David's First Dance

How totally adorable!  The fourth grader's in David's school have been learning some dance moves as part of their P.E. curriculum.  This morning was the big dance day to show off what they've learned ...just in time to be ready for tomorrow night's "Family Valentine's Day Dance" at school. 

Of course I forgot to bring my camera so I had to settle with using my cell phone.  Most came out blurry (I should read my phone manual!) so my apologies.

David danced with 4 girls (haha, only a mom would count) plus me ..and with "the guys" of course.  They danced the waltz, fox trot, salsa, group dance, conga, and free style.  We all had fun (the parents were invited to one dance with their child).

Oh, they were so cute!!  The awkwardness and such were priceless.  Anyway, here they are:

Girl #1

Girl #2

Girl #3

Girl #4

Snack break with "the guys"

Low, low, low, low, ...

He's in the center somewhere

The finale!

"We'll Be Loyal Scouts"

It's official!  We have a Webelos in the house!!  He actually qualified when he turned ten but we just had our first pack meeting of the year last night so everything wasn't "official" until then.

Handsome like his daddy!

I've got some sewing to do!  He received a few things that need to be secured to his uniform. 

Congratulations Son!  Well done!!

P.S.  Of course I forgot my camera last night at the Blue and Gold banquet.  I took a few pictures on my phone but yet to upload them.  Remind me.  For dessert, the cubs were asked to bring a cake decorated by son and dad so make sure to remind me to include that!

Thoughtful David

David is such a sweetie!  Last week when he received his first allowance for the school year, he bought a couple of "Smencils" (scented pencils) at school.  Sophia saw him buy them and wanted to buy one too but she didn't bring her money.  David was a dear and gave her a dollar so she can purchase one as well.  He didn't ask for the money back when they got home.  What a nice brother!

At home, David asked me for a ribbon and to borrow my hole puncher.  I didn't know then that he purchased the Smencils and he was secretive about the reason for the requests.  Well, he has seen me many many times doing such gift tags and wouldn't you know it, he handed me this gift tagged cherry-vanilla scented "I love you" Smencil.  Aww, I love him too!!

So you may ask, "What's up with the Harry Potter?".  Well, I've been such an awful blogger and didn't share all the many little sweet notes/gifts from David (it has rubbed off on Sophia too because she does the same thing) but wanted to be sure to capture this big gift.  He knows how much I love Harry Potter books so he jumped at the opportunity to get this audio cassette book for me.  But the big thing about it is that he earned it!  At school (3rd grade) the students earn pebbles for a variety of reasons.  Then later they use them to buy something in the teacher's treasure box.  This book cost 60 pebbles.  That's a lot of good deeds!  No surprise that it was my favorite Christmas gift last year.  :)

I'm such a blessed mama to have a very thoughtful, loving boy!  ~My other two are wonderful as well!  Thank you Heavenly Father for entrusting them to us.

First Day of School

It's official.  We have a 1st and 4th grader in the house!  Yeap, today was the first day back to school for these munchkins.  Hallelujah!!  Yes, you read that right.  I'm so glad they're back!  This summer was exhausting!!  I'll have to catch up on the happenings later.  Anyway, they were pretty happy with their teachers.  David actually got the teacher he wanted.  Sophia described her teacher as funny and nice.  Happy that they're off to a good start.  Speaking of start, last night my home teachers came over to give the kids a blessing to start off the school year.  It was a last minute indirect request (facebooked a wife to hint to her hubby, my HT) and they came through for us!  Actually one of the men was our official home teacher while the other came to fill-in for the other.  Both I'm sure were tired and ready for bed but they came to see to our need first.  Love the priesthood!  Thanks Brother F. and C.!  You guys are awesome!!  I even sneaked in for a blessing too. :)  ..btw, Steven wasn't in the mood for company so he was off in another room playing and missed the whole event. 

We were cutting it very close to making it on time for school so these were the only snaps that I was able to manage getting before we took off.  I have a few of Sophia in her class on my phone but I haven't figured out how to upload pictures from there yet. Anywho, here are our cuties!! :D

Our cool 4th grader.

Yes, she had to sport her Justin Bieber shirt ..she's growing too fast!

David's Talk

Sign of the times ... David wrote (typed) his talk on his iPod Touch!  I was trippin' too when it read back what he wrote!!  Pretty nice toy!! :)

Okay, let me back track a bit.  Today David gave a talk (discourse) in his Primary (children's program in Church).  His assigned topic was "How the Holy Ghost Helps Me".  The following was what he came up with.  I was a proud mama as I listened to his presentation.  Short and sweet.  Great job, Son!

Hey everybody my name is David for all who don't know me.  My talk today is about "How The Holy Ghost Helps Me".  The Holy Ghost helps me by telling me which way to go.  For example I didn't really want to go to church last week but something told me to go anyway and I did.  I'm glad I did because I had a fun time.  Also the Holy Ghost helped me feel good about being baptized.  It was the best decision I ever made because my Mom said that it was the first big step to having a priesthood in our home.  Overall, the Holy Ghost helps me everyday to choose the right and be kind.  These things I say in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Firsts

David had his first judo injury today.  He went to judo class with his dad this morning and David tells me that he did something wrong when he did a roll.  He was in great pain so Dave took him to urgent care.  David came home with a brace similar to this Googled image (he didn't want his picture taken).  He said that the doctor told him that he suffered a small crack on his clavicle.  It should heal on its own but he's to see an orthopedist for further assessment.  David's in no pain now ..it actually subsided while he was in the urgent care waiting room.  In fact, at this very moment he's playing Wii with such gusto!

Also a first today was Sophia's full blown hug with a random boy!  While Dave and David was at judo, Sophia, Steven and I were at church stake conference.  About the last 20 minutes or so of the session, a boy in front of us was lured to our aisle by Sophia's drawing board.  Sophia didn't mind sharing it with him.  At the end of the conference, the boy's mother and I discovered that they were hugging.  Sophia's face buried on the boy's chest, both kids' arms wrapped tightly around each other.  So cute and scary at the same time for me (I thought the boy was at least a couple of years older and I suppose I jumped 20 years ahead).  The boy's mother however beamed and voiced adoration.  She kept saying how cute Sophia was.  Then we went on our way.  Apparently the boy chased after Sophia and when he finally caught up with her, they hugged again.  Mother and I then introduced each other and our kids.  Although no numbers were exchanged in the brief conversation, a play date might be up ahead ...Sophia wants to track him down!  She definitely wants to see Spencer again.  Aww, the joys of childhood.  ~Oh by the way, the boy turns out to also be 5 years old ... he's just tall for his age. 

Oh my, my kiddos are growing up! 

(images acquired through Google Images)

First Day of School

Summer sure flew!  It's already the first day of the school year!!  Way too fast but at the same time I'm finally glad it's here.

David is now in 3rd grade.  My little guy is growing up.  He refuses to wear his backpack on both shoulders and he gave me the you're embarrassing me look when I took a picture of him at school.  If looks could kill ...  Anyway, his first day went well.  He has a few of his previous classmates in class with him this year so he was happy about that.  Unfortunately, his best friend wasn't but they met up during lunch break.

Sophia is now in kindergarten.  It was a bit rough for her.  She shed some tears (silently broke my heart) but she asked me to wipe them off so that people wouldn't see, then she tried to brave the rest of the day.  After school she told me that she had cried again ...wanting me, so she didn't eat her lunch (ugh, broke my heart again!). 

We got to school early so I befriended a couple while waiting and had our daughters meet so they'll know each other at least.  Both were quite timid but I can see that they'll warm up to each other soon.  Then when the class door opened, I think it struck Sophia that she'd be on her own (understandably pretty scary) so came the tears.  But overall she did great. 

By the way, this will be an adjustment on Steven as well.  It'll be just he and I for 4hrs of the school day (well, 3hrs of that Dave is home too but we both run errands so Steven will mostly be with me).  Anyway, Steven was already asking for his brother and sister this morning.  Perhaps once he gets potty training down we'll put him in preschool so he can be with other kids as well.

Oh, the house was sure quiet for awhile.  Nice change of pace.  Now I've got to take advantage of the mostly kid-free time and be more productive.

I can ride a bike!

Yeay, finally David can ride a bike!  Out of the blue too.  He hasn't been practicing.  Though a few weeks ago when his Uncle Neil was in town, he gave him lessons but David didn't pick it up then.  It looks like playing video games (Wii) paid off.  He said he got the idea of "boost start" from playing Speed Racer and thought he'd apply it to bike riding.  It apparently worked!  Congratulations, Son!  ~Now, if I can get Steven potty trained ...

I Did it Again!

Yesterday David lost his tooth #3.  He put it in an envelope marked "My tooth" and placed it under his pillow last night before he went to bed.  Of course, the Tooth Fairy forgot to stop by!  What is wrong with me?!  My memory is incredibly bad!!  Anyway, this morning I heard him shuffle to his room (I was sick so the kids slept in my bed with Dave while I slept on the bottom of the kids' bunk bed), said good morning to me, and then started to climb up to his bed.  That's when I remembered!  Oh crap!  He's checking under his pillow.  Oh man, I could not look at his face.  I heard it in his disappointed groan.  I needed a Twix moment at that time (see Twix commercials to know what I mean).  But I played cool and asked what's the matter.  He said that the Tooth Fairy hadn't come.  I instinctively said that it was perhaps because he wasn't at his bed and on top of that, I had been in the room.  It could be that the person who lost the tooth had to be lying on the pillow that the tooth was under and no grown-ups should be in the vicinity, right?  Well, he bought it.  He had no choice.  Poor kid. 

So tonight, I made sure I remembered!  There, it's done.  The Tooth Fairy stopped by with a little extra dough to make up for the blunder.  :)

Lincoln Pilgrimage

This morning the family went to the city's annual Lincoln Pilgrimage.  This year celebrating its 72nd.  Little David's cub scout troop was among the participants in the parade.  It was a lovely day for the event.  David enjoyed the walk and attention.  And of course, his family cheered especially for his troop!  ~Fabulous family adventure!

 Here's the head of the parade

 I recognized this young boy ..my formal CTR7 student.  Wow, time flies..he's going to be 10yo this year!
(correction:  11yo this year!  See, time really flies!!!)

Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln

 I see Kuya!!

Here they are!

My cutie pie and one of his scout buddy

 Aren't they adorable?!!

Pilgrimage ends at the bowl with President Lincoln addressing the audience

The commemorative patch.  Yikes, this is huge..where do I sew this on his uniform?

First badge

Last night we attended our first boy scout pack meeting.  There David received his first cub scout badge ...the Bobcat.  I get a pin as well.  Woohoo!! 

Congratulations Son!!

**I forgot to bring my camera to the meeting and I can't find the cable to my cell phone to upload the few pictures I took from it, so this is it for now.  :)

Cub Scout in the house!

Today was David's first day at Cub Scout.  He was so excited and actually so was I!!  We were told that meetings start promptly at 4pm so I set a goal to be out the door at 3:30pm (leaving room for last minute things like... oops, Steven made a #2, or Sophia now has to do a #1, or David got thirsty, etc).  With all the rush, I put the scarf clip upside down (did ya notice?). 

Here is David with his "Akela".  Den mother?  Is that the right term?  Still learning the ropes.  ~In lay terms, his scout teacher.  :)  ...scarf clip now right side up!

While David was at his meeting, my 2 other munchkins and I went to the nursery room.  There along with few other kids entertained ourselves by watching "Finding Nemo". 
                         

David enjoyed his first day.  Because he was early and the first boy at the meeting, he was able to help his teacher set up the seats and such.  Oh, since he was the newest member, he had the most crisp uniform.  I also noticed that he was the most properly dressed while a few of his classmates were a bit lax (untucked or wrinkled shirts, wore clogs, etc).  I told David that I don't want him too relaxed.  I want him to take pride in how he presents himself while in his uniform (and in general).  Anyway, he told me that he learned about recycling and how to tie a square knot today.  Great first day!!

Birthday catch-up

I'm going to back track a bit to David's birthday ... new years eve.  That day the fam went to Sea World (Lego Land will have to wait another day).  We got to see a little more this time around but my camera was acting up so I didn't get much pictures.  Suffice it to say the kids had a great time and as always family time is priceless.  Then when we got home that night, he blew his birthday candles.  This year Mama didn't read the cake mix box and ended up baking a brownie cake ... no wonder the batter seemed funny!  It ended up to be a nice mistake because it was delicious!!

We held off David's family birthday party until the 8th of this month; the same day as his baptism.  I figured 2 big parties in 1 day equals 1 less hassle and clean up!! ~Everyone had fun getting together and celebrating.  I made it easy on myself and had Mr. Yu cater both events (but did prepare Mexican food just in case ...and I did end up setting some of that).  ~Thank you family for celebrating little David's It Great to be 8 day.  Fun times!!

Someone's middle name is spelled s-p-o-i-l-e-d because he still has another birthday party coming.  With the holidays and these two events I had forgotten to plan for one at his school with his classmates so that'll be coming soon.  I've yet to talk with his teacher to set a date.  *sigh* (tired sigh, not an upset sigh)

A Very Special Day

I knew this day was coming and yet it came at me so suddenly (long story).  I was overwhelmed with the quick preparations but knew that in the end that I would be the happiest mother in the world. And so I am! David's baptismal ceremony was beautiful!! The Spirit indeed was present and many family and friends were able to witness the sacred ordinance (the Bishop counted 60 in attendance).  Some that weren't able to come gave their best wishes and some others wrote him sweet letters.  What wonderful family and friends I have.  Thank you so much for your love and support!!  We are sincerely moved.

The low down of the big event:
I'll start with David's birthday party that began at 1pm.  There, many relatives came to celebrate.  We had the usual... food, pinata, cake, presents, and laughter.  However, I wasn't as focused since I had last minute details I was still ironing out for the baptism that was to come at 5pm.  My sweet family of course was accommodating and enjoyed each other's company.  By 4pm, I was on full baptism mode and instructed my immediate family to change.  At around 4:30pm we all dispersed (Dave and David had left a bit earlier) and made our way to the church (well, I thought all my relatives that attended the birthday party was also going to attend the baptism, but I was bummed to find out that it wasn't the case).  Just over a 5 minute drive, we had time to breathe and take before pictures.  At 5pm, the meeting started as programed ...opening song and prayer, talk on baptism, actual baptizing, musical number by Primary kids, talk on the Holy Ghost, the confirmation, closing remarks by our bishop, then the closing hymn and prayer.  About an hour later, all were welcomed to a reception at our home.

Memorable tidbits:
*The church had a visit from a skunk so the whole place smelled "rosy".
*David had to be dunked twice in the baptismal pool because his toes came up above the water the first time.
*Lindsay's talk on baptism was beautiful!!
*Special surprise (sorta, they were invited) attendance of:  Kuya Frank and Ate Mila (who introduced Dave and me); Robert and his family (Dave's co-worker); and Peb and John (my bff).
*I'm the happiest mother in the world!  Did I say that already?  :)

CONGRATULATIONS DAVID!!

 My handsome family

The S. Family

David and Brother K.

David and Bishop R.

 David and his best friend Marc (from school)

Thanks Auntie Sheila for the yummy cake!

Due to the sacredness of the actual baptismal ordinance, no pictures were allowed.  And due to my lack of organization, I forgot to take a picture of David with Brother G., who performed the confirmation, and pictures of the guests at the ceremony and at the reception!! 

Man, I learned my lesson.  I have 4 years to prepare for Sophia's baptism and now I know I'm going to need it!!  ~See you again in 4 years!! :)