Woo-hoo to 3 years

Already! And this year was probably the biggest in transitions. As mentioned on the back side of our Christmas card this year...

January: Mr. Woo is closer to 30 than to 20
February:  Mrs. Woo craves watermelon, cereal, and peanut butter
March:  Babymoon to Maui, Hawaii
April:  Mrs. Woo is closer to 30 than to 20
May:  Mr. Woo is no longer a teacher by profession and begins working in the city
June:  Mrs. Woo is no longer a teacher by profession and is (finally) a stay-at-home wifey
July:  Mrs. Woo bakes up a storm while "nesting"
August:  Selah is born!
September:  Many well-wishers visit (with food!)
October:  Begin bi-weekly family outings strolling down Fourth Street
November:  Host Thanksgiving for both sides of family
December:  Selah not only smiles and squeals but grabs toys, bibs, and Mommy's hair


And as a nod to our tradition, another picture from our wedding:

Christ not only joined us together, but keeps us together year after year. :)

Psst - Click to view our proposal, engagement, one year pictures.

A three day process and finding feet

Our Selah has grown so much! I was excited to see that her dexterity was fantastic and just in time for opening presents, which she had no shortage of. The littlest member of the family probably received the most gifts but it was probably us who enjoyed it more.

Christmas Eve was spent with Mr. Woo's side of the family who came up for a few days. Nolie and Joe joined the food and fun as well.

 

 

Christmas morning was a cozy and special three-persons party. We sang songs, Husband read from the Word, and we fought for took turns holding the most popular member of our household as we opened gifts in our respective stockings. There seemed to have been misunderstanding about that. I thought it meant stocking stuffers plus gifts while Mr. Woo meant only gifts that fit in the stockings. Growing up, stockings were just decorations - except the year my cousins visited from Korea (Santa brought lots and lots of snacks). Now I know for next year.

She did give us a small something for us this morning: she found her feet! It could have been accidental while opening presents, but I saw with my own two eyes her little hand grabbed her even littler toes. Yay for another milestone! (And for remembering to record it in a list of "firsts" that I've been compiling for her scrapbook.)

Then Christmas dinner was at my parents' - with the whole gang. The food was exceptionally incredible before another round of gifts. Selah gathered the most gifts, hands down. She even received one from from Mr. Woo's company! And his team lead!

Three days of presents for the little munchkin! I like to think that it was great dexterity practice for the little learner. Maybe next year I should spread the gifts out and give her one for each holiday, like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day coming up or Presidents Day after that. I do sing her "Happy Birthday" for each weekly birthday (no gifts, just the song)...

My favorite Christmas gift

Exactly one year ago, we found out that we had a little one joining the family. Today we're loving our Precious Cargo sent "priority mail." Selah's four months old and quite the happy wee addition. I received some lavish gifts in small packages this year, but the petite one that smiles, squeals, and blows raspberries at me is my all-time favorite. You just can't put a price on the moments she reaches for your finger or grins at you from across the room. Looking at this little human being discovering the world around her, I'm full of wonder and amazement myself.

I can't even imagine what Mary must have felt holding Baby Jesus. What was going through her mind as He lay in the manger? When I was in labor I didn't even have my eyes open for the first half of my grueling labor. Maybe it's different when you know that you're bringing the Savior into fully man form? But surely she must have been rejoicing and praising God for the historic and crucial day. Hubby recently reminded me that Christ's birth was necessary not only to pay the penalty for sin (substitutionary atonement), not only to fulfill prophecy, but also because God can't die. Christ, being fully man and fully God, came to earth to be the ultimate sacrifice (for our sins no less) and conquered death... Words don't seem to give that truth adequate justice. Selah might be my favorite Christmas gift but my Lord Jesus Christ has to be the best gift ever. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Happy Holidays

Stocking Stuffer

Christmas Wishlist 2011

It's that time of year again to drop (obvious) hints to my Near and Dear (that's you, Hubby). This year I've just thrown some things onto the list, but it's only to get him thinking, not necessarily things I must have. Last year he knocked off multiple items off the list(!) - although I didn't get one of them until months later because he hid it in behind a co-workers whiteboard so that I wouldn't find it. Too bad he had forgotten about it... But I mustn't forget that I did receive an early gift that dragged swept me by surprise. We'll see what this year brings. We even bought stockings for each family member despite having no place to hang them!

Item #1

Ugg Mini Kimono in grey (size 6), (6pm.com, $89)

Why I like it

(1) My current and only Uggs are reaching the end of their life.

(2) They keep my feet warm in the winter.

(3) They are one of the few closed toe shoes that I'll wear.

Note: It's now out of stock. :(

Item #1

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard Scarf (brown), (2008 LE, $1350)

Why I like it

(1) I suppose it doesn't have to be this particular one, but it's cute and warm.

(2) It's a versatile piece.

(3) It's purrrty (puahaha).

Item #2

Calphalon Nonstick Pots and Pans (Macy's/Williams-Sonoma, varies)

Why I like it

(1) My stash has been fairly abused with metal utensils and high temperatures by others in the kitchen.

(2) Cleaning nonstick is non-stressful.

(3) It's an investment that allows me to serve my family daily.

Item #3

West Elm Charity Mug, ASPCA (westelm.com, $10)

Why I like it

(1) Husband won't buy me a real French Bulldog.

(2) Mugs are practical.

(3) It's for a good cause.

Item #4

Western Digital External Hard Drive 3TB Passport, (staples.com, $150)

Why I like it

(1) I take hundreds of pictures each week.

(2) My computer is slowing down.

(3) In case of a fire, I can only grab two things, Selah with my left arm and this in my right.

Item #5

A 3br 2ba House, (Bay Area, $400-600k)

Why I like it

(1) I would like our own washer/dryer for the several loads of laundry each week.

(2) White walls are getting boring.

(3) Selah needs crawling space, and it's a long term investment? 


I'm noticing quite the difference between this year's list to the one from last year. I need to get a bigger Christmas stocking.

What's big on your Christmas wishlist this year?

Tree's the season to be

Selah's still somewhat of a newborn, but I already want her to be part of making memories with us (she'll have to re-member with photos later). I thought it'd be sad to put her presents under our tiny tree from last year, so we upgraded. Don't get me wrong; I wasn't about to go chop down a real pine from the woods for our baby who wouldn't know the difference. We ventured to good 'ol Target who recently had a great promotion in stores - $10 gift card for any purchase over $50. Plus, the Christmas trees were on sale. Yay for deals!

It took us a week before we carved some time, but it's up now.  There's a slight Charlie Brown feel to the tree, but it's Selah-sized (just like her fall pumpkin was). She likes the lights. I like that the presents are no longer bigger than our tree. 

Oh, and I'm thinking about making it a Casa Woo tradition to not put a traditional star atop our trees. Last year's served us well in more ways than one, but this year's takes the cake. Our star:

I also like the glimmering and can now I can admire the pretty lights from within my own home instead of stealing glances as we walk past our neighbor's window. Once their window was open while I verbally gushed at their nice tree. Yeah, she looked out at me. Whoops.
 

Can't fight this feeling anymore

We came back from visiting Mr. Woo's family the evening of Christmas day, so we didn't open gifts until December 26th (well, I did receive part of my gift early), which was fine. We didn't want to lug our gifts on top of all of the gifts for family.

So we had a little merry time of opening gifts and telling the stories that went with each thought-induced gift. My gifts, apparently, were still on the way. Later I learned (the way I wasn't supposed to) that my generous hubby bought me a few lovelies from the wishlist I had compiled.

Oh, wait. Before all of this had happened. We did get one special gift in the morning.

Merry Christmas to us! Mr. Woo was very happy. I didn't know what to think. You're sure you'll know how you're going to react to something you've been wanting since your childhood (are you really surprised?) - until it happens. Then a whole mess of thoughts flood your mind. I think part of it was the whole thing sneaking up on me.

About a week prior, I decided to take a test. This time around I had a little problem: I had peed everything out but the test strip didn't get wet at all. I'm not sure why, but I announced this to Mr. Woo, who then suggested that I dunk the strip in the toilet bowl. This should have been my cue to say, "Husband, that's a great idea, however, I don't think that's how these tests work." Instead, I shrugged my shoulders and dipped the thing in the water. Of course, it came back negative. So off I went thinking I couldn't be preggers.

The morning after we returned from our trip I still wasn't feeling well, a constant carsick feeling, so Mr. Woo suggested I take another test. So I sit on the porcelain throne and proceed to say, "But I took one last week, and it said I'm not." Just as I was lifting it up to show him and prove my point, I was silenced. He then asked which mark would indicate a positive result because before I could utter the words "a plus sign" one had clearly popped up. "That looks like a cross to me... You're pregnant." Oh.my.goodness.

This is not what was supposed to happen! I had been planning my show-and-tell for years now. I was supposed to find out first and then prepare a delicious meal consisting of baby back ribs, baby carrots, and baby spinach. Then, I would direct my unsuspecting husband to the other side of the kitchen to reveal a bun sitting in an oven. And because he wouldn't understand what I was trying to say, I was going to give him a pancake that said "Dad" on it and show him the stick as evidence. But being the wonderful husband that he is, Mr. Woo lovingly reminded me that how we find out was not what was important. He was right.

So there you have it, folks. We are so, very excited to tell our church family. But since our last few members meetings have been getting canceled, we've had to wait a bit. We want people to hear the good news directly from us (c'mon it's our first baby!), but as I'm learning, things don't always go as planned. This next members meeting is going to be a big one. Let's just say I'm #10 out of 13 for this new year - that I know of.

Still writing "2010"

Happy New Year!

Mr. Woo and I were actually able to do a countdown to ring in the new year. I didn't know something so simple could make me so happy, but it did. :)

But since I'm still stuck in 2010 as seen on some of my papers (I know, being a teacher you'd think I'd have it down by now), let's finish out the year with a few more memories.

The early part of my Christmas present was received on a Date Night before heading off for the winter break. Again, no frills and bugles but it was such a sweet gesture, especially considering how many hours he actually put into planning, choosing, and organizing the mix. (Thank you to those of you who made contributions!)


The Christmas holiday was an elongated blur for me. We visited my parents for a night before heading to SoCal to visit the in-laws, whom we accompanied to Sin City. Friends, never let me go there again (or at least have some sort of plan if I have to go). Smoking allowed indoors, flashing billboards ev.er.y.where, among some other not-for-me items on their agenda. Maybe if we had seen "The Lion King" or Cirque du soleil... The food was good though.


Up next, some Christmas presents and a look at how I did with my set of 2010 resolutions, and any new resolutions planned for 2011.

O Christmas Tree

Having a Christmas tree in the home seems so festive and winter-y, even after the big 2-5 morning. (I don't even know what day it is today. It's one of those weeks.) Sure, if we purchase a once live Douglas to join us in the living room, it'd smell like a forest. There'd also be fallen debris to clean up as well as disposing logistics. It's worth it for some, not for us this year. Then there's wonderful Target or several others who offer artificial trees to unfold, fluff, and feather up. This would be a long-term investment and a long period of storage each year. Again, not worth it for us this winter.

I like DIYing so I decided I'd make one. At school, we're not allowed to bring in any Christmas trees or lights (how neat would that be to light up the room?!), so I used cardstock poster and tissue paper. While my students worked on their wreaths, I'd work on the tree.

Step 1:
Free hand cut out a tree. I've been favoring free hand for my classroom projects as the "flaws" add character. To cut down on precious time, I had one posterboard over another to achieve two trees with one cut.

Step 2:
Then I made slits on both trees - one at the top half of the first tree, one at the bottom half of the second tree. Here, I did use a ruler and pencil to make sure it wouldn't be lopsided when I put it together.

Step 3:
To make sure it would stand, and that I didn't make any technical errors, I assembled my 3-D tree.

Step 4:
Use gluestick to adhere small, green tissue squares to each side, 4 in total. I worked bottom-up to create texture and movement.

Step 5:
Reassemble tree. Place gift exchange presents "under" the tree.

Then it made me sad that I had a Christmas tree to enjoy at school with my students and not with my hubby at our cozy home. That's when a trip to Beverly's turned out to be more than what I bargained for. I went to pick up some pin needles when a bin of the cutest rustic-looking trees caught my eye. With Mr. Woo's approval we snagged one of our liking and took it to the cashier to gleefully find out that it was on sale! The assembly of this tree was much simpler.

Step 1:
Scout a place for the tree. Place it there.

Step 2:
Fluff branches of tree to desired look.

Step 3:
Decorate with garland and/or ornaments.

Step 4:
Place any star of your choice on top.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They are green when summer days are bright;
They are green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!

:)

Christmas Wishlist 2010

Oh, goody gumdrops, 12 days until Christmas is here! This excites me for several reasons, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm very curious as to what my dear Husband might wrap up this year. Just to help him out, I've decided to compile a list of fabulous items that I would gladly receive with open arms. Don't worry, I'll make room to embrace him with a hug too.


On the #1 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Polar Bear Sweater (Urban Outfitters, $49)

 

I know this sweater will have to be in hibernation most of the year, but it's adorable. It keeps looking at me with those longing eyes, "Adopt me... I'm a friendly cost-effective pet that you don't have to clean up after..."

On the #2 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Bone China Snowflake Hurricane (Crate&Barrel, $24.95, $8.95)

These beauties will probably only come out as often as the polar bear sweater above, but I'm a sucker for anytime candle-lit evenings. I'll take one of the large hurricanes and a set of the small ones as well, thank you.

On the #3 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

French Bulldog Die-cut Calendar (Urban Outfitters, $12)

I've been asking Mr. Woo on repeat for a little Frenchie to call my own. If I can't have a real one, at least the representation of one that I can look at all year long? For the record, I like the pure cream-coated ones. Google them to see what I mean! Oh,you'rejustthesweetest-lookingthingeveraren'tyou? Yeah!Yes,youare! Yes,youare!...

On the #4 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Farmer's Egg Crate (Anthropologie, $14)

A clean, glossy white ceramic product to store earrings and such trinkets. Once I move my dresser into the closet, I'd make this chicken's friend/foe a lovely coop on top of it. 

On the #5 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Shrewd Stitches Stole (Anthropologie, $238)

I've watched "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and it has no effect on my desire for this scarf. It's creative, unique, and fun. Enough said. Although it would cost me my arm, leg, and maybe my liver and bones too.

On the #6-8 days of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

The gift of music (varies)

A couple of CDs I've been wanting for a while make it to this list. Yes, I'm traditional and prefer the hard plastic cases with lyrics printed on the fold-outs inside, though I'm not entirely opposed to the ease of iTunes. Let's see, Jason Mraz is one of my favorite artists yet I don't own any of his - something that I'm sure would have been different if I were still in college (funny how that works, huh?). I'm also intrigued by Adele and Joss Stone at the moment. 

On the #9-11 days of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

The gift of the silver screen (varies)

Though both animated, I'd like to add How To Train Your Dragon (I wrote a review here) and Despicable Me (the double disc with the extra clips of the little minions). I'm also liking Dirty Rotten Scoundrels due to the casting, clever plot, and the fact that we often stretch to one of the songs in my Broadway Jazz Dance class (thanks, Husband!).

On the #12 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Cruise for 2 to Alaska/Hawaii/Europe/Anywhere (varies)

It's been one God-must-really-love-with-all-that-He's-teaching-me-right-now ride this year. I'm definitely asking for a stronger back rather than a smaller load, but I will not complain about a getaway. Staycations are great, but I'm talking a mammoth vacation with stress rolling off the shoulders as I soak in a jaccuzzi and play with dear Husband most of the day.

And that wraps up my melodious Winter 2010 Wish List. :)

[All images from the links provided.]

 

Psssst!  Yesterday was our HomeGroup's Secret Santa gift exchange. I got this little guy to add to my growing collection. I know Mr. Woo will not be adding to it as he'd like to put an end to my owl posse. He called it "kinda creepy." What a hoot!

 

Do You Hear What I Hear

We're back from SoCal, and what.a.trip. Not only did we stuff our faces (surprise, surprise) with "awesome" food, but we spent time with extended family members ("love that"), and came back with still a few days of vacation left - "perfect."

Christmas with Mr. Woo's family is so different than what I'm accustomed to. Spending several days with a bustling house filled with much noise was something I had only seen on TV and heard on the other line when I called friends to wish them a happy holiday. I guess being an only child with relatives living across borders makes it difficult to gather in such conditions. But, you know, this Christmas was a bit different from last year's in that his cousin's husband's sister's family joined us too.

Meet the cousins + the Lavenders (circa Summer 2008):

Yes, they have 5 girls. Yup, they all live under the same roof. Yeah, it's fun with them. I'm convinced that the more children the merrier - maybe not on the bank account, but in love, laughter, and cherished memories. Each is their own little person wrapped up with a different personality than the rest. What a joy! We're hoping to go visit them in the South sometime. It'd be my first trip to "my roots!"

I'm sitting here in the living room (which I've been "poofing" this past fall), and I never realized how quaint and quiet our place was until now...

Eureka

An update on my "one size fits all" saga...

After I uploaded the pictures onto my computer, I got to thinking that there must be some good reason why the front of the robe looks the way it does. I've seen infomercials on Snuggies, and it's not one of those. After Sara's comment I mentioned that I had Mr. Woo try it on last night, but tonight was the night we discovered the designer's intent.

Here I was, trying to work this thing like Tyra would advice (I'm supposed to even make a trash bag look like it's worth a million dollars, right?). I'm tucking in corners, wrapping one side to the other, and no matter what I do, it looks pathetic. So I did what I do when all else fails - tie it into a pretty bow. Or so I tried. I did feel more Heidi Klum this way though. See the resemblance?

I was feeling pretty good about my alteration, and asked Mr. Woo to try it on again too. He obliged after the third time.

Initially he wore part of it (the part that I had tied together) on his head asking, "What, I'm not supposed to wear it this way?" Secretly, I had to rethink throwing out this option. There has to be some reason why those flappy things are just hanging there in the front! Maybe providing a shielding hood was it?

Then he pulled it down and actually wore it like a robe.

"Hey, maybe this is supposed to go up like..." As he trailed off, his face told me that he had just discovered something terrific.

"Maybe you're supposed to wear it the other way! ... Yeah, you're supposed to wear it the other way! Boo, you've been wearing it backwards this whole time."

o_O Well, I'll be... I've been wearing it backward this entire time. But, you know, I don't think it matters how I wear it - I still look like the red is eating me.