Why?

I was really mad over the weekend because Evan ripped off the laminated cover on top of the drawer in the kids' bathroom. Oh mine...

According to Evan, it all started with a little piece chipped off the drawer, and he was tempted to find out what's underneath. So, he did.......

To help him undo the wrong, we had him take the drawer to Home depot and asked the people how to fix it. The lady from Home depot said the store do not have the drawer head since ours is custom made. We will have to call the previous homeowner to get the info. of where they got the cabinet. In the meanwhile, our "curious" son will not be getting any allowance until he pays off the cost of the repairment. Boy, I hope he learned!

Evan's Banana Racecar

Evan had a blast at the Pinewood Derby. It was one of the biggest scout event where the boys made their own racecar from stratch. They have to learn to design, cut the wood, sand it down, paint and put the wheels together. The most challenging part was to make sure it weighs no more than 5oz. That's why we've quarters and dimes glue on top, and the bottom of the car. :) Evan's design won him the title of "Funniest Car" from the judge. Well, we have to thank Mr. Shaw for his help in carving the wood into the shape of a banana. We won't be able to do it without him.

At the right is a picture of Evan's racecar from last year. It didn't do well at the race since the wheels kept falling off. But, that's how we learn to make a better one this year! :) It got the title of "Most Patriotic" racecar.

Our Valentine's Gift

Here's our valentine's gift:

My claypots for the vegetable garden - can't use the soil from the lawn since it's treated.

Johnny's tie came out beautifully, and he wore it on Sunday to church. I am so glad that he likes it.

Yoga Pant

It's been awhile since the last time I sew. I need a pair of pant for my "dancercise" class, but couldn't find anything close to my size. So, I decided to make one for myself. Not too bad, it cost me about $8 for the material.

This Past Week

This week sure gone by fast!

Highlights of the week:

1) Jeannie and Evan were taking turn sick. Took Jeannie to the Dr. and found out she had sinus infection. She is gradually getting better though. As for Evan, he broke out with a fever today, but no sore throat yet... might keep him at home tomorrow.

2) Evan made a "banana" style race car for his Pinewood Derby, and was placed in the final 8th. He was very proud of himself!!!

2) My laptop went dead for a few days. Just realized how incovenient it was to be without one! Thank goodness, Johnny had it fixed last night.

3) I made a yoga pant.

4) Johnny got me two huge clay pots from IKEA for my vegetable garden. I asked them for my Valentine's gift! :)

5) I finally received the tie I ordered for Johnny.... five days after Valentine's day though. :( My husband really likes it!!!

Will have to put pictures on seperate post this weekend.

Mama

Me: Mama, have you deposited the check yet?
Mama: No... Papa said I will have to pay a transaction fee.
Me: There's only a minimal charge of HK$20.
Mama: Really?
Me: Don't listen to Papa... go and deposit the check tomorrow!
Mama: Hmmm... I'll see! Just don't send home money, save it for your family!
Me: Mama, that's not a lot, plus it's for the New Year. I wish to send you more, may be when I have a job!
Mama: Silly girl... (Mama and I talked for another 20 mins or so)
Me: I got to go, Mama. I need to get some milk and bread for the kids.
Mama: Okay... drive safely... go take a nap when you come home after lunch...stay warm, and be careful, ok???
Me: Okay, Mama! Bye!

My eyes were filled with tears when I hang up with Mama. Though I am in my late 30s, Mama still treats me like a kid. She regreted of sending me off to study in the US some 17 years ago. She thought I would go back to Hong Kong when I was done studying. I guess it was a big disappointment to her and Papa when Johnny and I decided to raise our family in the state.

Mama and I get a long well most of the time. We, of course had our moment, and fight sometimes. :) In fact, I had a big fight with her a few years back. I thought to myself that Mama needs to open up her mind or change her way of thinking... or else no one would be able to live with her. We were mad at each other for a couple of months. Thank goodness, we both made up soon after. The lesson I learn: Why bother to argue when I only get to see her (someone who I love and respect the most) once in awhile? How can I be so dumb and not understand such a wisdom? I am glad that Mama and I did not argue when our family went home last summer, and the time she came over when Jady was born.

Time flies... it's been 17+ years since I left home. Mama changed a lot in terms of health and apperance. In order to take care of me and my brother (we both had school between noon to five), Mama chose to work afternoon shift between 3:00pm-11:00pm in a factory, so that Papa could watch us after work. I remember vividly of her coming home late from work sharing rice dumpling with me. I also remember the many nights she scolded me with a sweet smile of staying up late. She knew I was waiting for her to come home. She was young and full of energy back then.

Mama had low self esteem because she never finish elementary school. But I assured her over the years that she is the best mom in the world, and the most capable housewife I've seen. The house is always clean and tidy when she is around. We never had to worry about what to eat since she always prepare food for us before she left to work or else where.

I love my Mama, I wish she lives close by... I know she wants to see her grand children everyday, and spoil them rotten. I miss her, and I can't wait to see her this summer!

Young Women

Young Women (Valley Forge II)

I don't think I've ever mentioned how much I love serving in the Young Women.

I was first called in May/June 2007 with Missy L., and then Erika M., in April 2008 as their counselors. I was a little concerned about my ability to serve in the YW since Jady was only six months old, and I've never served in YW before. Missy was an excellent leader. She is single, a super organized, spiritual individual. I love when she teaches - she seems to have answer for every question the girls have. Not to mention, she is a CPA! I've learned a lot of leadership skills from her although she only served for a short period of time.

As for Erika M., I just love her... Erika has three boys. She is a loving, easily approached, spiritual and faithful sister! I am very impressed with her ability to withstand trials, and her patience in overcoming the unexpected circumstances. Her husband lost his job a week or two after she was called; yet, they both have been faithfully served in their respected callings til this day. It's been a long ten months of job searching, but I've not seen her panic, nor making a complaint. (I would be start worrying since the very first day!) She is a trooper!!

My first assignment was to oversees the Mia Maids, which is Jeannie and Sienna H.'s group. Jeannie was called to be the class president when I was called. I have no clue that it would be difficult to be her mother and leader the same time. It was hard for me to work together with Jeannie since I am constantly giving her not only house assignment, but also those related to church. :( It was big relief when Erika was inspired to switch me over to the Beehives.

I love my YW. For the Laurels, we have Lizzie M., and Maria T.. Jeannie and Sienna H., are our Mia Maids., and then we have Rachel S., Jessie D., Sarah D. and Ashley G., in Beehives. We are very fortunate to have a group of girls who are love each other and stay close to the Lord. They all have their unique personality, yet so sweet and fun to be with.

Lizzie - excellent ballet dancer, very spiritual, and knowledgable about the scripture and gospel principles; exteremely organized, and a very caring person.
Maria - very creative, had good eyes with color and design, technology savvoy, animal lover, and have great compassion towards the little ones.
Sienna - very talented: she dances, plays flute, field hockey. Very organized, and a happy girl.
Jeannie - a sportive one: loves basketball, tennis, soccer, badminton and softball except volleyball. She also enjoys film production and loves playing guitar.
Rachel - The YW who always help me out with the folding door! Another animal lover, very smart and knowledgable in many subjects. Loves to read, and is trying to write a book and working on having it published! She also plays violin!
Jessie - very much like Jeannie. She is into sports - soccer, and basketball. Jessie is also a matured thinker. She tends to think beyond the surface before giving out answers.
Sarah - another overall girl. She plays flute at the school band, is in the swim team and a good diver!
Ashley - her family just moved in from Ohio a few weeks ago. From my observation, she is loved and well taught by her parents. She has contributed many thoughts when the room was quiet. What a girl!!! :) And she is blending in well with the rest of the girls.

I am truly grateful to be part of the YW. It's been a rewarding experience for me to serve and learn from the girls as well as the leaders.

Career

I always envy women who had their own career, and be able to contribute to the workforce. And sometimes, I wonder if I ever am going to have one. Jady would have to be at least five before I go back to work, and by then, I would be hitting my big forty. :( Who in the world would hire someone without much job training, and at an old age? It's depressing everytime when I think of that. I know I should be grateful to be a stay-at-home mom, but sometimes the chores are mundane and dull.

The Lord sure know what I was thinking... I had a total respect of my "career" after helping Evan re-arranging the furniture in his room. Looking at his cheerful smile, I finally came to an HONEST (guess I never am convicted) actualization that no job in this world could be more fulfiling than being a mom. Mom is not only a caregiver, but also an interior decorator, a taxi driver, an entertainer, the family counselor, a party organizer, the instructor, a "live" planner, and the dress maker/custome designer, etc. The list can go on and on. What fun it is to be a mom; and which job out there would allow me to perform in these many different roles?

Thanks to the Lord for instilling me with the insight. I hope to always remember this experience, and to truly enjoy and appreciate motherhood. Let's see if I can be the kind of mom that I've always wanted; one who is honored, respected, and loved by her children. :)

Pauline's Album

It's so beautiful outside that I couldn't resist to take more pictures!

I realized Johnny was not in any of the pictures because of his work schedule, so I created this album in dedication to him and the children.



For a full screen version:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=paulineklai&target=ALBUM&id=5299032205304196865&authkey=oCsqNV_suYM&feat=email

Our Weekend

It's been a fun weekend. We woke up early Sat. morning. While Johnny went to pick up the King Cake, I got Jady ready for our trip to Marlyand.

We arrived at the Dim Sum restaurant around 11:30am, and the kids loved the food there. We were also lucky to watch the once a year Lion Dance. Jady was especially thrilled with these interesting animals jumping in the air for red pockets and food (the lettuce). We then dropped off the kids at a nearby Stake Center and headed to the DC Temple.

It was a special session because we did the work on behalf of my grandma Leung and grandpa Lai. It's always special to do work for the loved ones, and comforting to know that my grandparents are ready to receive the gospel. :) I am just so grateful to be a member of the church, and have a priesthood holder in the family. I have been a little concern about the us economy, the raising unemployment rate, and the many rippling effects that follows. There are a few members in our ward dealing with the unemployment situation, and two of them had been laid off for at least eight months. Things tend to get more complicated in this uncertain period of time. How grateful I am to have gospel in my life, and to know that there is hope therein. How blessed we are to have temples on earth which we can experience the joy and peace, and feelings of Heaven. The world we live in is beautiful, and I can't imagine how amazingly gorgeous it is on the other side.

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We went grocery shopping afterwards and joined the Cheungs for dinner at the Chinese Branch in Maryland. We had a great time, and didn't come home until some time after 11:30pm.