Happiness is...

Happiness is when Evan felt comfortable to share with me his thoughts and struggles.  It's tough to go through rough times, and I was totally surprised, and shouted with joy from the bottom of my heart to know that he trusted me and wanted to talk to me about what is going with his life.  I put down all my electronic device, and just focus on him even though his eyes were fixed on the TV.  I don't think he was paying much attention to the program at all as we talk.  Praying for an invitation of the spirit to fill my mind so that I will be able to say the right thing,  teach him the correct principal, and gave him the needed advice next time we had this type of conversation.

The Power of Letting Go...

It's been a full year since the last time I talked to my neighbor, Jan.  The issue with the school bus stop and bus driver has left a wedge to both of our families.  When Ms. Helen didn't show up yesterday, I asked Jan if she knew what happened to Ms. Helen.  She responded calmly (this time) and we chatted a little later on.  Then, I apologized for the things that happened last year without much details and gave her a hug.  She tried to explain her points on the issue again but I was more interested in mending the relationship and move on.  Life has been a little difficult for me in the past few months because Jan was reluctant to talk to me.  But today, we were both set free!!!  I am grateful for the gospel that teaches me to have self discipline, to forgive, and let go.  There is a time and season for things to happen... if it hasn't happened, just wait and be patient because the Lord will never fail at his promise!
 

Grateful Project 365

I sucked at keeping a journal, but with this brand new year, I am determined to start a happy/grateful project to record the simple things that makes me happy, or the kind gesture I received or provided to the people I interacted with.  Seven days has gone by, so tracing back to Jan 1 could be a little tricky. Here we go:

1/1 (Fri)

Grateful for the opportunity to play for Bro. McCuxx's funeral yesterday.  He was a quiet man with lots of integrity.  Many good memories were shared, and I guess this is what we all strive for in the end of life.  Not how successful we are with our career, but what good we left behind.  We sure will miss him.

Happiness is when I got the text that Jeannie is back to Provo safe and sound.  I was really worried about the snow and ice on the ground, but the roads were clear when as Arayxx drove her home.

Grateful for the friends who thought of us and invited us to a dinner/karoke gathering for the New Year.

1/2 (Sat)

Grateful for the missionaries who came to our house for dinner and uplift us with their message.  I could feel how happy they are while serving a mission. 

Thankful that we were able to provide a place for Evan and his friends to party.. though I disapproved and rolled my eyes when I saw them throwing ping pong balls into the plastic cups filled with soda.  

1/3 (Sun)

Grateful for Sarah's effort in preparing and presenting the 2015 RS end of year video.  The pictures of the individual sisters and group made me realize how unique we are and how much we needed each other -- to lean on and thrive in the gospel. 

1/4 (Mon)

So happy that I got some cool stuff, made it to the post office, and mailed out the birthday package to Jeannie before 4pm (the mail lady said the package should be there by Thursday.  And I finally nailed at a post from pinterest... the melting snowman is not that difficult to reproduce.  

Grateful that I passed the ISA test from LLS!  Waiting for the next big step!

1/5 (Tue)

Glad that Jady and I got to spent 1/2 hour playing with the keyboard/sythesizers/workstation at SamAxx after her violin lesson.  What a great way to help her realize that everyone can create music. Playing/practicing instrument is fun and never should be a drag.

Such a relieve to hear that there is yet another option to work for the company.  I was pretty worried that my hours would leave me without much flexibility but Teresa told me that I could sign in as a freelancer and work whenever I want.  I was thrilled to hear about the opportunity.  The Lord knows me and probably laughs at a commitment runner like me. 

1/6 (Wed) 

Thankful for the sweet postman who closed my PO box account without putting a charge on my late payment and one missing key.  Don't think I would ever receive the same treatment had it been a different person at the office.

Grateful for the little candy treat Ana Garxx gave me on my way out to the chapel last night.  She was such a great friend and sister.  I love her sweet family!

   

   

    

Trip to NC and UT

It's been a tiring month since we made the trip to NC and then UT for the past two weeks.  It was definitely worth it and we got the house we wanted in NC.  My emotions were going up and down because I couldn't decide on whether we've made the decision.  I still had that picture in my head of serving in a small temple with pastel green color carpet.  We didn't go to the temple this time so I couldn't confirm for sure whether this is the one.  Somehow, I had two spiritual experience as I walked into the chapel next to the temple.  The members there were super helpful.  Since we are not moving to the house until two years after, I was a little worry of leaving the house vacant.  However, we bumped into the stake patriarch and somehow they knew a member couple lives right on the same street as us.  I felt great about this and do not believe this is a coincidence.  As we went back to PA, I felt the butterflies in my tummy because of the bad reviews from the builder off the internet.  It was a crazy few days before we headed to UT.  I called on members who were handymen/investors in NC for references to a good inspector.  We got a few good responses and comments from them.  It was a good feeling that things will be okay.  Looking forward to what will happen next.

Trip to UT was adventurous!  Johnny couldn't find his DL as we were at the airport.  We waited for Christine Reyxx to get his passport to the airport but she got stuck in traffic and didn't arrive until Johnny tried to get the exception from the airline security.  I so wanted to cry... that was the last thing I was expected and I so not wanted to go on the trip by myself with the kids.  Anyway, the people let Johnny went on the plane with his Costco ID and his personal check.  We got there safely and thanks to sweet Dodie who allow us to stay in her master bedroom for the whole duration of time even thought her son wasn't home.  

We went to the live temple session on Thur it was really neat.  Did I even mention that I forgot about my temple recommend.  Boy, it was insane!  I called the bishop and thank goodness that he was working from home that day when the temple worker called him to verify!  :)   We were saved twice in just two weeks!  I am just impressed that the workers were able to memorize all the script.  It's not an easy task!!  Then, we went out to a sushi dinner with Jeannie.  It was so awesome to see my girl!  Love her and miss her so, so much!  The next day, I went to have lunch with Hal, who I haven't seen for 20+ years I believe.  His companion baptized me when I was 17.  Thank goodness that he was doing well despite of the divorce.  We didn't get seated and served until 1:00pm so Johnny wasn't able to pick me up.  Hal offered to drive me back to campus.  Super nice of him!   Don't know why, but I had a weird feeling that I've known him for a long, long time although I seriously don't know much about him.  After picking up up Jady at badminton, we walked on campus and waited for Jeannie and was introduced with Sister Anderson, Jeannie's companion.  She looked so shy!  :)  Then we went to Jerry's house for dinner with the Chans.  It was so fun to see everyone after we all left from BYUH.  It's been way too long and I truly learned to love FB for giving us an opportunity to find and reconnect with people.  Everyone is doing well and the kids are so grown up now!  After dinner, we took Christian to the house, Evan was really happy hang out with his "brother".  We were glad that he was able to join us for a day.  The next morning, we had lunch with Jeannie's roommate. She is so blessed to have such a wonderful roommate!  So sweet!  And the boys headed out to the preisthood session while I stayed home with Jady making dumplings and preparing food for the next night.  When the boys came home, Jeannie and Johnny had a fight before we went for ice cream. Johnny wanted Jeannie to stay over night so that we could head out together to the afternoon General conf. session but Jeannie insisted on staying at the apartment.  Johnny was upset that Jeannie didn't really put the family first.  Well, I felt like she tried as much as she could.  Anyway... long story short.  We made it to the conference session, but I think I was in such a rush in the past couple of days that I kind of lost my spirit.   We went back to Dodie's and fixed dinner for Jeannie's roommate... what a nice group of girls!!!!  So glad that my daughter well being taking care of.  

    

Guardian Angel

Think I probably need to write this down before I forgot... I always heard about people saying about guardian angel but I don't always feel them around.

However a few weeks ago, I had this dream and it had changed my view on guardian angel.  In the dream, I was frustrated in sorting out something and Johnny was there as well but didn't extend the help somehow.  So, this angel came and helped with much patience.  My feeling was that he will always be there for me.  I felt strong that he would take care of all my problems.  He kissed me and left. I woke up that day wondering if it was real... I still thought it was just a dream and nothing was significant.  It was the time I had my new calling and I had a lot of anxiety about my duty and it was also the time that I was looking for some healthy alternative to feed the kids for snacks.  Should have written the spiritual experience down right away (big mistake)... but I remembered saying my prayer, smiling in the sky knowing that he was there to save/inspire me to accomplish the task.  I felt very strong of his presence.  The other one was that I found two kitchen gadgets to make kid's snacks (not but two almost like new gadgets I found from goodwill).  They gadget will allow me to make healthy snacks instead of buying junks from the store.  I am grateful for this angel who protects and helps me when I am in need.  I know they are real!!!   

        

Yeah, it works!

2/7-11

Totally frustrated in dealing with a few church members, I feel like I am losing my patient!  Got a flu since Sat, slept for a few days, and this cold weather has gotten me depressed.  The most important lesson I learned is that don't invest your energy in people who don't appreciate you and don't expect the same return from others if you still choose to be nice.  There is some virtue to being loving and kind for sure. .

Jady asked on my Mon, and said, "Mama, are you feeling better?"  I said, "Yes! a little bit better!" Then she went, "Yeah, my prayer was answered!"  Little did I know that she was praying for me the night before.   I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight every night, but I must have fallen asleep that evening.   Its such a good feeling to hear your child's testimony on prayer!  I hope she will always remember this experience.

Jeannie has texted and called to check on me a few times, and Evan gave me many hugs as well.  Of course, Johnny has been a sweetheart helping with things that I need.  I was able to get all my documentation, resume, pictures together for an interview despite of being sick.  Feels pretty neat!

2 hour delay today... and the kids start school pretty late.  Evan is such a good boy that I don't even need to wake him up or cook for him.  He left home without even making a noise....

Hooray, I got the job!  I can't believe that with all these certificates that I have, the cooking one is the most useful.  What a joke!  I could have skipped taking all these classes long time ago!  Well, anyway, super excited teaching in Fall.  Will see how it goes...

Sent a Valentine's package to Jeannie, taught Ryan piano lesson, made Valentines with Jady and texting back and forth with Jeannie... Life is good knowing that my kids are happy and doing well!

A Bit of Everything!

12/17 (Wed)

Couldn't figure out what's the best word to described the joy we had as a family to see Sister Kwan came home from her 18 months mission in the SF area.  It was kind of a bummer that we didn't catch her right out from the gate... well, we went to the gate but she already were downstairs at the luggage claim area.  It was a great reunion!!!!  She looked tired but that tiredness did not take away her glow. Yes, there is this glowing of happiness and peace surrounded her.  She was quiet for the first night she came home, and we took her to President Brown for a release.   And started slowly ease herself back to her normal schedule just a different person -- a person with more patient and compassion. One night she came to our room just to share all the stories she had on her mission field, it was fascinating with lots and lots of miracles.  I am especially happy that she had a great friend, Jenna who were there for her when going through the transition.  Life is so awesome!  I now understand why most RM said that the mission is for them -- to train and refine character besides doing the Lord's work. What a great blessing it has been for Jeannie and for our family.  She even told us that she received an inspiration that she should go to medical school to be a Dr.  She doesn't really want to do it but she is willing to try and work on it.  Because of her personality, I think she will be great in counseling!  We shall see whatever that the Lord has instilled for her.  I know if she adhered to the spirit, she will get to where the Lord wants her to be.  So happy that she's back to school, working hard and attending the temple every week.  She looked so happy!!!  As a mom, I wish her with a clarity of mind for daily guidance, to have fun studying and working and meeting someone who would love and treasure her as much as I do.  Then, I will rest in peace.  Hahaha... 

Now, I need to prepare Evan and Jady to look forward to such an experience!  

12/19 (Fri)

Jeannie's homecoming!!!  I think she might be a little disappointed that most of her friends didn't show up. There were some members there to celebrate with her, but not a whole lot.  I felt kind of bad as a mom since I didn't do much to help.  Well, part of the reason for the lack of attendance was that her friend didn't post the announcement until two days before Jeannie came home.  There was just not enough time to get people there.  I was asked by some members about them not knowing the party and I didn't mean not to invite them -- since Jeannie is the first missionary ever in the house, I have no clue that this is for her friends or for the family.  Oh well, we always learn something at the end.  :) 

12/21 (Sun)

Jady turned 8 today and she got baptized on the same day!  So, so many people helped with the program, the food, serving, witness, set apart and all ... I am so grateful for all of them. But, the most importantly is the fact that she is eight.  Where did the time go?  She was born in this ward and baptized in this ward.  I often wondered how much scripture stories she knows and I had so much guilt for not teaching her enough.  Yet, I think she gets it here and there.  With that beautiful dress on, I wish her always know the right from the wrong.  Be strong to maintain the gospel standard.  Be faithful and true to her covenant.  Silly girl is really excited to be in the achievement day... it's great!