About the supergirl
- Jen, with one N
- Henderson/Las Vegas, NV, from Oahu, HI, United States
- Happy Wife to a hubby with many hobbies. Full time working Mom of two sons and a daughter. Loves to volunteer in the community, loves to travel to many places with the family, loves to cook, bake, enjoys stock car racing, collecting antiques, crafting, music and taking pictures. Neat Freak. Loves her friends and family. Born and Raised in Hawaii.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Easter 2011
We held our Easter lunch and egg hunt at a park close to our home. It was an afternoon filled with sunshine, talking, lunch, and eggs, of course.
Our Spring Break
Spring Break
Our Spring Break was amazing. We went camping at the lake with my Dad and the kids' cousins (friends of the family but we spend so much time with them, they're like cousins). We cruised the lake in the day, caught fish and lots of sun. In the evenings, we lazed around our camp site, either sitting by the fire, or taking night hikes along the lake stream and discovering nature on our hikes.
Our Spring Break was amazing. We went camping at the lake with my Dad and the kids' cousins (friends of the family but we spend so much time with them, they're like cousins). We cruised the lake in the day, caught fish and lots of sun. In the evenings, we lazed around our camp site, either sitting by the fire, or taking night hikes along the lake stream and discovering nature on our hikes.
More fluff in between the pictures
Dated April 13th, 2011:
- We're experimenting with me going, and not going, to Jake's t ball practices. It killed me to not go to his practice last week, but it seems that he listens and performs better when I'm NOT there. B said he was focused and willing last week. When I'm there, he gets distracted and runs off the field to come talk to me or give me a hug. This past weekend Jake was distracted during his game but I think it's because he has so many people watching him-my Dad, stepmom, and Inlaws were all there. Since I didn't go last week, I plan on going tonight and bring a book, so as to not stare at him/pay him attention when he's on the field. He's hilarious!
- Kai had a field trip to the orchestra last week. No parent escorts were allowed to this particular field trip due to space. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't go because the 5th graders got to dress up today to make it a little more fun. Kai was SO excited to go to the orchestra, which was a pleasant surprise for me. Most 10 year old boys would roll their eyes and be bored. I'm going to Jewel's class to read tomorrow, for Reading Week at their school. They've had a blast this week, dressing up as their favorite book character, and being able to go to school in the pajamas today.
- Kai has done AMAZING with baseball. He's been 'drafted' to 2 other club ball/travel teams recently. He has decided for now, to stick with his team, which is a relief for me. I love the parents on the current team, as well as the coaches. Not to mention, my ex FIL is now the fielding coach, and he's been putting in lots of time and effort with Kai and the other players. We have heard so many people-players and parents even from other teams, saying that Kai is one of the better players in the league at his age, skill-wise. He just needs to gain confidence though. He is so unsure of himself that he doesn't realize just how good he is. I understand the shyness and lack of confidence-he is definitely my son that way.
- Jewel has been working hard on a science project. Jewel sometimes struggles with homework but the past few months have been surprisingly better. She's maturing and I've noticed that she's being more responsible in many areas. For instance, her attitude toward homework has changed. She also is really good with our 3 dogs. She makes sure they have food and water every morning and afternoon, and she has me cut carrots or an apple for a treat for them when she comes home from school. She also has been helpful around the house-offering to sweep or give Jake a bath. She has cleaned her room for months without asking.
- Jewel is enjoying theater a lot. She has told us that she's interested in attending Las Vegas Academy, which is a magnet high school that focuses strongly on the arts. I'm amazed that she's showing interest in something like high school at the age of 8, but as always it's always just ideas until the time comes. You know how kids are-their interests change with the tides. The fact that there is a high school option like this for Jewel later down the road if she continues with her interests in dance and theater, is one positive thing to keep us in Vegas.
- I totally neglect myself. When it comes to haircuts and/or nail care, I'm not interested. What I SHOULD be more responsible about is going to annual check ups. I finally made appointments for a regular physician, the OB/GYN and optometrist. I had blood drawn because of my anemia. My blood work came back and the Dr said that my levels were good on all tests including Iron, blood platelet, cholesterol, etc. She said that I had the best levels that she has seen in a woman my age. I was surprised, as I was sure that my anemia was being wacky. This new doc has just started partnering with my Doctor's group, and she also does OB/GYN visits. I already made an appt for June with another Dr for my annual. I got a new pair of glasses and also contacts (for the first time ever) recently. The contacts were easier than I was expecting, but this is only the 1st month of wearing and caring for them. I see my contacts being a once in awhile thing.
- So many of my friends are struggling with tough situations in their lives. I really wish I could do more for them. Of course, I'm talking about the friends I know are true friends and would do anything for my family if the situation was reversed.
- work is amazing! I love this school. We have over 400 families who turned in enrollment packets for next school year. Now the hard part comes-registering all the new kiddos, and moving to our new campus.
- Billy and I are doing amazing. We just fit. Sometimes I feel like my Mom had a hand in bringing us to each other, because she knew exactly what I needed when she left this world.
- we've been in this house almost 3 years and I'm beginning to realize that the house projects will be forever ongoing. We're almost finished with the living room, finally. I have a thing for orange. Many people couldn't picture on orange living room, but I like how it turned out. But this is coming from a girl that had a hot pink and orange wedding =)
----------------------------
Dated April 27th, 2011:
Feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, but I'll get over it as soon as some things are cleared off my plate.
School Stuff
I'll update with the kids' school situation for next year since that is what I'm focused on right now.
The two older kiddos are going to start new schools in the Fall.
Jewel will go to _____ Academy, the school I work at. Kai will go to _____ Junior High School.
I'm nervous! Both of them going to two different schools! They've always started a new school together.
Jake is still far from being in Kindergarten (Fall of 2012) but B & I have settled on two choices for Jake's 'formal' pre K school, starting in the Fall.
I'm a huge planner, so knowing what to expect as soon as possible is big for me. See, I'll be taking three kids to THREE different schools. Yay! But anything for them, if it means getting them a solid education. One thing that's a little crazy for me? Kai and Jewel's start times are an hour and a half apart. EEK!
Other than school activities
Jewel's Alice in Wonderland performance is 2 weekends from now. She has two performance, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday, with two dress rehearsals on that Thursday and Friday before. She then has dance performances for a weekend in August. Somehow, the theater and dance group are both working on costumes right now, so that's been a task trying to get her fitted for her Caterpillar costume as well as taking measurements for the dance performance. She is in the middle of her science project at school too.
Kai's baseball tournament went well this past weekend, but they lost their games on both tournament days and didn't advance to the playoffs. Since Kai is not playing Little League, life has been so much easier. Him focusing on only the year round team has been a blessing. Otherwise, he'd have even more practices than he does right now, and we'd have game conflicts (him & Jake). Kai will be graduating from the DARE program in school next month, and he's very excited.
Jake has tball until May. I have to say, this season has been full of laughs for me. He's been completely unfocused during the games, but he does well at practice, if I'm not there. It seems that he's too distracted with my attention. He DOES love to help his teammates figure out where to go on the field, and he's always instructing them to sit patiently while waiting to bat. B has been a great Coach this season, I melt when I see him have so much patience with all the kids, even when I know they're driving him crazy.
Racing
B has had races every weekend for a month, and it's been exhausting, but so much fun. We've had a BBQ after one of the races, and it was nice to see some old faces that we haven't seen in a few seasons. With B racing at two tracks again (one dirt, one pavement), it's been busy. Also, he still has a full Demolition Derby schedule. On top of maintaining and fixing both race cars, the team has been working on the demolition car, since there is going to be a derby at the end of May.
Birthdays
B's 28th birthday is in 4 days (May 2nd), and I have nothing planned. It's hard to plan anything when we have some kind of practice or activity every day of the week, then his racing and ball games on the weekend. I may or may not do something at the track for him this weekend, otherwise I'll have a special surprise dinner on Monday for him. He expects nothing but I want to do something for him. Did I mention he'll only be 28? he's such a baby still. (I'll be 33 soon)
Kai's 11th birthday is on May 12th. Every year, the kids get to choose what they want to do for their birthday. Kai finally decided yesterday-he wants a party at the park so his friends and their siblings/parents can join in. Today I've been busy finding a day that does not compromise peoples' schedules and combining that with a nice park with shade AND combining that with finding a park that is available for that day. I think I may have found a winner.
Errands are no fun
The past month has been nutty as far as errands go-kids were due for a dental appointment, the boat needed registered, I had a physician and optometrist appointment, etc. I also FINALLY renewed my drivers license (that expired in November!).
Me stuff
I got contact lenses a few weeks ago. So far, they're OK, but I don't see myself wearing them daily. I actually finished two books, which is huge for me, given our crazy schedule. I've been trying to get into the habit of using my Kindle, but I still have a weakness for reading (and buying) actual books.
I have pictures, but I'll get to that eventually <3
- We're experimenting with me going, and not going, to Jake's t ball practices. It killed me to not go to his practice last week, but it seems that he listens and performs better when I'm NOT there. B said he was focused and willing last week. When I'm there, he gets distracted and runs off the field to come talk to me or give me a hug. This past weekend Jake was distracted during his game but I think it's because he has so many people watching him-my Dad, stepmom, and Inlaws were all there. Since I didn't go last week, I plan on going tonight and bring a book, so as to not stare at him/pay him attention when he's on the field. He's hilarious!
- Kai had a field trip to the orchestra last week. No parent escorts were allowed to this particular field trip due to space. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't go because the 5th graders got to dress up today to make it a little more fun. Kai was SO excited to go to the orchestra, which was a pleasant surprise for me. Most 10 year old boys would roll their eyes and be bored. I'm going to Jewel's class to read tomorrow, for Reading Week at their school. They've had a blast this week, dressing up as their favorite book character, and being able to go to school in the pajamas today.
- Kai has done AMAZING with baseball. He's been 'drafted' to 2 other club ball/travel teams recently. He has decided for now, to stick with his team, which is a relief for me. I love the parents on the current team, as well as the coaches. Not to mention, my ex FIL is now the fielding coach, and he's been putting in lots of time and effort with Kai and the other players. We have heard so many people-players and parents even from other teams, saying that Kai is one of the better players in the league at his age, skill-wise. He just needs to gain confidence though. He is so unsure of himself that he doesn't realize just how good he is. I understand the shyness and lack of confidence-he is definitely my son that way.
- Jewel has been working hard on a science project. Jewel sometimes struggles with homework but the past few months have been surprisingly better. She's maturing and I've noticed that she's being more responsible in many areas. For instance, her attitude toward homework has changed. She also is really good with our 3 dogs. She makes sure they have food and water every morning and afternoon, and she has me cut carrots or an apple for a treat for them when she comes home from school. She also has been helpful around the house-offering to sweep or give Jake a bath. She has cleaned her room for months without asking.
- Jewel is enjoying theater a lot. She has told us that she's interested in attending Las Vegas Academy, which is a magnet high school that focuses strongly on the arts. I'm amazed that she's showing interest in something like high school at the age of 8, but as always it's always just ideas until the time comes. You know how kids are-their interests change with the tides. The fact that there is a high school option like this for Jewel later down the road if she continues with her interests in dance and theater, is one positive thing to keep us in Vegas.
- I totally neglect myself. When it comes to haircuts and/or nail care, I'm not interested. What I SHOULD be more responsible about is going to annual check ups. I finally made appointments for a regular physician, the OB/GYN and optometrist. I had blood drawn because of my anemia. My blood work came back and the Dr said that my levels were good on all tests including Iron, blood platelet, cholesterol, etc. She said that I had the best levels that she has seen in a woman my age. I was surprised, as I was sure that my anemia was being wacky. This new doc has just started partnering with my Doctor's group, and she also does OB/GYN visits. I already made an appt for June with another Dr for my annual. I got a new pair of glasses and also contacts (for the first time ever) recently. The contacts were easier than I was expecting, but this is only the 1st month of wearing and caring for them. I see my contacts being a once in awhile thing.
- So many of my friends are struggling with tough situations in their lives. I really wish I could do more for them. Of course, I'm talking about the friends I know are true friends and would do anything for my family if the situation was reversed.
- work is amazing! I love this school. We have over 400 families who turned in enrollment packets for next school year. Now the hard part comes-registering all the new kiddos, and moving to our new campus.
- Billy and I are doing amazing. We just fit. Sometimes I feel like my Mom had a hand in bringing us to each other, because she knew exactly what I needed when she left this world.
- we've been in this house almost 3 years and I'm beginning to realize that the house projects will be forever ongoing. We're almost finished with the living room, finally. I have a thing for orange. Many people couldn't picture on orange living room, but I like how it turned out. But this is coming from a girl that had a hot pink and orange wedding =)
----------------------------
Dated April 27th, 2011:
Feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, but I'll get over it as soon as some things are cleared off my plate.
School Stuff
I'll update with the kids' school situation for next year since that is what I'm focused on right now.
The two older kiddos are going to start new schools in the Fall.
Jewel will go to _____ Academy, the school I work at. Kai will go to _____ Junior High School.
I'm nervous! Both of them going to two different schools! They've always started a new school together.
Jake is still far from being in Kindergarten (Fall of 2012) but B & I have settled on two choices for Jake's 'formal' pre K school, starting in the Fall.
I'm a huge planner, so knowing what to expect as soon as possible is big for me. See, I'll be taking three kids to THREE different schools. Yay! But anything for them, if it means getting them a solid education. One thing that's a little crazy for me? Kai and Jewel's start times are an hour and a half apart. EEK!
Other than school activities
Jewel's Alice in Wonderland performance is 2 weekends from now. She has two performance, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday, with two dress rehearsals on that Thursday and Friday before. She then has dance performances for a weekend in August. Somehow, the theater and dance group are both working on costumes right now, so that's been a task trying to get her fitted for her Caterpillar costume as well as taking measurements for the dance performance. She is in the middle of her science project at school too.
Kai's baseball tournament went well this past weekend, but they lost their games on both tournament days and didn't advance to the playoffs. Since Kai is not playing Little League, life has been so much easier. Him focusing on only the year round team has been a blessing. Otherwise, he'd have even more practices than he does right now, and we'd have game conflicts (him & Jake). Kai will be graduating from the DARE program in school next month, and he's very excited.
Jake has tball until May. I have to say, this season has been full of laughs for me. He's been completely unfocused during the games, but he does well at practice, if I'm not there. It seems that he's too distracted with my attention. He DOES love to help his teammates figure out where to go on the field, and he's always instructing them to sit patiently while waiting to bat. B has been a great Coach this season, I melt when I see him have so much patience with all the kids, even when I know they're driving him crazy.
Racing
B has had races every weekend for a month, and it's been exhausting, but so much fun. We've had a BBQ after one of the races, and it was nice to see some old faces that we haven't seen in a few seasons. With B racing at two tracks again (one dirt, one pavement), it's been busy. Also, he still has a full Demolition Derby schedule. On top of maintaining and fixing both race cars, the team has been working on the demolition car, since there is going to be a derby at the end of May.
Birthdays
B's 28th birthday is in 4 days (May 2nd), and I have nothing planned. It's hard to plan anything when we have some kind of practice or activity every day of the week, then his racing and ball games on the weekend. I may or may not do something at the track for him this weekend, otherwise I'll have a special surprise dinner on Monday for him. He expects nothing but I want to do something for him. Did I mention he'll only be 28? he's such a baby still. (I'll be 33 soon)
Kai's 11th birthday is on May 12th. Every year, the kids get to choose what they want to do for their birthday. Kai finally decided yesterday-he wants a party at the park so his friends and their siblings/parents can join in. Today I've been busy finding a day that does not compromise peoples' schedules and combining that with a nice park with shade AND combining that with finding a park that is available for that day. I think I may have found a winner.
Errands are no fun
The past month has been nutty as far as errands go-kids were due for a dental appointment, the boat needed registered, I had a physician and optometrist appointment, etc. I also FINALLY renewed my drivers license (that expired in November!).
Me stuff
I got contact lenses a few weeks ago. So far, they're OK, but I don't see myself wearing them daily. I actually finished two books, which is huge for me, given our crazy schedule. I've been trying to get into the habit of using my Kindle, but I still have a weakness for reading (and buying) actual books.
I have pictures, but I'll get to that eventually <3
On being a Mom
Updating at 2am on a Thursday. Usually I go to bed at 9pm sharp because I'm a huge planner and need 8 hours of sleep. Tonight, I'm on some sort of cough syrup that seems to be giving me the opposite of what I desired-a good night's sleep.
I was channel roaming when I came across the TV series, The Wonder Years. I was ecstatic! This was one of my favorite childhood shows! It was a wonderful episode too-where Kevin's hippie sister Karen gets married. I sobbed. Out of my love for the show just as much as I'd liked it back when *I* was Kevin's age (that he plays in the show), and because I'm totally PMSing. Then Family Ties comes on and I'm sobbing even more upon hearing the show's opening theme song. It reminded me of my Mom. Sitting on the couch next to her while she brushes my hair, laughing at Michael J Fox as Alex Keaton. Yes, I'm still crying as I type this. It's hard to see the screen through blurry, tear filled eyes.
Watching the shows reminded me of how long ago that time of my life was, and how quickly life speeds by, not caring that so many times you stand there declaring to no one in particular, or whispering to no one in particular, to please, freeze time and let this moment last forever. Or at least make it last for longer than it did.
I love observing sitcom parents. Of course, this is since I've become a parent myself. All of these loving, supportive couples showing their love and support for their children while teaching them important life lessions and values.
I wonder how OUR life would be portayed in a tv series. I want to be that parent that everyone loved.
and so here I am, 2 hours after I've watched the shows tonight, crying my eyes out STILL, but for a different reason. I love my kiddos so much. I feel like there is so much to teach them, so much to communicate with them, but where to start? following their lead and then engaging is what I've been doing. Lots of times, we have amazing talks about outrageously random things, and at others, we're talking about serious world issues. I love listening to Jake tell me about caterpillars and all their legs, and how Papa showed him how water boils on the stove, and shared with him his secret gravy recipe (he recited to me the ingredients too). I love Jewel's stories about mean girls at school and how she got commended for being kind instead of behaving like the other group of girls. I love Kai's conversations about how science can be applied to many different areas of daily living and none of us even realize it. Such different levels of thinking, the three of them. All at different stages of life and discovery.
My babies, the most important thing in my life, learning and growing by leaps and bounds, so quickly. Time doesn't stand still, so I promise to keep doing the best I can. Some things we may have to learn together, sometimes we may not want to be together, but know I will always want to be your Mama.
This job as your mom is quite a chore,
but the job is mine forevermore.
There’s wiping, scrubbing, washing, brushing,
Mopping, shopping, endless fussing.
I polish your toes, I wipe your nose,
I change your clothes, and goodness knows!
But then I recall the best of all,
Wet kisses and big dreams,
bear hugs and soccer teams.
Laughing, dancing, singing, praying,
Sharing, caring, everyday saying,
I’ll inspire you, I believe in you,
I’ll make your spirit soar!
This job I’ll do, my love I’ll prove,
now and forevermore.
I was channel roaming when I came across the TV series, The Wonder Years. I was ecstatic! This was one of my favorite childhood shows! It was a wonderful episode too-where Kevin's hippie sister Karen gets married. I sobbed. Out of my love for the show just as much as I'd liked it back when *I* was Kevin's age (that he plays in the show), and because I'm totally PMSing. Then Family Ties comes on and I'm sobbing even more upon hearing the show's opening theme song. It reminded me of my Mom. Sitting on the couch next to her while she brushes my hair, laughing at Michael J Fox as Alex Keaton. Yes, I'm still crying as I type this. It's hard to see the screen through blurry, tear filled eyes.
Watching the shows reminded me of how long ago that time of my life was, and how quickly life speeds by, not caring that so many times you stand there declaring to no one in particular, or whispering to no one in particular, to please, freeze time and let this moment last forever. Or at least make it last for longer than it did.
I love observing sitcom parents. Of course, this is since I've become a parent myself. All of these loving, supportive couples showing their love and support for their children while teaching them important life lessions and values.
I wonder how OUR life would be portayed in a tv series. I want to be that parent that everyone loved.
and so here I am, 2 hours after I've watched the shows tonight, crying my eyes out STILL, but for a different reason. I love my kiddos so much. I feel like there is so much to teach them, so much to communicate with them, but where to start? following their lead and then engaging is what I've been doing. Lots of times, we have amazing talks about outrageously random things, and at others, we're talking about serious world issues. I love listening to Jake tell me about caterpillars and all their legs, and how Papa showed him how water boils on the stove, and shared with him his secret gravy recipe (he recited to me the ingredients too). I love Jewel's stories about mean girls at school and how she got commended for being kind instead of behaving like the other group of girls. I love Kai's conversations about how science can be applied to many different areas of daily living and none of us even realize it. Such different levels of thinking, the three of them. All at different stages of life and discovery.
My babies, the most important thing in my life, learning and growing by leaps and bounds, so quickly. Time doesn't stand still, so I promise to keep doing the best I can. Some things we may have to learn together, sometimes we may not want to be together, but know I will always want to be your Mama.
This job as your mom is quite a chore,
but the job is mine forevermore.
There’s wiping, scrubbing, washing, brushing,
Mopping, shopping, endless fussing.
I polish your toes, I wipe your nose,
I change your clothes, and goodness knows!
But then I recall the best of all,
Wet kisses and big dreams,
bear hugs and soccer teams.
Laughing, dancing, singing, praying,
Sharing, caring, everyday saying,
I’ll inspire you, I believe in you,
I’ll make your spirit soar!
This job I’ll do, my love I’ll prove,
now and forevermore.
Our adults only trip to California
We made a quick mini vacation trip to LA. We went with my sister Joey, her boyfriend Lex, Joey's best friend Carli (who met her boyfriend in LA since he lives there), and one of my best friends Katie and her husband Mike. We headed to Knott's Berry Farm on Saturday, then we drove to Hollywood. We stayed at the famous Hotel Roosevelt. We roamed Hollywood Blvd, stopping at a few bars like the Frolic Room, best known for me from the 311 song, 'Frolic Room'. Lots of sights to take in, and I had the most amazing pizza on the way back to the hotel. Sunday we roamed Hollywood again, trying out Frosted cupcakes, then roamed Hollywood Forever Cemetery, then roamed Griffith Observatory. The weather was perfect all weekend. It was definitely one of my favorite triple and quadruple date weekends I've ever had.
Knott's
Roaming Hollywood
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Griffith Observatory
Knott's
Roaming Hollywood
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Griffith Observatory
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)