HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to mmeeee

Happy Birthday to me

Can't believe it's my 33rd Birthday today. This past year had flown by. No big plans for today except spending it with my girl and my Mom.

Otherwise here are a few pictures from yesterday of us playing outside in the snow. All K kept saying she wanted to do was make a snowman, well the snow wasn't really right for snowman making so we used a box and packed it so it would stay together. I think it turned out really well.

Otherwise we spent the time sledding down our small hill in the backyard. It was tons of fun.

Snow, Ice, Sleet....Go Away

Well it started snowing yesterday before noon, then last night it turned into ice, then sleet, then snow and all day today it's been sleet and about 10 min. ago it started snowing again. This weather is suppose to continue till tomorrow evening. I am so disappointed, because of the weather they canceled K's first ever dance class. So as long as next Tuesday's weather holds out, that will be K's first dance class. She's so excited not because of the ballet part of it but because she's going to learn how to tap. She loves to wear her tap shoes around the house. I was so lucky because I got 2 brand new pairs off of Craigslist for Free and they fit so well on both her feet even with her brace on. Free stuff is so awesome. Too bad I wasn't able to find her some ballet shoes on there. Guess I'm finally going to have to buy her some, that was suppose to be today's adventure before dance class was to go to the local dance boutique and plunk down a good chunk of money for some ballet shoes, ok so it was going to under $20 but if you know me, you know I love to find a bargain so paying full price takes the fun out of shopping.

New Years Dinner

Well we spent our afternoon making our New Year's dinner. On the menu was Crab Rolls, Crab Ragoon, Bun Cha and BBQ Pork Buns. We made everything that I served and I was so very proud at how well it all turned out. K loved helping make everything. So without further adio, our dinner....

Our Horoscope for 2009 Year of the Ox

Here is My Horoscope for 2009, looks like it will actually be a good year I mean read the first line, that's got to be a great sign right!!

Rabbit Overview
The past year may have provided the Rabbit with many challenges and difficult situations, but this year will be a relief. The Rabbit has a very favorable outlook this year. Though it is not part of your usual plan, you may find that being assertive and bold will allow you to achieve unforeseen success. Your attraction to the finer life may lead you to living it. Personal relations are of great value to the Rabbit and will be emphasized throughout the year. Put your best foot forward in the year of the Ox and you will reap many benefits and rewards.
Rabbit Rating
67% (7 favorable and 5 neutral months)
Rabbit Career
This year is one of change. Though the Rabbit is not prone to taking risks, you may benefit greatly from taking bold new steps in finding the career you desire. Complacency in your current job could lead you to such actions. September and October are two months that are favorable for a change. You may want to seek a position that allows you to utilize your social skills and your abilities to relate to people on a personal level. Set your sights high and you will get what you want in this highly favorable year.
Rabbit Relationships
The Rabbit's family and friends will be a source of great pleasure for the you this year. They will offer support, encouragement and will be the wellspring for meaningful and enjoyable times. Personal relations are held in high regard and could be taken to a new level. Rabbits seeking new friends or romance should make an added effort to go out more and come in contact with others-you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
Rabbit Health
The Rabbit should not encounter any major health issues this year, but you may want to take precautions during certain times of the year. The Rabbit's sensitive constitution may leave you vulnerable to colds and flu during the winter months. You may want to get a flu shot during this time and make sure that you get plenty of rest to avoid any setbacks
Rabbit Wealth
The Rabbit should enjoy a new level of wealth. If you are inspired to make a career change, this will prove to be a successful venture financially. You will be particularly pleased with some of your purchases this year, as many could relate to redecorating or changing the appeal of your home. Beware of any risky investments and continue to do the things that accumulate your level of savings.

Here is my Mom's Horoscope for 2009. I mean look at her's a complete opposite of what mine is!!
Goat Overview
This may not be as favorable as a year that you desire. Coming off the year of the Rat, you may be seeking relief from the difficult year. Don't let up now. The Goat is artistic in nature and you may have difficulties finding a way to express your creative passions. It will take an extra effort to rely on the help of others to make it through these times, but if you keep a steady focus on your goals and display painstaking efforts, you will be pleased to see the fruits of your labor arrive next year. Don't fret, as you may learn a lot about yourself in the process. You may learn that you are more versatile, as well as resourceful, than you ever imagined.
Goat Rating
32% (5 neutral and 7 unfavorable months)
Goat Career
Career prospects are fair this year for the Goat. It is wise to take a conservative approach to your work this year. Stay focused on what you are accomplishing, the end result. Projects and goals may not mature until the early part of next year and this could create a sense of frustration and pessimism if you allow it. Break your year down to short term goals and focusing on accomplishing them. This will detract from the patience it will take from your long term situation. Have faith in your skills and don't let anyone deter you from your path.
Goat Relationships
The Goat may find solace in your family relations this year, as they will offer you the support you need to see through challenging situations. You may also see a lot of new faces in your life, as you are prone to meet new people this year. Relationships fare well for you, but you may have to be a little more outgoing than you are used to being, in order to see your relationship progress to a higher level. The single Goat may be blessed to have several suitors this year.
Goat Health
If you don't make some changes in your routine, you may experience health issues this year. Watch what you eat, as this will go a long way towards living a healthier life. Be patient, as you may experience an illness in the winter months that zaps your energy for a longer period of time than you desire. Make sure that you get plenty of rest to counter these possibilities.
Goat Wealth
Finances could be an issue this year. You may find that even with your conservative efforts, you are coming up short on your budget. If you manage your spending and plan your finances, you will make it through the year. You may have to wait until next year to see the fruits of your labor, as it promises to be more profitable than this year.

Here is my Baby Brother's horoscope for 2009. So his is ok, not good but not bad. Thank goodness!
Ox Overview
The Ox can do well this year through steady progress. There may be a number of experiences that will provide great joy for the Ox. One area, in particular, is the Ox's personal life. You may see an addition to the family. You will be surrounded by those who care. Look for the early summer months to attend many social occasions, providing many new faces in your social circle. One area of focus is to be open to the advice of others, as you tend to keep your issues to yourself. Overall, your own year can be one that you will look back on with pride and a genuine sense of achievement.
Ox Rating
52% (3 favorable 5 neutral and 4 unfavorable months)
Ox Career
In 2009, the Oxen will be given many opportunities to further your plans and goals, as well as consolidate your position. Steady progress is the position where the Ox is most comfortable and that is where you will find yourself this year. You will also have a chance to impress and gain support from those around you. This is a good year to enhance your skills and add to your repertoire with added training or study. You will be satisfied in knowing that anything you do this year will repay you in this year and the years to come. The months of May, late August and September may mark a change in your career.
Ox Relationships
2009 will be a year of personal happiness. For the single Ox, there may be a chance to engage in new and meaningful friendships, romance, and possibly even marriage. Others will take comfort in their domestic and social lives. Being an Ox year, this is one that will provide enjoyment for you as long as you allow it. Beware of your strong will and do not allow any minor disagreements to escalate and put a damper on a fine year. May is a month that will highly favor a chance meeting or a heightened level in a relationship.
Ox Health
Health matters don't seem to be too much of a concern for the Ox this year, as you are good at implementing some sort of physical activity into your routine. The Ox's discipline does well to carry over into your health. It never hurts to find ways to improve in this area, so don't discount anything that will improve the quality of your life. Even though there may not be any large issues, stress can be a surmounting factor to be aware.
Ox Wealth
The Ox could enjoy an improvement financially, but you may face a number of large expenses over the year. To maneuver your budget through the year of the Ox, exercise care and sensible spending. It would be wise to seek professional advice when it comes to any speculative ventures or risky investments that create some sense of doubt.

And Finally K's horoscope for 2009, so 99% of it didn't relate to anything for a small child. But still didn't want to leave her out.
2009 will present the Dog with a number of challenges. Your patience will certainly be tested in more than one instance. You may not necessarily gain the notoriety you desire in your career, but certain advancement opportunities will surface throughout the year. You will find comfort with your family and solidify bonds that are necessary for your well being. You may have issues juggling your family life with your work schedule, but you will make great strides in both areas by the end of the year.
Dog Rating
52% (5 favorable, 4 neutral and 3 unfavorable months)
Dog Career
Your work will play a large role in the year of the Ox. You may find yourself working long hours to achieve a promotion or to further your pursuits. Though you may only see minor results this year from your hard work, your ethics do not go unnoticed. Later in the year, you may be offered a step in the right direction, which will flourish sometime next year. Stay focused and be willing to listen to the advice of others and you should have a promising year with your work.
Dog Relationships
Domestically, the Dog can achieve new levels in a relationship this year. People who know you think highly of you, as you are a well respected individual for your work ethics and your devotion to the ones you love. Be open to communication, as you may, at times, be unwilling to change your views even when your partner has a valid point. If you can work on this issue, then you will find your relations with family members and friends very gratifying this year.
Dog Health
Your strong work ethics leave you working long hours, sometimes denying the warning signs of the effects on your health. Take the proper breaks and give yourself the time to recuperate from your busy work schedule or you may be out longer than you desire. You are instinctively a very active person and exercise is not something that you need to remind yourself to do.
Dog Wealth
Financially, you may not achieve the results you seek, but you are well on your way. Keep your spending within your budget, even though there may be items that you desire to purchase to enrich your home. The time will come to make the changes, just focus on the basics for now. There may be a change for the better towards the end of the year, so be patient and exercise care when it comes to spending

Watching the Inaguration

Asian New Year Party

Yesterday we attended an Asian New Year party in the next town over. We were very excited to be invited. K had so much fun playing and making friends with the other children while Mommy had fun getting to talk with other adults. They also had several craft tables set up so we had lots of fun making crafts. I don't think I've ever had so much glitter glue on me at one time :) They ordered Chinese food from a local resturant, it was ok. K ate almost a whole order of Shrimp LoMein by herself. We are looking forward to the next get together.

New Stroller and Shriner's

Yesterday we were so excited because our new stroller arrived!! It took the manufacturer quite awhile to send it to us since we won this back in November but it was all worth the wait. And Laurie was so sweet in all she did to make sure we received it! They also because of all the trouble sent us an extra box with a few toys inside it (Thanks to Laurie). We had a blast playing with the little steering wheel driving toy last night.

Today K had her appointment at Shriner's. It was amazing the difference from this appointment to our last because of her maturity level and just think she's not even 3 yet. She had to get X-rays because we are noticing a big difference after her last growth spurt that her legs did not grow the same. They said that this will probably be a problem all her life with a noticeable difference between them (not what I wanted to hear). It was so funny when she was getting her x-ray because they had the camera basically on the ground trying to get the x-ray and then they told her to stand really still because they are about to take the pictures, K goes "CHEESE" really loud. I thought I was going to fall over laughing. Otherwise she never cried at all, she was such a big girl about the whole thing. She did get a little nervous and asked to hold my hand but that was it. Even the Nurse and our main Doctor commented that she never even allows them in the room without dissolving into a crying, screaming mess, they were so excited with this new change also. Our last stops was of course the shop, she has to have a new brace made and this time they are building in a slight wedge in hopes to stop the callous on the outside of her foot and to hold her foot and leg in a better position in her brace. My Baby Brother is home, so we are using a gift certificate we got for Christmas and going out to eat, so gotta go

Pre-schools

Well for the last 3 months we have been looking really hard at pre-schools for K. We went to quite a few that I just wasn't thrilled about and a few that my Mom and I walked out of and said hell no! Today I was finally able to see what I had considered my top choice for a pre-school. I have heard that they are very inventive in their teaching and ahead of the curve. I had meet them before at a local festival where they were hosting an art project booth for children and I was very impressed by them then. I have to say during our visit today my opinions did not change. The funniest part was when they asked about my child's age and I said she would be 3 at the end of February and then they looked around me and saw K standing there and goes "You can't mean that this is the 3 yr old". I laughed and go, "yep that's her." We visited the two 3 year old classrooms, I did find it interesting that the ones that were only their for Preschool for all was in one classroom while the other classroom were tuition based Preschool students. The explained to us that it was because Preschool for all was only 1/2 day, while the tuition preschool was for all day and this way it caused less confusion. I was concerned at first but by watching both classes there was no difference in their teaching methods or what the children were learning. I guess one other thing I really liked was they didn't even look down on me or my Mom and we were dressed like slobs today with our hair slicked back (hey it's freezing here and super windy). Plus they didn't even assume that she was adopted and it wasn't until I was explaining how some of her paperwork is in her English name and some is still in her Vietnamese name did all of a sudden they go "oh is she adopted?". I'm so excited that we have Preschool for all in our state because that enabled everyone to have a chance to send their children to whatever preschool they wanted no matter what the cost. I mean heck even when I was making $70,000 plus a year, I wouldn't have been able to afford to send K to this preschool (it costs more a year than what Baby Brother is paying in total for grad school). They also said because of K having a special need that there was a good chance she would qualify for all day preschool through Preschool for all. Whoo Hoo that would even be better! As for K, I think she will be a perfect fit in this school, she was so excited to see the other children and really wanted to go and play with them. I was also so excited to see other Asian children in the classes there. So everything should be set but they have to make sure a spot stays open till March 1st, we have some paperwork to fill out, a home visit and finally waiting till K turns 3. I'm praying that everything falls into place because I really believe deep down that this is where K is suppose to go to school at. Otherwise I wouldn't have walked out of there with that this is where we are suppose to be feelings that I didn't have at any other of the preschools.

Also for those friends and family who have access to K's private journal it's finally updated except for Christmas day (because we ended up losing like 400+ pictures from that day and I'm waiting for copies from some family members).

Everyday I'm more amazed by her

Look what K did today, she wrote her first word, "WOW". She had been helping me write Thank You notes and on the opposite side she would draw our friends or family a picture to go along with their Thank yous for their Christmas present and when she was explaining this one she goes "spider with tongue and the word "wow". I then took a second look and there it was. My daughter is so smart

7 Days

I can't believe that it's already 7 days into the new year. And so far the New Year SUCKS! I really believed that 2008 was going to be different and I guess in so many ways it was but I really thought that by the end we would be living Happily Ever After instead of being sucked back into the depths of unknown.
Last year I said too many good-byes and not enough hello's. I cried to many times to count. I felt lost more times then I ever felt any kind of direction. I wondered too many times, how much more can I take, home much more can I handle and why do you think I can handle so much.
So now that it's 2009, what do I do? Write out more resolutions that won't happen or finally say enough is enough. Should I follow the advice of a fellow blogger who decided not to control anything in her life for 2009 and just see where the path God has chosen lead her or being the control freak I am, do I try to control my own destiny? What a fine line to choose from, so in the hopes of making my life better, I'm going to try my best to let go, see where life takes me and the path God has chosen for me, remember to say more Hello's than good-bye's, remember my friends who I've neglected so much the last year and try not to worry so much. So let the adventure begin.....