Shine Like Stars: things we do

Showing posts with label things we do. Show all posts

Showing posts with label things we do. Show all posts

To the Carnival We Go

DD2 and DD4 will be having a joint birthday celebration next week. Their birthdays are only a week apart. DD2 wil be 7 years old and DD4 will be 1! How time flies! Can you believe that we are at that first birthday milestone already?! OMG!

We will be having a carnival theme for their birthday. I've been all over Pinterest gathering inspiration and stuff. I'm so excited and so looking forward to putting it all together. A lot of it is going to be DIY. We just cannot afford it buy all these wonderful stuff.

We've hired a face painter and a balloon artist for the party. There will also be a bounce house. I'm renting a popcorn machine too. We will also have a cotton candy maker. All the sweet treats one would normally get at the carnival. My plan is that instead of party games, we will have game booths where kids can go and play for their treats. I won't be giving out goodie bags at the end of the party because the prizes they win at the different game booths will be enough. I'm not sure if we can really pull this off because I will need the help of a lot of the other parents and big kids to man the booths.

One other thing that I am still undecided upon is a DIY photo booth. I saw in a mag that they used just a striped red and white tablecloth as background taped to a wall. They put a stool in front of it and voila! I may do this if I can find someone to take pics. I can either use the pics to give away as personalized keepsakes for the guests to bring home that day or include it in the thank you notes which will be simpler for me.

I feel like there is a lot to do. I'm getting a little stressed. The major things are taken care of but we all know that it's the details that make the party memorable. However, I remind myself too what's important: that my birthday girls are happy.

"Splat" I Go

An embarrassing moment happened to me last Saturday.

I feel the need to precursor my story with the statement that I have not ridden a bike in a long long while. It has probably been 20 years (?) since I last rode a bike. They say that once you know how to ride a bike, you never forget.

In all fairness, I did not forget how to ride a bike. I just forgot how to stop it! LOL!

A few weeks back, the whole family went on a bike ride along the bike trail that connects several cities here in the inland empire. Everyone except Baby E and me had bikes. I was content to walk and push Baby in her stroller as the rest of the family went on ahead on their bikes. DH, however, did not find this acceptable. He wanted me to ride along with them.

He bought a nice bike child carrier so that Baby could ride with us. And he bought me a bike too. The women's cruiser bikes were too high for me so we needed to get a girl's bike at Toys R' Us. I tried it at the store and it felt like the right size for me.

DH assembled the bike we bought at home. When I rode it, it felt a little high. He refused to bring down the seat any further because he said that it was the lowest it should go according to the manufacturer's manual. Hmp! So I tried to ride it. It took me several tries but I was able to get on it and ride. I was riding around our neighborhood streets with Kuya behind me. DH sent him after me to make sure I was ok. LOL. Well, the road started to go kinda downhill and I was going to turn a corner. I saw that there were a lot of cars parked. I panicked as I realized that there were no hand brakes. I had to kick back the pedals to brake. And then everything seemed to move fast forward. I fell. Badly. Embarrassingly. In front of some people. Who ignored me. I bet they were trying hard to suppress their laughter. Sigh.

I have 3 large bruises on my knees and thighs as evidence. I'm embarrassed because I panicked. I wish there were a nice story about how the accident came about because my riding boots snagged on the pedals or there was some malfunction of the bicycle mechanisms. But no...there was malfunction alright. My brain wires got crossed and I panicked. Hmp!

I have not been back on the bike since. It's a mental thing I know I need to get over. I hope I get over it and get back on that bike.So if you see a mom flailing around your neighborhood, that just might be me!

Sigh.

Deals, Steals and Coupons

I am seriously addicted to all these group discount sites that offer deep discounts on a vast array of services, restaurants and shopping deals. I am subscribed to Groupon and Living Social. I noticed this week that Amazon has a similar one too called Amazon Local.

One of the deals I scored recently was an unlimited all you can play pass at Scandia which includes miniature golf. Only Kuya has gone miniature golfing before. I think it's a fun family activity but it can get a little expensive when you take into account that we are a family of 6 players. So the deal at Scandia is a really good one for our family.

We're not a golfing family but BIL is. I saw at Living Social one time a really nifty deal for 18 holes at the course near their house. I considered getting the deal and gifting it for his birthday but saw that the expiration was before his birthday so no can-do. Maybe monogrammed golf balls instead? I wonder if they will be available on Groupon. Hmmm...

Another discount site that I absolutely love is Babysteals and Kidsteals. They put up a deal a day with limited quantities. Sometimes the steals go quickly, like within the hour they put them up. I've discovered some quality products through these sites. And if I were not careful, I could easily rack up those charges on our American Express.

Do you have any other favorite discount sites I need to check out?

Free Bowling All Summer Long

A friend at Facebook posted this link for free bowling all summer long in various locations in the US and Canada.
Fortunately, I found one nearby. I've signed up my kids but we have yet to try it out. The bowling alley near me only has the program till August 7. I looked at other places and some have the program available until the first week of September. It isn't often that we are able to find free family entertainment outside the house.
I'm looking forward to going to this especially when kids need a break and something to do on very hot summer days.
Last year, we had the Regal free family movies to go to every Wednesday or Thursday mornings. This year, they've started to charge $1 per person. It's still cheap but it isn't free! I know it's only $5 per trip which isn't too bad at all but the movies they show are out on DVD already and we most likely own them too. We used to go because it's just more fun to watch them on the big screen even if they had seen the movie a gazillion times before.
I;m glad that there are programs like these for families like mine. It is particularly a blessing for bigger families like mine. :)

The Family that Cleans Together...

stays together?

I hope so! LOL!

As the kids get older, I am able to delegate more chores to them. They each have their everyday responsibilities. Kuya takes care of sweeping the floor after meals. Ate is in charge of wiping the tables after meals. DD2 puts away the clean dishes from the dishwasher. DD3 sets the table. Plus, they are all responsible for making their beds and putting away their toys at the end of the day. They do their chores without much whining anymore because they know this to be part of their daily routine now. I think it's also because they're older and have matured a little bit more.

I can also rely on the two older ones to help with cleaning and other household chores. In this picture, they are cleaning the tub and shower in their bathroom. It was initially just Kuya's job but Ate asked to help when she saw what her Kuya was doing. I found it amusing that she thought it would be fun to do. LOL! She soon realized that it was not an easy task, particularly on a warm summer afternoon. A lot of scrubbing was needed because this was not cleaned for a while. They've been doing it in sections. It's almost done now but they might need to use our medical step stools to reach the higher portions. On the other hand, I'll probably do it myself because they might slip or something.

During this summer, we'll be doing a lot of catch-up cleaning. Instead of spring cleaning, we'll have summer cleaning. I don't get to do a lot of thorough deep cleaning during the year when we're doing school. While we're on break this summer is the time to do it! I don't particularly care for it but it is what needs to be done.

I'm glad I've got these kids to help me. They actually not just help with the actual chores but having them around makes it a little bit more fun. The family that cleans together have more fun together!

Father's Day at Disneyland

Seems like we've become disney fanatics. When I asked DH what he wanted to do for Father's day, he immediately said he was going to Disneyland. "As stressful as it may seem sometimes, I actually like going there," he remarked.
So that's where we spent most of the day.

We arrived early in the day as the park opened. We immediately stood in line for the new Star Tours ride. We were at the park on its re-opening day and the line was cah-razeeee! About 2+ hours wait in line! We knew that if we wanted to ride it, we would have to be there right away. It took us almost an hour wait which was not bad at all! I rode with DS and DD3 then used the switch pass so that DH could ride with DD1 and DD2 without having to get back on line again.

We also got to explore for the first time Pirate's Lair Island. We had never explored that place. It was a fun place for the kids to run in and expend their energies. There were fun little coves/caves with pirate treasure and loot to discover. DD3 enjoyed uncovering buried treasure of gold coins, jewelry and gurkha cigars and some pirate skeletons by pumping out water from the sunken ship.

We left Disneyland at the end of the first parade. We then met up with Lolo & Lola for dinner at El Torito. Why there? It was the only place that had not wait time. LOL! We were hoping to go to a steakhouse but wait times were at least an hour. We were too hungry and tired to wait. It may not have been our first choice but it was a tasty end to a packed Father's Day.

How did you celebrate?

Why is this Friday Good?

DS asked me why it's called "Good Friday" when it's the day we commemorate Jesus' death? Shouldn't it be called Sad Friday or something similar?

Normally, we would mourn someone's death because we have lost this person in this life. However, Jesus' death, while sad, is to be celebrated because it is through His death and resurrection that He conquered death and sin. It is indeed good because through this event, we have been saved.

We celebrated this day by going to our parish's veneration of the cross. The kids got through this 1 1/2 hour service very well. I think it helped that the day before, we watched a DVD on the life of Jesus. During the reading of the passion of Christ, they could relate what was being read to what we had watched.

The church was sparsely decorated with few plants and red banners. There was a huge blood red piece of cloth hanging from the ceiling where the white screen on which a dlp projector usually projects its images hangs. It was definitely a center of attention. Drew DD3's attention right away. And as quick as she is, she wondered if it was the blood of Jesus. She wondered though why there was so much blood. She asked again why we need to kiss the feet of Jesus. I told her that it was our way of saying thank you to Jesus for His sacrifice and to show our love for Him. This seemed to satisfy her and she proceeded to kiss the feet of Jesus with a big smack!

After the veneration service, we proceeded to the hall to watch the passion play. It was going to be our first time to see it in our parish so we were hopeful that it would be a good experience. It did not turn out as well as we had hoped. Most of the dialogue was in Spanish. There were a few English narrations and lines thrown here and there. I wish they had just made it a completely Spanish production and inform us accordingly. Oh well, now we know to look to watch the passion play somewhere else next year.

We also started the Divine Mercy novena today. Devotion to the Divine Mercy is something I am personally moved to start. We've been doing the 3 o'clock prayer on and off but I'd like to start doing the chaplet more regularly with the children.

So that was our Good Friday this year. Everyone is looking forward to Easter Sunday and some rejoicing and celebrating!

Little Flowers

I led our Little Flowers group activity on St. Catherine Laboure and the virtue of humility.

One thing I love about these monthly meetings is that I learn a lot about the saints too! I honestly did not know about St. Catherine Laboure. I knew about the miraculous medal. I had learned about it back when I was in elementary school. I'm sure I even wore it for a time. However, I did not know its story. So, I am thankful I am learning so much alongside my children.

Anyway, for their craft activity, I printed out a coloring page of both sides of the miraculous medal that I found online. I wish I could share the link but I cannot find it anymore. :(
After the girls colored their pages, they laced yellow yarn through the rays coming from our Lady's hands. Then, they stuck both sides together to make their own medals.

My 2 girls loved this project. They have their medal hanging on the little grotto they have created in their room. So precious!

Movies We've Enjoyed Lately

Surprisingly, we've been going to the movies more often recently. By recently, I mean the past year. I suppose it has to do with the kids' ages too. Even DD3 is now able to stay put in the theater seating focused on what's going on on the movie screen. We probably have another year or so of being able to do this before the new baby becomes a toddler and mobile.

We saw Shrek III last year. It was funny but nothing too memorable for me. The hard thing about watching animated films that have a more grown-up storyline is that my youngest does not fully understand it. She kept asking why Fiona did not know Shrek. She was confused by the whole alternate reality concept.

We also saw Toy Story III which I personally enjoyed a lot. And yes, I cried at various parts of the movie. DH and the kids tease me about it. Heck, we have the DVD. The kids were watching it and I happened to pass by. It was towards the end of the movie when Andy passes on Woody and the gang to Bonnie. OMG! I started tearing up! And then that scene when Andy drives away and you see Woody and the rest of the toys watch the car as it moves further away. Ha... I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it! Sigh... might I have some separation issues?

We also got to see Megamind and Despicable Me. We just got the Despicable Me DVD and the kids are smitten! They so take after their father in that they recreate scenes! It is so adorable. They've memorized dialogues. Yes, even DD3. What's even cuter is when they recite dialogues along with their dad. Soo cute! And I sit there with a funny smile on my face, enjoying this little quirk of our family. :)

DH and the kids also saw Yogi Bear last December while I was enjoying my pregnancy massage. I think they enjoyed that too. One of my indicators of whether they liked a movie or not is when they start spouting off lines from it. When they act out scenes from the movie and remember dialogues, I know the movie really hit the mark!

I wonder what is in store for 2011 in terms of animated movies. And I wonder what the kids will be acting out again?

Trick or Treat 2010

The kids had a full day today. They had an all saints' celebration at our community gathering. We had saint games and the kids received candy loot bags as prizes.
DH was at work so he was not able to join us in the morning. He said that he would be able to come home early to join the kids in trick or treating.
Before coming home, he picked up MIL and had her car checked. the battery had died earlier. He took MIL to the house so she could see the kids. At first, he said that he was too tired to take the kids around the block. While I was getting ready to take the kids trick or treating, he jumped in and said that he would take them instead. The kids were thrilled!! Daddy had not taken them trick or treating in years! Honestly, I was glad he changed his mind. I was starting to feel pain in my lower abdomen because of the baby and I was not sure if I would be able to make it around the neighborhood.
MIL was pretty excited too. She decided to tag along and watch the kids trick or treat. I was happy that she got to spend time with her grandkids.
The kids came home with loads of goodies, candies and chocolates. A lot of the chocolates were given to the grandparents. I'm not too sure if that was a good idea since they're both diabetics. Hmm...
Did you go trick or treating with your kids too? Do you rummage through their loot for some chocolates too? Just be careful though. I've always been told that too much chocolate can cause skin blemishes. A mild acne treatment might be in order after pigging out on loads of yummy chocolate. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Dreading the Camp

I'm going camping. Yes, me. Camping with the Cub Scouts. And I am not happy. I don't like camping. I've managed to avoid coming to any of the other family camping trips the past 3 years DS has been involved with Scouts. I'm not so lucky this time.

When information about this resident camp arrived earlier this year, we knew instantly that DH would NOT be able to take DS. It's 4 days! It starts on Sunday and ends on Wednesday. DH's intense fellowship schedule just would not allow him to take off for those days. DS understood the situation and was not expecting anything.

BIL offered to take DS. Woohoo. BIL to the rescue... not! He backed out saying that he could not get those days off from work after all. He informed us of this 2 weeks ago. Everything's been paid for. DS has been looking forward to it. DH refuses to let DS go without a relative so that leaves me. The mommy who hates camping. The mommy who will be going to a camp where most of the boys are coming with their dads. This was supposed to be chance for father and son bonding. Sigh...

Of course, I can always insist on not going. DS will understand. He knows I don't like camping. He will be sad if he can't go but he'll be fine. But can a mommy's heart bear to intentionally bring disappointment to her son's heart? And with no compelling reason? sigh... so you see I have a choice but it's really not a choice. Would I really let my selfishness get in the way of my son's happiness?

So here I am, a few days from Sunday. I've been stressed out over it. I've had bouts of panic. This is way beyond my comfort zone. I've been emotionally eating as well. Another big sigh. This is definitely not my way of how to lose weight fast. SIL drops lbs when she's stressed. I put them on. ARGH!

Include me in your prayers. Pray that I am still alive when the camp ends on Wednesday. LOL! More than survival, I pray that despite my personal feelings, my son and I will have a beautiful time together.

Arthritis Foundation Walk

We spent our morning yesterday at the Arthritis Foundation Walk. I had never been to a walk for a cure event before so I'm not sure what is typical and not typical of such events. There were a lot of booths handing out free stuff. Is that how it usually is? My kids were in heaven! LOL! They were handing out food for the most part so the kids were really enjoying it. Actually, there were brochures on different services being offered, some how-to's, precautionary notes on arthritis, warnings about side effects of diet pills, etc. But we just got the food! LOL!
There were fun booths for the kids too - face painting, arts & crafts, bubbles, bounce houses. I was surprised to see that it was DS who was at the bubble station having a grand time blowing all the bubbles. It just made my pause and smile and be thankful. My boy is still a young kid, enjoying kid pleasures. Sigh... sometimes, he speaks so much like an adult that I am a little anxious that he will grow up too fast. I was reassured today that he's fine. And that calms my mommy heart a little bit.
The walk was sponsored by the group where DH is doing his fellowship. I got to meet some of his co-workers there.
Overall, it was a nice fun event. The kids had fun at the actual walk too. They (the girls) did take turns riding Daddy on piggy back but they walked most of the way. A nice way to start our busy weekend.

Easter Story Cookies

I had previously seen this recipe several years back at a MOPS magazine. I thought it was a good idea but forgot all about it. This year, I'm going to try it. I think it will make a good impact on my kids.

To be made the evening before Easter.

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggy
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3. {Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.They came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands.}

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1-tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30 {After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there,so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.}

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. {The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.}

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. {And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.}

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1-c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 {Oh,taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!} and John 3:16 {For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.}

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read ISA.1: 18 {Come now,let us reason together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,they shall become like wool.} and John 3:1-3 {Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.}

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60 {When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away}

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66. {Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.}

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22. {20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.}

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.{Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.}

HE HAS RISEN!

LP: Makapal (Thick)

Makakapal man ang mga nobelang ito ay mabilis kong natapos basahin. Madali lang kasing basahin. Engaging naman kahit papano ang istorya. Sinabi ko nung una na hindi ko babasahin ang mga ito. Pero kinain ko rin ang mga salita ko. Pinahiram sa akin ng kaibigan ko ang buong set (kulang ang una sa litratong ito kasi naibalik ko na) kaya ayun, natapos ko rin ang serye.
Hindi ako nasabik tulad ng karamihan. Ok lang. Hindi sya "must-read" sa aking opinyon.
Sa mga nakabasa ng serye, Team Edward o Team Jacob?

These books may be thick but I breezed through them. It was very light reading. The story was engaging enough for me.
At first, I swore I was not going to give in to the Twilight mania. I, obviously ate my words. A friend of mine lent me her set (the first one is missing from this pic as I had already returned it by the time I took the photo).
I did not go ga-ga over the series like others have. It's ok. Not a "must-read" in my opinion.
To those who are fans of the series, Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Let's Make a Jesse Tree

Hello December!!!! The air is crisper. The nights are brighter because of the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. Yep! Christmas is coming indeed.
How are you preparing for it? Having kids in the house definitely makes the waiting harder.

"When is Christmas?"
"How many days more before Christmas?"
"Is it coming soon?"

Yes, the questions can gnaw on one's nerves especially when there are a million other things going on in my head. Fortunately, there are a lot of Advent calendars available to help countdown to Christmas. While I like the idea, I wanted something more meaningful for the kids.

As I researched for more Christ-centered Christmas countdown ideas, I came across the Jesse Tree. Jesse is the father of David, the great king from whose lineage Jesus was born. The Jesse Tree traces salvation history from creation and fall of man to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. At the start of Advent or December, a snippet (story) from the long love story between God and His people is read. Then a corresponding ornament which symbolizes that particular story is hung from a banner or tree. The Jesse Tree basically helps us remember how God prepared the world for the ultimate manifestation of His love for us - Jesus.

There are a lot of choices with regard to stories to tell. I've searched in the internet and found a few. There are some differences among them but in the end they tell the same story.

I found this book at Amazon. I did not have enough time to make the ornaments here but I am thinking of starting on this project for next Christmas. I would have really wanted to do these as they seem really simple to make. I just do not have enough time.

As December was fast approaching, I was resigned to having to either put off this project for next year or buy a hodge podge of ornaments to use for these. I also found this site with printable ornaments that I could've used. While I appreciate that it's free, it was not as attractive as I would have wanted.

I also found and printed this wonderfully detailed bible readings from the National Catholic Register. I had decided to use these and modify them to accommodate the ornaments that were more easily available.

Then, I found this at one of my favorite digital scrapbooking stores. Coincidence? I think not! God was looking out for me!!! LOL! It combines the ease of simply printing off the ornaments with the crafty look I wanted. Add to that the fact that I was able to get these at 1/2 off because of the Black Friday sale the designer was having. Oh, God is good indeed!!

I still plan on making my own felt ornaments for next year but for now, this will more than suffice. In fact, I'm even thinking of giving a set of these ornaments as presents to some families I know.

I am sooo pleased!! I have them all cut up now and ready to be hung. Woohoo!

Fishing at Redondo Beach

Are you tired of my posts re our staycation yet? I'm almost done so just hold on, ok? LOL!

On our last full day, we went to Redondo Beach. There was really nothing planned.

Uncle L was so pleased to see that there was an area open for fishing. I had forgotten that he is an avid fisherman. From what I recall, he goes ice-fishing regularly during the cold winter months in Wisconsin.

Anyway, only DS showed interest in this activity so the rest of us decided to walk along the boardwalk. It was nice with quaint little shops. There was an old-fashioned arcade too. The only thing I did not appreciate was the lack of clean toilets. Sure, it's a public place and one cannot be picky but still... I felt the toilets were just a notch above port-a-potties because there was a sink and bathroom faucets with which to wash your hands. The smell though and the general cleanliness ( or lack thereof) was almost just the same. I shudder just thinking about it, honestly.

When we got back to our fishing duo, they had not caught anything. However, DS eagerly announced that they *almost* caught a fish. It had gotten away as they were reeling in their line. DS seemed to enjoy it even with the failed catch. I think that if they had maybe stayed longer, they could probably have caught something. At least it was a good experience for DS.

1-2-3 RING!

It was the Laker parade and rally today. The parade started at Staples Center and ended at the LA Coliseum. The moment DH learned that the parade was going to be on today, which is his only day off this week, he made the decision that he and DS were going. SIL, her BF and his kids rode rode with my boys too. Last night, my Dad who initially said that he was not intent on coming told DH that if he woke up early, he'd go too. I guess Laker madness is contagious! LOL!

The parade and rally was not to start until 11 am but the gang left bright and early at 6am. Good thing too because there were people lined up at the Coliseum as early as 8pm the previous night. There were a lot of people but they were fortunate enough to be able to enter. There were others who had to be turned away because the venue was at full capacity - more than 2 hours before the event was to start!

I really wish I could've been there with my boys but someone's gotta stay home and take care of the girls. Taking them simply was not an option. Maybe next year's parade or the year after that because this team is just beginning its dynasty!

1-2-3 RING!

All Thumbs UP!!

We took the family to see the movie, "UP" yesterday at our local movie theater. We had planned on seeing it last weekend when it opened but everyone was sick so the plan was scrapped. Fortunately, DH was off yesterday so we got to watch it, and in 3D at that!

Verdict? Absolutely awesome!!

It's a really beautiful story with enough parts to please both grown-up and kiddie tastes. I must admit that there were a couple of times that I shed some tears. And of course, DH continues to tease me about it. I really enjoyed this film. It also held the attention of all my kids throughout the whole movie. Yes, even DD3's attention was glued to the widescreen.

Seeing it in 3D was fun but nothing is really taken away if you see it in regular showing.

Just something funny...

When I saw that DD2 took off her 3D glasses, I told her to put them back on so she could watch it more clearly, to which she replied...

"But they're walking to me! Why are they walking to me?!"

Hahahaha...

Anyway, if you get the chance to watch the movie, go see it. It's worth seeing it in the theater! You certainly get your money's worth. :)

LP: Kahel (Orange)

Ito ang lahok ko para sa linggong ito - ang natuyot nang kalabasa nung nakaraang Halloween.

Maliit lang itong jack-o-lantern na ginawa namin ng mga bata kaya madali rin natuyo. Buti nalang at ginawa namin ito isang araw lang bago mag-Halloween. Hindi ko agad niligpit kaya't naiwan itong nakatiwang-wang sa harapan ng bahay. Pagkalipas ng mga 2 araw, natagpuan ko itong kulubot na at parang nagmamaka-awa sa akin.

{This is my entry for this week's LP - our dried up pumpkin from last Halloween.

This was a small jack-o-lantern that the kids and I carved so it easily dried up to. Fortunately, we only carved it the day before Halloween so it was still fresh the day of. I did not get to put them away right after Halloween so it was left on our porch for a couple of days. When I was going to put them away already, this was what greeted me - our pumpkin all wrinkled up and begging for mercy so it seems. LOL!}

Rockband vs. Guitar Hero

We've got the Guitar Hero for Wii. BIL has his Xbox Rockband.

We only got the Guitar Hero because Legends of Rock was on sale and we got it for a ridiculously low price (we had a coupon to use on top of the already slashed price on Black Friday). We were quite pleased with the purchase. DH was particularly having a blast. Then he received a GC to Target and the first thing he does is get Guitar Hero World Tour. This is the game that can be expanded to include other instruments - like Rockband.

As I mentioned in my post earlier, BIL lent us his Rockband and it's been a blast playing with it. I particularly like the drums! Even the kids enjoyed it too. At first, they simply watched and were our #1 fans. DD3 would literally shriek the moment she sees us get the intruments and hears the intro of the games. Even without home theater seating, you'd get the full view & sounds of the game thanks to the widescreen TV and surround sound DH has hooked up in the family room.

In a small way, I've been able to compare the two and I think I know more songs in Guitar Hero World Tour. It's got Beat it by Michael Jackson, for goodness' sake! So cool to play it! Plus there is a beginner level in the guitar that DS can play. It just involves strumming. His fingers can't quite reach the fret buttons yet so he is unable to play. That is a major point for guitar hero to me!

Anyone have any opinion on these two games?

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