Long Overdue

I know, it's been a long time since my last blog entry. I blame Facebook.
I don't know where I left off so I'll start with last weekend...which is still a blur.

Saturday was Hayden's birthday party. At 3 years old, he's loads of fun. The party did not start until 6pm but yet he was sitting right in front of the door at 2:00 waiting for his guests to arrive...or should I say, waiting for his presents to arrive! The cutest present he got was a little Cars tricycle from his Ninang. Apparently he needed keys to start the bike - kinda like his own car.

Sunday we gathered together for Ella's baptism. We were lucky enough to have our very own private ceremony at Canadian Martyrs. It was a perfect opportunity for me to practice my papparazzi skills. Everytime I took a picture, little Miss Seyla was right beside me taking the same picture. Looks like I have some stiff competition.

During the week I was busy putting a scrapbook for somone who was going to retire after 22 years of service. It's not in my job description although I wouldn't mind getting paid for something I love to do. This is how it unfolded: Crystal pitcher $500; Indigo gift certificate $100; flowers $75.00; memory book = priceless. She loved it.

This weekend is yet another whirlwind. Yesterday Trae and I went to get our hair straightened. We were there from 11:00 - 6:00! We should have gotten out earlier but they were extremely busy. Half the time Trae and I were just sitting there. At one point, Trae wanted to blow dry my hair because our girls were busy giving someone else a haircut. Thank goodness we only need to do this every 6 months. It's well worth it that's for sure.

For dinner we went to the BigDog household. That's right Bigdog...I know you're reading this. We had a massive party with lots of alcohol! The invitation was open to everyone and anyone. We trashed the whole house but I know Teng will make sure it's back to normal in time for when the homeowners come home. I think we'll have at least two more parties while we have the chance. I have a funny feeling Seyla is going to tell on us.

And finally, Sunday April 29th - today we are doing brunch at Hothouse Cafe to celebrate Paul's new job. He got a summer job with Ontario Hydro in the Occupational Health and Safety Department. We are all excited to replace the jogging pants and baggy jeans with some nice expensive dress pants and work shirts. We're scared that he might shop at Value Village for refurbished suits and ties. I'm sure Charissa will help him with his waredrobe.

Today is a beautiful day. We're going to have sunshine all day with a high of 21.

Reporting at 7 King, I'm Mel Umali.

Happy Easter

This weekend Norm and I were the Easter bunnies that kept going...and going...and going...
Mae & Glenn had an easter egg hunt for us big kids. Ev won but it was only because I was doing such a great job at distracting Sal & Di. Later that evening we went to Zarina's house for another Easter celebration. It was also the first time I saw Christine Alfonso's baby boy - Christian. Once the poker chips came out, it was our cue to go. The next morning we woke up early to bake 4 dozen empanada and we had just enough time to make the infamous coffee cake. Easter was at the Umali household this time and although it was a tight fit, it made for a more cozy occasion. Happy Easter everyone!

It's Friday!

It's been awhile since I've last updated my blog. I apologize to all my loyal blog readers but I've been hooked on Facebook. It's so nice to reconnect with old friends. I've also been busy at the gym. Yes, that's right. I'm bringing sexy back. I joined Norm and Ev's elite club and am trying to go everyday just to make use of the pricey monthly rate. Ev is lucky enough to have a personal trainer that will work her to the core and will stretch her as well. I have Norm as my personal trainer. He's free and he's a lot nicer.

This weekend we have a lot in store. We're driving Ev to the airport tonight as she escapes to London and France to see someone's underpants. Lucky for us we have Kahlua tonight. No, not the alcoholic beverage. Kahlua is Ev's dog. Di and I will be babysitting for the next couple of days. On Saturday we will be working on Ella's baptismal invitations. Yay, can't wait to see Seyla! And on Sunday I will be the proud godmother of AJ - son of Mae and Glenn.

I'll post pictures up of the weekend events. But for now, see you on Facebook!

Diana's Diner

Last night it was Di's turn to cook and boy did she. For an appetizer everyone had a fresh vegetable roll wrapped in rice paper and lots of fresh veggies and fruits inside. As it's name suggests, it was so fresh! For our main, she prepared cajun fish and paired it with a large plate of greens - bok choy, asparagus, chinese broccoli all sauteed in garlic. Who wouldn't love that? But the show stopper was her dessert. Like Sally, I've forgotten the name but it was a large meringue pie with whipped cream and fruits. Delish! Diana had a healthy theme so next week I think I will do the opposite. I'll deep fry everything. Even dessert. Deep fried Mars bar anyone?

North meets South

Last night we had visitors from the burbs. Mae, Glenn and the boys came by to play Wii and to eat Empanadas. I am confident that Mae saw my Empanada blog and decided to come before it was all gone. Ev came as well...for the lemon bread and jerk chicken. I guess it's good that we gave up 'going out to eat' for lent because now we have so much food in our fridge. Luckily we did for these drive by guests.

Empanadas

We accept Visa and Amex. Delivery charges may apply. Smiles are free!

A Debutante Ball

Last night was the first time in a long time that Norm and I attended a Debutante Ball. On this night Jamie Jo celebrated her 18th birthday. As we walked in I immediately felt like I was 18 again. The girls were dressed in simple pink dresses and the boys were wearing brown ties. I was totally expecting the celebrant herself to come out in a big white traditional poofy dress but instead she was wearing a brown poofy dress with a pink sash. She looked stunning and all grown up. The cotillian entertained us with the waltz and the tango but with a modern twist. Hazel, my sweet shy Hazel, danced Hawaiian in front of 200 guests. I was so amazed and although Has was a little concerned with her outfit and her swaying hips, I could see him beaming with pride. Then it was party time so as per tradition, it started off with the bus stop to...you guessed it, Follow Me. Again, I felt like I was still in highschool until Hazel and Jonathan ran off and danced with their crew. It didn't stop me and Flo from dancing like no one was watching. No, I'm serious. I think I was busting out with moves from the...dare I say...'90s. Norm and I had a great time but our age slowly started to show as we got tired and went home before midnight. Happy Birthday Jai. Cheers!

Yah Man

It was Norm's turn to cook on Wednesday but instead of keeping it simple he brought it up a notch and a half. Guests arrived to a nice stream of reggae music and were given some Ting to cool them off from the hot Jamaican sun. (Okay, it was a cold day in TO but it's nice to pretend that we were on the Island). As everyone sat at the table, Norm brought each guest a plate of jerk chicken paired with some rice and beans. It was a bit hot for some of us but not hot enough for Ev, although she almost choked when she bit into a scotch bonnet. It seemed like the Habanero exploded in the rice which gave it a nice kick. For dessert, Norm made us a treat called Banana Foster. The bananas were simmered in rum, sugar and butter...and more rum. It was paired with Haagan Daaz vanilla bean ice cream. If it sounds good...let me tell you...it was so good! Norm also had some homemade sweet potato pie in the oven but by the time it was ready we were satiated. Good job Norm. It was a great dinner. Yah Man.

One Big Happy Dog Family

Remember Zoe? Our little pup is happy as can be living with her big brother Cisco. Seyla loves going to her Grandparents house so she can play with the dogs (and watch Treehouse!). When Seyla eats, Zoe is sure to be right underneath her chair in case any food falls right into her mouth. No wonder she's a little chunky. Tim and Louise have two little rascals running around their household. First came Coco (coconut is her nickname) and then came her little brother, Cashew (nut!). I think we should get Sammy in here and see how they all get along. But like Paul, Sammy is always MIA.

Dogs rule!

Go Leafs Go

Looks like the Leafs have to fight extra hard to get a playoff spot. Go Leafs Go!

Lent

Tuesday night we joined Trae, Fran and Sey at the Keg. They were giving up meat for Lent so they wanted to go out with a bang. During dinner Norm and I were trying to decide what we should give up. Chocolate? Coke? Coffee? It's all been done. What can we give up that would really be a sacrifice? And then it hit me...Going out to eat. And with that I decided to pair my steak with a pina colada and we topped it off with a Billy Miner pie.

After Ash Wednesday mass, we had dinner at Di's place. Gerwyn did not have enough time to cook so instead he ordered Swiss Chalet. Because it was Ash Wednesday, Ev and I opted for the Vegetarian option. Everyone else ate meat. That's right, even when I reminded Norm - he still wanted meat. Meathead.

On this Friday night we usually end the week by going out for dinner. Instead, we reheated yesterday's Sinigang dinner. Not too bad two days in a row but God help me if we have it again tomorrow. That's the problem with being a family of two. I must learn to make smaller portions. Or have a bigger family.

Apparently Fran and Trae want us to come over for dinner next week. They will be buying Lin Garden. Is that cheating? They've given up meat. There's absolutely no loop holes there.

I look forward to Easter.

BRAvo!

As usual Norm presented me with a Valentine's Day Card. That's all I really expect. A mushy card with meaningful mushy things although I never turn down presents! Norm has made arrangements with a friend who owns a lingerie store to have a proper bra fitting. That's right guys, I'm gonna get my breasts measured and buy some expensive brassieres. I saw an episode on Oprah which revealed 7/10 women are wearing the incorrect sized bras. I'm sure I'm one of them because I'm constantly readjusting almost to the point of having turrets. Thanks Norm for the thoughful gift.

Happy Birthday Norm

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Norm
Happy Birthday to you!

Addicted

My name is Mel and I'm addicted to Wii.
Sorry for not posting. Wii've been busy.

Wii

I finally got my hands on a Wii. It was hard but with determination and a little flirting, I got it! Hmm, I wonder if I should sell it on eBay? ha!

Weekend Pix

This is Baby AJ.
Mae & Glen's second baby.
Looks identical to Jared.
Very much a Soriano.






The girls decided to get together to welcome Ev back from her
romantic getaway to Hong Kong and Phuket.
She brought us back each a pashmina from HK. Thanks Eb!
Ron held a baby for the first time! Maybe he's ready?






We met up with the family to celebrate Jonathan & Flo's birthday.
We went for an all you can eat Sushi.
Hayden was hillarious during dinner. It must have been the coke.
The girls out ate the boys. I don't know if that's a good thing.

No Show

Yesterday we all gathered at a community centre to have a baby shower for Christine aka Ms. Fonzie. Turns out she was a no show...but for good reason. She was in labour and en route to the hospital. How crazy is that? Chances are she had the baby already (a boy I'm sure) and is now resting. Poor thing didn't even have her baby bag ready so we had to go through her gifts to see what she can use at the hospital. Sometimes its better when it takes you off guard so you're not lying awake at night closer to the due date wondering when it's going to happen. Anyway, we still enjoyed the party and played all the baby games. As competitive as I am, I held back and let the others win. Sharing is caring, right?

Happy Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Jonathan who turned 14 on January 17th. As each year passes he looks more and more like Has but his sweet personality is what he got from his Aunties. This year he graduates from Grade 8 and in September he starts high school. Yikes! I'm so proud of this kid.









Happy Birthday to Rayanne who turned 5 on January 20th. She is such a little princess who is obsessed with shoes. She has over 20 pairs I'm sure. We've added to her collection by buying her little Ugg like boots. She also enjoys makeup. One time after dinner she went into her purse and pulled out her lipgloss to reapply. How cute is that?







Happy Birthday to Seyla who will turn 4 on January 22nd. She loves to sing and dance and does not care who is watching. She also loves to eat at Lin Garden but still finds a way to hide her vegetables under her rice or noodles. Although Seyla is taller than the 5 year olds, her baby voice is a tell tale sign that she is only 4. I love when she leaves us random messages on our voicemail. I keep resaving them for when I have a bad day. It makes me smile in an instant. When asked what she wanted for her birthday she simply said, "Uncle Nom's coffee cake".






A new addition to our collection of godchildren is Baby Ella who was born on January 9, 2007. She is such a good baby who loves to sleep. I can spend hours just looking at her and smelling her. Can't get enough of that baby smell. I have a feeling she's going to be a silly little girl like Seyla.







Happy Birthday Kids. Ninang & Ninong are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Hold the beans please

Last night 3 of the 5 members of the Wednesday night dinner group went out for Mexican. Norm's friend opened up a new restaurant along Yonge & Dundas near Ryerson called Chimichanga. Because there was standing room only, we took our chimichanga and brought it to the Eaton Centre. As Di would say, it was just like those good ol' University days. We devoured our burritos and tacos and did not have enough napkins to clean our hands and to wipe our sweat. After dinner we headed home but not before stopping in the stores that were "on the way". Di and I went to the Baby Gap so I could buy a cute little outfit for Baby Ella. We searched the sale racks and all of a sudden I noticed an offensive farm-esque odour, almost as if a billy goat with a stomach infection from eating spoiled milk, had passed gas in the area. I quickly looked around me to see what that awful smell was and found no one...except for Di. Who does that?! Who are you?! Where did you come from?! I tried to run away but she kept following me yelling "it was the beans! it was the beans!". Well, next time we go to Chimichanga, I'll have to tell Dave to HOLD THE BEANS PLEASE!

Welcome to the family

Today Baby Ella came into the world weighing 6 lbs 7 oz at exactly 3:36 p.m. She is the sweetest thing. It kinda makes me want to have one of my own. I said kinda.

I also want to welcome another new addition to our family. Norm and I purchased a brand new camera - Sony 007 DSC-T50. As all of you know, I absolutely love taking pictures. I'm ecstatic! Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it. Ha ha. This should keep me busy for awhile.