Happy Birthday James

Happy belated birthday greetings to Woody's brother, James, who celebrated his birthday on the 30th. I added this baby photo because the "Pac Man" overalls really dates this picture.





We hope you had a good Birthday. - Woody, Michelle, Morgan, Annika and Ingrid.

Tonight's Reading

We're flying into a new book with the older girls. Here's something unrelated to reading that I'd like to comment about. With three daughters equally spaced in age, I find it neat that I can say, "the younger girls" and it's understood that I'm talking about Ingrid and Annika. Conversely, I can say "the older girls" and mean Morgan and Annika. My middle child is the chameleon - she's up to playing either role.

Anyway, we started the new book by Clive Cussler who we met at Sunday's Literature Luncheon in Scottsdale. This book is about two twins who find a magical plane, named Vin Fiz and go off on adventures. We've only managed to finish the first chapter. We can share more about the book as we go (I haven't read this one before - it's new to me, too).

AZ Kidney Foundation Children's Literature Luncheon

Today was the annual Arizona Kidney Foundation Kid's Literature Luncheon. Once dubbed, "Put a Kid on Your Knee for the Kid-nee" Literature Luncheon, it has a long history as a charity event in Scottsdale. I have been participating for over 10 years now. Time flies. Here are some interesting memories of past years.

1. The first year I attended this event, I went as a "substitute". My co-worker had tickets and got sick at the last moment. Her daughters still wanted to attend, so I volunteered to take them. It was, by far, the most elaborately decorated hotel ballroom I had ever seen. The theme was Valentines Day. We were placed at a front table and had two authors join us - Larry King and his daughter. They co-wrote a childrens book. It was rather interesting and entertaining to eat lunch with Larry King. My young co-attendant asked him why he was eating only jelly beans for lunch-rather unhealthy she pointed out.

2. When Morgan was two, the event was moved to Westworld which carries a natural Western theme. The grand ballroom was replaced by a large replica red barn. While standing in line to pay for my books that were to be autographed, Morgan decided she wasn't going to continue standing, and started a temper tantrum. I took a breath and decided I would remain calm during this outburst. Morgan was behind me. Before I captured my serene thought, a red headed lady with a head-strong attitude bent down and let Morgan know - there'd be no more tears and crying! I felt a sudden feeling that thousands of eyes were staring at us. My thought was confirmed as I completed my turn and saw the face of the red-headed lady who had by now picked up my daughter, brushing away her tears and comforting her. Way to go Morgan, it's the governor of Arizona. She told me not to worry - she's taken on more adult tantrum throwers than I could imagine. Morgan was no match!

3. Two years ago, our entire family attended the event - now moved to the Scottsdale Westin Kierland resort. There we got to meet astronaut Col. Buzz Aldrin and listen to his stories about the early years of NASA and traveling to the moon. The kids were more excited to find out he wasn't named after Disney's Lightyear, it was the other way around! We picked up several copies of Buzz' children's book.

Today the girls and I attended while Woody stayed home with Ingrid. The authors were quite gregarious and the girls enjoyed interacting with them - especially the entertainer Mrs. B. We bought several books this year to add to our growing "specially autographed" collection. Annika joined a group of singers and dancers on stage which we appropriately captured on film. I think Morgan is really starting to understand the authors and the process of writing and publishing books. She gets a kick out of meeting them in person and then reading the book. Today we spoke with Clive Cussler, who's a best selling author of fiction. His books include, Sahara, which was made into a action thriller movie. His newest endeavor is children's action books. Morgan is set to read about Vin Fiz.

A Little Baking, A Little Silly

Woody went to the library to study for his final and write a paper. That left us girls time in the afternoon for girl activities. With Ingrid tucked in for a nap, the older two begged me to let them make cupcakes. It wasn't hard to say Yes!

Annika got the giggles first. By the time we were finished, Annika was sporting a new spa treatment. A little water and scrubbing took care of her face. It was all fun for the afternoon.

Hey Annika, where did the 24th cupcake go?

Breakfast in Bed

Presented by our three daughters.

Our three daughters got the grand idea that they would not disturb us if they ate their own breakfast and, in addition, made us breakfast in bed.

They're fully aware of the kitchen rules: no cooking and no knives. Therefore we were quite amazed that they concocted mini pizzas for Dad. Before you say WOW, what great kids, consider this. They actually wanted their dad to eat the "pizzas" in front of them - while they stood there beaming.

That's parmesan cheese on the right. Are you ready for a MoAnIng breakfast? Just call and we'll send them to "cook" for you.

Tonight's Reading

The tantrums of yesterday are over and the Chung house is full of harmony (not that Harmony, She's coming in two weeks).

After a trip to Sam's Club for diapers and milk, the girls took baths and we read two books. The girls sat through both books and asked a few questions and made a comment or two. That satified me. I wonder sometimes if they're actually following a plot or near plot.

Morgan reminded us that she doesn't have any school tomorrow. To celebrate she is reading magazines in bed. She likes the National Geographic Kids and Zoobooks.

Our Evening's Discordant Voices

Sometimes it's easier to use pictures and create a photo essay to describe an event. I don't have any photos documenting our post five p.m. life, so I was forced to use models as stand-ins for my kids. These photos of child models reflect the evening at the Chung House.

Ingrid's pushing through bi-lateral tooth number number 4. Morgan is not having an A-game day and is out of sorts. Annika's just seizing an opportunity to provide her idea of harmony (read: 3 girls discordant crying and whining; all in different tones).

Tonight's Reading

First, here was our dinner menu: Grilled Trout, fresh asparagus and whole wheat couscous. The girls ate well and we had some good family conversation.

Dinner was followed by baths. Uneventful and quickly finished.

We read two books and ate dessert (mini ice cream sandwiches - yum).



It was nearly eight o'clock when we finished. Morgan retreated to her room to read magazines. Ingrid watched Korean cartoons and Annika did her best to entertain Woody while he folded clothes. Kids asleep by 8:45. Success!!

I'm keeping up two blogs now and somehow lost a few posts from the Chung Family Blog. We still have the original corresponding photos on the camera chip so I could re-create, but now I'm tired.

He Can Drive a Tank, but Can He Drive a Trike?

A new plasma car made its way to our house last night. We moved the kitchen table and let the girls go around the on the tile. It really moves well outside on the sidewalks. The car is entirely powered by turning moves, which gives your arms quite a workout. The car can easily hold adults. By the looks of the pictures, one may wonder if the kids ever got a try using the new trike. (They did.)


Former Bradley gunner,Woody, takes the Plasma Car for a spin.



Morgan and Kelly (Annika's friend) double up for twice the effort.



Our neigbor Joann takes a turn with Delaney watching.


.
Phil can pilot many types of aircraft, but what about a trike?

Lunch on the Lawn

Time is flying by this school year. It's seems a blink of the eye and now - only six more weeks of school! Annika also is involved in the countdown. She's so ready for kindergarten. Today, was Jacobson Elementary's semi-annual lunch on the lawn, complete with the Hamilton High School Jazz Band providing entertainment.

I planned a picnic lunch and wanted to include Annika so she could eat with her sister's class. Morgan wrote that the second grade class eats lunch at 12 Noon. Annika and I arrived early so we could rest and listen to the band before Morgan joined us. Unfortunately, even with our earlier arrival, Morgan's class was finishing their lunch, rather than starting their lunch time.

Mrs. Goring was kind and let Morgan spend a little more time with mom and sister before she rejoined her class. Annika enjoyed the lunchbox (Morgan's old kindergarten lunchbox with Hello Kitty), and a chance to see her future "digs".

Chung Family Contest # 5 - We Have a Winner!

Well sort of. There was only one entrant. However, we fully took my Aunt Diane's suggestion for funny magnets that reflect our personalities. Diane suggested that I am a "Busy Bee" and Woody is a "Cool Cat". True, I attempted to purchase her suggestion for me, but they were out.

We found after much reflection that two magnets each matched some familiar characteristics of our personalities.

Woody likes to stay up late which makes the Night Owl magnet a good match. I have been told I used to be a Class Clown (some of my college roommates will back up this statement with their biased testimony).

On the other hand, I have some Hippie Chick qualities (I love etsy.com) and Woody can be as easy going and good natured as a Happy Camper. So we ordered both sets.

Click here to see the rest of the Jane Jenni collection

Evil Garage Door Season Is Over!!!!

It finally happened. The Earth has moved ever so slightly on its 23 degree axis and I am happy. Why? I can shut my garage door at exactly 8:03 AM without the assistance of a either a large kite, my body's shadow, and/or my children pressing the car button to coax the evil door to a shut position.

Why am I so relieved, yet fully disgruntled? As I said in my post here, my garage door sensor is my bête noire that causing daily frustration as I try to caste a shadow so I can trick it into closing.

I am happy for now, but feel this might become an annual post until we figure out a solution for next year.

Is That A Camel?

More later, Ingrid just woke. I'll post the picture and explain later.


We spent the morning today at the Phoenix Zoo with our good friends, Kim and Dave, and their children Jessica and Liam. Liam is a few months younger than Morgan. We had a great time and the kids had some room to run. We held an impromptu Chung Family Contest to guess when Ingrid and Annika would fall asleep on the ride home.

The guesses were:
1. Five minutes after leaving - Jessica
2. At the freeway entrance - Kim
3. At the McClintock Road Exit - Michelle
4. Half way home (approx Elliot Road) - Dave

The winner for Ingrid was Jessica. The zoo was packed when we left. We were near SRP when Ingrid fell asleep (we clocked it), but not yet to the freeway exit.

The winner for Annika was Dave. Annika fell asleep seemingly mid-sentence at about Warner Road.

Isn't it strange the way parents find ways to amuse themselves?

Will It Be the Last Sweater Day?

I pondered this morning when I put back Morgan's shorts for Jeans - in a matter of weeks, I'd be begging for a lightly cloudy day like today. The green grass looks beautiful now. Even more so when I think of the two feet of snow my parents received at their cabin. But, I know my good fortune will come to an end and I'll be miseably inside complaining. IT'S HOT...

But, that is not today. I smiled parking my car at lunch. I'm going to walk outside for my lunchtime errands. Windows down on the car, it was a sensational day. I got to my office only to find an e-mail from Woody. He had taken a picture of the younger two before they went to preschool. The picture made my day - except now I was stuck inside an office with no chance to open a window (it's a hospital).

Morgan finished her Terra Nova testing today and got more recess time. The girls spent a better part of the afternoon playing outside at school.

Early bedtime tonight, it's now silent and dark. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings.

P.S. Aren't they cute?

Tidbits and Tonight's Reading

Morgan went to the dentist yesterday and had a baby tooth pulled to make room for a permanent tooth. Wow! The tooth fairy visited and brought her a dollar and a small Playmobil figure.

Ingrid is really talking and expressing her wants/needs in typical toddler fashion. She can say "NO" in many ways now.

Woody read to Annika - Lady and the Tramp. I read to Ingrid - Dr. Seuss' Foot Book and Morgan read chapter 3 of her school book. I didn't catch the title of the chapter book and the book is packed in her backpack for tomorrow.

I started a new private blog for my college roommates and me to get back in touch. There were EIGHT of us sharing a room when I was a freshman. I think my first post will be about the electrical outlet situation we faced when we first arrived. Four double outlets. That equals eight plugs for eight students. Or one plug each!!! One plug for your computer, radio, alarm clock, hair dryer, curling iron, VCR, hotpot, etc. That was absolutely crazy, but somehow we made it work.

((Wow! Wow!) ^2 )

My cousin, Jen, sent an e-mail announcement that she would be welcoming twins to her family early this fall. She'll be a busy mom with two little ones already. But I'm positive Jen and John can handle it, they are very calm and confident parents. Those lucky twins are sure going to be cute!

This means we need to update the Springer Chart. Check this out!

Now let's suppose Jen and John, and my other cousin Chad's wife Alison, are both carrying girls. If that were to be the case, this would be the future estrogen graph. Wouldn't that be interesting!

To Jen and Alison: We wish you all the best for a safe and blessed pregnancy.

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday

Except for the captured Rolly Pollys. They may be a little frightened by three girls cooing over how "cute" the little bugs look. That sounds like a classic oxymoron. "Mom, Mom! Look at the cute baby one!!!" I'm sure that baby bug isn't exactly thinking cute after its capture and confinement in an old dog bowl.

Here's a strange thought. Why do we have a dog bowl but do not have a dog?

I don't find anything cute about the bowl and its contents, but the three girl curators in charge of baby Rolly Pollys look awful cute!

Chung Family Contest #5 - Name the Parents

The Easter Bunny brought the girls their own refrigerator magnet in the baskets this year. Each magnet is meant to be used to display something special for each child. The pop art magnets reflect their personalities:


Bookworm - Morgan

Silly Goose - Annika

Early Bird - Ingrid


It's been pointed out to us by more than one child that the Easter Bunny didn't leave magnets for Mom and Dad. "What is your magnet, mom?" It never occurred to the Easter Bunny to consider leaving FIVE magnets.

So, we are considering acquiring two additional magnets and are letting the girls and our friends and family pick them out. Which magnets match our personalities? Use the comments and select the two magnets you think describes Woody and me. We'll post the winning purchases in the future. Here's the list. Have fun.

Social butterfly, papa bear, mama bear, baby bear, bees knees, silly goose, busy bee, lucky duck, funny bunny, spring chicken, queen bee, sweetheart, love birds, funky monkey, early bird, night owl, hot dog, good egg, stud muffin, happy camper, hippie chick, tree hugger big cheese, dingbat, sweet pea, cats meow, cool cat, biker chick, monkey business, bookworm, train wreck, top dog, top banana, cutie pie, mother hen, superstar, snow bunny, health nut, eager beaver, goof ball, wallflower, couch potato, numb skull, little pig, old goat, cupcake.

Birthday Wishes

Today is my cousin's birthday. Chelsey is much younger than me. She was the only two year old I knew who was the responsible party in a motorized vehicle accident. The motorized vehicle was a garden tractor that she decided to drive. Here's a picture of her a little older than two having graduated from tractor driving to personal watercraft. Chelsey's the driver and Holly's on the back.

Also in the picture is my cousin Leah. Her birthday was March 17 which I missed. Happy Belated Birthday Leah.