grandpa and Grandma Nohn

More stories to come when I get a chance to talk to my mother when she is feeling better.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

2010-02-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I can do without... I just need you now

2010-02-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Need you now - Lady Antebellum

Picture perfect memories....
I wonder if I ever crossed your mind
For me it happens all the time
... Can't stop looking at the door.
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
I don't know how I can do without... I just need you now

We all go through phases. Right now it is rough, I just had a baby and feeling low about myself. Sometimes I a need a little extra from my husband to know that he loves me. I request this from him before Valentines Day. Unfortunately, I expected to much and I fell hard. This too shall pass. The tired nights and the lonely days doesn't help. We use to be so in tuned, and we would make fun of people who couldn't seem to get along. How can he forget who I am? This happens at every new baby.

For those who think that having a baby will solve everything, it doesn't. It will make it worst. (That's not what we did, but I know people who do.) I know someone going through a possible divorce, and it seems so sad. When there are children involved it is never good. Always know who you are and your relationship before having a baby. A baby will change your life, and only the strength that you had before will keep you together.

I know that when I lose my weight and get my confidence back, everything should be find. I won't need as much as I do right now. Love can fluctuate so much... right now I miss that passion.

Blue is the Color that I am...

2010-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have been down on myself lately. Moving from a size 6-8 to a size 12 is not a goal I want to reach. I don't feel beautiful or sexy. Don't patronize me by saying I just had a baby, and I will be back to my size 6 soon. I don't want to be mean, but I already know that. One thing that some of you might not have known is how hard it was for me to get to that size 6. The pain and sweat and starvation (well not really starve, but it was hard to give up stuff and controlling my eating habits), and it took me 3 years. * Oh stop trying to make me feel better.*

Sometimes I feel like I am not doing anything important... yes yes we all know that raising children is important. I just feel I need to be doing something more... I feel I am missing something. Maybe I am destine to do more. I just don't know what that is.

Yes, yes I know I am talented. *Stop laughing.* I just don't know what direction I should go.

Since I don't want to be blue... maybe I should be a shade of green... I do love green. Does that mean envy? Well, I don't want to be a shade that is envy... I want to be a shade of green that is joy.

Let's make a list of my good attributes.

- When I want to do something, I find a way and I do it. I learned to crochet hats on youtube.

- Super pretty even if I am overweight.

- I have awesome hair when I fix it.

- I can dance better than most people.

- I am pretty good at tons of things, but not awesome at one thing. *oh I think that might be a negative.

- I am good at making friends.

- I am good at telling which people will make good friends.

- I am super funny. SUPER *Stop laughing... I am to funny*

- I am good at making girl babies.

- I am good at math. I love algebra.

- Sometimes thinks that I am Beyonce and start sing and dancing to her music in public. Then I realize people are looking and I stop.

- Always cheers for the underdog.

- Love to spend money. Oh wait I don't think that is not a good attribute.

- IS HIGH CLASS. (Didn't I tell you to stop laughing.)

- Just started learning to read. Well I already knew how to read, it was that I never did until recently.

- Always optimistic. (Unfortunately, this can be bad, because I fall hard when people let me down.)

- Love to improve myself. I always find ways to make me a better person. For example: learning new things, reading interesting books or learning how becoming a great mother.

- Like to impress other people.

As the World Turns

2010-02-09T11:51:00.001-08:00

I am going to do a run down of what we have been up to. It has been so busy with the new baby that it is really hard for me to have time to do anything. I like to write really inspirational and funny pieces for my blog, but I haven't gotten any opportunity to be able to do them when I think of them. So this is what I got and I hope you like it.

Thanksgiving was quiet. We spent it with just us. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Chea to our dinner. Grandma Chea came but she only ate the rolls and then she wanted the recipe for it. Just eaten at her friends house, she wasn't really hungry. Grandpa Chea ate there too so he decided to skip our house. Grandma Chea did come back the next day for some leftover pecan pie. It was a good thing for her I didn't eat it all.

Turkey Bacon (That sounds like healthy bacon, but it was fattening turkey.)

Ahhh... Nysa. She use to like taking pictures, but recently she doesn't like the flash. She don't want to take anymore pictures unless she gets to close her eyes.

Nysa made these flowers. She is so talented.

Kaya and her Christmas presents. They loved making the mess.

As everyone was enjoying their Christmas present, mommy dozed off.

Grandma Chea shaved Rayna's head (she says it will grow faster), so I needed hats. Unfortunately, all the hats I like were too expensive. As a result I learned to crochet... I learned from YouTube... you can learn anything on YouTube.

Below I tried to do some artistic pictures of Rayna... I am not very good. Enjoy...

Introducing Rayna Alexie Blimes

2009-11-26T15:22:00.001-08:00

Rayna Alexie Blimes

October 7, 2009

7lbs 3ozes

She came out screaming and wanted to go back in.

She is so cute I could eat her up.

My Little Froggy

The foot is at just the right spot.

ehhhhhh

"My finger needs a lick."

My friend Kim Townsend did this pictures for me. Kim usually charge lots of money for this 4 hour sessions, but I am doing some work for her in exchange for these pictures. Rayna is six weeks old in these pictures.

Woooo where is that water coming from?

2009-11-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: If you don't want to know what happens when a baby is born please don't read this.

October 7th 2009 - 37 weeks pregnant

5:35AM

"Wow my belly hurts, I think I need to go #2. It doesn't hurt that bad yet, I can wait a 2 couple of hours. I am so tired. Wait, maybe I have to go pee. Man I hate being pregnant and having to go pee all the time. I wish this baby will come already." I go to the restroom and pee, but I have liquid coming from a different hole.

"Oh, well it was nothing. Back to bed, I am so tired." I couldn't get to bed, my belly still hurts once in a while (every 3- 5minutes). Just to let you know that I had two babies already and I have never went to labor. At least, I didn't know if I ever had a contraction. I had c-sections on both and never went to labor.

"Wooo what is this liquid coming out?" It was only a little so I went to the restroom, still thinking it was nothing, but getting suspicious. I go wake up Chad, my husband, and tell him of my experience and I was going crawl back in bed with him when it happened. Yes, the liquid was streaming down my leg. My water broke. We called the doctor and she told us to go to the hospital. I wasn't even packed or anything. I grabbed a few things, took a shower, called my mom to watch the girls and I was on my way. I put on a maxi pad to catch the liquid, because it was still occasionally dripping out. Unfortunately, the maxi pad didn't helped because I was dripping in the elevator and all the way to my room in the hospital.

We got to the hospital at 7:00AM, but they told us we need to wait until 10:00AM before I can get my c-section. (Yes, I had to have the c-section, because I had it with my other two. It would be dangerous to have it naturally.) Someone was already schedule for a c-section at 8:30AM so I would have to wait. The contractions didn't get too bad and I went in the operating room at 10:10AM and they got the baby out at 10:57AM.

Chad saw way more than he wanted to see this time. They asked him to get really to take the picture when they get the baby out. He looked at the nurse like she was crazy. He wasn't going to go over the curtain, his job was to hold the baby after they clean her off. He still got an eye full. I think he will be scarred for life.

I am still happy and drugged up.

Rayna Alexie Blimes

October 7th 2009

7lbs 3ozes

Updates

2009-09-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't do it. (Going to the stores and trying out the exercise machines.) I did join a gym for $10 a month, and I hurt my tailbone from a spin class. A couple days later I slipped and fell on my bum. Needless to say it hurt, alot. I could sit on my bum or lie on my belly. It was not a happy month. I have been doing better, but now I am in my last month of the pregnancy and I have more problems. People ask how I am doing, but what is the point of telling them... when it is going to take an hour to explain everything. So I just say fine. Well, enough of me complaining.

My husband has been a treasure... he even rubbed my back last night until I fell asleep.

Kaya started school this pass month and it has been a roller coaster. She loves it, but it takes alot out of her and she is getting a little cranky at times. Nysa loves being in preschool, but it's like pulling teeth to get her out the door. There is a primary program coming up on October 18th and the teachers helped them write there own parts and it is the cutest. Hopefully I will get to be there for it. I feel this baby is going to be early or maybe I just want it to be early.

Do I Dare

2009-07-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

Okay I went to the doctors Monday and I gained 6lbs since my last visit. If I keep this up I will not keep it within the 25lbs I was shooting for. I haven't been overeating or anything... just not as much active as I was. My doctor, I love her she is so funny. I told her I have been trying to get up early to walk, but that is easier said than done. I am so tired. It is too hot to go walking any other time. Suggested that I use the elliptical... but alas I can't afford a gym membership at this moment in time.

Dr. Slade, "Well, you can just go to a sporting goods store and try out their machines. Just go to different ones each time tell them you are trying it out. They won't kick out a pregnant woman."

That sounded like a good idea... the only problem is what am I going to do with my children. I can't just leave them with my mom and tell her I am going to workout at a sporting goods store. My mom is not so open minded. Then I think that both of my girls start school in a few weeks. I can go while they are in school. Do I dare? I will keep you updated and I will take pictures. I could go to gyms and do a trial week or day... but that is not as funny.

Sensitivity

2009-07-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Girls... so much drama and so much emotions.

Kaya have been very emotional since she was born. As a baby, when she hear anyone cry she would cry. She feel bad when anyone feels bad.

Kaya comes in with her eyes watery red.

"Mommy, I don't like it when Nysa cry, because then I cry."

Me, "Well, maybe you shouldn't have made her cry by taking the toy she was playing with."

Kaya, "Well it makes me sad she is crying."

Kayla (babysitter) was playing playdoh with Kaya and Nysa.

Kaya drops some playdoh.

Nysa: "Stupid playdoh."

Kayla: "Yeah, stupid playdoh."

Kaya: "My playdoh is not stupid" and then she breaks down and starts crying.

I was having one on my hormonal day and I wasn't feeling really good. Kaya felt or knew there was something wrong with mommy. She kept coming over and giving me hugs. In my hormonal state I told her to keep her distance. She kept her distance, but kept looking at me trying to figure out a way to make me happy. She would peak around the corner and look at me with the sweetest concern and worry. That is my Kaya or so I thought.

This morning they found my body pillow unattended. When they couldn't figure out a way to share it Kaya brings it in... this way no one gets to play with it, because it belongs to Mommy. Well, instead I told Kaya that Nysa can play with it. Kaya starts hyperventilating, her nose start flaring... she looks like Drew Barrymore in the Firestarter when she is about to make a big fireball. I told to count to ten, but she started hitting the bed. I told her to go to her room to calm down. She said, "NO" Well, it is go to room or count to ten... she stormed to her room. Five minutes later she was watching tv and playing with Nysa like nothing had happened.

Kaya is starting school next month and she will be gone most of the day. I am going to miss her. She is my little helper. Although she is getting bored with me and she wants to explore the world. I think I will have a tougher time then she will with this Kindergarden thing. I look at pictures of her as a baby and toddler... and I can't believe she has grown up so much. Today Kindergarden tomorrow the world.

Answered Prayers

2009-07-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

In the pass month Nysa has been saying her prayers without any help. I want to share a few things that she has been asking our Heavenly Father without any help or suggestions from mom, dad or big sister. In the pass she had always been a little scared saying prayers because she just don't know what say. In the last month her little life have been expanding and she is having more experiences to tell and ask our Father in Heaven.

Nysa:

"Please help me eat salad. Please help me learn to eat vegatable like mommy wants me too. Please help me eat my vegatable so I can good eater."

"Please help us be nice to the new baby... that we don't make the baby cry... that we don't push the baby's butt so the baby hits its head on the floor." (Heather, sorry about your baby's head.)

Nysa is so smart and she remember things that I haven't thought about. She remembers things from six months ago, that her big sister had forgotten. She loves piano, dancing, maps, and astronomy. But with all these talents she tell us that when she grows up she wants to be a mother. You should see her with her dolls... the love and tender that she gives each of them. I love her and I hope one day I can be a loving mother that I know she will be.

Funny Hormonal Moment

2009-06-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

I guess it is not fair if you tell me of a funny hormonal moment when I didn't give you one of mine. Well, here goes...

I substitute teach and this one day I was going into a Fourth Grade team teaching class. The class have been going well, until I had to read a book. I don't remember the title of the book, but it was about an Africian American Families passed down quilting. It starts when they were slaves... I was choking up on the second page. Through the middle of it I start crying and couldn't read anymore. The kids just stared at me. It was a good thing that it was a team teaching class, because the other teacher took over and it gave me time to compose myself.

I don't cry, but when I am pregnant I cry over everything.

Hormones

2009-06-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

I was almost in tears all day. Does anyone else get really emotional when they are pregnant? I hate when people think they can just rub my belly. I don't go to fat people and rub their belly. Why is it so tempting? It's not like, it's the baby. It's my body and I hoped that you never wanted to rub any part of my body, before I got pregnant. (Except my husband... he thinks about that all the time.)

Tell any funny stories you have about your crazy hormones. Oh, I am making a shirt that says, "I don't touch your belly, please don't touch mind."

RESPECT THE MOM

A Toy for Daddy

2009-06-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

Father's Day was this Sunday. Daddy had a wonderful time. He enjoyed all his gifts.
He got a belt and a new TV.

The whole weekend daddy was playing (as mommy calls it) his new toy, the HDTV. It is a 42" screen GL with 1080p. I guess that is good. It has all the inputs he wanted. He couldn't have been the happiest guy ever. Just to let you know we are not rich... this was a 2008 model and they were coming out with new models so they had this on clearance for over 1/2 off.

On Monday Nysa asked if she can give a gift to daddy. Since she was having a good time giving pretend gifts to Kaya and I, I didn't think anything of it. She gave me her whole piggy bank, she informed me it is only pretend and that I can't keep it. Well anyways for daddy's gift. When daddy came home she handed him a wrapped present. In it was her Mulan doll. She informed daddy that this was a toy that he can play with and that it was silly to call the TV a toy. This doll is an actual toy, and she let daddy keep it.

Camping at Wekiwa Spring

2009-06-24T12:20:00.001-07:00

We went camping at the beginning of the summer. We really had fun.

Here I am... where are you?

2009-06-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged. But better late than never. A lot of things has happen since I last posted. I am further along in this pregnancy, about 22 weeks to give you an idea. No we are not telling you the sex. If you think you know, you don't. Ha Ha Ha...

We always wanted 4 kids, but man being pregnant takes alot from you. This might be the last one, unless they find a way to shorten pregnancy length. I think I might be able to handled it better if I was pregnant a month.

Just for laughs... Last night the power went off at about 2am. I, at my disoriented state only thought of one thing, the ice cream in the freezer. During the night I woke up occasionally thinking I should go eat the ice cream before it melts. Seriously, I was really worried.

Here are a few pictures of us.
This is when the girls and I left daddy to work. We took an adventure for a week and a half. I took most of the pictures, the ones that I am in, Kaya took. Except the one with all three of us... the volunteer at the museum took it.

Exploring is fun... always bring a basket in case you find something interesting.

Gulf Coast Beaches

Nysa always the model.

In case you wanted to see me in my maternity bathing suit. You might not it is a little scary.

Yeah... Kaya did it... it took her two days, but she got in the middle.

At the Orlando Science Center

Jackson, Nysa, Kaya and the horse is Nathan Frewin
We went for a visit.

A Man in the Maternity Store

2009-04-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know it is way to early for me to start shopping for maternity clothes, but I don't fit into any of my pants. Where did my waist go? I only gained 5 lbs, but I have 5 extra inches in my waist. You ladies know what I mean... the I am not fat... I am pregnant stage.

I decided to go to Destination Maternity, because they had lots of selections. Destination Maternity also has a play area for your kids and a flat screen TV for your man. After we were greeted by a friendly associate, a gentelman came in after us. He had a bag with him, consequently, the sale associate asked if he had a return. He replied, "No." I will call him John.
Curious, the sale associate asked, "If he needs any assistance finding anything."
He joked around about trying some dresses and I lost interest with John and concentrated on what I was there for.

Later, I was poking my head out a dressing room to signal to Chad to see if he liked my selection, I spotted John sitting near Chad in front of the flat screen TV. Chad informed me that John got a call while he was there.

The converstation;
John "I am at the maternity store... the maternity store... the maternity store... the maternity store... because they have the NFL draft/picks on."

Love Story or Survival

2009-04-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am going the tell the awaited story that I have been promising. I hope I will do it justice. Writing is not my strong point, but I will do the best I can.

To talk about mother, I will have to talk about my father as well.

My mother, Vath, was born in a small rural village with 9 brothers and sisters. She helped with farming and helped take care of her brothers and sisters, as she is the 3rd oldest. She is a strong and bold woman. Her family could be described as country people.

My father, Am, lived in the city with 1 brother and 2 sisters. He was of Chinese descent. He studied to be a dentist and a very quiet man. His family had money and were educated. His family was very different than my mom's family.

I noticed these difference a great deal as I visited both families when I went to Cambodia. I have asked my parents many times how they got together and I never really got a straight answer. They once told me that my dad saw my mom and asked his mom to ask for my mom's hand in marriage. I believed that until I met both side of my family. There was no way they would met that way. So finally, I asked the members of my dad's family if the two families are so different how did my mom and dad get married. They said the Khmer Rouge.

In this century, there has probably been no other revolution which so completely altered the lives of an entire population. Literally overnight, entire cities were emptied. Property was abolished. Money became worthless. Homes and families were destroyed. Every aspect of every life was suddenly dictated by the new government. There was no transition period; hundreds of thousands of people... store clerks, factory workers, taxi drivers, cooks... suddenly became farmers. Thousands were executed immediately. Overnight, Cambodia became a nation of slaves. For every Cambodian old enough to remember the events of 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge reign would mark a turning point in their lives.

Am was taken from the city and from his family put in a working camp (village). Vath was taken from her family and put in the working camp. (They still don't talk to me about this so I will have to guess what happened.) There have been writing about how the Khmer Rouge would line up men in one line and women in one line and told to face each other. The one you are facing is the one that you will be marrying. The Khmer Rouge's goal was to eliminate class systems so they would also would like to find two completely different people and put them together. The ultimate arrange marriages.

In this work camp Vath was a cook and Am would work in the field or whatever the Khmer Rouge would subject him to. The Khmer Rouge idealize rural people and think that educated individual had faults. So people like Am would be treated more harshly. (My mom have talked about some experiences they encountered during these years.) Vath would save/steal food for her husband. There were weeks when Am would come home with blistering backs. Vath not wanting to leave her children fatherless went to fields to see what tortures they were putting her husband in. She saw him in a field with no shirt for long periods of time working in the sun with no breaks. Due to the fact that she believed that she was favored, she talked them into giving him easier work. "Do you see my old man, he is not use to this kind of work, he is small and weak. Give him a break. It is not right for you to do this to him."

In December of 1979, Am was out getting firewood for Vath and their second child, when there was an order to run, because the Vietnamese was taking over the country. The son was only a week old and Vath had a 18 month old daughter, but she got them and ran for the Thailand border without her husband.

Some ask why do God let bad things happen to people. Why didn't he stop wars and genocide? Free will is one thing that God gave us and everyone have a choice to do good or bad. He can't control their free will. With all the stories I read and heard about, I know that God is present especially during hardship. People just have to be open to feel him. During, the chaos and confusion, people were saved, people survived, and family members found each other as they listen to the promptings.

During the escape, Vath went through a lot. Others kicked her out of hiding places because her children were crying. She had to find food where she can. Digging for potatoes, or eating insects or bugs were what she had to do. If she was not breast feeding, her children would have starved. One day she saw three toddlers and babies crying on the side of the road. No one would help them. Vath was already carrying two of her own, but she felt prompted to help these children. She put them in a boat and put them a drift hoping that someone in the village down the river would help them.

Many days later, Am somehow found his wife and kids in a safe villiage and that is when they journeyed together to the refugee camps in Thailand. After 4-5 years in the refugee camps they imgrated to the United States, but that is another story.

Dad, his brother and friends in Siem Reap.

Grandpa Chea and his friend at Ankgor Wat.

Pictures in the Refugee Camps

Vath and her friends

Chea Family in America

Vath and youngest daughter, Satha

Mud Run

2009-04-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Mud Run...

This run sounded like fun... a 10k (6 miles) military obsticle course in the mud with a mud slide at the end. It was for a good cause so I decided to do it. Let me tell you it was the hardest and one of the funnest thing I ever did. I got really dirty and really really tired. Doing it pregnant made it a little harder. I was only 5 weeks, but I get really tired in the first trimester. Although, I did the Gate River Run (15K) two weeks later, and I wasn't as tired.

The hardest part was running in boots and pants. (The rules)

This is when I was clean. That girl behind me came in 2nd place.

After the mudslide. I cleaned up a little from the muddy water.

Why does the MOON follow us?

2009-02-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

I know I promise a story about my mother, but it took me forever to download the pictures and computer wasn't working right... etc. Too hold you guys over I will tell you a little bit about my girls. They are very smart and they love learning knew things, such is the way of a little child.

Once upon a time there lived two little girls, Kaya and Nysa.

They lived in a wonderful world with wonder and mysteries. They question all they do not understand to their all knowing parents.

As they were on their way to dinner they noticed the moon in the sky.

Kaya asked, "Why is the moon following us."

As mommy and daddy think of a way to answer this intelligent question.

Nysa answered, "Because the moon needs to eat, too."

Although mommy and daddy loved that answer,(because they smiled at each other and laugh a little, quietly.) they tried to explained it is because the moon is so far away it seems to follow us.

Kaya said, "Oh because it is in outer space." and she said some other things that mommy and daddy did not understand.

Nysa interjected, "Aliens live in outer space."

Kaya explained, "Aliens do not live on the moon, they live on Mars."

Nysa said, "Yeah, we saw it on 'Arther'"

Ahhh yes PBS is very educational.

A couple of days later we were in the car again and they saw a full moon.

Kaya exclaimed, "Look, Nysa, it's the real moon! The other one we saw the other day wasn't real."

Nysa said, "ohhhhh"

Falling

2009-01-23T12:28:00.001-08:00

When I was about 4 or 5 years old, I had the opportunity to dance. I started at that young age in the Cambodian refugee camps. I read somewhere that their was a Refugee Art Group that goes around to promote Art in refugee camps. (I read a lot of stuff on the internet and in books and enjoy conveying some of that information to others, pretending to be smart. :0) Sometimes I get people to believe that I am.) Well, I guess that is how I got started as a dancer and thank you Refugee Art Group.

No I am not in this picture. It is a picture of Cambodian girls learning to dance at a Refugee Camp.

Not did I just get to dance, I got to fall. In my first recital, I was suppose to have my leg up like these girls in the picture. Fortunately, I fell down. (Yes, fortunately.) Don't worry I got right back up, and finished my cute little Cambodian dance, The Lotus Dance. The show must go on.
When my mom tells this story, she always comment of her friend's reaction. Her friend starts sobbing and exclaimed, "She should not get back up. Why are they making a little girl like that dance. It's not fair she is the smallest." In all (most) of her stories, my mom don't reveal her feelings. (In the next post I will talk about my mom and her truths in further detail.) I want to believe that she was proud that I got up and finish what I started. If my mom ever believed anything her friend said then we might not be here today. There has been many times she might have fallen, but she is here today because she rose every time she fell.

Confucius said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."

I continue to rise and never give up every time I fall. Doing that made me the strong person that I am today. I am not saying that I am perfect (far from it), but I run towards my destiny instead of running from it. Bad things are going to happen and sometimes those bad things come from us, but don't quit looking for a new... way to rise. Look bigger and wider the answer is not going to be right in front of us (it might), but most things we have to work for.

Putting our children in Florida Public Schools...ahhh

2009-01-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

We never thought that we would have to do this, but we are. We were not planning on living in Florida this long. I did not think it was so bad at first since our neighborhood school is rated an "A." Well, I have changed my mind since I have been substitute teaching. I only substitute at our neighborhood school once and it seem nice, but I am still worried. I can't go into much detail since I am not suppose to talk about such things about certain schools. Just know I did not have such a good experience at other "A" schools. So maybe I was having a good day at our neighborhood school. I will try to substitute there again. My other concern is it is a Title 1 School, which means that more than half of the students have free or reduce lunch.

Well, since we can't afford private school and there is no way we can't afford to live in certain areas of privilege I decided to look for a magnet school in a good neighborhood. We had three choices...

Loretto Elementary - Technology Magnet

Pros:
In the heart of one of the best neighborhood
Have the best state of art computers
Have many programs- autism, gifted, etc.
Have high FCAT scores

Cons:
20min drive and it will be far drive from Nysa's preschool - Chad was going to take her before work since he work close to there, but we just found out that he just had a new offer for a job in the Fidelity Building downtown.
Have 1200 children in the school, very large for an elementary school, but the size of the school is large to accommodate the students... or so it seems (I haven't substitute there yet.)

Pine Forest Elementary - School of the Arts

Pros:
Have a good Arts program
Closest to home

Cons:
Crowded class room
Staff doesn't seem to be as organized as the other schools
Average FCAT scores
Neighborhood is not all that great

J. Allen Axson - Montessori
If you don't know about Montessori Schools, they have a motto that we need to keep our children happy and they are the ones that control the classes. I feel it is like a home school situation except it has other kids to socialize with. The kids work at their own pace and do what they like most and they are taught independence and cooperation. Only certain kids can do this. I believe that Kaya and Nysa will benefit from there Pre-K and Kindergarten program... I don't know if I want them to be there longer than that.

Pros:
Kaya and Nysa can be in the school.
Kaya and Nysa will be well adjusted little people.

Cons:
The Pre-K program is hard to get into and is almost $400 per month if I leave Nysa there until Kaya gets out of school.
It is a 25min drive.
I like structure... might be a little fruity for me.
Their FCAT scores are not impressive, but those don't matter here. (Most people don't like FCAT anyways.)

I am leaning on Loretto, but my neighborhood school is still not out of the picture. Please give me some advice if you have any. If some of my ideas are wrong about these schools please let me know.

Awesome Pictures taken my Kayla Looper

2009-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the Art

The Christmas Hair Cut

2008-12-29T16:01:00.001-08:00

Kaya needed a hair cut. Her bangs were out of control and her curls were weighed down. I didn't want to cut it short, and we wanted to grow the bangs. I told her I am going to style it... she liked the idea so we did it. Yes, I was going to do it. There was no way I was going to pay for it. We (Chad and I... maybe possibly Kaya) were all worried if it was going to turn out okay. I always wanted to be a hair designer so here we go. Just to let you know I have only cut Chad's hair and I have trim the girls, but not a style. Let me know what you think.

Before Picture

After Front

After Back

I think it turned out pretty good.

The monkeys at Wat Phnom

2008-12-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Wat Phnom is one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Phen. Built in 1317, it stands at 27 metres and is the tallest religious structure in the city. There is a colony or family of monkeys that life on this hill in the middle of the city. Often the monkeys travel on the power lines to get to near by buildings. They have stolen food and other items off of their balcony.

My mom tried to reach for this monkey next to her and he got on her head and pulled her hair. It was rather exciting... there were lots of screaming involved. But as you can see her hair was still intacted.

The Water Festival

2008-12-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

One of the largest festivals of Cambodia revolves around the Tonle Sap. The three-day Water festival of the reversal of the waters of the Great Lake is celebrated in October or November depending on when the waters reverse and flow back into the Mekong River. Boat races, the largest part of the festival, are held at the capital, Phnom Penh. Each village has the opportunity to join in the boat races and usually they do.

The purpose of this race is to make the god of the river happy so that there will be many fish and the rice crop will be plentiful. The Water festival, while celebrating the reversal of the waters, also marks the beginning of the year's fishing season.

Live concerts are held, food stands are set up, and children and adults alike take rides on ferris wheels to celebrate the joy; at night, fireworks light up the sky and people dance in the street.

During the boat races the King sits here to watch.

The Kings Palace.

My cousin, Here Pheach, said it would be way too crowded near the King. As a result we went to the other side of the river and these were where the pictures taken.

They are just practicing. No racing yet... I watched most of the races on TV.
My mom went to check out the festival and she said that there were people everywhere. She told me that there were people sleeping, using the bathroom, and eating all in the same place. Gross...
She said it smelled horrible, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The Water festival also coincides with the full moon of the Buddhist calendar month of Kadeuk. The Cambodians believe that the full moon is a good omen which promises a bountiful harvest. On this night, people gather to give thanks to the moon and to pray for the upcoming season. Special food is prepared for this occasion that includes fruits, vegetables and Ambok-a Cambodian specialty. Worshippers light candles and burn incest while offerings are given. The chief priest lights the candles and as it drips on the banana leaves spread beneath the candles, predictions are made. Cambodians believe that the shape of the melted wax created on the leaves, predicts the harvest of the coming year. But whatever the prediction, it does not dampen the spirit of the Water festival and people excitedly look forward to the upcoming fishing season and giving thanks to the ever-nourishing waters of the Tonle Sap.

Some information was found on http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/1951 - sometimes someone know how to say things alot better than you.

The Coolest Person

2008-12-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

When we got back from Siem Reap everyone got sick. I mean everyone. Our tour guide, my cousin Here You and his wife. She threw up all the way home... I won't go into details. Here You had to go see a doctor everyday when we got back. My mom was not willing or wasn't able to move. No beach trip. So I was stuck... the only one who was healthy, and I was bored. Tired of Asian Soap Opera... they make me cry or mad. As a result I watched music videos everyday.
You can't just say, "Hey Savin just grab a motorcycle taxi or the tuk tuk, and go." Remember I wasn't allowed to be off on my own... it was dangerous. You don't want to hear news about an American captured for ransom, or sold to a brothel, (Did I spell that right?).

Tuk tuks are the one with benches and a roof. There is a motorcycle taxi in this picture, too.

Why sit at home on vacation when you can do that at home?

We came home on Wednesday and Friday night my cousin and hero, Here Pheach came home from work. The rest of the time I was in Cambodia Here Pheach took me out. There was only a few times where he went to hang out with his friends instead. One time Here You teased that he is ditching me for a girl, because he can see his guy friends anytime. He would only sacrifice spending time with his American cousin for a girl. Here Pheach assures me he doesn't have a girlfriend. He is the only cousin on my dad side that does not have a spouse, since Here You just got married.

Here are a few pictures of Here Pheach, yes he is shorter and smaller than me.

We did everything together. He took me to museum, restaurants, shopping, the boat races (I will talk about more in detail in another post.) clubs and more. I wouldn't have enjoyed myself as much without him. He is an awesome guy.

At a museum near the palace.

At a garden in the country. Look closely at the huts in the background, they sit on the water. You can rent one for about $4 and order lunch there. You can fish in this pond and whatever you catch they can cook for you. If was a little expensive, $20 for the hut rental and food for two.

This is an a restaurant... you get to have lunch and then take a nap. Serious

This cost $2000. It is a wood carving as big as a couch.

Siem Reap

2008-11-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I have alot more pictures, but they were of the same thing so I tried to pick the best ones. If you get tired of my face to bad... I was there. I had the best time and words and pictures can be just a fraction of the experience I had. Some things you can't put into words, but I will try the best I can. I love to hear questions and comments, so don't forget to write some.

Our day began really early... we got in a Mercedes Benz van and we were off to the tourist capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap. It was hour to get out of Phnom Phen and drive to the ferry that will take us to the road that will take us there.

It's not a fancy ferry. Three ferries were running that day, two small ones with pedestrians and motorcyclist and one large one that took cars.

The scenery was beautiful... I wished all of you could have been there. The pictures don't do it justice. When I did see something I really spectacular, I was not fast enough with my camera.

We stopped to have a bite to eat.

We stopped to pound rice flakes, and buy some.

Then 4 hours later we were there.

Our first visit that day was Angkor Wat, the most visited thing in Cambodia. It was spectacular.
Wow, people built this with their hands. No machines just basic tools and elephants, but mostly muscles. Yes, I went into the echo room... you pound on your chest and you can hear it echo, awesome.

This is me being very disappointed that I could not go all the way up to the tallest tower. My brother went there 4 years ago and climbed it. Apparently, all the climbing are wearing down the carved stones. To save this monument for future generations they had to limit your access.
One day you probably won't be able to go in it anymore. I am happy to able to see what I saw.

Wow

My cousin and I at the Bantey Srei.

If you look at this really carefully you can tell that piece this back together. In the early 1900's looters took the pieces apart, they tried to put them back, but the Vietnam War halt the progress. Architects had a big job after the mess the ruins were left in.

My aunt her son and my older uncle in-law (his wife my mom's sister has pasted away).

War veterans... they have their own band.

Tree has grown over the ruins.

This is the entrance for the Hospital.

In the Hospital there is a pool of holy water in the center with four champers. The four champers empties into a smaller pool. The water from the center pool pours into the other pools. People who are sick swims or soak in the smaller pools. (In the above picture is the large pool...this is just rain water. My Aunt Tha and me.)

This is where the water comes out. This chamber has a human head, there is an elephant, snake, and tiger in the other ones. (My Aunt Sane and me... do you see the similarities. I look just like her.) In one of the chambers the water was still running so people were getting the water and putting it on themselves.

In almost all the shrines and monument there are places where you can pray, like in this picture.

At Ankgor Thom (thom means big)... it's getting to the end. People are getting tired. Before I came here I thought there were just Angkor Wat, but there is so much more. Ankgor Thom was built before Ankgor Wat, but Ankgor Wat was more well known because it is more spectacular and really the larger of the two.

My cousin Here You and his new Bride. You can call this their Honeymoon.

The faces on the stones is call Theay Prum... He is giving me a kiss in this picture.

The last tower... the best view.

I was scared climbing down. The stairs were steep and narrow.

We had to climb up the mountian to this monument which took 15 minutes. Then we had to climb the 58 steps to get to the top. These five and the camera man, Here You, made it to the top. Everyone else is sitting at the bottom of the mountain.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2008-11-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, I found the Church and it is not a remote hut somewhere. I didn't get a very good picture... I should took more pictures, but I felt weird. People were watching me, but I did get the sign in Khmer. It was nice to know that you can go almost anywhere in the world and find the church. It was too bad that I didn't understand most of the lessons. I understand basic Khmer, but they were using mormon or religious lingo. I had a really hard time... I had to listen intently and even that was hard to understand. I had fun anyways.

Chad and the Girls (sidetracking from the trip)

2008-11-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

What happened to Chad and the Girls while I was gone?

Well, you might know more than I do. They seem to be still alive when I got home.
Chad met me at the airport Friday night. When the girls woke up the next morning, they were so overcome with joy that one of them ran out the door.

They dance, they sang, they went trick or treating, read stories, played... all without me. Kaya went to school, went on field trips, had parties, and performed in the primary program... all without me. They woke up, brushed their teeth, ate breakfast... all without me. They went to the stores, the park, the library... all without me. They watched PBS, watched movies, listen to the radio... all without me. They even had their bedtime routine... all without me.

Chad took care of the girls, did the dishes, did the laundry, cooked meals, and didn't sleep... all without me. Thank you and I love you, honey.

Yes, I missed them.

Thank you to all the people who helped.

The Cambodian Wedding

2008-11-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

A couple decades ago a Cambodian wedding last 3 days. Now, they shorten it to a day and a night. The first night they have monks chant, I don't know why but they do. The second day there is a parade of gifts where the groom comes with gifts to the bride. They have a skit about if they should let him or not. Then the hair cutting cermony which also has a skit with the god and goddess who comes down to prepare the groom and bride. Later, the do the wrist tying cermony which ties them together. There are a few more cermonies but that is when it gets complicated. Last we have the reception. During the whole day they feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner. YUM

The clothes... the food... I wished I wasn't in a bad mood that day.

I guess they were trying to protect me and they thought they knew what was best for me. I felt they were treating me like a child. The seamstress didn't think I knew what I wanted and people would get so worried when I took two steps away.

The wedding party.

Everyone takes gets to take pictures with the bride and groom. Me, my aunt Lim Mouy, and my mom Vath, and my cousin Lay Pich Teang. (These are all first names... you might ask whymy mom name is short. When we came to the country to make it easy for the forms we shorten our names. Mine is the same, but my dad, mom and brothers were shorten.)

Morning meal.

The family of both the groom and bride.

(You can make your own caption for this picture.)

During the reception they celebrate it like New Years right before the Groom and Bride cuts the cake. Streamers and confetti everywhere. The poor wedding party... :)

Cheers ( they do this everytime they take a drink, most of the time)

Vicna(my cousin), me and a distant cousin (I don't remember her name)

Kim and Paris (Yes, English or French names)

What changed my mind.

2008-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

I wasn't impressed yet...

When I started looking deeper into Cambodia I soon found that first impressions are not always right. I was just impressed by the traffic. There were rules, but people do whatever they want anyways. If you got pulled over by a cop... you would try to bargain yourself out of it. The whole thing was mess and yet I didn't see any road rage. There were alot of defensive driving. The only stories I heard about traffic deaths involved foreigners. Most accidents were very minor, because they drive around 15-20 mph or slower.

I like to describe Phnom Phen as a New York in the 1940s, except it has modern technology. It is very lively and happening. The streets are dirty, but they accept it. People are up at 7am and off enjoying the world. Most resturants are packed for breakfast and will close by 11am. They might be open for drinks and dessert in the evening. There are vendors everywhere you go. I love it... food on the side of the road... you just need to be careful what you eat. (Sorry I didn't take any pictures of that... I was on a motorcycle most of the time and when we did stop I never remember to take a picture. My stomach was doing all the think then. Also I was too busy experiencing everything.)

After shopping, enjoying exciting new foods we were on our way to my grandfather's farm. It took us about 1hour and a half. The trip were spectacular. I believe I posted most of my pictures of that trip.

After, our visit to Odong and my mom's side of the family we were off back to Phnom Phen. Here You's wedding was that weekend.

First Impressions

2008-11-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

I flew into Phnom Phen, Cambodia at midnight their time. First the attendants at the counter always ask for money before they give your passport back after checking it. The cadie expect and ask for outrageous tips. More than what we give here in the States.

After we escaped the money hungry airport workers we met 3 male family members. All my cousins on my dad side; Here You, Here Phean, and Here Keang (here means cousin in Chinese) My dad's family has a Chinese heritage. You have to use these titles when you talk to and about them. In Cambodia, like on my mom's side I use Bong. There are different ways you say aunt if they are older than my dad and different ways to say it if she is younger than my dad. I had one of each. There are also different ways to call your female cousins and younger cousins. Good thing they were all older than me. Complicated huh... I know... tell me about it. I am still trying to get it all right.

The rodes in Phnom Phen is not pretty at midnight. It's dirty, smelly and quiet. Apparently, they throw all their garbage on the streets, not in bags or cans, and early in the morning the trash truck comes picks it all up. They don't have trash cans everywhere you go... so when you are done with whatever you just throw it on the ground. They are trying to get the place cleaned up. While I was there during the Water Festival, they had a skit about keeping there country clean.

This is the alley where Here You lives. These are all very nice townhouses. It cost him about $280 to rent per month. His townhouse is three stories and it has air conditioning in two rooms and western bathroom on the third floor. As you can see there are Buddhist Shines in front of most of the homes. Buddhism is a way of life there.

A quarter of the population have a business in their home. This lady has a salon in her living room. Most people sell convenient items in their home. You don't need a convenient store. The homes on busy streets are more expensive.

Traffic near a market.

The first thing we needed to was go to get measured for dresses for the wedding, Here You's wedding. It was going to be that weekend.

Silk being sold. It's a mess. There are no JoAnns... everyone has there own business.

The seamtress and Here Phen's daughter. We borrowed her fathers car so she says she needs to go where her car goes. She is the same age as Kaya, and she is the cutest girl. The seamtress and the fabric are in the same market, Spseah Oasey (I don't know how to spell it.)

I'm Back and Tired

2008-11-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Good Bye Cambodia... we'll see you again soon.

Yes, I am home and very tired. I started my trip at Thursday November 13th 12noon EST and got to Jacksonville Friday November 15th 12midnight EST. I'm tired... of the plane trip and the time difference. There is a 12 hour difference between here and Cambodia if it is 8AM here it is 8PM there. It took me a few days to adjust when I got there and so it will probably take me that long to adjust back.

Sreamp Lea (Good bye)
Wax Apsara

My favorite picture during the whole trip. I am standing on a temple and in the background you can see the Ankgor Wat. It took me 15 minutes to climb up there. You can ride an elephant, but it cost $20 per person. I rather walk and enjoy the exercise.

Do we know that dancer?

Just a taste

2008-11-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Eating a spider (Not just a taste, but I ate the whole thing.)

Ankgor Wat (small)

Prasat Bantey Srei (Lady's fortress or temple)

Ankgor Thom (Big Ankgor)

Sorry, but posting and writing here will take me too long. So I am just posting a few pictures and when I get home I will write more in detail. I am loving and missing everyone, but I am also having fun here and learning a lot. Stuff that is very intriguing. (Is that how you spell that?)

Wat (Temple) Day

2008-10-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

The second day in the country. My mom is getting tired, but she wants or need to get this done. People is always swarming around her.
Before I forget... they made a soup with ants... I ate some. They were sour. I only had one spoonful. I couldn't do it anymore. They were laughing at me.

Here are the ants they live in trees not on the ground.

My mom wanted to give something to the villagers and she couldn't give everyone money, so she decided to buy them dinner. She got the family who make noddles for a living to make enough for the whole village.

Making the noodles. It took them all day. From 5 am to 6 pm. They made 3 big basket and none were left. I didn't believe that they ate it all.

Ways to carry your baby.

People thanking my mom.

Noddle eaters.

More noddle eaters.

Lady and her kids making a mat.

My grandfathers house and rice field. It won't be ready for a couple more months.

In the Buddha Temple... there so many of these in the country. I guess like churches, but they believe in the same thing.

Grandpa and mom.

Outside the temple.

I made it.

2008-10-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

It took 28 hours off and on a plane, but I made it. We left on October 23rd at 5:45 am in Jacksonville, Florida and got to Phnom Pehn, Cambodia on October 24th at 11:30 pm. I didn't enjoy it at all except for the food that was on Asiana Airlines. They had Korean food and they feed us twice and they were so nice. You can watch movies and play games and listen to music. All for no extra charge. On the Delta flights they charge for everything... a small bag of m&m was $3. Crazy...

One flight lasted over 13 hours... everyones feet were swollen... if you took your shoes off it was really hard to put it back on. I tried to walk around a bit, but I had a pregnant girl between me and Ailey. I didn't get sit next to any of the people in our group. Some how when they did the seating they put Sarun's daughter, a two year old in row 42 while the rest of us was in row 13. I trade so she can sit with her mom. I had the pleasure of sitting in between two people who did speak much or any English or Cambodian. They were Korean.

It's weird that I don't see any American people. When I got to the Korean Airport... I look around all I see were Asians. It was strange and I was searching for anyone who looked American. I get all excited when I see one. It has been great fun. I was at the market the other day and I heard some English people arguing. I told the Cambodian people I was with and they thought it was interesting. I just want to talk to them, too I miss it.

Here are some of the pictures I took. Phnom Pehn is the only city in Cambodia, they have Provence.

I took this picture the city. This is one of only a few lights in Cambodia. Traffic is crazy here... there is really no order, it's all whatever. This light here my cousin stops at and followers the light, but may half of the cars or motor bikes do. They are going on a red here.

This is the country road we had to go down to get to my grandparents house.

My aunt and her piece of land... she a small rice field. She shaved her head, because her husband died about three weeks ago.

Baskets to scope up cow poop...lol or ewwww

This young lady is making the cow scooper and she sell them to neighbors.

Cutting coconut to take to the Wat (Temple).

This little girl is so cute... I wanted to take pictures of a whole bunch of country children, but they all ran away except for this one.

Little kids and their moms.

ox and cart... I think they might be cows

These people are on their way to go get firewood.

This is grandma and grandpa. Old women like to shave there heads, because they don't have to mess with it.

Phnom Odong (Odong mountain)

2008-10-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

I just found out I had more time.

Here are some pictures of this mountain.

I miss everyone... well maybe not you. lol

Cambodia is a lot different than what I expected. I am in the city and it's different than the U.S. but not my much. I will write about this later. Now, I what to talk about this mountain. On top of Phnom is a monument for the gods. The bones of Buddha lie within the monument.

We stopped for a rest. Well, my mom needed to rest. We weren't halfway, yet.

We are almost to the top and for respect we had to take off our shoes and hat.

Sign says, "Please remove your shoes and hats."

Hear I am at the top.

This is my mom still trying to get to the top.

Behind me is the monument. We tried to capture all three, but we couldn't get all of it. The ones closer to me are the older ones. The far one was just built in the last decade. They have added some embellishments on this one that I am next to. Cambodian likes embellishments.

Pumpkin's Day

2008-10-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all of you out there in blog land. This is not the normal writer as she is off enjoying herself in foreign countries. I have, however, been left with the task of updating information on the homefront while she is away. (Is homefront one word or two?)

The first day I took over was also the first class field-trip for the elder daughter. My wife was upset that she was going to miss out on this. (Oh man, I let out my secret identity.)

I now wish i would have missed out on it as well, not much happened, we picked up two little pumpkins. Did I mention it was a trip to one of those church youth run pumpkin patches. They had little kids reading books to the classes. There were three classes there when we got there. And they told the little kids that they were not allowed to touch the pumpkins. My group was going around trying to enforce that rule and would come and report back to me all the time that the other little kids were not following the rules.

Here is a picture of two members of our group, the third did not want to be photographed. They liked the little pumpkins the best. The littlest one seems to think that anything is small must be the best, including herself. She has now found a way to make her older sister feel self-conscience just by looking at her. I don't think I mastered this skill until I was at least 9 years old.

But honestly I don't remember much of my childhood, and the parts I do remember, my sister was usually crying about something I did. I was just trying to teach her to be tough. It just never worked.

Anyways, here is the final product. (Did you know that anyways is not even a word, well then how are you suppose to say anyways?)

You can probably guess who had the small one. I had to pull all the guts out. They don't like to get dirty, and I don't trust them poking holes with sharp knifes, but they still feel like they helped, and everyone got to eat pumpkin seeds. While almost everyone, we didn't save any for the foreign traveler. But we did take this picture so we will not have to save some severely wilted pumpkins until she gets back.

TTFN.

Surpassing the Plateau

2008-10-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Some say it might not have happened... mostly me. I am chunky and forever feels that my body likes being that way. I was never going to be skinny... who wants to be skinny? I do. I know everyone likes to tell me I look great, but ... I can't explain it.

Props to the Trainer

I have gone down to 137lbs... saying goodbye to the 140s.
I owe it all to my trainer Mick Rose.

Mick is training these two woman. You should have seen them before. Okay you have to imagine this 6 ft something black guy barking orders at a 5 ft nothing asain girl. He is as intense as the trainers on biggest loser.

One week I gained 1/2 a pound... I was retaining water... he got really serious. (that's a nice way to say mad) He won't let me give any excuses. So, I gained and I needed to work harder. Let me tell you I was working hard when I gained. The next week I lost 2 pounds. So, I lost 2 pounds and I needed to work harder. Hey... I thought I would get a rest. No rest... not more than 30 - 45 secs. I was sick... no excuses... "I don't care." He told me. "You should still need to drink your water and writing down your food journal."

He wasn't all negative, he was encouraging too. He always tell me when I was doing a good job. He always gave me fist bumps. True... Props to the Trainer.

At my largest weight... No, I did not stretch this picture.
(December 2004)

Before Picture (October 2006)
Checkout Kaya to the right.

After (October 18th, 2008)
I know, I look hot. LOL

I lost 7 pounds in the 6 weeks I trained with him. You should feel my awesome muscles. I wish I can do more, but alas no. I can't afford it ... I had that 12 sessions on a scholarship through the YMCA. I love the Y.

There is no secret... just hard work and determination.
I can help if you really want it. You have to want it.

Kaya the Firewoman

2008-10-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's she cute...

I know I have been only talking about Kaya. You might want to know what is going on with Nysa. She is still adorable and still saying cute stuff out in public and at home. People think she is so cute when she expresses (that is fancy for show) her opinion. I just have to smile and not laugh when she says something funny. It is hard.

Nysa is about 18 months here. She saw big sister going to the potty and she wanted to learn. Kaya is giving her moral support. Oh goodness, look at Kaya's hair. I forgot how curly it was. (I just wanted to show you guys this picture, because I wanted to.)

Worms...LOL

2008-10-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

For Family Home Evening we decided to make worms in dirt and mud for a treat. Well, for dramatic effect dad got the worms in a brown paper bag and told the girls that they were real. We were making dirt so the worms will have a home. The whole time Kaya wanted to see the worms. When we finished making the dirt and mud daddy got the bag out and showed it to the girls. Well, they knew that it was not real. So daddy gave them the bag to take out the worms to put in the mud. Not Kaya or Nysa would do it. Chad finally took one out and put it in the mixer. Both, now wanted to take the worms out of the bag. While Nysa was looking in the bag to take one out, Kaya went to reach her hand in, but then screamed a little and ran across the room. LOL You should see her run. She said one of the gummy worms moved and she saw it's head and mouth. LOL

Nysa playing with her worm...Kaya as you can see was very cautious.

She held it, but very cautiously.

She ate one put very cautiously.

Nysa enjoyed hers.

She had some dirt, too.

Kaya finally enjoyed her worm and dirt.

Ha Ha Ha Kids are fun.

Kaya and Soccer

2008-10-12T18:10:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am telling you the truth Kaya plays soccer. After watching Dora the Explorer many times, Kaya informed me that she wants to be soccer player when she grows up. Well, we will put you in soccer as soon as they allow it. We signed her up for the YMCA league. She practiced at home and I might say she did pretty good. That was at home, when we got to the field with other people it was another matter.

Kaya on her very first day.

Practice went very well. She did really good. The only thing wrong was that she was a little more shy than at home. When she started the game she ran away from the ball. Can you blame her those other kids were kicking at the play? And you remember that Kaya is the nice one and let other people have their way. If they wanted the ball she was going to let them have it. (Yes, that is me standing on the soccer ball... I was assistant coach.)

Kaya spent most of her time watching the parents and biting her nails. One time her and another player, Sally, was fixing each others hair. lol Oh, she did run after the ball and I don't want to brag, but for a 4 year old who never played on a team before she did pretty good at following the ball. Like I said she didn't touch the ball most of the time.

This was just a bunch of 4-6 year olds so most of them ran to their mommy's when they fell down, walked off the field when they were tired, refuse to go back out because it was too hot, and we had one kid who cried when we didn't make the goal. So all in all she did pretty good. She didn' t cry when she fell and she always went in when we needed her to.

This was a kick-off and this was the only goal she made, but isn't she cute.

We might just sign-up for next season.

It is getting close...

2008-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

It is so close to my trip... I don't think I am ready.

My mom has been packing for two months now and I have not done a thing except buy the tickets. Oh my mom pitch in some money for new camera and I got the pink casio exilim. I love it. They just came with a new model so this model, ex-z80 are on sale. LOVE IT.

Here are some pictures we took with it. And no I did not take any pictures of my thumb. Although it is getting better. Chad said I should have made a time-laps film. (like when the nature channel have plants growing) The skin is growing nicely, and it is amazing how it knows to grow it's own way. I mean I thought all of it was going to grow the same, but it hasn't.

Nysa and Chad... Chad is testing out the camera.

Eleanor, Kaya, and Nysa (playing at the park with friends)

Here they are with Andrew who only cares about his chips.

My Mom

2008-10-03T12:13:00.001-07:00

I want to talk a little bit about the woman you gave me birth and the reason that I am alive today. She is a strong woman, but a compassionate mother. When she came to visit me in college my roommates were scared of her. The boys that was interested in me, except for Chad was scared of her. She scared all our friends. When I was a teenager, maybe she still do it now, when people called for me she would give them the 20 questions and then say I wasn't home. I think she did that to my sister, too. I was the oldest, so it was roughest on me. Ol, my brother, is the only boy and boys can do whatever they want... and my sister, Satha, is the baby and a lot younger than Ol and I.

Dad and Mom (Am and Vath Chea)

My mom and I didn't see eye to eye when I was a teenager. Well, I don't think that happens alot in most families, but mine was a little different. I was not allowed to have friends or go out. No soccer, no dating, no dances, no parties, no sleepovers... nothing but school, home, and church (only on Sunday) Basically, I was grounded my whole teenage life. I guess it was a culture thing. I never got a compliment from my parents. (Well, we know I worked that out, because I am a little conceded. That's another story.) Let's just say, I couldn't wait to go away for college.

My father was against me going to college (that culture thing again), it was my mom who supported me. She gave me money to pay the rent... she visited with food (she likes feeding people). My mother and I had the best relationship when we were far away from each other. When I had my first baby, I knew I needed to stay away or we would have problems. I learned in college that she really cared and was trying to look out for me the best way she knew how.

Sometimes I get upset with her when she tells me stuff I am doing wrong or spoils the girls too much. She overfeeds them (she likes feeding people). I won't mind so much if only she would give something other than chips. I guess a grandmother's job is to spoil the grand kids. She told me the other day why she likes to feed them. Well, it goes back to the Killing Fields. When my brother and I was born we were ruled my the Khmer Rouge and there wasn't enough food. Stupid Pol Pot. I was 2 and my brother was an infant. My mother tried to breastfeed both of us, but she didn't have enough. She didn't have enough food for herself to keep making a good supply of milk. She said we would look so sickly and I would always be so hungry. She always imitate me with my toddler talk asking for food. "Tawin (Savin) hungry. Tawin wants food. Tawin wants breast milk." I guess when we came to the States, she made up for it, because both my brother and I are overweight. If it wasn't for her I might have died like a lot of kids at that time.

So she says she remembers that when she sees little kids and she needs to feed them. She don't care what, just as long as they are full and happy. That means if they want ice cream and doughnuts, she will put them in the car and go buy it. She has done that for my children.

My mom is the best even if she gets me mad sometimes. Yesterday she bought me some pants. It was only $4, but it was still nice. She still try to feed me and sometimes she comes over to weed the yard or clean the garage.

It will only be my mom and I on this trip to Cambodia. I am so excited and I can't wait to learn more about my mom. I love my mom and I know she loves me, even if she never says it.

Mom, Dad, and Ron Dale (Mom and Dad getting married. They need the license to put Mom on Dad's insurance. They never needed it before... they had been married before they came to the country. Everything said they were married. It was fun though, I got them a cake and everything. They didn't want to make a big deal. They tried to get notarise, but they wouldn't do it so Bishop Woodbury married them. That might look confusing to someone doing Genealogy later.)

Enough is enough

2008-10-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am tired of this thumb problem. I am not going to make this handicap me.
I went to work out, and it throbbed afterwards. I don't care.
I quilted with my left hand, and only got half of a side of a square done. I don't care.
I washed the dishes, and took me twice as long. I don't care.
I made a turkey burger, and got second degree burns. I don't care.
I can't fix my hair how I like it. I don't care.
I hit it all the time....I don't... I do care. It really hurts.

Well, enough is enough. Get better already.

I was talking to the thumb yesterday and calling it stupid. Kaya corrected me, "No mommy, not stupid thumb, stupid thingy that broke your thumb." She is wrong, it was mommy who needed to be more careful.

I might say it has been getting better. People don't worry about me. I just like to complain.

missing my thumb

2008-09-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

You don't know how much you need until you don't have it anymore. I am learning to use my left hand, but I don't like it. It don't get anything done. Makes me want to cry. I can't sew, wash my hair, wash the dishes (I don't mind that too much), write, color ... I miss my thumb!!!!!!! waaaaaaaa

It still hurts... thank goodness for pain medicine. Motrin is the best.

I CUT OFF MY THUMB!!!!!!!

2008-09-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhh, I cut off my thumb!!!! Well, I didn't cut it all off but some of it is gone. I was shredding cabbage with one of those cool vegetable slicers. I love the thing, because it is so sharp and good for cutting cabbage for egg rolls. That is what I get, for making fun of people who cut themselves all the time. Oh, I didn't use the safe guard, because I thought I was so high and mighty. Well, I just took my eye off it for one second when I was slicing, to talk to Kaya. The next thing I know I was putting preasure on my thumb. It took a third off my nail and a chunk of my thumb. Ouch.

I found the piece that got cut off on the floor. There was no way I was going to try to put it back on. I just want it to stop hurting. Please.

My Adorable Nysa

2008-09-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you people about my adorable Nysa. She came after Kaya, the perfect baby. Kaya went by the book... if the book said that babies achieve a certain thing at this age she did. The only problem I had with her was breastfeeding. So, I was expecting another perfect baby... not the opposite. It's like she never read the book. She did things her ways... it's not a bad way, but I never expect it. She started talking at one and never stopped. She says the funniest things and don't even now how she remembers stuff you say a month ago.

Let me tell you a little about her personality. She knows what's true and she sticks to it. Kaya likes to say that everyone wins, but Nysa will tell who really won. Also that everyone can not sit next to everyone else. You can only sit next to one or two people. She is very direct and never sugar coats anything. Where Kaya likes to make everyone happy. Not Nysa... if you don't like the truth then that is your problem. She is a no nonsense kind of girl.

We were in Target a month ago and Kaya and Nysa was running through the story the whole time. When we were about to leave we passed a guy who was overweight. He made a comment to his friend that, "There they are again, they never stop." He was being funny and thought they were cute. Well, Nysa looks at him and says, "Hey mommy that guy..." before I can stop her, "has a big belly." He laughs and said to his friend, "Did you hear what she said?" Of course that night Daddy had a big talk about how we are not allowed to say stuff like that in public.

Well, yesterday we were at the Costco and leaving and the guy that was checking our receipt was overweight. Nysa just stared at him. All of a sudden she says, "Daddy has a big belly." I turn to Chad and ask him why did she say that. He informed (that is fancy for tell) me that when they were talking about not tell people we don't know that they had a big belly, they asked if they can say that daddy have a big belly. Reluctantly, he said yes you can say that daddy has a big belly. Well, I guess Nysa listened to her daddy. LOL

Update on Kaya and School

2008-09-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

She is doing awesome... Yeahhhhhh
No more tears
No more tears

She even pushes me to hurry up, so she won't be late for school.
Nysa don't sit around thinking about her sister anymore.
Well, not that I know of.

Pluto

2008-09-17T09:28:00.003-07:00

There was this shirt I saw the other day... that I would love to get.

It had a picture of pluto on it with tears. It say "It's okay Pluto, I'm not a planet either."

Then I saw this cartoon. Poor Poor Pluto...
I want to write a poem about it.

Pluto
They said you was a planet,
And made you shout for joy.
Then said that it was a lie,
And made you said, "Oh boy."

Life is not fair,
and why should it be?
One minute your are a planet,
the next you will see

They said you are small,
and your rotation is weird.
Those science guys with their lab coats,
and full grown breads.

How can they say such things.
They once thought the world was flat.
Now they know better.
What do you think of that?

They might change their minds again.
So don't be so glum my friend.

-poem under construction it might change tomorrow

Fancy Nancy

2008-09-17T09:28:00.002-07:00

Bonjour (that is French for Hello)
Fancy Nancy is a book that Kaya, Nysa and I started reading. Well, actually I got them started on them. I saw it in a store one day and thought it was the most adorable book. (That is fancy for cute.) The books is about a little girl name Nancy who likes everything fancy. She accessorizes, uses fancy words and loves everything French. Anything French is fancy. Her dog's name is Frenchy, her favorite color is lavender (that is fancy for light purple), but the rest of her family is not fancy. These are exquisite books (that is fancy for awesome)... I think I enjoy them more than my girls. Nysa doesn't even want to be a princess anymore, since she can be Fancy Nysa. We are learning French and are using a bigger vocabulary. (That is fancy for words.) I want to be fancy, too.

My camera

2008-09-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

the camera
the camera
I miss it
I miss it
(sing it)

DeAsia, she did it
DeAsia, she did it
She takes
She breaks
Oh me Oh my
Let out a big siiiiiii

What will I do
Oh my
I don't have money
To buy

She broke it
She broke it
Oh me Oh my
I think I will die

The glue will not work
The tape will not work
Even the husband
Can't make it work
Oh me Oh my
SIIIIIIIIII

Always too small...

2008-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Why do I not account for the seam allowance? Well, I went to Cynthia's and got her to try on the sling... too small... about an inch and a half like my sister's. Look how cute the baby looks... she looks so happy. She was very tight in that, but isn't it pretty.

Cynthia is so cute to try this for me... I will be making another one for her.
One that fits. Thank you Cynthia I will be your best friend forever.
Foreva' eva'

Why I started Blogging...

2008-09-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I thought bloggers were weird.
I never wanted to blog.
Never say never... someone told me that.
My friend told me she blogged...
She is weird. My friend Heather Sprague.

Then she told me, that I should blog.
Why? I asked. That is weird.
"Well, you are going to Cambodia, and
you should write about it."
Yes, I am going to Cambodia in October.
I was going to bring a journal and write about it.

Weird Heather says, "That's good for you,
But how about the rest of us
We want to know, how cool it is.
We want to experience Cambodia, too."

Well Weird Heather didn't say it in those words,
But that was what she meant.
Reluctantly, I start being weird.
I might say, I kinda like it.

Hi, my name is Weird Savin.
I enjoy blogging.
Please come join the weirdness.

No Pattern

2008-09-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

So I said I was going to post pictures of what I make and here they are. I made a sling for Cynthia, a new mom, for a present, but I don't have a picture of that yet. This is of the one I made for my sister, because her 20month old likes to be carried. I made it without a pattern and it was too small, so I had to make her a new one. I hope the one I made for Cynthia fits. This is the revise one. If she had a infant it might have been okay.

Andrew and Satha (size 261/2" pouch sling, I measured her for a 25")

I also made a dress for the girls, but again I didn't have a pattern and it was too big. I think I know someone that it will fit. white little girls dress with pink polka dots waist ban and ruffle sleeve (maybe size 7-8 in girls)

You might ask... "Hey stupid girl, why don't you use a pattern? It might turn out better." Well to that I say... I don't want to. It take too long. I mean ironing it already takes forever and it if you want it to look good you need to iron it. All the pinning and cutting... when it comes down to it I think there are faster ways to do things. How am I going to learn anything if I do what people tell me to do and not experience it for myself. And did I say it takes too long.

I will post a picture of Cynthia's when I get it to her and take a picture.

Ode to Savin' the Day - Daycare

2008-09-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ode to Savin' the Day - Daycare
It took a while to start... the classes, the background checks, and getting the kids.
Some say I could not do it and it was too hard. I once thought that the people who watched
other people's kids have a special talent. I never thought I had that talent or desire.
Until I knew this was what I had to do and I attained the desire and somehow I develop
the talent. Through time the desire have shifted when my children express the undesire
for the daycare. Kaya prayed that the kids would not come anymore and I knew
it was time to move on to something else. (Kaya use to love the kids coming.)

Holloween (Nysa, Andy, Kaya, Neah, and Ugly Betty)

This is the last week for that my license will be active. I was really excited, because it took a lot out of me and my own kids. Now, I feel a little sadness. In the beginning there was only two, then we decided to be a little picky. No infants and no kids after 6PM. Then I got a new batch.

Kaya and Lily (Lily goes to pre-school with Kaya now and they are bestfriends)

Jaylen, Nysa, Kaya, Nyla, and DeAsia

I only have one more kid left, DeAsia. She will leave in October. I can only watch one family's kids without a license. I will miss them all, but DeAsia I will miss the most. She ate the most, slept the most, and danced the most. She has learned to go to the potty, eat by herself, the timeout chair, and that Ms Savin will not give her juice. She just started talking and calls me "mommy" and refuse to call me anything else, sometimes she calls me "daddy".

To all the kids who come and gone. To the drop ins and the regulars. I will miss you all, but I will not miss your parents. lol

When will I break this Plateau?

2008-09-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

I decided to start working out really hard when I turn 29 years old. I was going to fight the 30's metabolism slow down. Running was what I was going to do to achieve my goal. Well, I did... no weight gain when I turned 30, and I even shed a few pounds and trim up nicely. Since, I was doing so good I wanted to keep going, but alas I am stuck.

Let me tell you a little about my pass. I was 135lbs in middle school. When I played soccer, I trimmed up, but no weight loss. I was 135lbs for the rest of my high school career. I did not play anymore sports, since my father informed me that girls are not allowed to play sports or be outside period. Well, I graduated and attend University of Florida for college and gained 10lbs. I worked out a little, but nothing serious. Okay 10lbs wasn't anything to worry about. Let's just say that I am only 5 feet tall so ten pounds made me a little round. By the end of my second year I had gained another 10lbs. Ohhhh that was bad, but I didn't realize it until I saw a picture of my fat self. Weight Watchers here I come, it got me down 10lbs and I was happy. I have been stuck at this 142 - 145 range since. Now, I have ballooned up when I was pregnant, but I always got back.

Here I am again... try as I may, I can't seem to bring the numbers down. I know... I know about the muscles weighing more than fat and all of that and numbers don't matter. You know it kinda does matter. I have been working way too much and way to hard not to see a decrease. Well, maybe I can't do it myself... I just got professional help, but nothing, still stuck... and he is tough with me, too. He pushes me to my limit and I am so good with my food intake. He checks that too.

The picture looks good, but you don't see the fat legs and belly. Some say they would love to be this size, but that is not my goal. On the BMI scale, I am 26.9 which means I am overweight. I am not obese, but I am not in the ideal healthy. I need to lose about 15 to 20lbs. I like to remind everyone that I am only 5 feet tall.

I have tried everything... not everything... not all those crazy get quick, lose quick scams. I tried some and I learned my lesson.

I will let you know if I break this plateau. In the meantime, I will be working hard and counting calories. :D

So, I am making stuff...

2008-09-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I tried to make a scripture bag without a pattern. It turned out pretty good, except it is too small. I am starting a Savin's Creations handmade items. I made two baby pouch slings and I am thinking maybe kid clothes... mostly little girls clothes. I will post a picture of the slings when I get a chance. I think they turn out pretty good... professional looking. If you know anyone who wants one I will be selling them for $30. If you look at the earlier posts... the picture with of the girls and there red Asian dresses, I made those. I bought that fabric 4 years ago and I am just using it all.

How is Kaya doing?

2008-09-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that she was doing good, until today. We were in the car circle and no sadness, then she saw the teachers taking kids out of the cars. She started to frown and eyes started getting red. Then we get close and the tears start falling. I hope she gets over this soon. My poor baby. This was a long weekend.

Later, Nysa asked me if I miss Kaya. I told her yes, but it was good that she is going to school and she is going to be okay. Then, she said that Lily will be there to be her friend. Nysa felt better after she found out that Kaya will have friends at school.

Kaya and Nysa

2008-08-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

My two special girls Kaya and Nysa. Kaya is 4 years old and Nysa has just turned 3. I love them so much and they seem to love each as well. This post is going to be about them and their bond.

Kaya just started school and it is not going as smooth as we would hoped. She gets so scared, even if she already have friends she knows in her same class. She never had this problem until a month ago when she started crying in primary (Sunday School for little kids in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). When she was a baby, she never seem to care who was holding her or who I left her with, but now it is different. She seem so dramatic... she cries over everything. A friend of mind once told me that the 4 year old stage is the worst stage her children went through. Her kids have not reached teenage years, yet.

We have been doing a prayer and a cheer before we leave the house. We say the cheer all the way to school and it seems to cheer her up a bit. It goes... "I am going to brave, because I am four years!" We do a fist punch and four finger raise. It is really cute and Nysa, Lily (girl that goes to school with Kaya), and DeAsia all say it with us. We even taught it to the teacher. Nysa and DeAsia use their own respective ages, of course. Kaya seem to be okay when she left today, but her teacher said she had a rough morning. A couple more weeks and she will be okay.

Nysa seems to except that her sister is going to school. She wants to go to school, too, but she knows and excepts that she is not yet of age. She came home this morning, after dropping off Kaya, and she went into her room and layed on the floor with a pillow. I asked her if she was tired, she told me, "No, mommy I am thinking about Kaya." How cute is that. I then asked her if she miss her sister. She replied, "No, mommy I am only thinking about Kaya." Maybe she was worried if her big sister needs her. Maybe Kaya does need her little sister.

When I go to the gym at the YMCA I always tell the workers at the Kids Zone that they prefer to stay in the same room. The new people always insist that, because Kaya is 4 she needs to go in the big kids room. Of course Kaya doesn't do well in there and she is put back with Nysa, where her little sister can take care of her.

first time blogger

2008-08-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of us. More will come later.

Just a look at our family. I don't really know what else to say. I am new to this blogging thing and will be something to get use to. I like tell people stuff, so here it is. At this time the girls are 4 and 3 years old and growing fast. Kaya is starting pre-school next week and Nysa just turned 3 and she thinks can do anything. Life is going well and we enjoy each other. We hope to move out west in the next couple of years. Schools in Florida are not what I want to be. Someday Chad will get an awesome job and we will live an even better life, but currently we are thankful for what Heavenly Father has given us. We feel we are needed here for the time being.