Daddy Lessons: Triple B’s

If I could summarize the most important lesson my Earthly father taught me it would be this:

“Be 🐝Better 🐝Baby 🐝”

My dad said and lived out these words until his very last day with us 8 months ago.

I remember whenever I would tell him about someone ruffling my feathers, he would sit back, smoke his cigar, and in a very brut, unapologetic, and frank manner would say, “Millie, you’re better than them. Stop acting like you’re not.”

Then in another example, I’m pulling my hair out, stressed out, and overwhelmed and he says nonchalantly in an even tone as smooth as butter, “Millie, get your shit together and things will get better, darling.”

"Being Better" was not for the sake of competition and making someone else lose; rather, it was for the sake of transcending all situations that made me feel less than, afraid, ashamed, rejected, dejected, looser-ish, frightened, alone, ugly, messy, etc.

What I loved the most about him was his uncanny ability to simultaneously engage my mind and heart in a way that only a loving father could. Happily, I find myself using these emotional and intellectual tools to troubleshoot myself and life situations I encounter. I'm finding more and more that this type of self awareness is not only rare, but it is also a game changer in finding and maintaining successes in the various arenas we have in life (relationships, business, health, finances, etc.)

For all of this, I am so grateful for all the lessons my Papa has gifted me. I will make sure to do the same ;-)


P.S. To Papa in case you are reading this in Heaven:

(I Love and miss you forever to infinity, Pa! And yes, I will always continue to strive to be better just like you taught us. I will also try not to get cross eyed and red when I get angry and will hold my temper to the best of my abilities. Lastly, I promise to stay off my high horse unless we are going into battle. Peace out!)

Have a charmed and blessed day! 

👴🏼✊🏽🙏🏽😇

~Millie

#halemorendalegacyliveson 

#freespirit

#dreambigshinebright 

#remember

#beautyshinesfromwithin

#bebetterbaby 

Test

Place holder post for the year 2017

 Test

Summer 2016

Wednesday, 6/8/16- Gigi's last day of 2nd grade and kindergarten for Gavin.

Later that day we celebrated with their cousins and family for (Alina's 9th birthday.)

With the newest member of the family, Tyson only 11 days old!

Thu., 6/9/16 kids played with neighborhood friends, went to the library, park, and grocery shopping.

Fri., 6/10/16, taking advantage the free bowling for elementary kids during the summer! 

The kids love bowling! Especially with the bumpers 😊

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/16 Lego Creations

 

 

Oakland Museum of California

On Wednesday, we put our current obligations on hold to spend the day with friends at the museum.

 

I was thinking about how our friends were doing and sycnhronistically received a group text from Kiscelle about hanging out with the gang for an outing at the Oakland Museum of California.

My scheduled meetings were changed, we checked to make sure the hubby was okay with the kids missing school, packed our food/snacks/drinks, and got ready for a day of fun!

We left at 10:30 and got to the museum at about 11 am. The museum has its own enclosed parking structure and parking was easy. We stayed for about four hours and with museum validation, the parking fee was $5. Children 8 and under are free and adults $15.

There are three parts of the museum, natural, history, and art (I think). We spent most of our time in the natural portion of the museum but visited all three. 

Gigi and Rowan.

Gavin enjoying looking at bees up close.

Gavin and Alana listening to an audio/visual exhibit.

Alan and Myra hanging out.

Gigi so excited to see Kayla and Kelsey!

We had lunch in the open, grassy area of the museum.

Mommys hung out while the kids played after lunch. 

Hello Clark!

We had a kick watching Gigi and Rowan do this basic cheer lift with the smaller kids. 

Here's a video of Gigi, Rowan, and Kelsey.

http://youtu.be/fPpoWBp5jMo

Mateo, Clark, & Gavin.

There was this psychedelic, art-inspired video exhibit that was strange and captivating. 

We also read about how Frida Kahlo  found art as her positive companion from the many physical and emotional challenges she faced.

An outing wouldn't be complete without a group photo!

Top row, from L to R: Kiscelle, Clark, Rowan, Gigi, Kayla, Kelsey, Myra, Gavin, Alana, Millie.

Bottom row, from L to R: Linda, Adria, Mateo, Petra.

A passion for adventure, fun with our kids and, friendship is what continues to draw us together. 

Thank you mamas & kids for another wonderful excursion!

Family travel tips: in-room meal prepping

I am writing this post because I promised my friend Karina that I would share my family meal-prepping tips before she leaves for vacation with her family.

When you travel with your family food costs can multiply very quickly so I've devised ways to save money and still eat well.

The only appliances you really need in your hotel room is a refrigerator and a microwave. During our most recent trip to the Aulani, we opted for a studio suite versus a one-bedroom (with a full kitchen) to lengthen our vacation. Since the studio sleeps the four of us comfortably, it was definitely worth it!

As a rule of thumb, while on vacation I like to have one nice meal at a restaurant as a treat. Dinner is usually the meal we prefer to splurge on. Sometimes it's lunch or brunch. For the rest of our non-restaurant meals, I like to prepare them in our hotel room.

I love traveling to Hawaii because it is far enough so we feel like we're getting away but comfortable in that there are nearby grocery stores and Costco's/Sam's Club.

Our DVC (Disney Vacation Club) studio at the Aulani came with a sink, sponge, dishwashing soap, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, carafe for the coffee, serving platters, utensils, glasses, wine glasses, cups, and plates. 

In this post I will show you how to make a hot breakfast and lunch (or dinner) in your room with a refrigerator and a microwave.

Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, and toast. (Kimchi is optional. Gerald and I like it on our eggs because it adds flavor.)

Bacon:

First you'll need to pack microwaveable Tupperware and coconut oil in a small plastic container. Both travel well and coconut oil is solid at room temperature so it doesn't scan as a liquid during your TSA check at the airport. The coconut oil is used to line the Tupperware so if you are cooking eggs or other items, it doesn't ruin the container. Plus it is healthy and all natural. I also like to pack scissors.

Now take your Tupperware, line

it with paper towel and cut your store bought bacon in half. Place another paper towel on top of the bacon. Microwave on high for about one minute per slice. I would recommend checking the status of your bacon every 1- 1.5 minutes to ensure it doesn't burn. We like our bacon crispy so I cook it until it is just right.

Eggs:

Take 2-3 eggs and scramble them up in another container. Then pour the mixture in your bacon-greased-up Tupperware. Cook at 50% power for about 1 minute each egg. I like to whisk the egg mixture up every minute or so to ensure the liquid cooks off but the egg still stays fluffy.

Toast your bread, add some kimchi and breakfast is served!

Lunch or Dinner: Asian chopped salad, roasted chicken, garlic brown rice and quinoa, and kimchi. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids.

Costco is a traveler's best friend. We hit up the Costco in Kapolei and bought rotisserie chicken, kimchi, Asian chopped salad, bread, lunchables, snacks, peanut butter, apples, bananas, juice boxes, wine, bottled water, and garlic brown rice with quinoa.

We bought the eggs, bacon, jelly, and musubis at a local ABC store (small grocery shop.)

The chicken just needs to be cut up and heated up. So does the microwaveable brown rice and quinoa which is surprisingly flavorful and moist! Then toss the salad and your hot meal is done:-) Kimchi is an easy way to add flavor, texture, and veggies to almost any meal.

Sandwiches are super easy. Lather the bread with peanut butter alone or add jelly.

And voila! Kids lunch is served!

With some planning and creativity you can create your own in-room-dining menu that is easy, heathy, and cost-effective :-)

Happy travels!