Concert (June 13, 2009)

Last Sat was a little crazy. The Cheungs came over to help watch the kids while we went to pick up my parents at the JFK airport. The traffic wasn't as bad as we thought, but right after we pick up my parents; we drove all the way to Atlantic City, NJ to watch Alan Tam and Hacken Lee's concert. They are one of the most popular male singers in HK. We didn't have that many choice to go on a different day since they only came every few years or so, and for some reason, they only did one show this time. The concert started at 1:00am and the Cheungs joined us at the location. My parents had a great time and so as the Cheungs!!! Thank goodness that my husband still had a clear vision to drive home after a sleepless night.

Johnny and I love live concerts. We've been watching a few famous singers from HK whenever they came to the east coast. I am glad that we live close by and be able to attend all these concerts. Jacky C. is still my favorite among them all. It's been awhile since I kept these tickets and it's time to throw them away after scanning.

My Parents Are Coming!!!

My journal entry...

Ok... I am done cleaning!

I've been bossing everyone to get the house organized and cleaned before my parents' coming. Mom is head of the "White Glove", and I can't excuse myself for not doing the job right. It makes me feel good when everything is done. One thing I learned from this extensive "workout" is to use clorex wipes for cleaning the area between the window and the screen. This is the place
I would rather not touch unless I am doing the deep cleaning. In the past, I had the kids use a towel with a bucket of water to clean up that area, but I found it more efficient by using the clorex disposable wipe. I know it's not green, but I am just not into raising when I am under time constrain.

17th Anniversary

Johnny stayed home yesterday to celebrate our 17th anniversay. We went out to lunch at a Japanese restaurant for some sashimi. It's make to order but all you can eat type of buffet. The sashimi were delicious, but I have a hard time with the cost. $27+ per person for a lunch (tax and tips not included), but Johnny insisted that we should have something good on our anniversary. He loves food more than I do obviously!

Anyway, when the kids come home, they were all excited and asked which restaurant we would be eating at. Jeannie was a little disappointed when she found out that we had our celebration already. She said, "I thought we were to celebrate together!" "Well, but it's our anniversary, between your mom and I". I heard Johnny responded. We always celebrate holidays and birthdays with the kids except our anniversary.

This is the reason why my husband thinks I spoil the kids... I fixed the kids some store bought dumplings and buns, and let them celebrate with us again. :)

It was scary to me that there is no vegetables at all in the meal.... So, I asked them to save room for a "yummy" papaya drink with aloe vera juice after dinner. My family hates my healthy drinks! Oh well, they deserve the BEST!!! Haha!!!

Crazy Week (Jun 1 - 5)

It was a crazy week last week, yet very fulfilling!

We've been babysitting, cooking and giving rides for three different ward families on top of our busy schedule: Evan had scout field trip, end of year school concert, spring fair, Jeannie's seminary graduation (not graduating yet, but being supportive to her senior class member), refinancing our mortage, visiting an inactive member, subbing at Evan's Sunday school class, and the invitation of some fairly new members to our home for dinner.

I don't know why we had everything happening in one week, but it wasn't that bad afterall. Thank goodness that Johnny was able to get home early, gave me help when needed, and kept things under control.

Who Are They?

There's a website that allow the uploading of self pictures to the making of a new person (pic). Johnny and I were curious to see if any of our children's face would pop up after the transformation provided with the two sets of pictures we gave them.

Surprise!!!!! I think the first kid really looks like my husband. But wonder where the second baby is from? He/she looks a little too cute to be our children. Don't get me wrong... our children are cute too! :)

Jady's Prayer

Jady was really hungry when we came back from church yesterday. So, I offered her a bowl of spaghetti and asked her to say her little prayer. This is the first time she did it without any help. Here is what she said:

Tin Fu, *meaning Heavenly Father*
Kam tsai (pause) nai, yau mein mein, *Thank thee for the noodles*
Mama bes (don't know whether she was asking to bless mom, or mom is the best) :D
fank you velwy much!
Amen.

It is so cute! I need to record it on tape next time.

Inspiration

My friend, Angela G.'s mom had a brain surgery last week for the removal of a brain tumor. Because for the many delicate parts of the brain, the surgery took about 16-20 hours, and that 6-8 specialists attended the surgery at different times as it proceeded.

It's been a painful experience for Angela because her mom was in a coma for four days after the surgery. Bless her heart, those four days must be a torture. Upon waking up from the surgery, the mom found out that part of her eye sight, the control of her body, and short-term memory were lost. The Dr. are monitoring closely to see if these are permanent damange. In the meanwhile, Anagle's mom will have to learn the necessary skills before heading home. Angela was grateful that her mom is still alive, and her plan is to bring her mom home once she got discharged from the rehabilitation center.

No one knows what life would bring us except the Lord. We come with nothing and leave with nothing. It's just the way it is. The only thing we can take with us is our memories and skills we learned from this life. Memories of how we treat one and other, and whether we've been able to build strong relationships with our family, friends and those whom we associated with.

As I thought of Angela's mom... I thought about what I can leave to my children as I pass on?

For some reason, Evan has been asking me for a family recipe book, so I am taking this as my summer project, and hopefully combining with all my parents recipes also. This will be a perfect gift for my children. Jeannie was asking if we can autograph hers when we are done with the book. What a silly girl! :)