Walking with Emma

When we arrive at my parents' home, the boys jump out of the car and run full speed to see their cousins.  They have a quick embrace with my parents,  quickly pet Watts and Peanut, and then they run for the room and play Minecraft. or Pokemon.  I always ask who wants to walk the dogs and usually Emma is up for the task.  I love these quiet moments that we can share with our niece.  When will we walk the dogs with her again???

Love note

Having boys two years apart is a good and not so good thing.  They spend a lot of time with one another at home and at school, so there are times when they bicker.  There are times when Micah cries out: When will I beat my brother in chess???  But there are also times when I find them sitting too close to one another reading a book or sharing an inside joke.  Or when Noah is in Micah's bed laying down with him.   I found this on the floor the other day that Micah wrote to his big brother.  I thought it was sweetest and hope to find more in the future.  What will their relationship be like when they get older???

Translation:
Der Noah I lov you
kis kis
frum Micah

The wall #2

The wall is slowly taking shape into a beautiful Oaxacan woman in a dress.  I wonder what it will look like when Jawsh is done???

Date with Mom

Jawsh and Zach took their mother out for Valentines Day to The Forum to watch Paul Simon and Sting.  I thought this was so sweet that they surprised her with tickets and by their smiles it looks like they had a great time.  Will Noah and Micah treat me the same when they are older???

Cousins forever

Noah loves his little cousin, Liam.  It's fun to see the boys interact with one another.  Liam is now trying to get in the mix with the older kids and it's really nice that the kids can grow up with their cousins.  When will we see them again???

Valentines Day

Tonight we went over to a friends for Valentines Day dinner and Noah got to see his special friend.  Last year he wrote this in kindergarten: "This Valentine is for my friend Nora because she is nise.  She is my preescool frend.  She likes swinging on the monkey bars and she runs fast." It's one year later and although they don't see each other often, it's nice to share a cupcake with a friend.  Isn't this adorable???

Chess

Micah is learning how to play chess after school at Chess Tutors.  I originally wanted Micah to play fiddles but he chose to play chess with his brother.  Noah is in the advanced level and Micah is now a beginner so they do not have a lot of interaction after school.  However at home, I have seen Micah's understanding of the game and his confidence  grow. Research shows that chess players show greater confidence, develop problem solving skills, logic and reasoning, develop mental disciple and concentration while learning good sportsmanship and strengthening rudimentary skills.  When will Micah capture Noah's king???

The wall

This is the wall.  It's the side of Cinco Restaurant.  Jawsh was commissioned to paint a mural.  What will he do???

Jordan and Pippen

Micah is playing his first season of basketball. He is very excited because he is on the same team as Noah.  Noah has really gained confidence this season (it also doesn't hurt that he is the tallest on the team) and Micah is playing a supporting role (meaning he passes the ball to his brother at every chance).  It's fun to watch these little guy play.  How will they do this season???

Goodbye friend

Today we said goodbye to Marshall Shields.  He was a member of the Smith Family who we will miss dearly.  Jay said it best, "all cookie recipes are made with a dash of salt to balance out the sweet" to which I added, "and Marshall was a cookie full of nuts."  I wonder what Marshall would say to that.

Post by Jawsh

Rascally Raccoon

Sure... she's cute.  Hiding under the deck behind the ball.  But she's also a nuisance who breaks in to the crawl space under the house.  We hired a no kill raccoon removal service and sure enough they got her to vacate the crawl space.  Where will she go next???

Rainbow Award for Micah

Micah received his Rainbow Award this week.  I find this one especially special because they have been learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week.  Micah's award is for "making a difference in the class by being such a responsible student."  I think Micah will be such a great leader and for being one of the youngest kids in his class, I am so proud that he is developing responsibility!  What will he do next???

New scarf

Our neighbors, the K Family, invited us over for dinner.  They have two boys who are 14 and 12 years old.  Noah and Micah are so infatuated with the boys because they are always up to something.  We see them laser tagging out front or on their skateboards.  They have been so sweet to the boys leaving gifts and treats for every occasion.   When we went over little did I know that they have snakes and bearded dragons which made their coolness factor jump up 50 levels.  I think they will influence our boys in good ways because they are good kids... what will it be like next time we hang out???

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts was Jawsh's highlight of our trip.  We even lodged near the Presidio because Jawsh wanted to be close to this area.  I have to say that the architecture was amazing and it was so peaceful and beautiful.  We walked the grounds, took a billion pictures, and then the boys got popsicles which cemented this landmark in their brains (when they get older we may have to reference this experience as the place where they ate a Spiderman and Spongebob ice cream). This was a great way to end our day in the city.  When will we come back to SF???

Hi Cousin Leo

While we were at the Exploratorium, we met up with cousin Jenny and her son, Leo.  This was the first time we met Leo and her first time meeting the boys.  The boys got a long very well but soon grew tired of the museum.  We walked to Fisherman's Wharf and had lunch and then we went to a small playground where the boys ran and had a great time.  When will we see them again???

"Her"

Today we went to the Exploratorium at Pier 15.  This museum has been written up as one of the most important science museums in this century but we stayed such a short time that we really did not get to experience all of it.  Here you see Noah and Micah's reflection on a computer screen.  Noah was conversing with the computer named Daisy.  It was pretty interesting to see Noah "talk" to the computer reminding me of the movie, Her, by Spike Jones.  Instead of falling in love with this computer he just said it was "weird."  What will we explore next???

Zzzz

Jawsh bought this book, This is San Francisco, before our trip so the boys would get a preview of what they would see and of course we brought it along so they could reference it.  This is what it looks like after Day 1 in SF.  Chinatown- check.  Golden Gate Bridge- check. Ghirardelli- check.  What does Day 2 have in store for us???

The world famous Ghirardelli sundae

If the Golden Gate Bridge was my highlight of the trip, I think Ghirardelli Square will be the boys highlight.  After the long walk on the bridge and a nice dinner at McCormick and Kuletto's, we walked over to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop where the boys indulged in the World Famous Ghirardelli Sundae (it only took 45 minutes of waiting).  The boys loved the sundae and even got straws to slurp up the melted ice-cream goodness.  When will we come back???

Golden Gate Bridge

After Chinatown, we headed to the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was absolutely beautiful.  At first we thought we would walk to the first tower and head back but once we started walking we just continued to the end.  It is 1.7 miles one way across the bridge and the boys did okay (Noah needed some assistance from Dad on the way to the end and Micah got a lift on the way back).  Luckily, we were dressed appropriately and the boys were happy to find out that we would get them Ghirardelli sundaes afterwards! I will always remember this experience... what will we do next???

The original Chinatown

Happy New Year! We made our way into San Francisco with our first stop in Chinatown.  We had a nice lunch at Hunan Homes Restaurant and then we waited in line for 40 minutes for egg tarts at Golden Gate Bakery.  Too bad no one really liked the egg tarts!  The boys did love their lychee boba drinks and watching fortune cookies being made at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company.  What will we do next???

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is famous for the Morro Rock, which you can see from just about anywhere in this small town.  The Morro Rock is a 581 foot volcanic plug (yes there was a volcano here 26 million years ago).  This photo was taken from the Natural History Museum rooftop.  We drove to the rock and the boys loved running around.  Will they remember this when they get older???

Santa Barbara

Today begins our trip north to San Francisco.  We decided to take the scenic 101 and to stop overnight in Morro Bay.  On our way to Morro Bay, we stopped for lunch in Santa Barbara to have the best fish and chips this side of the Pacific at Brophy Brothers.  We were there one year today and I must say that they were just as good as we remembered them.  Too bad we didn't have time to go to McConnell's Ice cream... maybe on the way back???

Merry Christmas

This Christmas we had a delicious holiday meal consisting of my Mom's rib roast, green beans and bacon, mac and cheese and of course, kimchi.  We were serenaded all night by the kids singing, "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen.  We did miss my sister (who recently got engaged to Zack) but we were overjoyed to see my cousin who is 18 weeks pregnant.  We did a white elephant gift exchange where Jawsh ended up with the present that he brought (movie tickets) and I got a much needed hand lotion by my favorite brand, L'Occitane.  The boys also received many more toys than they needed from "Santa Billy." My favorite part of the evening was when my parents gifted the boys with money and Noah promptly turned around and handed it to Micah so he could use it to buy his own mini-ipad.  What will Christmas bring next year???

Palm Springs

This was a first... Jawsh and I left the kids overnight at my parents' house while we went to Palm Springs!  Zach generously gifted us with a night away at the Parker Meridian Hotel where we ate the most delicious meal at Mr. Parkers.  The dinner was amazing and the best part about it was it didn't have to end right there... we also went out to a very late showing of American Hustle!  It was a nice quick getaway... when will we go again???

Noah's winter program

Noah's class sang two songs for the winter program:  "Everything's Gonna Be  Alright" by Bob Marley and Simon and Garfunkel's "Feelin' Groovy."  The kids did sign language throughout Bob Marley's song which was really neat to see.  What will he perform next year???

Micah's winter program

Micah's kindergarten class performed three songs in the winter program:  Drediel Song, Song-ee Song-ee, and Mele Kaliki Maka (which were the same songs Noah sang last year).  It was very cute and Micah really enjoyed singing.  Kaitlyn was on holiday break so she was able to attend and watch the performance, which Micah loved.  What will he sing next year???

Standing O

Noah has had a goal to purchase a mini-ipad for over one year.  He saved all his holiday money and allowance (even trying to skimp on his brother's birthday present).  After his last birthday he made the goal but we were still unsure if we should actually allow him to get this device. But after careful consideration, we wanted Noah to experience what it felt like to set a goal and to achieve it (because believe me he had a lot of temptation to spend money every time we walked into Target).  When Noah paid for his mini iPad at the Apple Store in cash (very cute seeing him count it out to the store manager) little did we know how impressed the manager was... he was asking him questions about his chores and also congratulated him on this goal.  After we were done setting up the iPad with parental controls we started walking out of the store and all the Apple employees in their red shirts stopped and gave Noah a round of applause congratulating him on his new iPad.  It was weird and wonderful at the same time.  I wonder if Noah will remember this when he gets older???

3 gifts of giving

It's so wonderful when I see the boys show empathy and love towards others.  On this day, there were many acts of kindness that I was really proud of.  It started at 8 AM this morning in the FOX Studio warehouse, where we sorted thousands of toys that would be shipped to kids in need.  Micah and Noah opened bags and sorted them by gender and age and then helped count them to go to specific charities.  They did a great job remaining focused for over three hours and many adults complimented their hard work!  Then, Micah went to the animal shelter to donate a bag of dog treats and a gift card he received for his birthday to purchase dog food.  The worker tried to give him the gift card back when she saw that it had "Happy Birthday Micah" on it but he replied, "no it's for dog food" and I think she was going to cry.  The last act, I will admit, needed some encouragement from Mom but Noah made the final decision.  We went to the school BINGO night and Noah and Micah both won two prizes.  Noah won a Crazy Loom and a Bubble Maker and Micah won 2 Power Rangers.  Every child that attended this event received a prize with the exception of one boy and one girl.  Micah immediately went over to the boy and gave him one blue Power Ranger toy and Noah went over to the girl and offered his Bubble Maker.  The girl politely declined but was sad.  I encouraged Noah to think about giving his Crazy Loom to the girl because he already has one at home but he really wanted the rubber bands in the box.  After I explained to him that I could go to the store and buy him rubber bands and clips separately he ran over to the girl and offered her the Crazy Loom.  By this time, she was crying but once Noah made this gesture, she wiped her tears, smiled really big, and said, "I feel super."  She gave him a big hug and Noah felt like a hero.  I was so proud of my boys...  I hope that they will continue to give and show others love... how will they help other next???

An yong ha say yo

Micah finished 14 weeks of beginning Korean and although he is repeating this class... I am very proud of him.  He is able to recite the Korean alphabet, use phrases in Korean, and he can write his name.  He made some new friends and enjoys going to class (and he hates being tardy).  The next semester starts in February so we have some time to enjoy the break before the Monday- Wednesday classes start up again...  what will he learn next???

Piano lessons

The boys started piano lesson with their teacher, Yolanda.  They meet once a week for 30 minutes which is much more appropriate than the one hour lessons I had when I was  younger.  Research shows that music has many benefits for the mind, body, and soul and I hope that Noah and Micah will thrive and enjoy this process.  What will they learn how to play first???

Night 4

The tradition lives on...  Jay and Kyer joined us, Grandpa, and Grandma for Chanukah dinner.  It is always a good time when Jay comes over... the kids enjoyed playing with one another and just pick up from where they left off.  I made a Barefoot Contessa brisket (this one will be the last one I make in a long while) and Jawsh and Micah made latkes.  We had a rousing game of Driedel and enjoyed the Randy's Donuts that Jay brought over.  When will we see them again???

Best cousins

Born only two months apart, these two are so good to each other.  Thanks to Billy's influence, Kaitlyn can speak the language of Pokemon and is fluent in Skylander.  These two have so much in common that they will be forever friends.  I love this little girl and have already explained to the boys long ago that they can't marry their cousin, but they can find someone just like her!  When will Emma start hanging out with us???

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our home.  I was inspired by Barefoot Contessa so I followed her menu.  We started with Butternut Squash soup, Arugula Salad, Turkey, Carrots and Parsnips, Stuffing, and Green Beans with Gremolata.  Zach brought the mash potatoes and Bubbe made all the delicious desserts.  It was a nice time to enjoy our family and to be thankful for one another.  Will we celebrate Thanksgiving at our home again next year???

Happy Chanukah #1

Chanukah coinciding with Thanksgiving brings double the celebrations!  The next time this happens again is 2070 and then in 2165 so this is definitely a once in a lifetime thing.  Tonight, we read a story about Chanukah.  The boys love Chanukah... what will tomorrow night bring???

Happy Birthday Halmoni

November is a busy month full of birthday celebrations.  My mom's birthday is the last one to celebrate this month.  We had delicious seafood and a cake that Liam promptly drooled on while sneaking frosting.  What did Halmoni wish for???

After party

After Rolling Robots, we stayed in the neighborhood and went to the LA Zoo for a quick visit.  The boys love spending time with their cousins.  I truly believe that cousins are our first friends and if this is any indication of how they will be when they grow older, I know that these kids will always be there for one another.  How blessed we are, wouldn't you agree???

Happy Birthday Noah!

Noah's 7th Star Wars birthday party was at Rolling Robots in Glendale at the historic Seely Building. The kids got to battle robots and then make their own robots in the workroom.  I can't believe that Noah is 7 years old... wow... where did the time go???

Date night

We went out on our first date, November 17, 1999 and now 14 years later we are out again.  In 1999, Jawsh took me to a 50's cafe in Hillcrest called Corvettes where we noshed on hamburgers, salads, and fries.  This time we went to Connie and Ted's where we enjoyed Oysters, Portuguese Fish Stew, and a Lobster Roll.  I think we have come a long way in our culinary tastes since we were in college. It was so nice to spend some time alone... when will we go out again???

Happy Birthday Noah

Noah's class celebrated all the November birthdays together.  I was able to come and help at the end of the day, which made my day!  Noah was really excited to see me there.  When will I be able to come again and help???

Happy Birthday Harabujee

We celebrated my Dad's 71st birthday today.  After we sang Happy Birthday, Noah and Micah said "you're 71,"  Kaitlyn said, "you're 61," and them Emma said, "30" (I think).  Then my Dad gave Emma $20 for guessing "correctly."  Noah and Micah were so confused!  Liam helped blow out the candle with his saliva and everyone enjoyed the cake.  Wonder what my Dad wished for???

Fun times

Emo, Zach, and Sehee stayed with us for the weekend and the boys had such a nice time.  They love having people over and of course are especially spoiled when my sister is around.  When will they come back again to visit???

Happy Halloween

Last year I thought we were done with dressing up as a group but here we are at it again.  This year we we dressed up as the cast of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  Noah was the scientist, Flint Lockwood, and Micah was his trusty sidekick, Steve the Monkey.  I put on large glasses to look like Sam Sparks but I don't think I pulled it off as well as Jawsh who was Chicken Brent! Will we dress up again as a group ensemble???

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treating with friends is exciting and full of fun until someone falls and lands on their monkey bottom and starts to cry.  Yes, Micah was running towards the door and fell hard.  But after he recovered he had a nice time.  Afterwards, we went back to our neighborhood where Micah preferred to stay home and pass out treats.  I wonder if he will want to do that next year???

Pumpkin carving

The boys loved carving their pumpkins.  Micah chose a cat and Noah chose a jack-o-lantern.  This will be the first time where the boys will be trick or treating in their neighborhood and where we will be passing out treats.  Our treat of choice this year: pretzels.  But hey, it's better than toothbrushes right???

Chaperone- Part 2

Noah's first field trip was to Underwood Farms. Jawsh chaperoned and took Noah and a few of his friends around the farm.  Again, I feel so fortunate that Jawsh can step up and be there for the boys while I am at work.  It's a great partnership and I hope the boys will appreciate their father even more...  is that even possible???

Go Micah!

The one soccer game I miss, Micah scores a goal and then receives the sportsmanship award with his good friend shortly after!  So bummed that I missed it, but at least Jawsh and Noah were witnesses to this event.  I wonder if Micah will score in his next game???

The Chaperone

Micah's first field trip was to the Los Angeles Zoo. Jawsh chaperoned and took Micah and some friends around the zoo.  It was a nice day, not too hot, and they got to see Tina the Elephant perform some mental exercise with a ball.  Afterwards the class headed to Travel Town for lunch.  I feel so fortunate that Jawsh can step up and be there for the boys while I am at work.  It's a great partnership and I hope the boys will appreciate their father even more...  is that even possible???

Rainbow Award

Open School recognizies students at the weekly school-wide assembly.  This week, Noah received a Rainbow Award for his achievement in Mathematics.  I am so proud of Noah and his love for math.  I appreciate the way Noah tackles a math problem and I love that he is so curious about numbers.  Although Noah professes to be many things when he grows up, I will not be surprised if he ends up in engineering!  Wouldn't that be interesting???

Happy Birthday Bubbe

Today we spent the day with Bubbe to celebrate her birthday. First we saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and then we went to dinner at Naples Ribs.  It was a great day...  wonder what she wished for???

Very blessed

When I accepted my position at my school site, I had no idea that this was a bus stop for the boys' school.  Every morning, Jawsh walks them across the street to begin their day and after school the boys hop on the school bus where their first stop is my school.  I feel very blessed that I do not have to drive back and forth to pick them up.  I don't know how this all "worked out" for us, but I am very thankful.  Jawsh is very thankful.  And the boys, well they'll realize how lucky they were when they get older... right???