It's Halloween but...

A little throwback.. or FLASHBACK friday to last year. Adrian was a pirate, daddy painted his face and all. So adorable.. and hilarious. This year he's just going to be a skeleton and baby bro is going to be a pumpkin. I'll post pictures later but yeah :) I LOVE this time of year, holidays for the rest of the year - how cool is that ? Best believe, I will have thousands of food pictures on Thanksgiving, I'm looking forward to stuffing my face! I'm so happy Jonas is here to share these holidays with us now. He's truly made us complete (for now.. anyways) (momma wants a girl) !

 

Adrian was really this small at one point ?! Here he is at 5 months, I think Jonas is going to be bigger than him, can't believe how tiny this little boy was. *peep the bib* ;)

We wrapped his presents in Cars wrapping paper last year :)

xoxo

Poor Man's Meal ? ++

Don't you hate when there's things to cook in your fridge, but at the same time.. it's nothing you feel like making because it takes to much time? This happens to me... 89% of the time, probably more. I'm someone who can eat just about anything, as long as I have rice (I know, I'm so asian). I actually prefer just eating a simple meat, a veggie and rice (I put vinegar on my rice also, if I don't have Patis which is a filipino fish sauce). So here's a quick meal, you can make for yourself when your stomach is just rumbling or if you want to make this for your family - that's fine to ! Disclaimer: I'm not a chef, nor do I pretend to be. So please don't think to yourself, "That's a simple meal, what is the point of posting that...blah blah". Get off my blog, k thanks ! :) It's just something quick & easy for those who don't want a sandwich for lunch.

What You'll Need:

• Half of Green Pepper (Or whole)
• Half of a White Onion
• Minced Garlic
• Olive Oil
• 1/2 Cup of Water
• 1LB LeanGround Beef (OR any meat that cooks quickly, you could use sliced chicken breasts, ground turkey, slices of steak)
• Three Yellow Potatoes (Or any potatoes you love)
• Seasoning Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon Pepper
• Garlic Powder

& any other seasonings you wish !!

ONE | Wash ALL your produce. Slice your onions/peppers and skin + cut your potatoes. 

TWO | Turn your stove on medium - medium high heat to get your oil hot. Once your oil start's to sizzle, sauté your minced garlic for a couple seconds until it's a little brown - but not to brown (you don't want burnt garlic)

THREE | Sauté your onions and peppers, stirring gently. I leave them a little crisp because towards the end they'll end up very soft (I like them soft)

FOUR | Place your meat right in the pan, and cook until browned. I seasoned with pepper, seasoning salt, Mrs. Dash onion blend, lemon pepper and garlic powder because I LOVE garlic. 

FIVE | After your meat is mostly brown (if you're cooking with chicken it must be cooked throughly!) then place your chopped potatoes in the pan, followed by about a half cup of water. The water will help the potatoes become soft faster. Place a lid on this concoction, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft enough for you. 

SIX | Rice only takes about 15-20 minutes in the rice cooker. You can start your rice the same time you chop your veggies, or you can start it once you place the potatoes in the pan. I like my rice soft and sticky so I prefer it cooked in the rice cooker. Cooking in a pot doesn't taste the same. I love jasmine rice and this is my favorite brand! 

xoxo

Swaddle Bug + Rattle Books

Today is Thursday, ugh. The only thing good about that day is that tomorrow is F R I D A Y *twerks* jk. Today has been a laid back day so far, I'm actually blogging on the day I take pictures, unusual right? Well both of my boys are sleeping. Yup, I'm not lying they are in DreamLand. Jonas is so obsessed with this swaddle invention thingy. I can swaddle him with or without his hands tucked in, and it actually stays swaddled (some serious velcro action!). He LOVES being swaddled, and falls asleep almost instantly when he is. Adrian hated this thing so I'm loving that he loves it! He's been super sleepy + hungry lately, I'm assuming it's another beloved growth spurt since he'll be T W O months Nov. 4th . Two whole months since I've had my smallest Prince. I have to do a update with my body as well, because I'm sure people are interested to see how my stomach looks like (..or maybe that's just me). I hate when people tell me "You're so small!" and "You're so lucky!". I mean I take it as a compliment, but boy I wish some people could see this belly naked, sheesh. I'm just like anyone else who has two children. Not picture perfect, but I do appreciate the compliments! Helps me strive for my dream bod ;) So thank you.

                            

One of his favorite books we went through after his bath. "Mommy! Srawwburries! (strawberries)" 

.. and when little bro is fussy, BIG BRO is here to the rescue! 

Adrian: "Ohh, no cwryin Jojo, Joooojooo, It's okay!"

Am I lame Jane or what ?! I can't help it guys.. I'm obsessed, I'm in L O V E. I love these boys. I love how tiny their hands are, and I love watching them sleep. I hate hearing them cry, it drives me nuts in the sense that I just don't want to hear them hurt or upset. Sometimes I catch myself looking at them as if it's my first time seeing them again. I made them(with the help of hubby, haha)! They came out of me, and I actually carried these babies like a Kangaroo. They're the reason my waist is bigger and my boobs shrunk. They're the reason why I gave up on purses and stash everything in a Batman backpack. I just love them.. they give me reason, purpose, and meaning. They remind me that I'm not perfect - however I'm perfect for them. Mommy has the answers. Mommy ALWAYS has a banana stashed somewhere. Mommy knows when it hurts and will kiss my booboo's (and Adrian kisses my booboo's back lol). They make me feel important because they need me. These precious little boys are mine, made just for me. I mean can you imagine if Jonas came before Adrian? And then he would be Adrian, and Adrian would be Jonas? See how wacky that looks. They are individuals and I appreciate them for who they are.

sleeping handome(s) xoxo

When in Doubt, B A K E :*

Adrian was literally on tasmanian devil mode yesterday. Every toy, pillows, random pieces of paper, socks, dirty clothes, pull-ups - you name it, I eventually found it in my living room! I hate those days where I'm desperately trying to cook dinner, clean, wash bottles, and tend to these little ones all at the SAME time. I just needed to calm him down and keep his attention for more than 3 seconds. So what did I choose to do while my chicken simmered and sweet potatoes soaked up cinnamon goodness?

  WE BAKED BROWNIES. NOM NOM NOM.

This kid has some SERIOUS stirring skills (yes, he is stirring with a fork, bare with me here). He was so proud of himself, he's proud of himself every time he makes something with us - or is apart of something in general. I could see in his eyes how much he loved being a "Big Boy" and helping mommy bake. So next time you're about to pull your hair out, strap your infant in the carrier and get your toddler cooking with you! If you're unable to wear them out at a park, get them involved with things that you're doing. Such as sweeping (which is really just moving the crumbs as opposed to sweeping them up *cough*), wiping tables, folding clothes, the list is endless. Toddlers are to young to understand the pain daily chores cause us mommies, haha, so take advantage of this age before they start asking you for an allowance !

P.S Never let your toddler crack an egg, you'll end up with shells in your brownies ^__^' Not that I let him crack them or anything... *cough* *takes shells out teeth* What?  :D

xoxo

Baby Stretches | 21

Yesterday was a pretty laid back day. Super happy the Hubby was off yesterday, I love having time with him, just relaxing on the couch, kids at our feet (well, Jonas in my arms lol). We were so bored yesterday and I needed to get out the house (I've been going stir crazy) so I figured we could visit my Dad and step mom. I always miss them and I love going over there anyways, so that's exactly what we did. 

 

 I have so much trouble getting him dressed when he's sleeping ! I literally hate waking him up, I love watching him sleep. I'm so obsessed with these baby stretches ! They're so exaggerated, his knees fold up to his tummy and his face gets all fat. I love it. If you're a mommy I know you know what stretch I'm talking about ! When their little booties poke out to, ahhhh.. it's just so ADORABLE !!

I didn't take many pics at my people's crib yesterday, I was having to much fun enjoying myself. BTW, the skinny girl line of margaritas is BOMB. It's not super sour, and it's not super strong. Just right.. for a skinny girl ;) I'm corny I know.. oh well. My dad also gave me this little tiny bottle of Burnett's pink lemonade vodka. Being LEGAL never felt so good, never imagined drinking with my parent's. I mean.. I could totally envision drinking with my step mom because she's super down to Earth, I love her, she's a great time - BUT my dad ?! Yeah, he let me taste his drink :) 

OVERALL, yesterday was fun. I'm happy we didn't opt to stay in the house.. and I'm even more than happy my hubby can sit and play video games with my dad for hours. I'm just glad to be close to my family again, it feels good to just go there. Seeing my dad run around with my son. Seeing my step mom love my kids so genuine. She makes it easier to deal with the fact that my mom can't be here to see who I've become, the babies I made.. ha. I accept that she's not here, because other things have been added in my life to make it complete and not hurt so bad. I'm so thankful my dad found a good woman, makes me happy that he'll grow old with someone awesome. OH! And I totally have to slip this picture of Adrian in here from the day before when my husband's step dad came over. 

Wild Child ^^

xoxo

r a n d o m s ++

My kids are freaking awesome, & I actually don't mind being out-numbered !

Here's a tip for the overwhelmed mommy. When things get to chaotic, you're toddler just spilled his breakfast on the floor and is playfully laughing at your reaction because he thinks your joking, you burnt your tongue drinking hot but much needed coffee and simultaneously your baby begins to cry *deep breath* I'll stop there, you get it.. but TAKE PICTURES. If you have a mac it's even better because you can use silly filters. The more you laugh, the better. It's HARD to smile during moments where you want to pull your hair out (or it's already coming out..). So clean the mess up while biting your lip, and take a picture. Smile, tell your babies to say, "CHEESE" and watch their beautiful faces light up. If it's anything that snaps me back into friendly mommy mode, it's when Adrian does something silly again and I can't help but laugh. Or when Jonas coo's and smiles at me, or does his infamous baby stretch with his booty sticking out, knees drawn to his tummy (i love that baby stretch!). It's so hard, believe me I know. But one thing that takes the tension out of your home.. is laughing. So just try it. Smile. 

I HAD to post this because this frog filter cracks me up. Adrian just looks so silly and I almost pee on myself every time I look at it. Why is this so funny to me?! Am I the only mom who thinks kids on distorted filters look even funnier than adults ? Maybe it's just me.. let me know if I'm not alone though :D 

xoxo

Emotions + Nonsense

This guy.. he loves me.

& I don't understand it.

I don't think I'll ever understand what he sees in me. Do you ever feel that way? Are you heavily aware of your own flaws, and can't fathom anyone loving + appreciating you for them? How can someone tell you they love your stretch marks? How can someone caress your jiggly stomach so sensually? How can someone wrap there arms around your fragile, bony frame without feeling uncomfortable? Nowadays it seems like men are so picky, unappreciative, or always wanting something better. But here I am, constantly accepted for who I am and all the baggage I carry with myself. 

I'm writing this post because last night I had one of my sad moments. Where I feel guilty, not enough, far from perfect, etc. I texted him while he was at work expressing jumbled feelings and rants. Shortly after, I felt terrible texting him while he was at work and since I didn't receive a response yet, I apologized and told him I was okay (typical girl lie.) As soon as I heard the door open, I prepared myself to fake a smile, ask him about his day, the normal. Instead, he walks towards me and says, "What's going on? What's wrong?"and proceeded to wrap his arms around me. I felt warm again. As opposed to responding back via message, he just came home and the first thing he did was acknowledge me and my BS. I held him tight, he held me tighter and it's times like these I realize how very much in love I am with this man. My husband. My best friend. 

We talked, and everything I said to make myself sound like the horrible person I imagine myself to be, he countered what I would say with something positive. I knew that was all I needed to hear, something positive. I've dealt with self-confidence since I was in middle school and till' this day I still battle with it occasionally. He knows this.. and he just deals with it. He helps me, instead of pushing me back down. He makes me feel silly for coming down to hard on myself. He makes me laugh when I really want to be serious, and I just can't because he just.. makes me feel better. I expressed to him how I felt unimportant since I'm a stay at home mom now, and he explained to me how my job is just as important, and if any man thinks it isn't they're childish. 

I didn't think marriage was like this. I didn't think it was this "close". I thought it was black and white. I don't know how to explain.. But within this marriage I've discovered so much. How close someone can become to you, how deeply in love we are. Everyday, there's something he does that makes my eyes twinkle and fills my stomach with foreign butterflies. He'll be telling me a story, and I'll find myself thinking, "He's mine, all mine." or , "God, I want to kiss you!" It's crazy.. haha. When you have something that's real, it feels .. insane. When you feel that feeling in return it's even more insane! I actually look forward to growing old with him.. I'm happy he sits and plays playstation 2 games with my dad for hours (torture, lol) and he's extremely respectful to my family. I'm happy he holds me accountable when I'm wrong. I'm happy I don't have to tell him what his priorities should be. I could go on and on, but that's just weird and I don't want to sound obsessed (laughing out loud). I've never loved someone so deeply. He could have one leg with four arms and I'd still love him (I'd totally build him a leg, though lol). 

He makes me feel like a woman should feel. Beautiful, strong, important. Things in the past have weakened my mind at times, I feel like God placed him in my life to build me up when I've hit the bottom. He tailored him for me, only me. Don't get it twisted, he isn't a set of training wheels for me. He's the person on the side helping me ride the bike. He never leaves me hanging. And honestly, if we weren't together - I know that would still stand, which comforts me. Because it's not the ring or papers that keeps us in tact. It's our friendship that became our relationship (and the fact that I have a forever best friend that I can give kisses to and watch tv series with) 

This is where our hearts fell.

xoxo

my big guy, A D R I A N ++

Do I really have a two year old ? Has it been two years + some months since I gave birth to my first baby (who's still my little baby, despite his age). If I could tell my pregnant self anything it would be, "If you think this is hard, wait till he turns two." There's nothing more unpredictable, frustrating, silly, hilarious and exciting as having this little one around. I wish I could emphasize little, because comparing him to other "two year olds" he is pretty little (with a BIG attitude).

Falling out in the middle of public places due to pure boredom. Classic. 

 

* Let's just all take a minute to laugh if you haven't laughed today. Doesn't he look like that one Pokemon ? The turtle looking one ? ^^

Monkey always needs juice to, monkey's get thirsty to, mommy.

++ Adrian Laith ++

• If he could live at the park - or outside in general, he would. 
• He is an extremely picky eater now (Mac & Cheese, Plain pasta, Chicken, Greek Yogurt, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Banana's, Grapes, Oatmeal are a few staples.. )
• He's so short & skinny. When we stand next to each other, his head stops below my butt.
• He has a passion for cars, trucks & recently planes. We have a mechanic on our hands :)
• He has to have things in order, he puts things together in sequence & when the smallest thing gets knocked over he throws the biggest fit (His attitude is a replica of mines ^__^')
• ^ He's very, VERY impatient. He repeats the same thing over & over until it happens.
• HE LOVES CURIOUS GEORGE. He truly believes he's his friend in real life & at times he even sounds like George, it's so hilarious.
• He loves his big boy toddler bed. It was never an issue introducing him to it. He sleeps around 8-9pm, and wakes up at around 8am. When he wakes up, he doesn't come out his room unless he hears one of us awake & greets us.. "HI MOMMY! HI DADDY!" *waves*
• He is infatuated with his baby brother. Jealousy hasn't been an issue. I truly abhors when he cries & tries soothing him. He calls him Jojo & JojoBear. He always wants to hold him, show him his toys, etc. 
• Wrestling with daddy is one of his favorite things to do when he gets off work.
• He has his ears pierced ! He only cried 3 secs, saw his lollipop and forgot about it.
• He understands potty training, but can't tell us when he has to go or when he has the urge. He'll pee on the potty though. Pooping is another story.....
• If you fake cry, he'll run to you and rub your back and try holding you
• OH! When I put him to bed, he tells me to lay down with him, and then he wraps his arms around my neck and tries to get me to fall asleep with him.. :')

There's SOOO many other things I could tell.. so many stories, but recently this has stuck out in my brain. He's amazing, he truly is, and there's never a day that could go by without me hearing his precious laugh. He's not perfect, I've had trying times before and he frequently tests me.. but the good outweighs all the bad. Each day I try overlooking the destruction/chaos, because he is only two years old. He's suppose to wonder, discover, and figure things out. Mistakes are truly mistakes at this age. I also realized a lot of the times kids this age act out, or tests you it's out of boredom. If they aren't stimulated, they find things to get into, etc - can't blame them. Because when we're out having fun, he's having a blast and doesn't have to look for things to destroy, haha. *Cheers* to this age. I want it to go slower, because I love being able to make him laugh by just making a silly face. I love this innocence. I love teaching him new things. I love reading the same Dora (yes, Dora) book over and over, with him rushing me through pages to get to the good part.. I love it. I love him. I love him !

  I could never say it enough.

He's going to be my mechanic. Ladies man. The life of the party, fusure. There's never a dull moment.. not with his energy. I see so much of myself in him, he's very..... much like me as far as my attitude. He's a go-getter. Doesn't settle for less. Very demanding. Passionate. He engulfs himself in everything he does. He's just .. amazing.

xoxo