Work of love

Wow, can't believe I am two months behind in terms of blogging.  Well, late is better than never!  Christmas is always so so busy, especially when you have young kids at home.  I really wanted to make the two something special for Christmas, something that is not so generic.  Two Christmas ago, Ali asked Santa for a bag and she got a baa baa sheep purse (and I have to say it looked horrible, but Ali loved it!).  I couldn't believe she asked for another bag for last year's Christmas.  And she wanted a "piggy bag".  When I heard what she said (and I asked her multiple times to confirm if that is exactly what she wanted from Santa this year) my heart sank (damn, I have to make another one?).  My hubby kept on persuading me to buy one instead of making one, knowing I would be completely stressed out and went psycho, but I just couldn't find one that I really like.  So off to my sewing machine.

I really like this bag.  I did make it reversible and the craftmanship is a lot better than the sheep bag for sure. At least it is not all flimsy...hahaha...  well, I am really glad Ali liked it.  Or else I think I might just cry.

When I was shopping around for the piggy fabric, I stumbled upon some Maisy fabrics.  Seriously?!!  Maisy prints?!  Are you kidding me?  Freaking awesome!!!  It's one of those "I would never know it existed" items.  SO SO SO happy when I saw it.  A bit expensive, but I know Ali would love it as she loves her Maisy books.  I made her a pillow cover and a warm, comfy fleece blanket for Nate as Xmas presents.  Man, it's the easiest thing to make, right??  Except that my stupid machine was not working properly.  I was really lucky to have my hubby to fix it for me (even tho he has never touched a sewing machine before, thanks baby!) and I just finished making all the presents at 12:30am on Christmas Day.  Oh, things that you do for your kids!

Year of Snake celebration

Happy Chinese New Year!!!  This post came a little late, but hey, late is better than never!  Wishing everyone a prosperous, healthy and lucky year of snake!!

Every year, hubby's sifu always invites him to the lion/dragon dance performance.  This year is no exception. Although he did not have to perform this year, he still had to attend because he is the performance coordinator!  We thought it would be cool for the kids to see the club members rehearse.  Ali used to be really scared of loud noises, but she got a lot braver this year.  

I did not have a good picture of the lion, but he is a picture of the dragon.  Cool, huh?!

And of course we have to dress up the kids for Chinese new year!!  Here is my little Nate, busy pretending to text with his toy cell phone.

...while my Ali is busy pushing her toy stroller around.  

Dai Dai and his fiance happened to be in town.  Oh what fun!  The kids got quite a few lai see.  And our weekends were filled with many family dinners.  (It is almost like Christmas all over again!)  I started to introduce a few of the new year customs to Ali and she seemed quite enjoyed it.  Ali and I decided to give lai see (with chocolate coin inside) to all of her friends in pre-school.  She is also very adamant about giving chocolate coins to all her Chinese school teacher as well.  Mommy is happy to comply to all her requests.  After all, it's the beginning of a year, right?!  Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!