The Week of Feb 3, 2014

It's absolutely an interesting week!  The branch on the tree in the backyard was down and landed on our power line on Tues because of the snow storm.  The whole neighborhood and many members had lost power including our family.  Our power was out since Tues and we didn't get it back until Friday night.  It was all good at first since we had the generator on, but then it quit working after two days with two use!  Man, that generator was brand new when we got it two years ago and we only used it for that two days... Here it goes $700!

In the midst of it... Jady started having sore throat, and then fever on Friday and Sat.  Then, Evan... and me!  We somehow managed to invite other families who didn't have power yet over for dinner one night and made dinner for another family and the missionaries for another.  I would rather be the one to serve than receive the service.

Grateful for My Kids...

Look what I found on my laptop....  A note from Evan teaching me how to hoke up my laptop to the printer.  He was such a life saver this past Sunday as I was rushing to make a copy to bring it to church and wasn't able to get the stupid printer to work.  He was really patient with me.  And I just love him being so thoughtful and sweet to leave me a note for future reference.  Darn it... Can't upload the picture from the iPad.

We've got another 7-8 in of snow today and so the school is closed.  It's been quite a relaxing day with the kids playing outside, cleaning up the snow off the trampoline and part of the roof and the driveway.  Johnny decided to reward them with a treat from Wawx in addition to the money.  We went out as our FHE activity.  As we drove home, Miss Jady kept her telling us her idea of watching the "Bible" story and finish off with the King cake.  Even tried to explain to her that the trip to get a treat is our FHE and Johnny told her we will not have king cake since we got the treat already.  We thought it was pretty simple to understand as she said OK, but then she continued and said, "ok... then we can drink the smoothie and watch the Bible video!"   We laughed our heads off.

And her eyes were wild open tonight as I told her there will be a two hour delay tomorrow morning.  Here is her exciting words, "Yeah, I can get my beauty sleep, and I don't need to set my alarm clock, and I can sleep in!"   Apparently, setting the alarm clock is quite a chore.  :)

Jeannie is doing great on her mission.  She went bowling today and she complains about her arms are sore!  Hahaha....  And I know she secretly love the postcard I made for her!  I love you, sweetheart!

Marriage and Family

2/3/2014

Mom has been sick and I kind of feel bad that I wasn't around to help.  Something has been really bugging me... Dad is having a tough time dealing with mom's criticism.  I can understand why since mom is a perfectionist and nothing is good enough in her mind.  I pray that dad's emotion will not be affected by her.  It's a challenge to live and see someone 24/7 without any argument.  Another issue with mom is that she openly voice her opinion on how wasteful I was to go home establish Evan's HK residency.  I can tell that she was mad on the phone but I need to do what I need to.  It saddens me that my mom can be so not understanding.

Act of Kindness!

1/31/2014

Let's start all over again and hope this time I'll be more diligent in following through!  My goal is to record at least one paragraph a day.  I think it sounds attainable!

Evan is such a sweet brother!  He asked me if I got Jady any snack as I was rushing to leave the house to pick her up for her violin lesson.  I told him that she will be okay since the lesson is only 30 mins, but Evan ran to the dining room, grabbed the cereal bar and insisted that Jady would be hungry so he wanted me to keep one just in case.  He is such a sweetheart! 

Jeannie is facing some companion issue on her mission.  She did fine with her two other companions but somehow she has a tough time with this sister.  Yet, she is learning so much about herself and others which could be a total blessing of a life time!  Other than that, she is having a blast, working very hard and enjoying her time talking to people and sharing the gospel.  I miss this kid so much!

Jady -- had requested another date with me.  I went out with her last week to McDonxxx and Dollar Txxx and we just enjoying each other's company.  She came home and told Johnny that she had the best date ever!!!  That just melts my heart!  Since it's the Chinese New Year, I tried to teach her to make the sweet fried dumplings.  She was a little frustrated at one point because the dough was too wet, but we did it.  They didn't turn out too well because the seams did not seal tight and a lot of the stuffing came out.  Thank goodness, they still taste pretty yummy!

  

     

Things To Be Grateful For...

7/16 (Mon)

I love Mondays even though it always seemed to be the craziest day of the week. 

I took Jady and Evan to drop off a birthday gift to a sister today. This sister has a previous marriage and one child before she married this guy. Her husband also has multiple children and wives from previous marriages. So, together they have many children and grandchildren but they are only my age. According to the wife, her husband didn't make enough to either pay for his family or child support. He never earned a degree and refused to get a second job to support the family. I feel bad for this sister every time I see her. I couldn't even imagine the stress she has in dealing with the chaotic family situation.

As we drove home today after Evan's reading lesson, we talked about how important it is for him to be a righteous priesthood holder. I reminded him to be serious about his education so that his wife and children will be taking care of and most importantly be happy around him. And this morning as I woke up, he was reading my human physiology and anatomy book. He said he might want to be a Dr. or some sort. We shall see!

On a different note, Jeannie and I went on another chatting session today. I quickly turned on the laptop as I came back from Evan's reading lesson. Then, off I went to fix dinner for Johnny so that he could go watch Evan play basketball. As I came back to the laptop, I saw the message "Mom, are you on?" She was indeed looking for a chat with me -- and that really makes my day!!! I needed to figure out the time zone in HK so that we can still chat.

As for Jady -- got to love her "honesty"! Johnny has several meeting this week so that he was out working quite a bit. One night this little one heard the garage door opened, she got up and said, "wait, daddy is here. Free time is over." She then quickly grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. Johnny and I had a good laugh about it. Got to love this smart little one!

Patience, Love and Understanding

Jul 11 (Thur)

I have to agree what the prophet said on a conference talk: "Patience - a heavenly virtue".  Last week's visit with Ruby and Norma went well, and I've learned yet another lesson as usual.   When we were there, a resident who was mentally challenged hit and yelled at a nurse as the nurse tried to clean up the mess.  My first thinking was, "Oh no... I would never want to be a nurse".  The nurse acted as if there's nothing happened when she silently, patiently clean up the mess.  Then the other resident came along to our table and took our bag of cotton ball away.  The same nurse came and told the resident not to disturbed us.  She also turned to Norma and asked if she would like a cup of pudding.  I didn't hear a word of complain as I watched her deal with everything that's going on.  She was so patient and pleasant and I truly admire her being understanding!

We also had yet one more unexpected visitor this time who sang songs to Jady, danced and tried to entertain us while we were talking to Norma.  She was such a darling and I had a feeling that she might be a school teacher when she was younger.  It was an eye opening experience to the kids since they've never been around with people who has mental issues.  Before we left, we also visited Ruby... and as usual she asked us to give her kisses, we hugged and kissed and all of a sudden she looked into our eyes and told us, "Remember, I love you!", and I told her that we love her very much too!  Before we went into the elevator, Ruby kept telling the other people to let us in first.  She was so protective and sweet!  How blessed we are to get to know her?!  She is absolutely a blessing to us and I just wanted to be like her!  My heart was full as I drove home that day -- Evan and I had a great lesson and discussion on love, kindness, patience and understanding.  We will be more patient with one another if we seek to understand; and it never hurt to be kind and loving.  My little goal in life for now is to strive to understand people better and be pleasant around those who I associate with.  I hope my son will remember this day and practice these virtues throughout his life.  

It was uncle 7's first anniversary this past Monday and I can't believe he's been gone for a year already.  I cried again as I looked at his webpage -- this is so not fair.  As a matter of fact, I need to hurry and put his name in the temple for the ordinances.  I hope he is having a good life there!  

Other than that it's been a good week... and I really can't wait to go home.  I just want to go home at this point -- think I might be a little depressed for no apparent reason.  I seriously didn't do much this week except driving Evan around for basketball games/practices and reading lessons, but somehow I felt like I have been busy in and out of the house and didn't get much done.  :(  Well, at least I visited my sisters, and hang out with Tammy and Laura.  We had a great time catching up.  And Hal was really awesome to help me with another trading training session.  He is truly an amazing friend and teacher!  The kids wanted to go fishing yesterday but we couldn't find any earthworm at Walmarx and Evan forgot to bring his box of hokes and stuff... and it was a little late by the time I woke up from a nap.  Sorry, kiddos -- mom's fault!  We will have to do it next week.

It feels kind of weird having only one kid at home.  Hope Evan is having a good time at the youth conference.  Jady and I did a lot of painting today after visiting Dexx..  Then, we went out to eat, walked around BigLoxx and Barns&Noxxx and had a relaxing night.  I am grateful!

Oh, life is good!

Have trouble sleeping lately... either the phone keeps on ringing or the lawn mowing guys were too loud working outside our lawn; or may be I am just too hyper with my music, the painting project and trades.  I was thrilled to reconnect with Hal and Ivy after 24 years!  Ivy was the sister missionary who taught me the lessons and baptized me.  I was a pretty tough investigator though I have to say.  Dad was very opposed to Christianity so I was never able to bring the missionaries home for discussion, and I kept on rescheduling the appointment with them; but she never gave up!  I am forever grateful for her persistent.  This gospel has truly been a blessing in my life!  

As for Hal, he served as a missionary in my home ward.  I still remembered him panic as he and his companion were separated.  It must be a p day and somehow we were on the same bus ride, and he said a slang that he shouldn't.  But that scene stuck in my head for years because it's funny.  I just reconnect with him after 24 years.  He was so awesome to answer all my trading questions the other night.  Time really flies much faster than we thought.  I can't wait to see Ivy in HK this summer and may be Hal someday.  Man... 24 years is a LONG time, got to love FB for this!  ;)

Emailing back and forth with Jeannie on her p day was fun!  Hahaha..... this kid knows mom's schedule and habit!   Yes, once in the morning and once at night.  She is doing great but a little discouraged at times when people don't want to listen.  I am really glad that the members and people were nice -- she told me how much I would enjoy living there having my own garden!!  That silly girl!

Evan has been really diligent doing indexing.  I think he has finished more names that I did.  So very proud of him.  Jady keeps me smiling as usual!  We went and got rid of a bunch of her toys last night.  I told her if she cleans up her room, we will go get paints for our new project!  :D  

Anyway, this email also made my day, and I so wanted to do more for the church!

Dear Sister Kwan,

            We have received your songs, “A Child’s Prayer” and “When I Am Baptized” from the Friend for consideration.  We are grateful to be aware of your talent.  The message, as well as the spirit of your work, is greatly appreciated.

Because of your talent and interest, we would like you to be aware of the annual Church Music Submission program, which has been established to review, catalog and consider music for possible Church use.

We have enclosed a copy of the submission guidelines.  We would be pleased if you would return the additional materials needed so that we can include your work as an official submission.  We would also welcome any future submissions you may have.

We wish you well as you continue to bless the Church by developing your musical talents.  Thank you for sharing your work with us.

Sincerely,

xxxxxx

General Music Committee