Someone can't wait 'til Santa is here!

My wee boy loves X'mas! This is really the first X'mas he manage to make some sense out of it, he wasn't really aware of what's all the big deal about X'mas last year. We have been telling him he has to be a good boy as Santa will only bring toys to nice wee boy, and he seems to understand it quite well. (Hehe! at least it works for now.) The other day, Scott helped him to write a letter to Santa and it seems like all he really want are Thomas and Friends. The conversation between father and son went like this:

" Euan, so what do you want Santa bring you for Christmas?" Scott asked

"Percy!" Euan said.

"and?" Scott tried to get more for the list.

"Thomas!" Euan said with excitement.

"What else?" Scott asked.

"Percy, Thomas, Percy, Gordon, chocolate, truck, Thomas, Thomas......." At this moment, he looked quite serious too as he has put in quite some thoughts to come up with the list.

Sometimes I wonder what's really goes on in his wee head. Hmmmm..... may be he genuinely loves Thomas that much! =)

He has been requesting me to read him The night before Christmas every night before bed. =) He loves the story and is fascinated that Santa actually come in to the house through the chimney. =)  He is also very excited about all the present under the tree and keep asking when he can open them, we told him he has to wait 'til Santa bring his toys and he can open everything all at once. It's so good to be a wee kid and have so much to look forward to during X'mas. I wonder how long he will believe in the story of Santa Claus.... Hopefully, long enough for mummy to be ready to accept the fact that he will be a grown boy one day soon! 

He has been speaking a lot in short whole sentence nowadays. It seems like he has managed both languages just fine without any confusion at all. Since his 2-year-old birthday, he already know he has to speak English to his daddy and granny. When speaking to mummy and his uncle, he switches to Chinese naturally. On top of that, he has been quite busy teaching his dad to speak Chinese as well! =) Not bad for a wee boy, eh? 

Oh... just for a good laugh, he was mad at me last night and guess what he said? " Crocodile comes bite mummy stinky butt!" What a boy! Hmmm..... don't ask me where he got that idea from cause I have no idea! It's probably what Scott taught him to say while I was away...  :p

I wish...

... it will snow more often in Houston. 

A couple days ago, we had a winter storm and it snowed for about 5-6 hours here in Houston. It's the earliest snow fall ever recorded in the history and we don't get snow here very often. Snow has only fallen 3o times since 1895. I love snow and winter, so I was actually quite chuffed seeing snow on Friday even it's a wee bit early then expected. It would be really nice if it snows on Christmas day! =)

Missing in action

Hi ya! It has been a while since I last blogged here. Life hasn't been quite easy recently. First of all, it was quite tough for me to get back to our normal daily routine in Houston after spending 3 wonderful months in Europe. It didn't help much when we had to come back to an empty house as Scott had to leave for Argentina before we made it home.  I was quite depressed for a wee bit while Scott was slaving away in Argentina. To make the matter worse, before I even have time to cope with my emotional problem, we were told Scott had a tumour within his spinal cord and a surgery needed to be scheduled ASAP a few day after he got back from Argentina. It wasn't easy at all but we were so lucky to have Ms Carole who was willing to come across the pond to give us a hand. Or else we would definitely unable to pull it through ourself. We owed you a BIG thanks, Ms Carole! =)

I have been quite busy lately.... Taking care of the patient, attending to the little king's needs , growing my winter garden and also busy whipping up blankies and toys for the little ones. I always find making craft and knitting are therapeutic and they also keep me sane. =) 

A couple weeks ago, my neighbour kindly lend me her sewing machine and here are a couple of my first attempts of making dolls - my new found love, playing with fabric! =) The doll (based on the pattern from talented Emily Martin through Martha Stewart's website) is a wee Christmas gift for my niece, Mya and the wee bunny is for the wee king. The wee King loves his wee bunny and he calls it "xiao tu zi"- wee bunny in Chinese. I am quite happy with the result consider I haven't been using the sewing machine in ages. I am sure I will be busy whipping up more dolls in the coming days as it keeps me really happy to make and give! =) 

Happiness is...

...listening to the conversation between father and son while Scott was reading a story to Euan...

... and seeing the BIG grin on my wee boy's face when he got his new bike from Granda Sandy for his 2nd birthday. =)

Eye Candy

I came across Max Wanger's work a while ago, just thought it would be great to share it here with you. I truly think he is a fine artist with a keen eye. I love all his work, especially the way he uses negative space in some of his photos.

Let's check it out! What not to love about all these beautiful captured moments? It's just simple lovely!

Enjoy and have a Happy Weekend! =)

Ash xx

Happiness is...

... waking up to lots and lots of "BIG KISSES" from my wee son. It makes my day! =)

Happy Sunday!

Ash xx

Happy weekend!

i woke up this morning, looked out the window and it's cloudy; i stuck my head out of the door and it's cool...just the way i like it! i think fall must be around the corner... i am waiting, patiently. 

i think i should do a little more yard work since it's quite cool today... at least watering the plants, and may be a wee bit of planting... I have to get those seeds going as i am quite fond of having a winter garden at the backyard. hence, we are going to be busy for the next couple of weeks, scott agree to put a raised bed together for us. =) euan and i are going to have a wee garden... may be i should give our wee garden a name. how about "euan's wee garden"?  

what else are on my to-do list this weekend? knitting! i have been quite busy knitting up baby blankets... at the time being, i am working on a few of them as friends and cousin are going to be mummy soon! i love knitting for others. as i come to think of it, since i started knitting again about 4 years ago, i still haven't finish knitting anything for myself yet.... although i'd started working on a few projects they are still on the kntting needles. i never get to finished them as i always get distracted with projects i wanted to make for loved ones. knitting is therapeutic for me and rewarding at the same time. it's the best to see your loved ones enjoying your "labour of love". =)  so, i will be busy knitting for a loooong time! 

my cousin, eve modeling the goodies that i knitted to keep her warm during the winter in cold foggy London. =)

Have a lovely weekend!

Ash xx

It has been 2 weeks...

... since we got back from our adventures in Europe. To be honest, it has not been easy for me to settle back into our daily routine after 3 months worth of fun. I think my problem is I love Europe too much, Scotland to be exact.... I love everything about it, even its' gloomy rainy summer days that the locals hate. Unless one has experienced the flaming heat in Houston during the summer, you probably would never understand why I even like the rainy days in Scotland. I would rather be rained in then trapped in by the heat. I miss Scotland. I miss the rain, the wee whining roads in the country, the beach, the rolling hills, the highlands, the sheep and the highland cattle, the castles, the friendly people.... the list will just go on and on. That's how much I love Scotland. =)

There was sign of Fall on the day I left London, a week before I left Scotland. The leaves have started turning red and yellow... that's definitely the sign of Fall approaching. Fall has always been my favourite season. Hmmm.... the beautiful colour of Fall and the cool crisp air, it's simply lovely! But unfortunately, I haven't had a proper Fall since I moved to Houston three years ago. Here in subtropical Houston, Fall is almost non-existence. It only lasted for a couple of weeks, it comes and goes in the blink of an eye, and winter is normally here before there is even Fall foliage. Despite of the short autumn we are getting here, I am still very much looking forward to winter arriving soon!  I would rather deal with the cold days in winter than the long hot summer days here in Houston!

I blinked.... and he has already turned 2!

My wee boy has turned 2 today! Where has the time gone? It felt like yesterday I'd just gave birth to my wee baby boy... It brings me to tears seeing him growing up so fast right before my very eyes. It's bittersweet. And I am sure before I even notice, he will be ready for college! 

Dear son, 

Time flies, you'd grown up from a wee baby to a fine wee boy, and today is your second birthday. Mummy has been so lucky to be able to spent every moment of your life with you. It's a joy to see you learn and grow everyday. Without a doubt, being your mum is the best job I could ever ask for in my life! And you are truly my pride and joy! Thank you for bringing so much happiness and love into our life. As daddy always says, you are the best thing that ever happened to us! 

Happy Birthday to my Wee son! Daddy and mummy love you lots and lots! =)

Mummy and Daddy xoxo

The best thing I heard today

We were playing and I bent down to kiss him on his forehead. 

I said, " Mummy loves baby!"

Euan said, "Baby loves MaMa!"

It's the first time I heard him saying it and I am looking forward for many times to come.... Those three little simple words from my wee toddler son has just melt my heart! 

It was a moment to be remembered forever. It was a moment that makes me feels being a mummy is the best job in the world. It was a priceless moment! My son has just said he loves me for the very first time today! 

I am proud, I am so proud to be his mummy. 

"I love you lots and lots, Euan. And thank you for the lovely flower from Tina's garden!"

Birthday Cake

Scott had a lovely birthday last Friday with some of our friends who reside in the London area. It was a lovely evening to be surrounded with lovely people and yummy food. The cake I baked for him turned out to be really nice, it's a Victoria sponge and I added loads of summer berries on the top. I am glad Scott loves it enough to request it for his next birthday. This recipe is definitely a keeper! =)

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today is Scott's birthday! Tonight, we are going to have a wee get-togrhter with some friends at Eve's to celebrate his birthday. As for the menu, I am going to bake him a Victoria Sponge and prepare a pasta meal as he requested. The man is the King today, it's his birthday, afterall.  

Happy Birthday, Baby! =)

Thank you for everything and I love you, lots and lots!

Paris

Our trip to Paris was brilliant and I would definitely love to go back for another visit in the near future! Pictures and details will follow soon! =)

I * heart* wild raspberry

Ms Carole (aka my MIL) and I went berry picking along an old railway line (it has now been made into a trail) in the countryside a couple days ago. They were loads of bright red berries along the trail and we picked enough berries to make six jars of yummy raspberry jam! =)What else could you possibly ask for when you have a piece of lovely toast with homemade sun rippen raspberries jam? It's simply haven! =)

Oh...! It was a lovely evening and the sunset was just beautiful! 

Yay! I am going to Scotland!

I am going to Scotland tomorrow! We are going to stay in Europe for 3 months and I will be visiting family and friends in the Netherlands, Norway and London. There are friends that I have not seen for ages, I am really looking forward to spending some quality time together. It's also a great opportunity for Euan to spend some times with his Granny and Great Granny while we are in Scotland! =) 

That's me and my lovely cousin Eve in Gardenston. She came to Scotland to see me while I was in Scotland last year during summer. Unfortunately, she only managed to stay over for a day during her visit. Since we haven't seen each other for quite a while, we ended up chatting and laughing away until dawn trying to catch up with each other's life. It's a very short visit.  As a result, we are going to make sure we will be spending as much time as possible with each other during my visit to UK this summer. Hence, our plan is, she will be visiting me in Scotland for 2 weeks and I am going to visit her in London for a month. In another word, We are going to spend 6 weeks together chatting, cooking, baking, gardening and travelling together! How does that sound? Not bad, eh?

A year of difference

 

 

These pictures were taken at the Alamo, as you can see my wee baby has grown into a cheeky wee boy in the second picture compared to the first one that was taken in April 2008. He is no longer wanting me to "wear" him for too long , but instead he loves to run around having fun. Sometime I wish he would grow up a wee bit slower. I really miss him being a  wee baby from time to time! 

We went to San Antonio with Ms. Carole(otherwise AKA my mother-in-law =))when she came over to visit in Spring 2008 and in April this year. As much as she loves the riverwalk and the Alamo, I'd always love San Antonio. Especially the Alamo, I simply love it for the fact that it played a major role in the history of texas. Although I've been there numerous time, I am still always up to a trip to the Alamo. Either wandering aimlessly in the courtyard or listening to the story of the battle of the Alamo; they both bring me equal pleasure for wanting to re-visit this special place repeatedly. =)

What a powerful image!

Via Flickr wespionagepionage

A good image conveys a million words! I stumbled upon this amazing image on flickr that left me utterly speechless. What a great photo of a mother and daughther!

Chocalate chips muffin

 

I baked some Chocalate chips muffins for us last night. Euan loves it! He had a whole muffin for breakfast and was still asking for more! =) Yum-yum!

MeMe!

After spying this meme on this lovely blog , I decided to jump on it myself. Anyone interested in joining me?
Yourself: Dreamer
Your partner: worrier
Your hair: Growing
Your Mother: Resourceful
Your Father: Wise
Your Favorite Item: A good pair of shoes
Your dream last night: Can't remember
Your Favorite Drink: Italian Sparkling Water
Your Dream Car: Mini Cooper
Your Dream Home: Modern and uncluttered
The Room You Are In: Dining room
Your fear: Sickness
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? Scotland, hopefully
Who you hung out with last night: Scott and Euan
What You're Not: Nosy
Muffins: Orange Cranberry
One of Your Wish List Items: Sewing Machine
The Last Thing You Did: Eating breakfast
What You Are Wearing: Jammies
Your favorite weather: Cool
Your Favorite Book: The little prince
Last thing you ate: Yogurt Bars and Coffee
Your Life: Happy
Your mood: Still a wee bit sad from losing my cat, Snowball
Your Best Friend: Caring
What are you thinking about right now: Gardening
Your car: Silver Passat
What are you doing at the moment: Blogging
Your summer: Scotland?
Relationship status: Married
What is on your tv: Nothing
What is the weather like: Cool
When is the last time you laughed: Yesterday

Today is....

...our Wedding anniversary,


and we also said our goodbyes to Snowball. He will be forever remembered in our heart as the coolest cat of all.

Snowball
May 1998- April 15 2009

Orla Kiely for Target

Orla Kiely has always been one of my favourite designers at all time. Look at what I found in Target today... I found 2 coffee mugs from Orla Kiely home collection on the clearance shelf. The collection was scheduled to launch in February while I was away for my vacation in Malaysia. It was sold out in most of the Target stores in just a few of weeks. As a result, I was quite disappointed that I missed out the chance for picking up some lovely kitchenware from the collection. But I guess the Almighty must have heard my prayer and therefore, wish granted! =)

A little update on Snowball: He has started deteriorating fast since the past weekend, he looks tired and weary. The cancer is eating him away and all he has left is literally skin and bone. It's just too overwhelming to watch him goes downhill any further. We would have to bring him in to the vet to get him to the rainbow bridge soon... real soon.

I heart Toast

Here are some of my favourite pages from the Spring catalogue of Toast. It's one of my all time favourite stores following by Anthropologie and JCrew. =) Enjoy flipping through the pages as I can never stop looking at it whenever the mailman deliver it to my door front. It's just simply beautiful...

7 random things about me

1. I have a weakness in shoes, I just can't stop loving/buying them.
2. I am a big time procrastinator!
3. I feel guilty, but I am always up for a trip to Target.
4. I love Scotland more than Malaysia.
5. I love the highland cattle. I think they are so cute and cool looking.
6. I take my tea and coffee without sugar.
7. I love the colour pink but I seldom wear pink.

In the wee hours....

..... I am listening to Jay Chou's songs and missing my baby who is working in Scotland now. Sometimes I wander whether we'd made the right decision for him to take on such a heavily traveling job. He misses out so much on Baby Euan's milestones and "cheeky moments"... Oh well... The decision has been made long time ago and I guess we would have to stick with it as of right now. I am keeping my fingers cross and hoping once the economic get better, he would be able to get a better job; to make it even better, hopefully we will get to relocate to somewhere in Europe, preferably Scotland! :P

Euan has Pink eyes... poor boy. We missed the Easter Egg hunt party with friends today and ended up taking a long nap together instead. He has grown up so much since we left for Malaysia in January, he looks more like a little boy now. My parents were over the moon with joy all the while while we were visiting at home. Especially my dad, he spoiled him big time! In return, Euan loves his grandparents too, of course. =)

We'd eating problem while we were in Malaysia. It's a constant war having to feed him, he was just not interested in most of the food I offered him. But thank god, he has been doing great with his meals since we get home, he finished all his pasta two nights in a row, and I am impressed. I am truly impressed and I hope he will continue loving his food!



On the other hand, my other baby boy- Snowball is not doing well. I brought him to the Vet the next day when I got home to check out a lump that is growing on his left side. We suspected he has cancer and sure enough our Vet, Mr. Wright told us straight in our face matter-of-factly that Snowball is not doing good, if we ever make a decision to put him through surgery, that's only to buy us time and he will never get better. My poor boy.... It was heart-wrenching to hear the truth being told at that manner, yet, I think I am grateful Mr. Wright is being honest to us. I would never want to put Snowball through any kind of procedure just because we want him to be around longer.

He has been eating very little and deteriorating fast lately.... my heart is sinking deeper and deeper... Does it means the day to say goodbye is getting closer? Should we put him to sleep or should we let him pass naturally? 11 years, 11 long  years... that's how long we have been living together as a family. I hope he will make it through the weekend for Scott to come home and say his goodbye. It's going to be tough! And I wish that day will never come, ever...

How Malaysian am I?

I just stumbled across a funny blog that offer a quiz and found out I am 70% un-Malaysian.... Is that a bad thing? I am not particularly bothered by the result though.

Congratulations , you are 70% not Malaysian.

That means you're as Malaysian as...


Guy Sebastian !

How Un-Malaysian Are You?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Cusiter family! =)