A friendly game of chess!

And now Chutes and Ladders. 

It's been a long process, but we're down to our last room! The worst one of all, the office/art/craft room. You can actually see the walls and floors! But it's all in the hall and tv room, but that's ok. We're cleaning through so much and going through everything. We're going through every single thing in every box. I can't believe the strange things we found! Especially photos! Scary and sometimes horrifying. I threw away quite a few high school dance photos. Eeew! A time I'd rather not relive, ever. 

Kindergarten Promotion

Ah-ma sewed him his own scrub and let him borrow her stethoscope for his promotion. Each of them dressed up as what they wanted to be when they grew up. NJ wants to be a doctor. I was a bit surprised since in the beginning of the year he said pastor or chef. Ha, ha. He does like to help others. 

It's so sweet how much he loves his teacher. 

Who can jump higher? Having some photo fun with some friends. Can't post them all, but this is my favorite. 

It was a nice reception where Baba was the photographer and took photos of all the graduates and their families. It was really nice of both Ah-ma's to come and Ah-gong. The were happy to be there too and we're glad they were. 

NJ and Baba having fun with Ah-gong's little mini putt. He did pretty well and had fun with it. 

Wouldn't be Dad's without going out to enjoy the view out back. We also met some relatives of Dad's we've never met who are visiting from Taiwan. 

I caught Dad taking a photo of his cousin taking a photo...

So I had to one up him and take a picture of him taking a picture of them taking a picture. He laughed at me, but I laughed at him!

We were so tired from a long day that we didn't stay too long. We took NJ to school in the morning and stayed there to set up and tear down. Plus we went to lunch afterwards together. Need to sleep! 

Messy House, Doll House

How embarrassing, but this is the state of our home. It has been in the hundred's this week, even with the A/C on we are sweating! We are frantically, unpacking, yet packing, getting rid of what we don't need, giving stuff away, and cleaning out. It's been a huge job. But it needs to be done and as soon as possible to get on with our lives! Come Monday I won't be able to help anymore. 

Another blood test today. Not just a regular visit, it's a small example of what my life is like. I went with the orders to a local place where I made an appointment. I have a standing order there except that this was just one test for a different doctor. This doctor it turns out isn't connected with this place, even though it's all UCLA. So I didn't get to have my blood drawn, I was told I had to go to UCLA for the blood test. What?! I have to drive how many miles for how long just to get one test done? It was so not worth the drive, the time, the energy, the gas money it would take. But what am I supposed to do? It has to be done or I don't get my surgery on Monday because they need to know my one level that isn't on my standing order that I just had done last week. So annoying. I thought immediately that I'd go tomorrow instead. Until I realized that's not an option. Tomorrow is NJ's kindergarten promotion and it's a friday with plenty of traffic. Ugh. It's off to UCLA we go! I was starting to get so annoyed over it before I had to remind myself that this is nothing. When something like this happens to a normal person, I'd be waiting to read a rant about it on Facebook or something (I'm doing it here instead). I can't bring myself to doing that as much as I'd like to. Only because I know better, this is not anything out of the norm for me. If anything I should be so grateful that I am no longer going to a long list of doctors, appointments, infusions, scans, blood tests, tests... This should be the least of my worries. 

My mom brought out my old doll house for NJ to play around with. Why? It's pink! Lots of memories playing with this doll house, I love it. It still has all the furniture and everything.

Of course, NJ likes incorporate his legos instead. Kinda funny. 

Ah-ma got some old legos from one of her friends. These do look like the old ones. How funny. 

There are two dogs looking out the window (thanks to the help of Baba).

"There's a really comfortable seat for you..."

Dim sum and then some coffee. It's a hundred degrees outside and only my best friend would ask me if I was getting iced coffee or hot. Made me laugh. She is a true Taiwanese girl. I'm miserable with heat or humidity. 

NJ was lounging in the lazy boy...

So I decided it would be a great time to sit there with him...

He was trapped so I took the opportunity to tickle him! Before sitting I talked to myself: "Hmm... this looks like a really comfortable seat. I think I'll sit down. Oh man, this seat is lumpy, wiggly, and moving..."
NJ giggled the whole time and said, "No, no, Mama, don't sit! Don't tickle!"
I couldn't resist. I started something because now he lays in the chair and tells me, "Mama, there's a really comfortable seat for you..." 

I'm not the only one that was at the receiving end of his affection. Baba had a rougher share. He knows better now to only be rough with Baba when it's ok to be. He was jumping onto his stomach and chest and falling off. Good thing that's not me. I'd be crying in pain. 

Ready for a walk. So cute. NJ loves to ride his bike, Dot Dot loves to go for walks, and so does Ah-ma.

Popsicles!

I got to make dinner with one of my favorite people! We made a quick, very yummy chicken pot pie like dish. It was so good. We got to catch up and even talked about our hospital experiences. Something I can't do with just anyone. We were both so excited to get to bake. I didn't know when we could since our house has been such a disaster. It still is, but in a different way. With the house still a disaster, I feel like I still am too. I checked the cupboard to make sure I had the ingredients needed. What I completely forgot to check was the fridge! No milk, no eggs. How will we bake cookies without that? What is wrong with me?! I felt so bad and we were very sad not to bake together. I guess it will have to be next time. 

Lots of stuff left from yesterday's dinner. So another night of hot pot. It was a warm day so I'm sure we were already sweating even before sitting in front of a steaming, boiling pot.

NJ and Baba played a game of chutes and ladders. I didn't actually play, but still won. The boys played one for me and mine won! Ha, ha.

Mother's Day

My mom looked so cute, especially with her dress, so retro. Ha, ha. Wish I could fit it, but she is much smaller. NJ is more than half her size already. It won't be long before he passes her and me in height. They are so cute and look happy.

At church I was so blessed by friends who gave flowers, jewelry, and coffee! I got my caffeine for the day, a lovely bracelet, and beautiful orchids. Wow, so sweet and thoughtful! I was the only one that had nothing to give. Just hugs. 

Such a nice day out, had to take a photo out in front of the church. 

We went to lunch and some of us had some yogurt for dessert. NJ was very excited about what he chose, it was colorful.

How sweet, a piggy back ride from our friend's son. We all dropped by the market next door. 

Writing some cards. So last minute, have not planned this out well at all! Been too caught up with the house. 

Hot pot with the folks. 

Flowers and a card for both Ah-ma's (grandmas)! What nice smiles from everyone!