Find Your Happiness

While we were at the mall this past weekend, Nathaniel said he wanted a mixed drink and at least 10 people heard him say it. Hubby and I were so  confused and mortified at the same time! We found out later that Nathaniel meant he wanted a frappuccino drink from Starbucks topped with whipped cream where he "mixes" it with the drink. It just goes to show how long it has been since I've ordered a very high in carbs drink and apparently, Nathaniel is missing it, too.

The night before Nathaniel's fourth birthday, we went out for ice cream after dinner. It is a tradition that started in 2009 when Hubby and I went to our last date before we officially became parents (I was being induced the next day). It's a little family tradition we have kept ever since. And it's even better if we can go to a Baskin Robbins since that's where we originally went in 2009. I, unfortunately, didn't get to participate in the ice cream eating since my blood glucose were elevated for both lunch and dinner :( Nathaniel wore the birthday crown-hat his received from his school. And in the last few photos, he wanted water after eating his ice cream but they gave it to us in a coffee Styrofoam cup. I kid around with him and told him it's hot liquid. It resulted in some really cute smiles because every time he tries to take a sip, I would pretend to be really worried he may burn himself. He knew better but still apparently tho

A four year old buried under the chaos of opening his birthday presents

At the beginning of this month, Hubby was promoted to Sergeant. The ceremony is usually done in front of the command but since Hubby was on leave, he picked to do it the day before their usual Wednesday formation so I could attend (I usually work on Wednesdays). And for this promotion, he asked Staff Sergeant Topping and Staff Sergeant Hehman to pin him. I seriously could not be more proud of him and I'm excited to see what he will accomplish on this current rank!

Nathaniel asked Santa for this Power-Up Controller and we quickly found out the reason why. When he first used it and the toy said, "Go, go Mega Force!," he looked at his body because he  really  thought it would morph him into a Power Ranger. It kinda broke my heart to see disappointment in his face :( Oh, to have the imagination and hope of a child!

Merry Christmas from the three of us and Baby Green Pickle!

Two day ago, Nathaniel decided to make our front door festive and decorated it with Christmas gel stickers he received from school. I expected him to just place the pieces all over the door but he actually assembled Santa! I bought plenty of this type of stickers during the Halloween clearance and looks like I will have to do the same for the rest of the holidays.

For the part of Nathaniel's birthday, we went to Chuck E Cheese per the birthday boy's request. And when Nathaniel won a game, he felt the need to dance and brag about his victory. Hubby said his water gun wasn't working but we just let Nathaniel believe he beat his Daddy fair and square ;)

At four years old, Nathaniel stands at three feet, five inches. He grew three inches over the past year!

Every year on Nathaniel's birthday, we ask him the same 20 questions. The video is 10 minutes and 45 seconds long! I know it is long (5 minutes longer compared to last year!) but it's really a must see. It shows Nathaniel's silly personality and how much and how well he can talk. I look forward to this every year and I am even more excited about showing clips of these videos on his wedding day ;) 1. What is your favorite color? Red 2. What is your favorite toy? Power Rangers 3. What is your favorite fruit? Pineapple 4. What is your favorite TV show? Power Rangers 5. What is your favorite movie? The Little Mermaid 6.  What is your favorite thing to wear? Green Ninja shirt 7.  What is your favorite animal? Lion 8.  What is your favorite song? Power Rangers song 9.  What is your favorite book? Personalized Spider-Man book (from Tita Janine) 10. Who is your best friend? Daniel (cousin) and Carter (neighbor) 11.  What is your favorite food? Cheesy hotdogs 12.  W

Today, our not-so-little firstborn Nathaniel turned four years old. We celebrated his birthday with friends yesterday with a Power Rangers theme (his current obsession). And spent the evening of his actual birthday at one of his favorite places in the world: Chuck E Cheese. I can't believe how fast he is growing and I am so blessed to watch this beautiful, energetic soul just mature into a little young boy. It is never a boring moment when Nathaniel is around. In the photo above, we were at Chuck E Cheese when I looked at the clock and realized it was 8:04 pm. Me: Nathaniel, you are official four years old! Can I take your picture? *Nathaniel poses* M: Really? No smile? Smile for me! N: No, Mommy. M: Why not? N: 'Cause I'm a big boy.

For Thanksgiving this year, we decided to stay in Georgia instead of going home to Indiana. Because of that, we were finally able to resume a Thanksgiving tradition after a two year hiatus. We invited Hubby's friends/co-workers who didn't go to their hometown too spend the holiday with us in our house. I really love this tradition we started in Monterey, CA back in 2009. A few highlights (and lowlights) about our Thanksgiving this year: On Thanksgiving eve, I had to remake the pumpkin cinnamon rolls dough, which we were going to have for Thanksgiving breakfast. I forgot that I placed the dough to rise in the oven and pre-heated it without checking. I just so happened to use the last of my yeast, too. Hubby goes out to the supermarket #1 at 9:30 pm. While making the icing for the pumpkin cinnamon rolls, I used butter instead of whole milk. I thought it tasted fine (hmmm… butter!) but Hubby thought it was gross. I happene