Trip to DC

April 25, 2009

Johnny and I went the the DC temple with the stake. We did the sealing this time, and it was great to be there and hear the beautiful promises again. Then we visited the Cheungs, ordered pizza for the kids and went on a double date with Alan and Tracy. We went to Captain James, a seafood restaurant in Maryland. The seafood there was delicious and a good portion size too. I think we can take the kids with us next time. We then had a walk at the dock, and it a fun evening!

Growing Pain

Jeannie was upset with us grounding her from an ice-cream social with her friends after school last Friday. She came to our room one night and argued with her dad for a whole 10 mins because she thought she has not been treated fairly. It all started with her not cleaning up her room as she promised, and her dad needed her to ride the bus home right after school the next day, which happened to be the day her friends had the ice-cream social.

I was in the room listening to the conversation. Jeannie brought up that we did not do much when she received good grades, but yet she got grounded with a small little mistake like this. She was terribly upset. Johnny has been very patient the whole time in explaining why he grounded her, but firm with the decision. The problem with me was not so much about cleaning, but being obedient and learned to accept the consequence.

It was just a few days ago when I told her the exact same thing before her dad's unexpected inspection. I am always the mediator between Johnny and Jeannie. Honestly, I took side of my daughter most of the time because her dad was too strict. I struggled a little bit as to whether or not I should just let her go. But, if we let her escape from the consequence this time, there will be another time, and the time after next time.

So, I brought up the subject and said, "Jeannie, remember what mommy told you a few days ago to clean up your room, but you ignored me? This arguement could have been avoided if you listened to me!" Her eyes were wild opened, and her look tells me that she could not believe what I said. It was a surprise! ***Sorry, child... In as much as we love you, a consequence is needed so that you remember such a "painful" experience.

I don't think kids understand how tough it is for parents to ground their children. We are not here to make our children miserable, but sadly, a misconcept many teenagers perceived. It is my goal to be the kind of mom being firm, gentle, loving, but with guidance.

Family Car

Our Honda van has reached it's 99,000 benchmark. With the coming of my parents, and the fact that it's running without the AC, I was finally convinced by my husband of getting another one. I have a hard time trading my van because it has served our family fairly well for the past nine years, and we have fond memories each time we travel. But, I am ready to have some fun traveling with my parents with the "new" car. Goodbye, van!

Worth of Soul

April 18 (Sat)

Christine G and I took the YW to Elwyn's nursing home to perform some services. The church did it last year at the same location, and the people there loved to see the youth again. There were a variety of service for the youth to choose: weeding, planting, painting a shed, mulching, painting outdoor furniture, car washing, and playing music. All of our girls has signed up to do the painting except Rachel. The girls, Christine and I had been encouraging Rachel to do the service as a group, but Rachel insisted of playing music for the residents just like last year.

When she found out that no one was doing the musical performance, she cried! It's one of the last minute thing that I had no idea about, and did not expect her dramatic reaction. Honestly, I was wondering why she couldn't do something different. Thank goodness Missy L was there and she talked to the facility manager and allow Rachel to do solo. I was really happy to hear the news. Then, Rachel and I went inside the nursing home where she played a whole hour of violin. When she was done, we walked to my van and put up her violin. It was then, I finally understood her persistent on playing the violin when she said, " I don't understand why people are not doing the music this year, the patients like it last year, and they don't really care what I play." I was embarrassed when I heard her comment. All that Rachel wanted was to play and cheer up those spritis. How could I be so judgemental? It sure is a lesson for me to learn!

April 23 (Thur)

There was a stake auxillary training meeting thursday night and I was grateful that I went. The topic for the evening was to focus on helping the Laurels (YW ages 16-17) making a smooth transition to the Relief Society. According to some statistics, the church has been losing about 80% of Laurels during the transition. I was in shock with the numbers. How sad it is to see these precious YW leaving the church and start participating in some of the worldly activities. The leaders from the stakes generated many great ideas on how to keep these YW under our wings. It might not be an easy task, but the work needs to be done!

As I drove home that evening, I reflected upon myself - how blessed I was to be preserved by the Lord during that period of time. (I joined the church when I was 17 turning 18). I remembered myself sitting at the corner wondering what I was doing at the RS meeting. I had a hard time relating to the RS sisters since I neither was ready to start a family, nor having children of my own. Once again, the Lord knew what I had in mind. I was blessed to be assigned with a "buddy", Sister Ng who was my visiting teaching companion. She took me to do visiting teaching, encourageed me to go to the RS Enrichment, and other church related activities. Because of her good influence, I got to meet many good members in the church. They had shown me what a disciple should be like from Christ's true church.

I too wish to be able to do a better job in reaching out to the YWs especially those who are less active, being challenged and needed extra help. As Bishop Cook said, keep checking on them and showed them that they are thinking of, and loved. The job can never be too hard if it's the will of the Lord.

Evan's Cooking Lesson

Evan has to take a cooking lesson in order to pass off one of his Bear Scout requirement. A few pictures of him squeezing orange juice, making hard boil eggs, potatoes, carrot and spaghetti. We still have to do the hot cereal, cookie and make popcorn the old fashion way - on the stove, hopefully, this Friday. He seemed to enjoy it!!! Horray, my future cook for the family!

Tandori Chicken

Ok, this is my first ever try on a new recipe given by Juliana. The "Tandori Chicken" turns out really well, and our family loves it. It's so easy to make and delicious to taste. The only problem we have is the after smell. The smell is still there two days after cooking. So, Jeannie went crazy with the air fresher because she couldn't stand it. There seems to be a trade off in everything. :)

Last Day of Work

I called my dad and checked on his last day of work. Dad never laughed much, but I could tell over the phone that he is thrilled to be retired. Sometimes I wonder how life is like working 8am-5pm, five to six days a week. I especially admire those bread makers who don't like their job, but choose to stick around because of their financial obligation. Dad is one of them and I saluted him for working diligently in the past 40+ years!!!

Mama, Be Nice!

It was bedtime, and I was tired. The situation got worst when my strong willed, sleep deprived, two-year-old started whinning.

Jady did not take a nap this afternoon because her brother had tennis lesson right after school. She kind of fell asleep in the van on the way home, but we had to go again since Jeannie had YW activity and the kids need to be fed before we headed out. Jady was tired and unhappy so I was holding her the whole time while we were at the church. (Johnny didn't come home until late that evening.)

By the time we got home, I hurried and changed her into her pj; but this kid kept whinning for a different outfit. Being up since 5ish in the morning... I totally had it.

My voice must be loud and unpleasant as I heard my little one said in her soft, gentle voice, "Mama, be nice". I was so embarrassed, and couldn't help but laugh by her truthful comment. It was such a humbling experience to remind myself to be more patient around my children.

Cartoon Show

I am not a big fan of cartoon shows, but I have to monitor what Jady is watching on a regular basis. There are plenty of good shows for kids nowadays, but I particularly like shows broadcasted by PBS. They have the best shows for children I believe. Shows like "Sid the Science Kids", teaches children basic science; "Barney" and "Cailou" are shows about good characters, and of course, the classic, "Sesame Street" has a little bit of everything from letter to counting, good character to reasoning.

So, I was watching a new show called "Word World" with Jady the other day, and I was really impressed with it. The episode was on how the main charaters (buggies) tried to solve problems. The whole show repeatedly saying and singing, "No problem is too big to solve if we can stay calm and think things through."

It was pretty silly, but how truthful is that? It is a simple, yet powerful reminder of how we should act when we're facing challenges. I don't think such a message is only for kids as I know how often I rush into decisions and make bad choices. It's good to be reminded! :)

Spring Break

Can't believe it's April 11 already! The kids started their spring break on April 3, and we spent a few days at the Chengs home in New York. We had a blast!!!

April 4 (Sat)

Arrived at the Chengs... a visit to the Afrian art museum. We were thrilled to watch a ceremony of drumming and dancing by the African people. According to the tour guide, this is the kind of ceremony one would present to their ancentors for guidance and blessings. She told me that it was the first time ever they had the presentation at the museum, so whoever watched the ceremony that day should bestow with good fortune. :) We shall see!!!

We had a really good dinner that evening. Juliana made the most delicious Tandori (Indian) chicken and we all fell in love with it. She gave me and Tracy a few bags of spices to take home, and hopefully we are able to make it as good as hers. Ben went to pick up his mom at the airport. I felt bad for staying overnight since Ben's mom probably needed some rest after getting off from the plane; and obviously, we were not a group of quiet people :)

Alan and Johnny went to the priesthood session. Tracy had a mild asthma attack while Alan was gone. I was terrified since she left the medicine in the van , and we were unable to reach the guys. Ben's car was blocked by ours, and for some strange reason Johnny took the keys with him even though he wasn't driving. Both Alan and Johnny had their cell phones turned off, and no one was picking up the phone at the chapel. Juliana was giving Tracy some massage on her hands, while Ben offered Tracy with some warm water. Thank goodness... Liz was able to reach Aaron through text messaging, and Alan got home right away. We were glad that Tracy was fine afterall... What an evening!

April 5 (Sun)

We watched the first part of the General Conference, and went to the museum/park for a picnic. The park was beautifully landscaped with a big pond filled with fishes and a few ducks. I guess Jady and Ethan had the most wonderful time watching the fishes swimming to and fro. There are also many gorgeous pieces of sculptures found inside the park.

April 6 (Mon)

We went to downtown Flushing for Dim Sum, and then to the outlet mall since we couldn't do much outside because of the rain. We separated into three groups once we got to the mall: the guys went to a movie, the girls went shopping, and the "elderly" (Me, Johnny, Alan and Tracy) stayed behind with Ethan and Jady, and went for a drink! :)

We had many different kinds of dessert after dinner that evening. Tracy made sweet steam eggs, Juliana made "tong yuen", and I made the ginger milk. They all turned out good except mine... will have to practice more before showing off next time. :D

April 7 (Tue)

Packed and leave. We swapped Christian with Jeannie on our way home. Then Johnny and I headed to Chinatown to pick up some dumplings and groceries. Well, we bought some very "costly" groceries because we got a fine of $95 for parking violation. In fact, Johnny was in the car while waiting for me, but the police was careless of his explanation, and asked him to talk to the judge. I guess that's how people treat each other in the city... no mercy!

Anyhow... the Cheungs stopped by that evening. We ordered the kids some pizza and went out to a Korean restaurant for a double date. We enjoyed the adult conversation and the food, which make up the rest of my day. We went home and ended our day with a movie.

Life is good!

Evan's Pal Project

Evan's spent the last two weeks working on his pal project. It's a big research for the fourth graders where they learned to collect information, put them on a poster board, and present it to all parents and students. Evan picked the topic on Bermuda Triangle, and he had a lot of fun researching on the subject. I am very proud of him doing most of the project by himself except the typing - the only thing a parent is allowed to help.


April 1, 2009 was the big day for the kids. Johnny and I went to the school that evening, and were really impressed with all the work the kids had put in. There were projects from earthquakes, heart disease, police dog, lego land, money, gemstone, knitting to famous people like Einstein etc. The kids were knowledgable about their subject and some even set up their table with a power point presentation. It was a fun evening!