Filipino vs. American

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I blogged last! I feel so sick constantly with this pregnancy, but hopefully all the nausea goes away soon cause I'm headed into my 2nd trimester next week! My house is a mess, to say the least. I powered through to have it clean for our Thanksgiving party, but since then, I have not been able to keep up. Tommy and I both work, and he's pretty much been helping to do everything around the house. He's such a great husband.

On another note, I can't wait for Christmas! We set up our Christmas tree last week. It's a little fake one that we got when we still lived in an apartment. The other day while I was making lasagna in the kitchen, I heard a huge clash of ornaments hitting the floor... Lucy pulled on an ornament and took the tree down. She didn't even cry or anything, just ran to me scared! haha She got a scratch on her cheek, but no real harm done. Good thing we still have carpet in the living room, or some of our ornaments would not have made it.

Ornaments. Which brings me to why the title of my blog today is. Or maybe I should have titled it California vs. Michigan. While growing up, we didn't collect ornaments. We didn't get a new ornament as a stocking stuffer every Christmas. Ornaments, at least in my parents house, weren't really part of our Filipino traditions.  I'm not talking about the regular red or silver ball kind, but like the Hallmark special kinds. Now, I'm sure that there are some Filipinos out there that do this, but seriously, every Filipino mom I know would probably say, "Ornament? Ha, Wat's da need op dat?" or something like that. [Maybe my Taglish is a little rusty from being so far from Filipinos for so long] Anyways, here, Tommy has had an ornament pretty much every year since he's been born. It's kind of intimidating for me to have people over now cause our Christmas tree just has the regular ornaments kind and there's like 3 "Hallmark" ones that stick out. Compared to everyone else's tree, our's is a noob, like lost-new-kid-Freshman-on-the-first-day-of-school status.

But what I can say is, there's one ornament that my Mother-in-law got for us last year for Lucy. It's a pink rocking horse with a little baby on it and says, "Lucy's 1st Christmas" and when I put it up this year, I just took some time to look at it and remember how Lucy was only 2 months old last Christmas. She was so tiny! And now, within just a year, I have an active toddler who drinks Yoohoo and pulls down Christmas trees!

There's a lot of differences between cultures from just where you live, and then try adding the differences of cultures from a another ethnicity. Sometimes Tommy and I have a hard time compromising between things, but I'm just so glad that we have the same FAITH. Jesus is the foundation of our marriage and we know that without Him, I really don't know how we could do anything. If you're reading this and don't know Jesus as your own Savior, ask me about Him. I'd be glad to share Him with you! =]

just in case you missed it!

I feel like i just did a food marathon! oh my gulay! Lucy and i went to SD for a week. I'm currently at the Las Vegas Airport and Lucy bear is sleeping. She is so good at flying! Can you believe that this 14 month old has already been on 19 planes, and is about to get on her 20th for Detroit! My little one is such a travel bug! Not to mention the many times we've gone long-driving with her to Canada, Chicago, and more! Lucy got her passport when she was less than a month old!! The story was pretty funny. Every passport picture has to be taken with the person's eye's open and looking at the camera. When they're that young, babies usually sleep about 16-20 hours a day! Needless to say, the cameraman at Walmart was very patient and understanding. =]
Anyways, back to the food!! In the week i was able to have:
   -  Vietnamese: Pho
   -  Mexican: California Burritos [Lolitas]
   -  Mexican: Carne Asada Fries [Tacos el Gordo]
   -  Mexican: Tosti Locos
   -  Hawaiian: Chicken Katsu & Spam Masubi [L&L's]
   -  Filipino: Sinigang [Home cooked!!! theBEST!]
   -  Filipino: Bangus [Chow King]
   -  Filipino: Banana Langka Pie [Jolibee]
   -  American: Babyback Rib Tickler [Phil's BBQ]
   -  American: Almond Crunch Pretzel with Glaze [Wetzel Pretzel]
   -  German: Fresh Fruit Cake [Hans & Harry's German Pastry]

I'm sure i don't need to post any pictures for this post, I'm pretty sure everyone saw them on facebook! =]

ALSO!!! i'm excited to say that i will be back in SD in just a few short weeks for Christmas!! and Tommy will get to share in the indulgences as well! Any recommendations? Send them my way! Korean BBQ is already on the list! =]

time to get lucy a "Big Sister" shirt!

Yes, you read right! Lucy is going to be an Ate! =] She doesn't quite understand it yet, but I know she'll be a good big sis! I am in my 8th week of pregnancy. 8 weeks! Even though it's still early, there's so much of a difference between this pregnancy and my first. When I was pregnant with Lucy, nausea came very fast and was intense, but with this pregnancy, I'm an constantly nauseated. Right when I wake up, I already feel like i've been in a car for 12 hours. I just feel carsick constantly. I would say this is worse than throwing up out of nowhere. Hopefully it goes away soon though.
It has also been a struggle to keep up with the house. It was hard to pick up after a toddler as it is, but add working 3x a week, pregnancy, and nausea on top of it, it is difficult. My house has definitely been neglected lately. Tommy has been a real help though. He really does a good job at watching Lucy while I'm at work, or when I'm sleeping after work.
Please keep my growing family in your prayers, and also let me know if there's something specifically you would like me to pray for about you as well. I'll try and keep everyone posted on the new jelly bean! =]

busy is an understatement

to say that i was "busy" since i blogged last, is definitely an understatement. There are so many new and upcoming things that i'm so excited to blog about very soon, but first, a picture of the bebe!

I was going to use this for our Christmas card dress, but i decided against it. Lucy will probably not be making it to church this Sunday. She has had a fever since yesterday, poor girl. She usually doesn't get sick often, but during the winter months, we're fighting illnesses left and right. Lilu is getting smarter and smarter everyday! She understands more, like when I say, "Get your binky and come here, please." She knows exactly what I mean! For those of you who aren't parents yet, it doesn't seem like a big deal, but for those of you who are, you know how long it takes for a baby to finally understand sentences!
    
     Why I love this developmental stage she is in right now!
            - Understands full sentences
            - Doesn't get into too much trouble
            - Listens to what I say because she likes when I clap & say "yay"
            - Sleeps 12hrs through
            - Can play by herself
            - Still takes two naps a day

I've been looking for new recipes because I've been feeling like eating has been more of a "chore" lately. Which is SO SAD! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE food, but ever since Lucy got off the baby food and started eating real food, I've been cooking 3 meals a day, and now I've run out of recipes. There was a stuffed peppers recipe that I tried from online, but now I can't find it anywhere! I wanted to try it a second time, so I did without the recipe. I have to say, it turned out better. hahah Well, that's according to my husband, and he can be a little biased towards me. =] If anyone has bomb recipes, please send them my way!

plymouth orchards cider mill

Vintage dress from Lola One [outside our house before church]

Today, I celebrated my 24th birthday! I can't believe that another year has gone by. God had really blessed me. Today after church, we went to Plymouth Orchards Cider Mill. Cider Mills are a pretty big thing to do in the Fall here in MI. Basically it's a petting farm, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and a bakery all in one. Before moving here I didn't even know what a Cider Mill was, but now it's something that we do every year! =] Lucy loved it! I had to change her into the outfit above because she got a little messy after. Also, it's now the time of the year where leaves start turning into different colors and start falling. It's so pretty out! I love the fall time, especially now that I can take Lucy outside to enjoy the breeze, colors, and activities. 

Mama & baby

i love this jacket on Lucy

Got to the Cider Mill before everyone!

Pumkin Patch

Grandma & Lucy

Lucy with Grandpa

Goat... or "Dog" as Lucy says. Everything with 4 legs is a dog. =] 

This month, Lucy:

 - is becoming more and more independent. She walks around church like she owns the place.

- understands how to obey. 

- shows that she has a preference with food & drinks, like asking "mo" for milk or juice before she eats another bite of chicken. 

- knows how to put her shoes away by the door after I take them off for her.

- loves sitting on my lap.

- gets upset if she's not done playing outside. 

spaghetti & meatba- hotdogs?!

So there is ^this picture going around Pinterest (i LOVE this site btw) and everyone's like, "oh, man this is so cool" and "spaghetti & hotdogs, looks delish." I know it's a different way of serving it, but people don't know that Filipino's have been adding hotdogs to their spaghetti ever since Asia started producing rice, but, I guess that could be new to some people too. haha whatever makes a meal go further right?

taken in the Philippines June 2011

I know this isn't the best picture taking ever, but I put it up to say that ... (insert drumroll here) ... WE GET ANOTHER CHANCE!! My lola is in the Philippines, but is making her way to SD this weekend. Since she is going to be leaving back for the Philippines before Tommy, Lucy, and I were planning making it there for Christmas, I took 2 days off of work to visit SD with Lucy in November for a week! I'm really excited about this. 4 generations. There's a lot to be said in a picture with 4 generations. I miss my Mama & Lola so much, I really can't wait to snap way better pictures of all of us this time!  

lucy meets oreo

I know it's not the healthiest of snacks, but it does go so well with the milk she drinks. The only bad thing about this, is that our kitchen cabinets are white and it's really hard to wipe those little oreo hands off after. 

Tonight I baked some rosemary chicken & potatoes for Tommy and I, and also baked unseasoned chicken  for Lucy. She ate an ENTIRE chicken breast! Normally, this is an easy accomplishment for my 1 year old eating machine, but she has been sick lately. Well, not sick anymore, but still is trying to get back to her normal self. While she was sick, she wouldn't eat anything that she had to chew because it would hurt her tongue & mouth, so we had to give her some Pediasure shakes. (BTW everytime I see those commercials about 7 year olds who won't eat vegetables I cringe! Make your kids eat their vegetables!!!) anyways, I'm just glad she's feeling better. =]

my little family

Thomas Matthew Behman
 He's lived in Michigan all his life. We met the 1st day of college in Pensacola, FL.  I have been married to MyHeart since August 22. 2009, the summer after graduation.  (Whoa! has it really been that long already?!) He is a great husband and provider. He loves the Lord, and strives to do well in all the ministries he's involved in. To say he works with computers for a living is barely covering all that he does. He works 3 days at home, and 2 days in the office, which is such a blessing, because he can watch Lucy while I catch up on sleep after work. I LOVE this man so much.

Lucy Michelle Behman
 Lucy was born September 11, 2010. She was a surprise, but a lovely one. =] She is a good sleeper, but sleeping-in means waking up at 630AM, which can be hard at times. Lilu listens when you tell her "no," but does not always like doing it. =] She is the 1st grandchild on both sides (yes, she is SPOILED), 1st great-grandchild on my side, and #32 on Tommy's side. We love her so much!

about me

Welcome to my blog!

Jen Behman is:
   [   ] a Christian
   [   ] Happily married to Thomas Matthew Behman
   [   ] Mommy to Lucy Michelle Behman
   [   ] a working RN
   [   ] Passionate about being a Pro-Life advocate
   [   ] in MI, after living in San Diego for 13 years
   [X ] All the above

Anyways, my Lola's [Grandma in Tagalog] only way to see Lucy is if I have post new pictures of her. Because she faithfully walks all the way to my Tita's [Aunt's] house to get onto the internet, I figured that I should start a blog about my little family, everyday blessings, stories, and struggles, so she could get more than just pictures. =]
Also for the purpose of my side of the family & childhood friends, who all live >2,000 miles away, this is for you as well. I miss and love all of you.