6/8/2014 -- Celebrating our 22nd anniversary! Johnny and I went out to Minadx last Tue for our celebration and as we were driving there, we were discussing how our lives would be if we hadn't got married? We both felt that we've been truly blessed to have each other and grow together with our children. It's been an inspiration and LONG day believe it or not and we didn't really greet each other a "Happy Anniversary" until 9:15pm. :) We were glad that we bought some chicken from the restaurant last night as we went out to dinner with the kids.
My day begin with an overslept. Somehow, I had a dream and woke up around 8:34am. My first thought was... gosh, Evan needs to bring sacrament bread to the church by 9:00am! So, I woke him up and then Jady and chased them to get dressed. I also told Evan to call his leaders and teachers quorum just so that someone be able to find bread whether from the freezer or else where and get them ready! The kids were super cooperative and we were out the door by 8:43pm. I was really mad at myself but I prayed really hard so that we could get there safely. I also asked Evan and Jady to buckle up because I was driving at 80mph the whole time except in the nearby neighborhood at the church. We got there at 8:50ish. I dropped Evan at the side door, parked my car, put on a little make up and headed to the chapel. As I walked into the walkway, Miriam just popped right next to me and we hugged and we talked, and we sat together.
Someone told me that she was there last Sat, but I didn't see her. I thought she left right after the sacrament without talking to anyone. During the sacrament, I suddenly realize it's not a coincident that we were late. It was meant to be that I needed to be late for her. I prayed that she felt the spirit today as Bro. Sheltox's talk on the priesthood keys, the joy of repentance and getting rid of old, bad habit! I just love his talk! His analogy was a great one! He mentioned as we kept on (a bad habit) wearing these worn out, old sole, we would eventually had pain in our feet or problems with the ankles. It will hurt us! My heart rejoiced for my prayer as answered!!! After the sacrament, Miriam asked me if she needed to schedule an appointment to meet with the Bishop and I said, "Just go and catch him now!" Off she went! I will visit with her this Thur and will find out what will happen next. She is so sweet, sincere and ready to come back! Yeah for her desire and motivation!
A couple weeks ago, I felt prompted to get a gas gift card to Sara Johnsox... I didn't get a chance to talk to her since she either didn't come to church or she left right after. I was planning to mail it out if I didn't see her this past Sunday but luckily I was able to catch up with her and gave her the card. Her face turned red and her eyes were filled with tears. I have never felt her pain before but this time I did even before she speaks. She said that her days were tiring with work, school, scrape metals, cook and clean the house! I bet she must be emotionally and financially drained for being the strongest link in the family. I know she will be the next sister I need to reach out. Thanks to the Lord for helping me feel her feelings so I could better serve her in the future.
Came home from church around 1pm and was preparing fruit to bring to the babacox, Michelle called and said she just woke up and needed to take a shower; so I told her to take her time and we could visit at 2:30pm. We got there around 2:40pm and she just came out of shower. It was a very nice visit and we stayed until 3:50... and by the time I dropped off Gina it was 4:05pm. Johnny called me while I was driving home and he was leaving the Gilliax and taking the Jensox boys home.
I went home and found Johnny napping. I helped Evan cleaned the last few tiles on the kitchen tile. It wasn't the best but it's good money for him to save and spend in HK. :)
Johnny was tired from the day of work so I didn't want to wake him up until 5:45pm when it's time for dinner. We had dinner and they left to the stake priesthood session with the Jensox boys and didn't come back until 9:15pm. While they were gone, Jady and I made dumplings for the Greens (Martin's is having a surgery tomorrow) and Johnny (for the 3 weeks without me cooking).
When the "boys" were finally home around 9:30pm, I fixed them easy over duck eggs and they were thrilled to try them out.
Boys, it's been a good day with many awesome experience!!! Love it!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Remembering My Child
Didn't spent much time chatting with Jeannie this week but I am so glad that she is getting along really well with her companion. Her area is huge and so she has the car and the Elders has to ride on bikes. On preparation day, she let the Elders use their car while Jeannie and her companion took their bikes and ride uphill for six miles. They were tired afterwards and Jeannie had a huge pain on her leg... thank goodness that it's only one night and her pain was gone the next day. Thanks to the Lord for answering her prayer and strengthening her testimony. Watching her video reminds me of her riding on the bike for the first time when she was five. We were in Lubbock and Evan was just born. She asked for a bike and we took her to the park but then she was sacred about falling and whined and didn't want to learn anymore. Her look and her fear on the face still vividly living in my mind. And surprisingly, it didn't change much as I watched this video! :)
"That night, we get to dinner and my legs start tingling. It started in my knees and went up into my thighs. And when we got home that night I literally thought I was going to die. At that point, I felt like if I cut off my legs, I'd probably be in better shape, because it hurt like. I can't even compare, but either way, it was more than anything I've ever known. And there I was, dying. And I got down and started kneeling to pray, and I said, "Heavenly Father. I know you know how much this hurts, so I hope you know how much I need help right now too." And so I prayed. And we got some painkillers too. But the next morning, I woke up and holy cow. It was as if nothing's happened. Ever. No pain. At all. And I haven't felt any since. Which really shows the power of prayer. It's never worked so quick for me, but when I needed it, there it was. How blessed we are."
5/30 (Sat)
So we were supposed to go out to eat at a Korean restaurant but we found out the last minute about the youth dance so we decided to have a potluck instead. We bought some pizza and anchovy spread, and Martine bought in a French dessert.
The dinner was super nice and authentic. The Howard family is so sweet and the food was covering the whole table. There were many side dishes as well as the real dishes to wash afterwards! :D
Dinner with good friends and spent a couple of hours chatting was a treat!!!
Project!
Since I've gained a few pounds I have been reading and watching blogs and videos of how to make a dress. I thought of making a elastic waist dress at first but then I saw a blog with this two tone pleated skirt, so I gave it a try.
I made one for Jady first since she found this princess pattern cloth at JoAnx and I figured that a pillow case dress would be a good one for that size. It wasn't too hard to make except the ruffles and gathers were kind of time consuming. Then, I made mine own skirt. I could have finished it earlier if I
didn't made the alteration. I made it too big and had to redo it.
I probably be better off buying one at the store given with the many hours I spent on the project. But, it's a good one after all.
Double Duty -- Darn it!
5/28 (Wed)
Got an emergency phone call from Inga last night and she is in need of help today. I feel really bad since I could only help from 9-10am for I have a babysitting commitment with the Richards. They are to move to a new house and could use some help with their three boys. Mia is the first one I called and she was able to go and so as Kyle. I wrote an email to the RS about Inga's situation and I kind of regret doing it since the RS president went to Inga and gave her a lecture on how the RS compassionate system works. She told Inga to call her visiting teachers, Kyle and Cindy first when she needs something... and didn't she already knew that Cindy is not up for doing much with one arm and Kyle's cancer has been back while on remission?
To me this is brutal! Oh man! If I am not in the RS, then I wouldn't even said a word of helping others... but she is the RS president and she asked for the sisters who need ministering...
I just want Inga to feel comfortable with other sisters helping since I am about to go back to HK and I want to make sure that she is being taking care of while I am gone. I am sure things will turn out fine in the end but I just want to make sure the RS are lining up people for her so that Kyle (Inga's visiting teacher) will not have to do much. Kyle's cancer come back also and she will need chemo and radiation after the summer. Oh boy! Two of my favorite ladies in the ward are going through the same thing! I know they can support each other at times but in my opinion it's not the best combination. I did asked if the visiting teaching route should be switched but a few ladies at scripture study said it's not needed. It's almost cultural shock to me.
Of course, I also forgot that I need to help with Jady's school next Wed between 9-12... and Inga asked if I can help the same day. I prefer helping with Inga since she needed the support and I can always asked for a switch of schedule with Jady's room parents.
Got an emergency phone call from Inga last night and she is in need of help today. I feel really bad since I could only help from 9-10am for I have a babysitting commitment with the Richards. They are to move to a new house and could use some help with their three boys. Mia is the first one I called and she was able to go and so as Kyle. I wrote an email to the RS about Inga's situation and I kind of regret doing it since the RS president went to Inga and gave her a lecture on how the RS compassionate system works. She told Inga to call her visiting teachers, Kyle and Cindy first when she needs something... and didn't she already knew that Cindy is not up for doing much with one arm and Kyle's cancer has been back while on remission?
To me this is brutal! Oh man! If I am not in the RS, then I wouldn't even said a word of helping others... but she is the RS president and she asked for the sisters who need ministering...
I just want Inga to feel comfortable with other sisters helping since I am about to go back to HK and I want to make sure that she is being taking care of while I am gone. I am sure things will turn out fine in the end but I just want to make sure the RS are lining up people for her so that Kyle (Inga's visiting teacher) will not have to do much. Kyle's cancer come back also and she will need chemo and radiation after the summer. Oh boy! Two of my favorite ladies in the ward are going through the same thing! I know they can support each other at times but in my opinion it's not the best combination. I did asked if the visiting teaching route should be switched but a few ladies at scripture study said it's not needed. It's almost cultural shock to me.
Of course, I also forgot that I need to help with Jady's school next Wed between 9-12... and Inga asked if I can help the same day. I prefer helping with Inga since she needed the support and I can always asked for a switch of schedule with Jady's room parents.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Jady's Filling!
Jady has her first tooth filling today! She was really concerned for awhile but Dr. Morgan was really sweet and nice and Jady tough it out this time! :D She was really cute speaking with that "fat" lips (the dentist call it) when it's numb...
So I tried on a few pants and skirts this afternoon and felt miserable that I couldn't fit into some of them! This winter is brutal and I found myself gaining a lot of fats around my belly!!! Reading an article on diet and health this morning and it says it takes 3500 cal to burn one pound of fat. Now... I am thinking... how many laps do I need to walk to burn that! Holy cow!!!! It's so difficult to burn the extra calories when you are old! :)
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Spiritual Thoughts from Sister Kwan!
5/21 (Wed)
Spent several hours pulling weeds from the flower garden and cutting back on the thorny gooseberry plants which I planted two years ago. How I wish to pluck them out now. They are growing like weeds and I am careless about their fruit since the plants are so prickly! Of course, my lower back hurts afterwards. I am just surprised that I was able to get up from the ground. I don't think I can garden any more.
5/22 (Thur)
We've been getting some heavy rain for the last couple of days and Johnny was so "smart" to make a trip to Bro. Huey's son's farm to pick bamboo shoots... the wheels got all muddy and so as our shoes! And we eventually went to a self service car wash place to get the car clean up before heading home. It was raining so heavy on the way home.
5/23 (Fri)
Learning to make quiche with Martine. It was so fun to hang out with Martine and Mia. So very relaxing! The Garcia family came over for dinner that evening and it was nice to get to know them. I just love this sweet family. They are always prepare and ready to help!!! Jose moves everyone in the ward and they are not afraid to help and serve! They noticed our tree was down in the lawn as he came to pick up the mattress and stuff we gave away to the other family, and he said he would come to take care of that mess for us. I thought he just said it but he did really come back a few days after! So sweet and such a great example of words and deeds!
5/24 (Sat)
Went to the Veals home for a special baptism in the hot tub. It was really cozy and nice! Dede's mom gave a good talk on the holy spirit -- Do Not Delay A Prompting! And Dede made an closing statement to the boys that their family is eternal and they will make it back! I love everything they said... how simple and beautiful this gospel plan is! Eternal salvation is indeed for everyone who wants to pursue a happy life!
I was planning to call Lori but then I felt like spending some time with my family only. It's been really tiring with service lately. So after Evan played tennis with Thomas, we drove to Bensalam to eat at Golden Corax and catch a movie afterwards. It's a pretty good movie since I stayed up the whole time... may be because I was knitting in my hands. :D
5/25 (Sun)
Stressing out on dinner with the Gillax and Rogerx for tomorrow night -- still haven't been able to finalize what I want to make for them. Came home without Evan (he went to a court of honor with Bro. Hansex). Jady and I ate lunch and then Johnny came home. I went to visit teach Gloria for the first time. Both Gloria and Gina (my companion) are new and I love them all!!! They are so lovely and enjoyable!!! I hope to be able to visit at a set schedule.
Johnny took Jady to home teach the Urbinax... and they are again struggling with Claudia's parents -- they both were so sick and needed home care, and the relatives were asking for money to send the parents to nursing home. I feel so terrible for them! There's never ending issues with the family.... How can they turn for peace?? So sad!
Made sandwiches with Evan and then went to Nathan's farewell. It's wonderful!
Came home from the farewell and made two Torte... good that I have decided what to make for dessert for tomorrow night.
5/26 (Mon)
Didn't go to the fun run with Jady... and we went to the store to pick up the ingredients that I needed for the evening. So stressed... and Jady had a bleeding nose while we shopped! :( I felt like a terrible mother!
Food preparation and then dropped off at the Smallx for BBQ. I seriously don't feel comfortable going because I am already stressed out!!! Don't feel like talking when I am thinking what I should be making for dinner for our guests!
Came home around 2:40pm and managed to finish the cooking right before they came. It's awesome and they loved the salad, the pasta and the dessert! The kids had a great time hanging out and we had a wonderful time chatting. These two families are one of our favorite families = in the ward. I always feel good and comfortable talking with them! It was an enjoyable evening. And of course, I forgot to write to Jeannie because of all the stress and busy craziness.... but I was glad to catch her a little. :) She is loving her new companion and I bet the two will be awesome sisters in the area. Love her spiritual thought for this week... (what can you do to keep those cracks tight?):
http://jeanniekwanldsmission.blogspot.com/
Spent several hours pulling weeds from the flower garden and cutting back on the thorny gooseberry plants which I planted two years ago. How I wish to pluck them out now. They are growing like weeds and I am careless about their fruit since the plants are so prickly! Of course, my lower back hurts afterwards. I am just surprised that I was able to get up from the ground. I don't think I can garden any more.
5/22 (Thur)
We've been getting some heavy rain for the last couple of days and Johnny was so "smart" to make a trip to Bro. Huey's son's farm to pick bamboo shoots... the wheels got all muddy and so as our shoes! And we eventually went to a self service car wash place to get the car clean up before heading home. It was raining so heavy on the way home.
5/23 (Fri)
Learning to make quiche with Martine. It was so fun to hang out with Martine and Mia. So very relaxing! The Garcia family came over for dinner that evening and it was nice to get to know them. I just love this sweet family. They are always prepare and ready to help!!! Jose moves everyone in the ward and they are not afraid to help and serve! They noticed our tree was down in the lawn as he came to pick up the mattress and stuff we gave away to the other family, and he said he would come to take care of that mess for us. I thought he just said it but he did really come back a few days after! So sweet and such a great example of words and deeds!
5/24 (Sat)
Went to the Veals home for a special baptism in the hot tub. It was really cozy and nice! Dede's mom gave a good talk on the holy spirit -- Do Not Delay A Prompting! And Dede made an closing statement to the boys that their family is eternal and they will make it back! I love everything they said... how simple and beautiful this gospel plan is! Eternal salvation is indeed for everyone who wants to pursue a happy life!
I was planning to call Lori but then I felt like spending some time with my family only. It's been really tiring with service lately. So after Evan played tennis with Thomas, we drove to Bensalam to eat at Golden Corax and catch a movie afterwards. It's a pretty good movie since I stayed up the whole time... may be because I was knitting in my hands. :D
5/25 (Sun)
Stressing out on dinner with the Gillax and Rogerx for tomorrow night -- still haven't been able to finalize what I want to make for them. Came home without Evan (he went to a court of honor with Bro. Hansex). Jady and I ate lunch and then Johnny came home. I went to visit teach Gloria for the first time. Both Gloria and Gina (my companion) are new and I love them all!!! They are so lovely and enjoyable!!! I hope to be able to visit at a set schedule.
Johnny took Jady to home teach the Urbinax... and they are again struggling with Claudia's parents -- they both were so sick and needed home care, and the relatives were asking for money to send the parents to nursing home. I feel so terrible for them! There's never ending issues with the family.... How can they turn for peace?? So sad!
Made sandwiches with Evan and then went to Nathan's farewell. It's wonderful!
Came home from the farewell and made two Torte... good that I have decided what to make for dessert for tomorrow night.
5/26 (Mon)
Didn't go to the fun run with Jady... and we went to the store to pick up the ingredients that I needed for the evening. So stressed... and Jady had a bleeding nose while we shopped! :( I felt like a terrible mother!
Food preparation and then dropped off at the Smallx for BBQ. I seriously don't feel comfortable going because I am already stressed out!!! Don't feel like talking when I am thinking what I should be making for dinner for our guests!
Came home around 2:40pm and managed to finish the cooking right before they came. It's awesome and they loved the salad, the pasta and the dessert! The kids had a great time hanging out and we had a wonderful time chatting. These two families are one of our favorite families = in the ward. I always feel good and comfortable talking with them! It was an enjoyable evening. And of course, I forgot to write to Jeannie because of all the stress and busy craziness.... but I was glad to catch her a little. :) She is loving her new companion and I bet the two will be awesome sisters in the area. Love her spiritual thought for this week... (what can you do to keep those cracks tight?):
http://jeanniekwanldsmission.blogspot.com/
This week's spiritual thought is about Ether. It's like one of the craziest books in the Book of Mormon because everyone dies within pages. So then, I'm flipping through this book. Reading it, loving it. And so there's this guy called the brother of Jared. And God tells him to build a boat. And we're told at least 5 times that this thing is "tight like unto a dish." And first of all, I guess that's pretty tight, assuming these things are meant to hold water. Can't spill any. And then I read this (it's Ether 6:7)
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah;
And all I could think was. Wow. They had to be tight. They were fully submerged underwater. And that's kind of like us now. Regardless of whether we're aware or not, we're always going under. The waters are rough and crazy, and so is life. We are thrown in all different directions with numerous obstacles. Are we doing all the right things so that WE are "tight like unto a dish"? Because if we allow the slightest crack, then we are going to be in trouble. So my question this week is: What can you do to keep those cracks tight?
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