A Day in the Life of Lily

A horse is a horse, of course, of course

2012-01-22T21:21:00.003-07:00

A grocery store chain in the area has this horse that can be ridden for only a penny. A penny! Isabella, my five year old, has expressed disinterest in riding this mechanical animal; Victoria, my three year old, on the other hand, has showed loads of enthusiasm for it.

2012-1-19

So much so that she has been rather upset with riding it only once. Or twice.

2012-1-19

She could ride the horse for all the day long.

In fact, some stranger stopped and dropped numerous pennies into the machine. It's too bad he didn't realize that putting pennies in the machine while it's running does not prolong the length of the ride.

Piecing puzzling puzzles

2012-01-12T08:55:00.006-07:00

My second born started doing 22 piece puzzles on her own, desiring no assistance, at 2 1/2 yrs of age.

At first I thought this puzzle doing ability had to do with familiarity. She had no problems doing puzzles that she had done before.

Not the case. I put new puzzles she hadn't done before, and she would still complete the puzzle. Without the box, without a completed picture of the puzzle, without help.

Then my mother-in-law, Karen, sent this one. Thought it was a doozy myself. Took a bit of focus the first time I worked on it.

2012-1-12

Now she's 4 months away from turning four, and she's still puzzling away.

2012-1-12

And she has her favorites of everything. Puzzles included. This one, this puzzle? Lately it's her favorite.

2012-1-12

And no one was crying

2011-12-30T22:48:00.003-07:00

I promised my mother-in-law I'd attempt to get pictures taken.

In the end, this involved driving to an appointment that was made before a snow storm started and a few days after the storm, bringing the children's Christmas clothing to the studio, getting everyone dressed, pleading with the older two to stay put and not make faces, convincing the younger two to not cry, oh never mind.

Anyways, I should let go the fact that my cardigan wasn't sitting the way I wanted it to in the photograph, or that I seemed to be slouching, or that everyone looks cute and darling except for me.

2011-12-20

Thank you, Jesus, for what you did for us. And I'm not talking about the photographs. I'm talking about your sacrifice.

Christmas blessings and goodness

2011-12-30T20:20:00.012-07:00

Seeing my girls perform.

2011-12-4

We went, even though it was butt cold outside and the roads were a bit icy. They had much fun; I had much fun.

2011-12-4

My babies. Oh wait. They're now the two older/oldest siblings. Still, the girls are my babies, nonetheless.

And then there were the school Christmas parties.

2011-12-16

After being asked nearly every day of this month whether that particular day was Christmas or when Christmas would arrive, Christmas Eve came.

2011-12-24

One of my girls is into dinosaurs, which invariably means another is now interested, too.

And then came Christmas. Finally. They wore new clothes, and they ripped through presents. But, remind them, I did, that without this being a very, very special day (Jesus's birthday), we would have no presents.

2011-12-25

And then, we said good night.

2011-12-25

My friends.

Alesana's Hat giveaway

2011-12-07T17:39:00.006-07:00

Photograph taken by Brittany Baker

The maker of this exquisite little hat, Brittany Baker, has donated this as a giveaway prize. There are two conditions for being entered into the (random) drawing for this hat:

1. visit Brittany Baker's etsy shop: Brookeleigh Grace.
2. leave a comment on this blog post, sharing your favorite Brittany creation.

The opportunity to be entered into a drawing for this hat ends on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at 11:59 Pacific Time. Only one entry per person; don't make me open a can of whoop on you for not abiding by that. If you recommend someone else to this blog post and they enter, you may have an extra entry into the drawing. I am willing ship anywhere, I believe, not just within the United States.

I plan on announcing the winner by Monday afternoon.

***

Tis the season of giving; billions of dollars projected to be spent this holiday season says so.

I am motivated to help support local effort, instead of buying stuff made in some third world country where we might not know who is making the stuff (a child?) or whether that person has a choice in the matter (forced labor?).

Brittany's creations are excellent gift ideas, and the prices are affordable. Treat your child(ren) to these handmade creations. She plans on making hats for little boys as well. If you have any hat or hair accessory ideas that you'd like to see made, but are not on her etsy site, I'd encourage you to contact her. Or buy some gifts for friends or family with little ones. And, support a family's efforts!

Advent season

2011-12-02T07:38:00.002-07:00

This past Sunday was the beginning of Advent, and I had intended on beginning a series of postings regarding Advent that Sunday, the 13th. Didn't have a chance to get that done. . .

This season is about celebrating the coming of Christ. There are two events, so to speak, that are celebratory, regarding the coming of Christ: his birth and his imminent return. I have had multiple conversations with my 5 year old and 3 year old about Jesus Christ and believing in him. I've kept the dialogue age appropriate, leaving out discussions of theology, abstract ideas, and the like. We've talked about the birth of Jesus, baby Jesus, Jesus's death and resurrection, Jesus coming back a second time.

The 5 yr old has said, on multiple occasions, that she believes in Jesus. The 3 yr old, following suit, has also claimed believing in Jesus. Both have reiterated that Jesus isn't here (but in heaven), and he's coming back one more time. We've discussed Jesus coming back one more time; and if we really do believe in him, we will go with him and always be with him.

My girls (the older two children) have insisted that they do believe in Jesus and we will join Jesus some day. Isabella talks about taking a few things she enjoys, such as Henry, with her.

Sometimes, as adults, we, I, have gotten lost in the heavy, theoretical or abstract theological debates. I appreciate the simple reminder: the Lord will return. I look forward to that day; that will be a day of celebration.

Dress up and fantasy

2011-11-28T21:03:00.005-07:00

Just out of curiosity, does costume-wearing and make-believe happen at other people's homes? Grown ups or children? Girls or boys?

At our house, at times, we have Rapunzel, Mother Godel (the one who kidnapped Rapunzel), mermaids, Ariel, Belle, other princesses, doctors, . . .

a pilgrim, . . .

2011-11-25

butterflies or Tinker Bells.

2011-11-25

These are girls after my own heart. As a child and adult, I've tried to have masquerades or costume parties, to no avail; unfortunately, I couldn't get most of my friends to come as someone else.

2011-11-25

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T21:05:00.004-07:00

This year, we did Thanksgiving differently. I didn't brine any turkey, and I did not host Thanksgiving. Can't imagine doing either with newborn twins (in addition to a three year old and a five year old), but maybe other moms are super moms (unlike me). Not only did we enjoy the perks of marvelous conversation, delightful company, and delicious food; but also, someone or other was always volunteering to hold the twins.

Like Dan, Amy's husband.

2011-11-24

Or Esther, one of Amy's children.

2011-11-24

And, as a result of all the loving hands around to help, I ate like two growing teenagers. Think I'm exaggerating? I out ate every individual at the Thanksgiving dinner. That means, I ate more than any strapping male, including an ex-marine.

***

On a side note, Amy is a wonderful lady who has been taking Isabella to school, driving 40 minutes one way from my house, just to help us out. She has no personal need to haul herself that sort of distance into Denver everyday. Just how much that helps a sleep deprived, non-bushy tailed, mother of four children is beyond wonders. Amen.

Food and friends

2011-11-27T20:27:00.009-07:00

My friend, Rendy, has been truly amazing in organizing people to bring food to me, after delivering the twins, especially after my parents left. People taking time in their own hectic schedules and lives to help us out has continued to move me. One such person, Sally, who signed up to bring food is here below, holding one of my twins Christine.

2011-11-23

I originally met Sally through one of her daughters, Manda, whom I had met in our three year stint in Texas. This is Sally's other daughter, Manda's sister, holding my other twin.

2011-11-23

Enter in one of Manda's children, Sydney, full of spunk, energy, and delight.

2011-11-23

And Manda's other child: Elijah. Also a delight. Seemed very much to be a momma's boy.

2011-11-23

Loved seeing everyone. Seemed quite awhile back since I last saw the Huddles. Or perhaps the little ones just grow so quickly.

Here are the twins being held by Sally and Manda. Not a bad lot, I say.

2011-11-23

So much fun, catching up with old friends.

2011-11-23

Manda, you look fantastic holding the twins? Want to come back and do that again some time?

2011-11-23

The last time Manda and I had a picture of us taken together, the twins weren't around and neither was Elijah.

2011-11-23

Silent Night (Mommy wishes)

2011-11-19T16:53:00.006-07:00

Yesterday, whilst on a walk with a good friend, my son was suddenly a very unhappy camper. Turns out, he had a huge diaper blow out. Blew well out of two onesies he was wearing.

Perhaps Christian was testing to see whether I was prepared or not. Had I remembered to repack the diaper pack with back up or extra clothes? Caught red handed; I had forgotten to replace the extra clothes I had in the bag. Christian made use of the extra set I had in the bag recently, with a different diaper blow out.

Didn't want to continue strolling and walking with Christian in only a diaper. So, made a stop in Children's Place. Love using a coupon with sale clothing. Found something that spoke so well of my days, these days.

2011-11-19

Capturing photographs or expressions of the twins is just, well, humorous. Somebody or other constantly seems to be making a face.

2011-11-19

Can you tell who is who?

2011-11-19

When taking all four children grocery shopping this morning, a cashier asked how I differentiate the two. Perhaps parents just have that special discerning ability, he remarked.

One has much more hair than the other, one has more pointed ears than the other, amongst other varying traits.

Oh, and they're different genders.

2011-11-19

Silent night. Holy night. . . .

Stone soup, pilgrims, and a Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-16T21:53:00.013-07:00

Today, my three year old had Thanksgiving Feast at her preschool. This was to be a family affair. Whilst that sounds fantastic in theory, I thought upon attending such an activity with three children - my three year old and my twins - with dread.

Joyce, my friend and preschool director, however, came to the rescue. She provided childcare, a place for my twins to go. As a result, Victoria got my undivided attention. Her reaction to having such attention from me was obvious in a number of ways. The grins, from ear to ear, on her face were unmistakeable.

2011-11-16

Here she is with her teacher.

2011-11-16

Such unbridled expressions of joy she exhibited. My darling, my sweet Victoria.

2011-11-16

Sitting across from us, at the same table, were some of Victoria's classmates, twins. Giovanni and Michael. Victoria could easily tell the difference; I couldn't. But, then again, I had just met them.

2011-11-16

Victoria's utter excitement at spending unadulterated time with her mommy was plain to see in the face and in her disposition as well as in her hearty appetite. She had two large servings of "stone soup," the entirety of a sizable box of snacks she was given, cheese, and fruit.

2011-11-16

Victoria with Marlene, a woman with a heart of gold.

2011-11-16

At the end of the Thanksgiving Feast, Victoria found a "house" that caught her eye.

2011-11-16

Repeatedly, she told me it was not yet time to go. I needed to check on the twins or go do something else for awhile before returning to her.

2011-11-16

It wasn't before long before she found some friends to join in the fun. Not at all shy, this one, especially when mommy gives her the sort of attention she needs and craves.

2011-11-16

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reflecting on just how much for which I have to be grateful. More on that later.

An outing with one parent and four children, five and under

2011-11-07T13:53:00.002-07:00

2011-11-5

Just for kicks, I thought I'd try taking the four kids out on my own, but I gave myself coffee as a reward or something. Christian wasn't the most cooperative of the lot, but we did stay long enough for the non-nursing individuals to eat breakfasts I had packed.

Some passerbys were convinced that I had two sets of twins. Took work to get these individuals to believe otherwise. Two sets of twins; oh my goodness, that would be, that would be, I have no words for how I'd possibly do that.

The twins at 1 month

2011-11-06T07:49:00.011-07:00

I can't believe nearly a week has passed since the twins turned 1 month old. Turning a month is a huge deal in Taiwanese culture specifically and in Asian culture generally. The time the twins spend both content is rather tricky.

Then there's the issue that someone's contorting his or her face.

2011-11-1

Or something else.

2011-11-1

Really, is there the perfect photograph? When two little beings are involved?!

2011-11-1

Not in my world. This is about as good as it gets.

2011-11-1

Two foods significant in the 1 month celebration include:

1. sticky rice - my mom prepared it with minced shallots, garlic, ginger, ground pork, little tiny shrimp, peanuts, soy sauce, salt, sesame oil. She also wanted to include dried shiitake mushrooms, but I didn't have any. Victoria was my mom's assistant.

2011-11-1

2. red eggs.

Compared with the first few photographs, seem pretty decent? Even with Christian's drool?

2011-11-1

A-ma with Christian.

2011-11-1

Happy 1 month, Christine and Christian, drool, spit up, poop explosions and all.

2011-11-1

Warm weather before the snow

2011-11-05T22:02:00.006-06:00

One of many things I appreciate and love about Colorado is the constantly changing weather. Days after the day I took these photographs and we enjoyed sunny weather at the park, we had 6-8 inches of snow. We took advantage of the sunny but cool weather.

2011-10-30

I'm loving not being pregnant with twins. In case you're new to my blog, I got to the point where my pregnancy got in the way of me staying vertical for very long, without my lower extremities wanting to explode. Moreover, I wasn't able to walk well or for very long. Not being able to stand or walk without tremendous discomfort made spending time with the family outdoors challenging.

2011-10-29

The two youngest children are in need of some sustenance. Ta ta.

Galavanting as Tinker Bell or butterflies

2011-11-05T20:32:00.007-06:00

2011-10-29

What, Halloween was already here? I gave birth to twins on October 1st, and Halloween arrived the very next day. Or so it seemed.

A goal with the children is to carve out special or unique time with each child that is distinct from what I do with the other children. On the Friday before Halloween, to carry out Isabella's request for the activity we'd do for our time together - make necklaces and bracelets - I needed to get some sort of string. While out, I saw some costumes that were 60% off that the girls would absolutely love.

I knew they would be utter excited. What I wasn't certain of, was how they would interpret the costumes . . . fairies, Tinker Bell, butterflies.

Excitement, most certainly.

2011-10-29

Turns out, the girls switched back and forth between being Tinker Bell and being butterflies.

Proud showing off costumes and galavanting at a Farmer's Market.

2011-10-29

Also enjoyed looking at other people's costumes and identifying other little ones who also had wings and could fly. My oldest demonstrated plenty of curiosity - how could that person is carrying a sword? Why does that person have a surprised face? How come that person is so tall (he was walking on stilts)?

How about you? Where does curiosity or wonder take you?

2011-10-29

My oldest wanted to ride in the wagon. Unfortunately, dinner time was already up not only for the two oldest but also for the two youngest. The latter required the milk truck to head home to feed the twins.

2011-10-29

Caffeine, a necessity?

2011-11-03T12:01:00.002-06:00

These days, sleep is a precious rarity. Take your pick of a Mary Poppins carpet bag full of reasons: I have four children five years old and under, I have newborn twins that wake A LOT during the night, my newborn twins don't sleep that much during the day, the twins want to be held all the time, at least one person in the house is eating at any point during the day, the day goes on.

With the previous two children, I didn't consume any caffeine while nursing. None whatsoever.

But, I don't think any of us will survive if I don't have some caffeine once in awhile. But, I'm afraid, very afraid. I don't want the caffeine to reach the newborn twins, in such a way that the caffeine keeps them awake. Or gives them diarrhea. Without any coffee or caffeine whatsoever, we will all suffer. Over and out.

All that is to say, I couldn't bring myself to drink the entire beverage. What I drank is represented in the above photograph, the most recent time I purchased coffee.

"I have no hands"

2011-11-03T11:31:00.003-06:00

2011-10-25

A few Fridays ago, when A-ma was taking Victoria to preschool, we prompted her (Victoria) ahead of time, at home, that she needed to hang up her own school bag once she arrived in her classroom. Once the two arrived at the classroom, A-ma reminded Victoria that she had agreed to hang up her own back pack.

Then Victoria proceeded to fashion her hands in the above photographed fashion, telling A-ma, "But I don't have any hands." That's my 3 year old. I have to hand it to her for cleverness.

Or perhaps she'll be a comedian some day.

Guest post: On Halloween, Marriage, and Kids

2011-10-31T10:56:00.003-06:00

A dear friend of mine wrote the following. She, in my opinion, is a talented and captivating writer. Happy Halloween!

Halloween, Marriage, and Kids
by Rendy Sell Lemke

I hate Halloween. Despise it. It’s not against my religion or anything, but I wish it was. Come to think of it, now there’s an idea: “Kids, this is a satanic holiday and you will stay inside and away from all exterior windows, otherwise you could become possessed with demons. How about we just set out a basket of anti-Halloween tracts on the porch.” Anyway, contrasted with my pre-parent years, when I really did watch “Faces of Death” episodes just for kicks, photographed dead people, and obsessed over all things Ted Bundy, I now do not get a thrill out of blood, gore, death, ghosts, zombies and all that other nastiness. Call me boring. It’s actually the one night of the year I will do something domestic, like sweep the floor, because it sounds so attractive compared to the alternative.
To be honest, part of my dislike is rooted in my fear of crowds of kids (as in anything over one kid, that is awake, is a crowd). Crowds of kids are panic-attack inducing. I hyperventilate, I get dizzy, I lose my vision, it all blurs together into one large ball, all their voices turn into a loud background of, well, scary and inaudible noise. But I never felt any mom guilt over this, you see, because I have a husband that LOVES Halloween. Loves it! Daddy is here to save Halloween for the boys! He makes the best costumes; takes them trick-or-treating and doesn’t come home until their pillow cases are packed to the brim with candy; goes with them to their school Halloween festivals/parties (folks, there are hundreds upon hundreds of kids gathered at those things); carves the most awesome pumpkins, one for each of the boys, and then he throws in an extra for himself and the dog. He’s the Santa Claus of Halloween. He really is.
So, as I was relaying all of this to a friend the other day, apparently Andy was eavesdropping. When I got to the part about how it all works out perfectly, because Andy loves Halloween, my usually calm, not-easily-excitable husband (Listen, I am not saying Andy is boring, but in order to balance out his often hysterical and frantic and overly-dramatic wife, he does have to remain pretty calm. Really. For the sake of the children) interrupted with a loud and booming voice, that was also heavily Wisconsin-accented (These days, the accent only comes out on the rare occasions when he gets angry), “What?! Are you kidding me?! I HATE Halloween! It’s the worst holiday ever. And those pumpkins? What a pain in the ass to carve. And the trick-or-treating? Tromping around in the freezing cold and not knowing whether or not to actually go to the door with the kids or wait on the sidewalk? What a mess! And who knows what sort of damage is being done to our house while we are away! For crying out loud!”
Wow. That threw an entirely unique wrench into the equation. All these years, I thought I was getting off easy. But to find out that my husband made this holiday into what our middle boy, Drew, has dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year,” and what our 18 year old boy, Alex, still loves so much and is convinced, every year, that of course Halloween is a school holiday, and so much fun for our youngest, Sky, just for that reason: because he loves his boys and would sacrifice, no, I mean SACRIFICE MIGHTILY and HUGELY and VASTLY just because he loves them? I have no words. I am not sure that I know that kind of sacrifice. I mean, even in childbirth, they at least give you epidurals. I don’t think they hand those out to parents on All Hallows’ Eve. And I am humbled. And I find yet another reason to be grateful that I, despite my typically flighty and impulsive decision-making method, even to the extent of agreeing to get married on our first date, lucked out in the husband department like I did. Thank you, Andy. Your children have the best dad in the world. Now, off to google images of brooms, so I can prepare to sweep the floors next Monday night.

Perspective

2011-10-29T09:20:00.003-06:00

2011-10-20

Sometimes I need a little reminder that what seems so huge and overwhelming in life isn't all that bad. This week's constant reminder, for me, is that the Lord is my shepherd, I am one who belongs in His flock, and I get to rest in His pasture.

Lord, thank you for providing us with four wonderful children, who provide such delight and remind us of what is and is not important in life.

Brightening my day

2011-10-28T16:14:00.002-06:00

2011-10-19

I hadn't noticed that something was written on my cup of hot chocolate until my friend Shauna removed the sleeve to show me. Another friend and a barista at Starbucks had written "The Amazing Lily" on my cup.

The Amazing Lily.

Wow. That surprise definitely brightened my day.

Next best thing, since I wasn't thinking caffeine was a possibility I'd attempt with newborn twins who depend solely on me for food. . . I don't feel I'm an amazing person. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Am I a hair stylist now?

2011-10-28T16:06:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure at what point Rapunzel's hair length was no longer favored, but my first born wanted a haircut. My husband volunteered to cut her hair, but I quickly offered. Isabella decided the length, whether she'd still have bangs, and the length of her bangs. A significant amount got cut. Excited she was and is. She is exhibiting my lips in this photograph.

2011-10-7

My second child adamantly opposed coming close to her with scissors that day. The next day, however, she asked to have her hair cut. Getting her to stay still for two seconds in a row was no easy task. However, eventually, I did trim her hair. Still might need a bit of work. But, it'll do for now.

2011-10-18

How child hair stylists can cut squirmy, constantly-moving children is beyond me; they impress me.

How does your garden grow?

2011-10-26T12:09:00.004-06:00

The girls, especially Isabella, have been interested in nature for some time now. They have a book from the Cat in the Hat series (did you know there's such a thing?) that talks about seeds and plants. Isabella has been especially interested in growing things. So, A-gong and A-ma took the girls to pick out flowers to plant, even though this is autumn and even though snow was not that far away (we had snow overnight last night and today!). Many things that interest Isabella are suddenly of interest to Victoria as well. And, both got the opportunity, with A-gong's assistance, to plant flowers.

This was Victoria's choice. For some time now, she loves a variety of color.

2011-10-15

This was Isabella's choice.

2011-10-15

How does your garden grow?

Joining the 21st century

2011-10-24T13:45:00.003-06:00

2011-10-14

Not long after the twins were born, my dad was looking for some means of playing music. He came back with this clock looking device. Not the iPod touch; that was mine to start. That's right, it's a device that plays the music on an iPod touch. Pretty nifty, right? In some small way, I feel like I have joined the 21st century.

Life after doubling the brood

2011-10-24T08:59:00.002-06:00

2011-10-13

Dreaming a little dream. I dreamt of not waking in a stupor from being woken up off and on through the night. I dreamt of not being so tired by early afternoon that I am dazed. I dreamt of not being so tired by 6 pm that I mistaken the time for 4 am. Then, I was awoken by my second oldest child, who's three, who wanted me to fashion a sheriff's pin on her attire.

***

My parents are returning to their abode soon. They came a week or so before the twins were born. I don't know what I would have done had they not come early; I wasn't only gigantic (carrying singleton-size twins in my belly), but I was feeling so much pressure on my body (lower extremities and elsewhere) carrying those babies everywhere. My parents committed to staying a month following the birth of the babies.

Well, that time is drawing near.

And my heart's filling with anxiety, fear, and dread.

***

I have a kindergartner who goes to school forty minutes away, and we have to leave the house by 6:45 am to get her there on time. That's three hours of driving time in the morning and three hours of driving time in the afternoon. Plus hundreds of dollars in gas money.

I have a preschool age child who goes to school three days a week in the morning.

Then there's the issues of meals, bedtime, and other routine activities for the older two children. My parents have been giving them their meals. Oftentimes meal times coincides with nursing times. What am I going to do?!

Also? I have done absolutely no cooking since the last week or two of my pregnancy. Where would I find the time to cook, when I have two older children and two nurslings?!

With my parents here, I am eating well and resting well. Notice I said resting, not "sleeping," well. The lack of adequate sleep isn't due to any shortage of effort on my parents' part. I have not only one newborn but I have TWO!

***

Speaking of drama, my more sensitive and vocal twin is stirring a raucous; I had better make sure he's not poking his twin sister's eye out.

Bed time with A-ma and A-gong

2011-10-18T11:03:00.006-06:00

Amongst other numerous helpings, A-ma and A-gong, with me, have taken turns with getting the girls ready for bed. Here, A-gong is seeing what letters Victoria recognizes.

2011-10-9

And, A-ma is taking care of Christian.

2011-10-9

Seems a very cozy, warm environment.

2011-10-9

Where's the other twin? Oh, there she is, in A-gong's arms. Hello Christine.

2011-10-9

A-Gong's birthday

2011-10-18T09:23:00.006-06:00

My dad's birthday was on Saturday, October 8th, just a week after the twins were born. My sister flew in for that weekend. She left two children at home with her husband, so we could potentially avoid having SIX children, five years old and under, in the house. At the time she purchased her plane tickets, it was anyone's guess when the twins would make their way into the world. Turns out, Tenny got to meet the twins at nearly a week of life in the world.

2011-10-8

My sister made the cake, which is really the Taiwanese version of what we use to ring in Lunar New Year. Yum. My sister was amazing; in her third trimester of pregnancy, she was doing her best to help us out.

Back to my dad's birthday, my dad's my hero. He let me start taking piano lessons when I was 4 1/2 yrs old, younger than Isabella. He would sometimes sit in the family room and listen while I practice piano. My dad taught me every aspect of running a business, a business he ran on the side when he wasn't acting as professor. The list goes on. I love my daddy. Happy birthday, Daddy.

2011-10-8

I have to say, I'm not leaving my mom out intentionally. My parents came about a week or so before I delivered. Of course none of us knew at that time when I would deliver. My parents knew I was barely getting around, my tremendously huge belly and me. Not only was I half an inch from making contact with the steering wheel, but I couldn't stand or walk for very long, without putting uncomfortable pressure on my lower extremities.

Both of my parents, my mom and dad, were and are amazing. They've been working around the clock to do what I would do on my own and more: cooking, dish washing, transporting the older two children, burping the twins, the list goes on and on. I'm not sure what I am going to do when my parents leave. Weep, moan, groan, panic.

2011-10-8

Our newest additions to the family, twins

2011-10-14T07:55:00.000-06:00

I started uploading photographs for this post on October 4th, and today is October 14th. A few days have passed since I first began preparing this post, as you can see. So, I had better hurry, while I have a moment, or two.

First thing is first: BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS - twins:

Christine Myo Chang-Nunley
born: October 1, 2011, 8:10 pm
weight: 7 lbs, 9.1 oz
length: 20 1/2 inches long

Christian Ahai Chang-Nunley
born October 1, 2011, 8:21 pm
weight: 6 lbs, 14.1 oz
length: 20 1/4 inches long

The twins' siblings came to greet them the very next morning, October 2nd.

2011-10-2

That's right, we doubled our brood with one fell swoop. Doubling the brood with one pregnancy certainly took its toll on my body, but looky looky at the cute little children and siblings.

A-ma and A-gong came about a week or so before I delivered, doing what I couldn't do at the end of my pregnancy forward, and more. I can't provide an exhaustive list; they have done so much: pedaling Isabella and Victoria to their respective schools and back, cooking, cleaning, etc.

2011-10-2

Now, here's a clue as to who is who: Christine (who is wearing the pink hat) and Christian (who is wearing the blue hat).

And, now the twins are ready to go home; maybe not. But, we're being sent home.

2011-10-3

Welcome home twins.

Isabella & her new digs

2011-09-28T20:26:00.009-06:00

My first born's birthday was Monday of last week, nearly 10 days ago. Isabella got a beautiful, shiny tricycle from A-ma & A-gong for her birthday. She had asked for this for her birthday. A-ma and A-gong asked her whether she wanted one with two wheels or one with three wheels. Her choice? A tricycle. Welp, we finally got around to putting the tricycle together, today. By 'we,' I mean A-gong.

2011-9-28

Isabella couldn't wait to get on her shiny new tricycle. Victoria wanted to ride it, as well; honey, I understand you want a turn on it, too, but Isabella gets the first ride since we're talking about this is Isabella's birthday gift. Look at the excitement on her face!

2011-9-28

A-ma and A-gong drove over 600 miles on Wednesday of last week and over 700 miles on Thursday of last week to come to my rescue. Since they're arrival here, they've been working arduously, non-stop: transporting the girls to school, cooking, giving the girls their meals, looking after me. Really, they're my heroes.

2011-9-28

Look at this joyous girl. I'd say she's pretty proud of her new digs.

2011-9-28

We rode down to friends', neighbors' home down the street. Here's the newest addition to their family. The little guy is nearly 7 weeks old.

2011-9-28

Here's the other little guy in their family, whose birthday is only two days earlier than Victoria's.

2011-9-28

Speaking of birthdays, today is my niece's, Juliet's, birthday. Her birthday is a mere 9 days after Isabella's. And no, my sister and I did not plan the births of our firstborns that way. Happy birthday, dear Juliet!

My baby, my first born, turned five

2011-09-25T21:05:00.005-06:00

This past Monday, Isabella turned five. Five years old. The sound of that is still ringing in my years, nearly a week later.

Since I am pregnant with her siblings, I am more inclined to reminisce upon the old. My pregnancy with Isabella was my first. I was so much more innocent, naive, new, green to pregnancy and all the stuff that goes with being pregnant back then. On my due date, Manda and I went to Cold Stone and enjoyed deliciously sweet ice cream. Besides that, I complained about various pregnancy symptoms - bad acid reflux, super itchy skin all over my body, inability to get lengthy quality sleep, being uncomfortable - and believed I was miserable. At 40 weeks and 5 days, with no signs of my body readying for delivery (no dilation, no cervical ripening or softening), my ob convinced me to get induced.

Turned out to be one of my greatest regrets.

2006-9-23

Took these photographs 4 days after she was born.

A day and a half into failed induction, neither Isabella nor I faired well. I had an emergency C-section; and she spent a week in the NICU, fighting for her life. Imagine being told you could neither hold nor touch your baby for many days. Imagine your child being partially sedated so she could have a fighting chance. Imagine your child being put on two ventilators.

But, Isabella was and is a fighter. She's a survivor. At the end of that tear-jerking drama, the docs told us she'd suffer no long-term damage from her rough start to life.

***

Now she's five years old. When asked about siblings, she proudly reports that she has two younger sisters and a younger brother.

2011-8-11

She's bilingual, speaking and singing in English as well as Mandarin. In August, she started attending a charter language-immersion school that will allow her to advance her bilingual abilities much further than I could ever endeavor to encourage and help her.

2011-9-7

Isabella mothers and tends to Victoria. Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not so good.

I love you, my darling, beloved Isabella. Happy 5th birthday.

2011-9-17

By the way, I asked her what kind or flavor cupcakes she wanted for her birthday. She wanted ice cream. Strawberry ice cream. Ice cream, it was, then.

Mid-Autumn Festival

2011-09-12T13:10:00.000-06:00

Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated by various Asian countries, persons of Asian descent, and persons attending Mandarin language immersion schools. The daughter that is in the Mandarin kindergarten language immersion school celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival this past Thursday, in school. The students celebrated with some moon cakes in their classrooms and performed for fellow classmates, teachers, and parents.

Walking down these corridors reminds me of my pupil days. I'm not sure why. Vivid sensations return.

2011-9-8

Do you see Isabella? On a side note, I'm still getting constant reminders from her that I am not to call her "Isabella." I should call her by her Chinese name. Her sister wants a Chinese name, too; I told her I'd ask A-ma and A-gong to give her a Chinese name.

Isabella's in the back middle of this photograph, between the two tables in the back of the picture. Still have trouble spotting her?

2011-9-8

How about now?

The kiddos learned from the teachers that Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated during a full moon, and in the Asian tradition, unlike in American culture, a full moon is good. Good things happen. Also significant is that this is a time where families get together and celebrate. For families that aren't able to unite, due to geographic distance, it's important to connect - whether by phone or internet - and tell each other how much we love them and miss them.

2011-9-8

And food is a necessary part of the celebration. In this case, moon cakes and fruit were consumed.

2011-9-8

And, the children/students showed off a little song and dance, one of several songs they've learned in less than the month they've been ibn school.

2011-9-8

Here's Isabella's teacher. I feel bad for her, considering she has 30 students. Though she has an assistant, that's still a lot of students to manage. For a school that relies heavily upon government funding, the number (of students) game is important, in terms of how much funding is provided.

2011-9-8

After the in-class party, Isabella's class joined other Mandarin classes in the auditorium for performances. This is Isabella's class performing. Took me a bit to find her, because she wasn't in the first row and she was hiding behind some other classmates. She's on the far right, third from the right. Can you spot her?

2011-9-8

Now can you see her?

2011-9-8

Anyways, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Give your family plenty of love and hugs today. Tell them how important they are to you. Blessings to you this day.

Victoria's first day of preschool

2011-09-09T20:41:00.006-06:00

My three year old was excited to wear a backpack and head to preschool today. Can you tell?

2011-9-9

My somewhat spirited, silly, fun-loving daughter.

2011-9-9

Who somehow hasn't completely forgotten about her breastfeeding days, which wasn't all that long ago. I weaned her when she was 33 months old (2 yrs and 9 mos).

2011-9-9

I'm glad she didn't mind going to preschool at the English-speaking school her sister attended last year, even though Victoria badly wanted to be in the Chinese, language-immersion school with her sister.

2011-9-9

And I packed too much into the three hours Victoria was in preschool: shopping at Target (I want to get the girls' room organized ASAP, especially since 4 children's clothing will be stored in one room); picking up a free breakfast at Chick-fil-A, and meeting with a doula. I was so caught up in my meeting with my doula, that the time was half an hour after I was supposed to pick up Victoria when I got a call from the preschool wondering where I was.

Coming home from Kindergarten a happy camper

2011-09-07T17:47:00.004-06:00

My kindergartner came home from school happily singing loudly and proudly to me, as she approached me. After singing the song a few times, I grinned from ear to ear and told her how wonderfully she sang. Quietly, I was thankful she had sung the song multiple times, because it was the first time I had heard the song and I wasn't familiar with a few of the Chinese words.

May I take some pictures of you, Bella? You sang so beautifully and you look beautiful.

Yes, Ma ma. Then she broke into song again.

2011-9-7

I can tell she really enjoyed school not only because she came home smiling and singing, but also, she wanted to keep her uniform on. In fact, when I asked her to take her uniform off, she graciously declined and didn't take it off until I told her I needed her to take her khaki skort off; I was doing some lighter colored laundry.

2011-9-7

When daughter's content and joyful, Mommy is, too.

***

On a side note, I am so thankful singing, songs, and music are such a big part of the girls' everyday lives.

Victoria's preschool orientation

2011-09-07T12:47:00.003-06:00

Victoria had her preschool orientation this morning. Parents came and stayed for the orientation. I wasn't sure how she'd do, because for awhile now, she has been saying that she wants to go to the Chinese school (language immersion school) with her sister. Victoria's too young to go there, and she's going to preschool where Isabella went last year.

2011-9-7

But, Victoria has a different teacher from Isabella's teacher from last year.

2011-9-7

Thankfully, all went well. In fact, orientation and school were shorter than usual, and she wasn't ready to leave when we were dismissed.

Don't worry, honey. You'll be back in a couple of days.

Victoria's in preschool three days a week, three hours at a time. I'm already planning to get loads done, while I don't have children hanging on my arms. But, the twins inside of me may have other plans. Only time will tell.

On Labor Day

2011-09-05T20:42:00.013-06:00

Before I go into our Labor Day festivities, I must take a moment to wish my sister, my wonder sibling and darling friend, a happy, happy birthday. I love you.

***

We split our Labor Day plans into two, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon/early evening. I had to rest plenty before, in between, and afterwards; part and parcel of a pregnant woman with twins towards the end of the third trimester. My confession is that I had to rest in bed a bit extra in the morning and get some coffee to get us kick started in the morning. We made it to the playground and visited with whatever friends happened to be there. Amongst the crew was little two year old Mackenzie. Thankfully, my three year old found it amusing to have Mack sit on her lap.

2011-9-5

Here is Mackenzie's mommy and daddy, Brittany and Jeremy. I hope my friends, Brittany and Jeremy, aren't offended; but to my girls, though they know my friends' names, they're associated and referred to as Mackenzie's mommy and daddy.

2011-9-5

Here I am at 34 weeks and 4 days.

2011-9-5

After spending two and a half hours at the playground amongst friends, I told the girls it was time to go home. Gave them a five minute warning, then a one minute warning. Since the girls were eating off and on throughout our stay at the playground, I told them we were going home to get ready for nap time.

I told them "resting" was insufficient for going to Melissa & Paul's later; they had to actually sleep. My thoughts were twofold: I don't want to deal with grumpy sleepy children and I wanted to lay down myself after eating. They eventually fell asleep, I believe.

***

We arrived at our second destination not long after the requested time of 5 pm. We went to the home of Melissa and Paul and little Camille. I had found out ahead of time that the plan was for a cookout. I was hoping and praying for cool weather, like yesterday.

This is Melissa.

2011-9-5

And Paul.

2011-9-5

Though temps were nowhere near the blistering heat of last month or even the first few days of this month, I was getting hotter the longer we were outside. Perhaps the two beings inside my belly had something to do with my increasing discomfort, but I was starting to get uncomfortably hot outside, even though I was sitting in the shade.

Another couple that goes to our church: Phil and Ana, darling, generous in spirit, and loving to the core. In addition to Melissa's friendship, I am so thankful for their presence in my life.

2011-9-5

After we ate, Victoria found it very entertaining - my grossed out response - to her attempting to feed me dirt, grass, and hair.

2011-9-5

Giggle, giggle, giggle.

2011-9-5

So incredibly, uninhibitedly, giggly funny.

2011-9-5

And this daughter insisted on me taking a picture of her holding this toy, whatever it is, over her head. Warrior princess, perhaps?

2011-9-5

Difficult to tell who is more sociable of the two girls. Sometimes it's the older one, Isabella. But, this evening, it was clearly the younger of the two, Victoria.

2011-9-5

What did YOU do for/on Labor Day?

On a crisp autumn day

2011-09-03T14:53:00.013-06:00

This week was supposed to be cooler than last week. I kept waiting for the fruition of that prediction. Though I am aware that other parts of the country were roasting, mid to upper 90's were hardly consoling for a woman in her third trimester, pregnant with twins. I was sorely disappointed until today. Since late spring, we've been keeping our windows open at night, and since some time in the summer, we've had them open all day (heard that having windows open can help the swamp cooler or evaporative cooler work more efficiently). This morning, woke up feeling rather chilly. Good thing the girls slept in their long sleeve, long pants pajamas.

Decided to go to the playground, once I could get me and my pregnant body going, late morning. Everyone wanted to be in long sleeves and pants for our outing. Isabella wanted to wear two layers on top, a long sleeve top atop a short sleep top. Oh, and everyone chose their own attire.

Felt unbelievable to be outside with temperatures in the 60's.

2011-9-3

I'm still baffled by the fact that I get asked, at least once a week, whether these two siblings are twins.

2011-9-3

Not offended. Just surprised. From my perspective, these two girls have very different personalities, not to mention different sizes and varying developmental stages.

2011-9-3

But, they are sisters, close in age. They love on each other and they fight.

2011-9-3

In fact, I believe they're prepared to have more siblings. Or perhaps they are getting ready.

Enter Halleli, so sweet and so little. Hallelli's mommy, Cassy, was so kind to let the kids take turns "holding" Halleli. Halleli humored everyone's desire to hold her.

2011-9-3

This is dear Ahna, Halleli's sister.

2011-9-3

This is my friend and mom of Halleli, Ahna, and Gami - Cassy. Enjoyed a lovely lunch with Cassy, her husband, and her children. I feel so guilty that my energy is nearly non-existent and that I spend much of my time dysfunctionally tired. Thankfully Cassy and Brandon were equipped with ample patience and tenderness.

2011-9-3

Isabella, my firstborn, my eldest, has plenty of love and affection to share. I hope this is some small indication that I'm doing something right as a mommy.

A bit o' tug of war

2011-09-02T13:56:00.007-06:00

These days, I feel like I am the rope in a tug of war battle that has been going on for some time. The rope has been pulled, yanked, thrust in different directions with varying degrees of force; and the rope is wearing, tearing, and fraying.

I'm 34 weeks and a day pregnant with twins. Want see? Alright, you asked for it.

Think about it THIRTY FOUR weeks pregnant, with TWINS. My fundal height, as of yesterday anyways, is 44 cm. Compare that with the standards for a singleton pregnancy, in which the uterus length typically matches the numbers of weeks in a pregnancy. For example, a woman who is forty weeks pregnant with one baby normally would measure 40 cm. Me? 34 weeks = 44 cm.

2011-9-2

If my uterus and the babies are occupying that much of my torso, my body, where have my organs gone, you might wonder? That's a great question. Certainly answers questions of how I struggle with breathing, why my left quadriceps go numb while standing, why my index fingers lock, how my digestive system is being adversely impacted, etc. And, let's not forget being tired ALL the time, struggling to have energy to do anything. I have three hearts beating inside my body and two human beings inside of me, okay? And, these two little beings are borrowing my heart, blood, and other things of mine to grow, develop, and mature. Soon, those two little beings will join us in this world, and their needs will have to be met in some other way and I'll hear about through crying and screaming.

And then there are two little darlings that have been in the world for awhile now. This sweet, sweet child, my firstborn, who started kindergarten three weeks ago. Going from two days a week, three hours each time, of preschool to all day, five days a week of kindergarten has been quite a transition for her. On any given school weekday, including traveling time, she's gone 9 to 10 hours a day. Prior to three weeks ago, she wasn't away from me for that length of time in half a week. On top of that, her kindergarten days are much more structured and not flexible, in contrast to her preschool days.

2011-9-2

And then, there's this bundle of joy, my second born. This is my somewhat spirited child. Also potty training. Has been in the clear, keeping her big girl underpants dry, for approximately two weeks. Haven't let her wear underpants to sleep yet, since she hasn't demonstrated a long enough period of time to go without diapers.

2011-9-2

Not placing the blame on a person or thing. I'm tired. I'm not always put together and perfect; far from it.

Hooray for free Chick-fil-A dinners

2011-08-23T22:21:00.005-06:00

Thanks to my friend, Shauna, while the girls and I were at the playground yesterday afternoon, we found out that one of the Chick-fil-A's nearby were doing free meals for kids who went in with their backpacks. Not long after arriving at the playground, I rounded my kids back into the car, ran into the house to grab their backpacks, and headed to Chick-fil-A. A bunch of friends and we sat outside, in the steamy heat, having the children enjoy kids' meals.

2011-8-22

No playing tricks on my older daughter. As we were leaving, Isabella informed me that this "cow" was really a person.

2011-8-22

Mommy, why is that person dressed up as a cow?

Um, because they are trying to encourage us to eat more chicken (instead of beef).

Good thing I pay some attention to Chick-fil-A's advertising. Great that my first born didn't have any follow up questions (which she usually does). Over and out.

Saying 'goodbye' to friends

2011-08-21T13:22:00.007-06:00

Friday, many of us spent time with the Martins and bade farewell. I'm pregnant, I'm emotional, I hate saying "goodbye." I focused on other matters instead - spending time with many friends, giving my children an opportunity to play, enjoying company and the great outdoors.

The Martins are cutting their stay in the United States short. Originally, they were planning on staying until December. But, alas, home, Australia, calls.

The Martins: Nick, Sarah, and little Evie.

2011-8-19

Some of the many other people who came to say farewell.

2011-8-19

Sweet Halleli. My children certainly aren't that small. A gentle reminder that two are coming soon. Very soon. Very, very soon.

2011-8-19

Halleli with her mommy, Cassy. I like her mommy. She's got two feet firmly planted in the ground, and I congratulate her and admire her for doing a fantastic job directing and forming the characters of three quite young children with their own personalities and preferences.

2011-8-19

Friends, you are loved this side of the globe.

2011-8-19

These are a few of my favorite things

2011-08-17T18:42:00.020-06:00

You all remember the movie, "The Sound of Music," don't you? If you haven't heard of the movie, you are really missing out. Rent it, see it, own it you must. The song, "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things," is sung in that movie. Some of the lyrics in that song go as follows:

When the dog bites,
when the bee stings,
when I'm feeling sad.
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don't feel
so bad.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. hand cream and body butter.

I love the stuff that moisturizes well. Hand creams and body butter are two of my favorite skin care products, and L'Occitane is one of my favorite brands of choice. I've enjoyed their hand creams. Recently, I've been using the Mom & Baby Balm on my very pregnant belly, chest, and rough patches. For a belated Mother's Day gift this year, my good friend, Lindsey, sent me The Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter. I have used that the most throughout my pregnancy. A light, refreshing citrus scent, that one. I've enjoyed that body butter so much I am only a few (perhaps a couple) uses away from finishing the product :( .

2. coffee, utilizing Starbucks gift cards.

I've tried to make my own coffee; not very pleased with the taste results this time around in pregnancy. However, without some caffeine during the week, I'm so utterly drowsy and lethargic, carrying twins, that I'm oftentimes a driving hazard, unable to concentrate, and struggle to juggle all my various responsibilities. Not good, considering people's well being and flourishing depend on me.

Caffeine is a necessary evil this pregnancy.

Starbucks gift cards certainly help. A lot.

3. food.

I have a constant, undying love for exquisite, fine food. Unfortunately, this pregnancy has allowed few choices, even on appearance, that haven't left a distaste in my mouth.

These delicious pineapple cakes came from Taiwan. Not from some local store that carries food made in Taiwan. My parents brought these babies back home this summer.

I miss sushi. I fantasize about eating sushi in a Japanese owned restaurant. Unfortunately, realizing that sort of fantasy isn't consistent with my efforts at frugal living. Too bad.

I've been brainstorming and hatching plans for my birthday next month. This year, my birthday falls on a Friday. Today, I thought of evening plans with a group of ladies: perhaps, sushi at a restaurant, followed by Evita at Town Hall Center, and ending the night with a movie at my house.

4. accessories - necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair pins.

Accessorizing has been my way of letting my personality emerge and dressing up my ensemble for at least a year or so.

I rarely leave the house without a necklace around my neck. This is a piece I made.

Another sort I usually have on before departing the house? Some sort of bracelet. I have been inclined more towards charm bracelets. On the left is a James Avery charm bracelet that my husband had started for me, beginning with just one charm on it - little girls' shoes. I'll let you guess for what occasion that bracelet was started. I have a couple of James Avery charm bracelets that I'm working on or building.

On the right is a Pandora charm bracelet. Started by my sweet mother-in-law a couple of Christmases ago. Didn't ever think I'd own a Pandora bracelet. But that changed. Have different things to collect for this sterling silver Pandora bracelet: charms, spacers, and a clip.

Though rings, besides my wedding rings, don't end up on my fingers quite as frequently as necklaces and bracelets, I fancy them as well. This one was from my A-ma ("grandmother" in Taiwanese). What character and personality this ring has. Love it.

My most recent "splurge," from Target, was this hair pin:

And it's been fun to wear. I was a bit uneasy that my girls would end up trying to claim it. Sometimes this Mommy is such a softy when the girls give me such big hopeful, sweet eyes. But, this one's mine. See?

2011-8-17

5. cute little bowls.

I love this little bowl I got from smiling planet. I got one bowl using my Stonyfield rewards points. I love it for many reasons: it's made in the US, it's BPA free, no toxic inks are used, it's made with 100% recycled plastic, it's cute and beautiful. My kids (soon to be four of them) and I will be fighting over the use of this elephant and flower bowl. Prices, I believe, are always higher for products made in the US and products that are made with quality ingredients.

6. Amarige de Givenchy perfume.

The last of my favorite things I will mention at this juncture, the use of which helps me feel better when I want a good start to the day or need a little cheer is this Amarige de Givenchy perfume, a favorite for many, many years. I try my best to use this bottle of mine sparingly.

***

P.S. I am not be paid or given any incentive for talking about any of the aforementioned companies. These are simply some of my favorite products; that is all.

Converting to Booster

2011-08-14T20:00:00.006-06:00

My firstborn is eager to grow up, to be seen as different from ones younger than her. So much so that she doesn't like her younger sister cheering her on after going to the potty; Isabella gets offended. Not kidding.

Anyways, I promised Isabella that by her birthday, she could graduate from her convertible car seat to a high back booster car seat. A friend from church has graciously volunteered to take Isabella to and from kindergarten, five days a week, most of the time. So, instead of having to move her car seat from this friend's car to my car, back and forth, from week to week, I decided to purchase the booster car seat ahead of schedule.

2011-8-14

Convertible car seats are really much safer than booster seats, but, I am not totally compromising safety for convenience. It is only a matter of time before Isabella outgrows her convertible car seat. She's been begging me to install that car seat, since we purchased it at Babies R Us, yesterday. Here we are:

2011-8-14

Me thinks she likes the new seat.

2011-8-14

Please, Isabella, don't hurry too much to grow up.

My firstborn goes to Kindergarten

2011-08-11T14:22:00.006-06:00

This morning, THIS morning, my firstborn, Isabella, started kindergarten.

Sniff.

Before I get ahead of myself, let's back up.

***

Two weeks ago, I was on the fence about where Isabella was going to kindergarten: the fine arts focused public school within walking distance of our home or a language immersion charter school at least half an hour drive away (one way). After much thinking of the benefits of being bilingual, weighing the pain of driving quite a bit five days a week while pregnant with twins, and talking with my husband - the decision was finally made.

Isabella was to attend this language immersion school in Denver. Pupils are chosen by lottery. This relatively new charter school offers the choice of Mandarin or Spanish. All subjects are taught in this language. For the first two or three years, English is not a part of the instruction whatsoever. Since this is a charter school, it's tuition-free, with the exception of the full day kindergarten.

I would say that a majority of the families whose children attend this charter school have very little comprehension of either of these languages. Much research and answers have been provided as to how students test in English, compared with the English instruction schools. Comparable, if not better.

***

Back to the topic at hand, I had less than two weeks to get some thirty detailed school supplies and purchase uniforms. Straight away, I picked up some bottoms at the Children's Place. The bottoms have to be navy or khaki. So, I picked up a couple of skirts, a pair of shorts, and a pair of pants. Frugal mom here enjoyed the fact that uniforms happened to be 25% off, and I was armed with a coupon in hand. Very pleased was I.

My friend Lindsey, from church, was kind enough to volunteer to pick up some school supplies. I gave her my card, and off she went. Picking up some 15-20 of the supplies. What a hero. The supplies are so particular that much time and many places would be involved for gathering together the requisite items.

Then the girls and I went to the only uniform store in the area that carries Isabella's polo shirts with the school logo on them, where I picked up one shirt. For $19, we'll start out with one. Since the heat from the summer is not yet over and this school doesn't seem to have much in the way of cooling, I had better get more soon.

Yesterday, the girls and I attempted to pick up the remainder of Isabella's school supplies. Couldn't find some items: 7 oz. alcohol free foaming hand sanitizer with pump (sound like a mouth full? Alcohol-free sanitizer?!), Rubbermaid plastic magazine file, and 1 ct. Oxford twisted twin pocket folders in assorted colors (I have no idea what a twisted pocket folder is and neither did a number of sales associates with whom I had spoken).

***

Before going to bed last night, in preparation for today, I got a number of her belongings ready:
1. her snack.
2. her lunch.
3. her uniform.

We were also informed that the child's belongings - snack, lunch, water bottle, etc. - needed to have her name in it. I worked on that as well.

7:30 am is when the free lunch begins. 7:55 am is when the children must line up for school. That means that we have to be out the door of our home by no later than 6:50 am to get her to breakfast on time. Wow, that is really, really early.

Didn't help I only got two hours of sleep last night.

***

Fast forward to this morning.

Woke both girls up. Isabella, though sleepy eyed was more readily responsive. Got her to go to the bathroom and got her dressed.

2011-8-11

She's sporting a brand spanking new backpack Grandma sent her. See? Hello Kitty. She has proudly declared that her backpack is larger than Daddy's backpack. She might be right on that one. A big girl carrying a big backpack.

2011-8-11

Victoria, who spent a good bit of the ride slowly waking up, decided to make noises and utterances like a baby. Like an infant. Not sure what to make of that.

Then, when it was time to leave Isabella to her teachers, Isabella was fine. I was too busy to be too sad; Victoria was very upset that she didn't get to stay with her sister in the Chinese school.

2011-8-11

But, she (Victoria) did make a pit stop in the grown ups' bathroom, even though the little girls' bathroom was just next door. She's growing up, too!

2011-8-11

Alright Isabella, Mommy's dying to hear how your first day in kindergarten went. In the meantime, I had better join Victoria in dreamland. Time to sleep.

The man I married

2011-08-03T15:48:00.004-06:00

2002-8-3

Nine years ago today, Troy and I recited our wedding vows. In honor of our 9-year anniversary, I shall share 9 tidbits with you:

1. Today, I wore a Tahitian black pearl pendant we purchased on the last day of our
honeymoon, in Kauai, Hawaii.

2. My husband taught me how to properly lift weights, and I can think of at least three benefits
resulting from lifting weights for six continuous years, three days a week, each week, with him:

a. At a Show-Me-State-Games Powerlifting Competition, in 2001, weighing in at 119 lbs, I
dead-lifted 220 pounds with no grips in hand.

b. Related to the former, I have decent lower back muscles.

c. When not pregnant, I feel confident about carrying placing my own filled suitcases in the
trunk of a car.

3. I was 23 years old and Troy was 25 years old when we first met.

4. Back in the day, before we had children, we performed classical music together, him on the
guitar and me on the piano, at a locally owned coffee shop.

5. My husband and I were married by Tullian Tchividjian, in the church where I accepted
Christ as Lord and Savior, at nine years of age.

6. A beloved cat I had had since 11 yrs of age, Niao Mi, came to love Troy so much he would
park himself on Troy's lap. I believe the feelings were mutual. Troy might allege otherwise,
but I have pictures that show the love.

7. We share a common favorite fruit: strawberries.

8. Neither one of us are an only child. (Is that grammatically correct?) That is where our
commonality ends in our respective family of origin. He's the oldest sibling in his family; I am
the younger sibling in mine.

9. Physical / athletic activity seemed to be an important part of our dating life. We lifted
weights together three days a week. For awhile, Troy humored me and would jog alongside
me. I was and am in horrible cardiovascular shape, while he could run miles around me. As a
former cheerleader himself, we tried tossed hands for awhile together. When we were
dating, we would play wrestle - was that too much information?

When a prick takes a blinding turn

2011-08-02T22:41:00.005-06:00

Today has been an utterly exhausting day. But, then again, I knew that this would be pretty draining given the appointments and the timing (scheduling a meeting during nap time most always is sketchy) of events today.

On the upshot, I survived. I have lived to tell. Even if I'm hanging by a thread.

To make a long story short, the girls and I each had to get our fingers pricked and our iron levels checked. I did my best to set a good example - going first to get weight, to get my height measured, and to get my finger poked. I also explained why these things were being done.

Just so you know, I am still not a fan of any sort of blood letting - whether this involves drawing blood or taking a little prick. Even though I have gone through a natural child birth. Like no pain medication whatsoever. Much more pain involved, right? Putting on a good face wasn't exactly the easiest.

Since Isabella was extremely reluctant, her sister volunteered to go next. Volunteered. Willingly volunteered to get her finger pricked. On my lap Victoria went. Prick, a bit of blood on a slide, and a machine checked the iron level in the blood.

***

After much cajoling, I got Isabella to sit on my lap, get a finger cleaned off, and receive a prick. The stupid machine seemed to take forever in giving a reading for her iron level. So far, Isabella seemed to be holding her head high.

She did grow extremely quiet when the woman allowed and showed Isabella that some blood was coming up from the finger and slipping into the slide for testing. But Isabella was able to make her way down from my lap and towards the woman's desk area.

Then, Isabella held on to the table with both hands and was extremely quiet. I was sitting not even a yard from her. Something didn't look right on her face and in her body language. When I spoke with her, she wouldn't respond at all.

So quiet. So unresponsive.

Talk to me, Isabella. Use your words.

What seemed like an eternity later (in reality, several minutes had passed), she said, "Mommy, I can't see."

She really couldn't see. Wasn't making eye contact with anything or anyone. Wasn't looking around. Wasn't responding to any visual cues. When i asked her to find certain things, she said she couldn't see.

Isabella looked ghostly white.

Not long after I picked her up and sat her on my lap, deeply concerned she literally couldn't see, she threw up.

***

People quickly came around us, including a nurse. People wanted her to drink some fluids and to lay down. She didn't want to go anywhere; she didn't want to move.

She still wasn't engaging with much around her.

But, she did speak. She didn't want to go to another room to lie down.

The nurse was trying to prevent her from passing out. For the first time in a long time, since I've been pregnant, I picked her up and carried her. Even though someone else volunteered to carry her. My poor dear was still struggling and was so scared.

***

The nurse concluded that this was some sort of fear or anxiety or scared response. Either to the prick or the sight of her own blood.

As her mother, I was so scared, so worried for her. . . I'm here, my love. I'm taking care of you, and I'll take care of you. I am not leaving your side. Poor, poor dear.

On a hot summer's day

2011-07-30T19:36:00.021-06:00

I haven't taken the girls to a pool (haven't even been to a pool myself) since we had just Isabella, before she turned two, before we moved half way across the country. From the influences of watching mermaid performances at the aquarium and enjoying water in general, Isabella and Victoria were absolutely elated we were going to a pool today.

Some reasons I have for not wanting to go these days include: it's terribly hot outside. I'm huge, I waddle, and I am not capable of running after two girls going their own directions.

Today, we had company. And, our church friends had the brilliant idea of going to an indoor pool. Yes, I like indoors. Please. Melissa and I are only a couple of weeks apart, in terms of when our babies are due. She's due at the end of September; I'm due mid-October.

Can you see the excitement mounting?

2011-7-30

My friend, Melissa, and her two year old daughter, Camille, were the best. Loved hanging out with them.

2011-7-30

Utter glee and excitement keep building.

2011-7-30

I must report that the girls did not think fondly of the ten minute adults-only swim time.

Why can't we be in the pool?

Can we go back to the pool, now?

How about now?

Can we go swim now?

***

Look at them. Would have stayed there all day if we let them.

2011-7-30

Here I am, at 29 weeks and 2 days, with twins. I sent tsunami shock waves through the women's locker room after I put on my swimming suit and we were heading towards the pool. Jaws dropped to the floor. These women didn't even make eye contact with me.

2011-7-30

I must confess, I was utterly shocked, too. It's not everyday I get a full view of myself. At home, I get a shoulders and above view only. 29 weeks and 2 days, people. No telling what I'll look like by October.

Two months from now, I will be quite a sight, if this isn't already giving you a bit of a surprise.

2011-7-30

These two girls on either side of me are constantly, accidentally, running into me. Mainly my protruding belly. Perhaps the girls are interacting with the babies?

2011-7-30

This recreation center was holding out on us.

2011-7-30

Not long after the 10-minute adult-swim, the seeming calm waters started gushing out. Wow!

2011-7-30

Feeling great and having so much fun.

2011-7-30

Oh girls, we can't stay all day long. We have other plans for the day. Promised we would attend a birthday party in the afternoon.

2011-7-30

I promise we'll come back some time. Come, please.

How about tempting you with more water fun at the birthday party? Where you can put back on your swimming suits and run through sprinklers?

But this is SO MUCH FUN.

2011-7-30

We had lunch with Melissa and Camille before heading back home for naps and quickly leaving for the birthday party.

Told the girls napping was a necessary condition for going to the birthday party. One, I didn't want to deal with cranky tired girls. Two, I needed to sit down for a bit.

***

They actually fell asleep, and I had to wake them up to leave for the party. We were about an hour late.

Heyden, whose birthday we were celebrating, isn't keen on most of the usual birthday fare - like cupcakes or cakes. His treat of choice ended up being popsicles.

Which was perfectly fine with the kids. My girls included.

2011-7-30

In fact, on the way home, Isabella announced that she, too, doesn't want cupcakes or a cake for her birthday. She wants popsicles, too.

A home makeover by my church family

2011-07-27T14:26:00.017-06:00

The plan this morning was that my church was sending the girls and me to the Children's Museum, while the youth pastor and some teenagers came over to help around and outside the house. I also would have company - a gal from church with her three young boys and a high school gal to help manage the five kids (ages five and under). My expectations weren't high; I was so grateful for any assistance in, around, and outside my house.

Everyone arrived at the house around 1o:30 or 10:45 this morning. I moved as fast as I could, and we ventured out of the house to the Children's Museum at 11 am; as the youth pastor, a female leader, and five to eight teenagers finished up their lunches. We let the kids play on the first floor for about an hour, had lunch, and then let the kids explore the upstairs fun. Glad to see them full of energy, running to and fro, trying this and that. By two to two-thirty, the adults weren't the only ones tired, but some of the younger ones were showing their cranky tired selves. Time to go.

By the time I got home, I expected to find an empty home, since four to four and a half hours had passed since I had left. I was surprised, shocked, to see the church van still parked in front of my house and teenagers still hard at work outside as well as inside my house. That, apparently, was just the beginning, of the shock.

I walked in the house to see that I got a wonderfully delicious makeover, in addition to cleaning! My living room was rearranged and looked so much more spacious. The girls' toys disappeared into their bedroom or the downstairs. Some wall hangings - painting and some photographs - got moved and rearranged. They had moved the arm chair to the living area, but I wanted the living area and dining area to remain separate.

2011-7-28

To add to the surprise, we also got some much needed little pieces of furniture. Such as this little table for the phones. Sadly, the phones had previously been resting on the floor.

My acrylic painting found its way to the mantle, no longer resting on the bench to the right. One of my photographs, taken in Japan, found its way next to the front door, while the two photographs previously there got moved to the kitchen. The fireplace mantle was tidied up a bit.

Some other goodies we got. . . On the left side, you'll see a long, sleek, black fan that my parents got for us recently. To give the inhabitants of an upstairs that provides a quite warm (lower ninety's) upstairs home during the summer days a reprieve.

But we also were bestowed another kind of fan for the window, one for each bedroom upstairs. One set of blades blows the inside hot air outside, and the other set sucks in or brings in the cool air from the outside. Pretty neat, huh? The contraption sits in front of the screen, so flies, bugs, and the lot do not have an easy way in.

The girls have a fan in their window as well.

Thank goodness for extra fans. The two bedrooms are the parts of the house that get the hottest by mid to late afternoon.

The outside got a makeover as well. This maple tree got its lower branches trimmed.

2011-7-28

Also in the front yard, a little landscaping took place. Mulch was also added so bugs, spiders, and the like would less likely make their way inside the house. I had requested the guys clean out the area immediately outside of the basement windows, so I could easily open the basement windows to air out the downstairs. Please check those spots for snakes, too, while you're at it, since my brother-in-law spotted a snake in one of these window things once. Oh, and they got us a new garden hose for the front yard. See it?

Beautiful landscaping, I think. I'm not at a place where I'm ready to take care of any flowers, yet. Some day, we'll get to the grass.

The backyard trees got a decent trimming as well. This set of trees had plenty of outgrown from the base of the tree and had lots of low lying branches. Looks clean and lovely here.

This tree got the same treatment as well.

Back to the inside of the home. I'm thankful for this, the new window fan(s).

A new table and lamp. Perhaps I can lounge on this love seat and read some time. Looks like the perfect spot, don't you think?

A perfect little table to house the phones.

I am just basking in delight over my little home makeover.

2011-7-28

And the tender loving care from my church family. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I cannot thank you enough.

While the girls are out

2011-07-20T11:18:00.002-06:00

2011-7-16

While my children are in the care of others, I feel obligated to fill that time up with "constructive" activity or meetings in which I desire not to haul little precious cargo with me. How resting or sleeping constitutes slacking off, when I'm utterly exhausted or am pregnant with twins in the third trimester, is beyond me.

In the three little precious hours the girls were away, I waited for a friend, whom I wasn't aware had cancelled (because she hadn't slept the night before and had a horrible migraine). After traveling back home, I cooked a rice noodle dish, pulled weeds in my front yard for awhile (my front yard was overtaken and dominated by meter-high weeds), and ate. Took a bit to cool off and calm down enough to eat, before having to pick up the girls. I actually had less than three hours time, if traveling time is taken into consideration. Not bad, for getting stuff done, eh? But, I wish I could have gotten so many other things done . . .

These are a few of my favorite foods

2011-07-18T14:53:00.004-06:00

I was made in America and born here as well. Sometimes I think I need a "Made in America" t-shirt, just to satisfy the numerous curious folks I encounter who must, must, must satisfy their curiosity. Otherwise they might die. I must look too exotic to be American.

Though I've lived my entire life here, in the United States, doesn't mean I cannot appreciate or embrace the culture of my parents and ancestors or any other culture for that matter. I'd rather have an interesting personality than be form fitted into an ambiguous cookie design of no distinct origin whatsoever.

With regards to food, I love to dabble in cuisines of differing ethnic origins. Trying new things is always an exciting new adventure.

However, I do have some favorite foods that almost immediately take me back to warm memories and put a smile on my face. One such food item, a beverage really, is drinkable yogurt I remember having in Taiwan and drinking in childhood. This specific brand - the smell, the taste, everything - brings back fond, vivid memories. I love this drinkable yogurt. It says "soft drink," but it's not soda.

A second food item I currently can't get enough of is this pineapple pastry. Oh so tasty. The complex flavors in my mouth makes for a very happy pregnant lady. I've tried other brands of pineapple pastry, and none have matched this one. None.

On his most recent trip to Taiwan, Daddy picked up a couple of boxes of these exquisite pastries for me. I've never seen them sold here in the States; plus, they aren't the cheapest little delights. So, I've got to be careful about how quickly I enjoy these irresistibly tasty treats.

For the moments I had been thinking about these delicious sensations, momentarily I was distanced from the fact that I am sitting inside my house, where it is a sweltering 90 degrees. Not the coolest for a pregnant lady in the third trimester with twins.

Attempting to keep non-human things alive

2011-07-16T13:57:00.004-06:00

I used to be decent at keeping plants alive, especially house plants. Had 20 or some at one point.

Then I had a child. and my ability to keep people as well as non-human living-things alive proved non-existent. So much for the women-are-great-at-multitasking theory. At least where I am concerned. Alright, this is just me; I can live with that. Hello, my name is Lily; I cannot multitask.

Being challenged in the world of keeping different kinds of living beings/things hasn't stopped me from trying. Enter Exhibit A: my purple shamrock plant. Hasn't been doing well at all. Hardly any new leaves coming through the soil, no flowers blooming, and leaves slowly dying. Let's blame it on the dormant winter season.

Er, uh, winter has been over for some time now.

Last week, while the girls were at church for Science Adventure in the mornings, I took some time to ditch the old soil and give the ole girl nutrients via new soil and a good water drench. So far, seems to be working.

Leaves seem happier.

2011-7-16

More leaves are cropping and peaking through the soil. On a tangent, I need a macro lens, with which I wouldn't have these blurry close ups. See leaves coming through?

Wait, it's not two coming up at the same time but four leaves. Count 'em. I'm one happy momma.

2011-7-16

Now, if I could only convince them that circumstances are joyous enough to flower. . .

Musings of a 4 year old

2011-07-14T17:19:00.002-06:00

My four year old. I find the musings of my 4 year old particularly fascinating, because I was once four years old and something very significant happened that I remember quite vividly and starkly. Before revisiting that occurrence, let me mention some musings of my 4 year old, the older sibling in the family.

***

If it is raining, lightning and thunder will follow. And vice versa; if it is lightning and one can hear thunder, rain will fall.

Flowers from weeds and other flowers are not the same.

Night time isn't always dark. Sometimes the sun is still out when night time begins.

Healthy foods help take care of us and help us grow.

She, her sister, and the babies inside my belly will all continue to grow; Daddy and I will not get taller.

Butterflies are cool and neat. Moths are scary.

***

I was about Isabella's age, perhaps a few months younger, when I pleaded with Daddy. I badly wanted to take piano lessons. So, I asked him while he and I were in the garage and my sister was in the family room getting her piano lesson.

How would my dad have known a four and a half year old was dead serious. And that she, I, one year later, would be able to play all my scales. Or that I would compete in various competitions every year, starting at the age of six or seven. Or that I would take twelve years of formal instruction?

A whole new level of tired

2011-07-10T22:16:00.002-06:00

On Friday, out of sheer desperation, I got some coffee at Starbucks. Couldn't stomach what I had made at home. If I didn't get some kind of help, someone would have to take care of the girls for me and pick me up off the floor.

Got confirmation of just how tired I was or looked. A friend and barista at Starbucks took one look at me and said something to the effect of "You took tired to a whole new level" or "you look a whole new level of tired." That would accurately reflect my state of being; yes.

Later that day, I got the lab results from my blood work. Couldn't blame my sheer exhaustion on anemia. Guess being pregnant with two and taking care of two in the world are taking me through the ringer.

And, of course, there are nearly sleepless nights, like last night, where I got at most two hours of sleep.

Over and out.

Vote for Victoria in a Parents Magazine photo contest, please?!

2011-06-21T14:18:00.006-06:00

Parents Magazine*, online, has a cover (photo) contest. I entered four (now five) photographs I took of Victoria. All but one of the ten (in other words, nine) finalists are chosen by a panel of judges. One finalist is chosen by Parents Magazine readers/online visitors. This one finalist is chosen from "weekly Reader's Choice finalists." I was surprised to get an e-mail from Parents.com notifying me that one of the photographs I had taken of Victoria was in the running for this week's "weekly Reader's Choice finalists." But, the photograph winning this week is contingent on how many votes get cast in our favor, over and against other contenders.

Long story short, will you take some time to vote for this photograph? You can vote at least once a day, each day this week. Also? I'm told you can vote 2x or more per day.

This is the photograph in the running:

Directions:

Click on my vote now icon.
Then it will take you to the above picture, posted on Parents Magazine's website.
Below the image of the photograph should be a "vote for me" icon. Mine was pink. Click on that.
Finally, it will ask for some sort of word verification (type in whatever word(s) it asks you to type, right below the printed word(s)), to ensure you're a real human being, not just some sort of automaton.
Your vote is then submitted. You can share this link via facebook, twitter, or e-mail, if you like.

Thank you for your vote(s), favor, and time. Again you can vote more than 1x per day, every day this week. If you favor this photograph, vote, vote, vote!

Love,
Lily

***

* Parents Magazine, besides my entries in the photography contest, has no idea who I am. I am not be paid or being given any compensation to endorse or advertise for them. It's just me, promoting a photograph I took of my baby.

Happy Father's Day, daddy

2011-06-19T17:51:00.004-06:00

2002-8-3

This is my daddy on my wedding day, nearly nine years ago. As far back as I can remember, I didn't call him father, dad, or pa. Have always called him 'Daddy' or 'Ba ba' (the latter is Mandarin for dad, as you have probably guessed).

I come from a rather private family, but I feel a nudge to post something about my daddy today. I am proud of him as a father and proud to be his daughter. For someone who was robbed, at a very early age, of a chance to have a role model for how a dad is supposed to be, I believe he has done quite well as a father and as a daddy. I have loads of appreciation, gratitude, and love for my mommy, too; but, since this is Father's Day, Daddy gets the spot light today.

At the tender age of 4 1/2, roughly the current age of my older daughter, behind his car in the garage, I pleaded with daddy to let me take piano lessons. And he let me. I continued taking lessons for well over a decade and have the ability to play; thanks to him. So many times, he would simply sit in the room where I was practicing piano and listen. I learned practical responsibilities from him, such as cooking; and it was from my daddy that the seed for the love and art of cooking began to grow. Daddy didn't completely give up on my academic desires, even though there seemed to be plenty of evidence to the contrary; I was allowed to attend my undergraduate school of choice, even though the odds seemed stacked against me. Daddy modeled for me responsibility to the community, looking out for others, and helping others. He expected nothing less from my sister and me than to become responsible, dependable people.

I could go on, but tears will be shed and children in my house will wreak havoc.

Only recently have I been recently that my dad has left big shoes to fill for other dads. That being said. . .

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

I love you very, very much.

Rising up to the Challenge and Heat

2011-06-06T13:32:00.001-06:00

Yesterday morning was supposed to be a fun filled last morning with my mom before she was to go home in the wee hours prior to dawn today. Just stopped by the gas station to get some gas, and on a whim, decided to give the vehicle a thorough inside out cleaning. What was supposed to be harmless and quick ended being somewhat of a disaster, a fiasco, a drag.

An hour or so the people at this car wash took to thoroughly clean my car left it with a completely dead battery. Dead. In their favor, I will say that they jump started the vehicle, with a bit of effort. By the time all was said and done, my purpose in getting the girls out to the playground early in the morning was defeated; temps were already in the lower 90'sm too hot to be running around on a playground.

Took the girls and A-ma home and took the vehicle for a long run to charge the battery. Took a couple of runs on the interstate to get it up to a high speed, without any stops at traffic lights. Spent an hour, with the windows open and the air conditioning off, charging the battery in the unkind heat. Came back to the house with 50+ miles added, sweaty and exhausted, and the head lights still on even with the keys removed. Argh. Still more to figure out.

By afternoon, I figured out the problem with the headlights being on; how to get the temperature and time to come back on; and how to secure the alarm/security system in the vehicle. A victory for getting my vehicle back into working form, but exhaustion in exchange for the unplanned event. Thank goodness my mom was around to keep the girls and for comfort.

Life and Blogging Without my Digital SLR Camera

2011-06-04T20:07:00.003-06:00

Kaput.

Without photographic representation.

Lacking momentary captures.

Missing dramatic colorfulness in a glimpse or frame.

Bleak.

Just plain sad.

***

Not any digital camera is satisfactory, I must say. And, that's not just coming from a photographic snob (though I likely qualify as one. Digital cameras that don't have SLRs perpetually disappoint, require the subject to freeze for more than a moment, more than a few seconds, more than most can handle.

***

Place on my doorstep a Canon Digital SLR camera (or some other comparable sort) that works, that doesn't plan on taking early retirement, that will perform faithfully and dutifully until . . . well, never mind. A quality macro lens (not to be mistaken for a zoom lens, please) would be nice as well. On my doorstep. Thank you, loyal patrons.

The End.

Little darlings, little princesses

2011-05-24T16:28:00.002-06:00

2011-5-24

Easy to lose perspective and get lost in the heaviness of responsible adult life. Only takes a glimpse at moments like this to remind me that the Lord loves each of us like he cherishes these little ones. We can attempt to control and do everything as we fit, but really, the Lord is the only qualified and genuine maestro. And He isn't just some "feel good" thing. Not only is following the Lord tough and not easy; but he is real, as real as they come.

Hair like Rapunzel

2011-05-21T09:58:00.004-06:00

This morning I was told by my girls that I needed to brush their hair like Rapunzel's. I kid you not. I'm assuming they are referring to the scene where Rapunzel, as a young lady, is returning to the castle with Flynn Rider to see the lanterns. She enters the courtyard where lots of little children help braid her hair, placing loads of beautiful flowers in it.

This would do for Isabella. She was content with three barrettes.

2011-5-21

Victoria, on the other hand, found four too few. More like four on each side. Not exaggerating. She has eight barrettes in her hair. We'll see how long she'll keep her hair accessories in her hair; Victoria has a long standing tradition of pulling out all hair accessories out of her hair.

2011-5-21

Alright lovely princesses. There you go. Go and make merry in the day.

Victoria turns 3

2011-05-17T20:26:00.014-06:00

The baby in the family turned three yesterday. Three years old. What? How is that possible? I still remember very vivid details of the day of her birth like it was yesterday. And, so do my mother-in-law, mom, and husband; I am certain. An interesting day not easy to forget.

Given the hectic craziness of our lives over the last bit, her birthday was here before I could say "gesundheit." That meant a last minute throw together birthday party, including asking people to come the day of the party and picking out cupcakes that morning.

Our little girl seemed content and joyous, nevertheless.

2011-5-16

Don't have photographs of everyone who attended, but I did my best. Enter in Scottie.

And Maylin. Maylin and Scottie are sister and brother. Maylin is also in Isabella's preschool class. In case you were wondering.

2011-5-16

Here are our daughters. Since our children so often get mistaken for twins, discerning the birthday girl was important.

Here's Gabriel.

2011-5-16

We had a bit of de ja vue. Last September, when we celebrated Isabella's birthday, the wind was blowing mightily, making the lighting of candles nearly impossible. Thankfully, the little ones took the candle lighting attempts with good humor. And patience. And anticipation.

2010-5-16

Once the birthday song had been sung and we gave up on Victoria having the chance to blow out her own candles (not for lack of desire on her part, but on the eager enthusiasm of the wind), moments later, icing and cake masked the faces of these little ones.

2011-5-16

Within moments, cupcakes disappeared.

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As they finished cupcakes, party favors floated around, and everyone was jolly and merry, despite the windiness and cold.

Happy, happy birthday, dear Victoria.

2011-5-16

"Whatever will be, will be"

2011-05-13T14:38:00.004-06:00

Ever heard of the song? "Que Sera Sera"?

I can't remember when I first heard the song, not exactly a song of my time. Was before my time. Lovely song, nevertheless. Here are the lyrics:

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich
Here's what she said to me.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

When I was young, I fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, day after day
Here's what my sweetheart said.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, what will I be
Will I be handsome, will I be rich
I tell them tenderly.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Here's my littler one Victoria, who turns three on Monday. Not that long ago, I couldn't get her to wear any dresses or dress up. Thought she might one day be a tom boy. Even called herself a boy once, when she imagined herself doing something requiring great strength. These days, she wants to wear dresses, crowns, and dress shoes. The future is not mine, hers, ours to see. Que sera, sera.

2011-5-13

As for this child, my older one, she started life in the world by spending her first week of life in the NICU as a full term baby. These days, she wants to pick flowers at every opportunity, desires to know what makes different seasons come and go, and yearns to know the reasoning behind everything. With my darling(s), whatever will be, will be.

2011-5-13

Hair Stylin'

2011-05-13T13:31:00.008-06:00

Grandma wanted to take the girls to get their haircut, and since the girls had already been asking to do this for some time, party time it was this morning. At Jack & Jill. Ahead of time, I assured my older child that no machinery (e.g. anything that's battery operated or electricity powered) would be used, just scissors and water.

2011-5-13

Victoria wanted to go first. Isabella definitely didn't want to go first.

2011-5-13

Almost done.

Isabella wanted to watch cautiously, before going herself. Then she was ready to go. Wanted the same vehicle, the pink car, as her sister.

2011-5-13

I must confess; I'm pretty smitten by my two little girls. Love them, forever.

2011-5-13

When it rains, it pours

2011-05-10T02:40:00.001-06:00

It's 3:41 in the morning. I was woken up almost two hours ago by my older daughter, claiming she needed to go to the bathroom. Ended up figuring out, in the dark, that she didn't just accidentally pee in her pants, she had a much more substantive accident in her pants. Long story short, the symptoms of a GI virus finally hit Isabella (looking back on Victoria's diapers today, my younger child has the same thing), the same GI virus that hit the niece and nephew that came for a visit and gave them the runs the day after returning to California. I had to clean the bottom and legs of my older daughter, wash her underpants and pants, disinfect all surrounding areas in the bathroom. . .

Then the toilet upstairs started flooding uncontrollably. Water flooded the floor and traveled through the floor to the downstairs bathroom ceiling. Shut off the water valve to the upstairs bathroom, because the water just kept coming. Had to use loads of towels to clean up the mess upstairs and did some damage control downstairs. Plunged the toilet upstairs multiple times. Tried reopening the water valve, only to shut it off, because the water seemed to just keep flowing and I was worried the flooding would again occur.

Until I can get the upstairs toilet looked at by someone else, I've got to use the downstairs bathroom. Keep in mind, I'm pregnant with twins, I drink loads of water (even overnight), and I have to go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME. To make things even more adventurous, I sprained my left ankle badly yesterday (Monday) afternoon while walking to the parking lot from class. Fabulous. Regarding the bathroom stuff, my older daughter has the runs and I certainly don't want to make her jog to the downstairs bathroom when she needs to go.

***

Before I sign off, I was really hoping my girls could avoid that GI virus. After all, my sister's kids experienced the diarrhea nearly a week ago. But, I am well aware that the gestational period for viruses can be up to 7-10 days. Alas, not so fortunate were they to avoid such uncomfortable circumstances.

***

Can I take a vacation from life, now?

And a Happy Mother's Day to you

2011-05-08T22:30:00.000-06:00

2011-5-8

My little love bugs

2011-05-04T20:46:00.004-06:00

Some times we need something tangible to pick us up and to encourage us. This afternoon and evening is one of those times. I love, love, love my little love bugs. And they were eager to pose for pictures with their precious commodities, Aaron and Henry, respectively.

2011-5-4

Actually, Isabella claims that Henry is a female. Henrietta, perhaps, with Henry for short?

2011-5-4

May the Fourth be with you; hugs, kisses, and all.

Four family, four and under, frolicking

2011-05-02T20:37:00.015-06:00

My sister came Wednesday of last week for a visit. And, she brought along her little tots. The older child is merely nine days younger than my older daughter. Her younger one is about six months younger than my younger daughter. Four little ones four and under under one roof. They left this morning, and sadness filled my heart. That time flew by ever quickly. Too quickly. The cousins seemed to get along fine and fed off each other's energy constantly.

Here's Troy reading stories to the kiddos before nap time. Pretty captivating. Seriously.

2011-4-29

We also paid plenty of visits to the neighborhood playground. Unfortunately, my sister and her children didn't get to enjoy Colorado's warmer spring days. They even saw snow a couple of times.

A very smiley Victoria.

2011-4-29

Victoria's cousin, Zephan, smiling handsomely for the camera and Auntie.

2011-4-29

What a cute little pair, wouldn't you agree? They also happen to be the younger siblings who are not hesitant about voicing their preferences loudly.

2011-4-29

I just want to pinch those cute little cheeks. Can I keep him for awhile? Too bad he's very partial towards his mommy.

2011-4-29

Introducing the older siblings. My sister's older child, Juliet.

2011-4-29

I'm also very partial to this little one. She's only nine days apart from my older daughter. Her mom and I walked through such similar pregnancies and birth experiences. Plus, well, she's a reminder of my sister, who's a gem in my life.

2011-4-29

This is probably a more accurate reflection of what life and daily activities were like with these four children. Very active, a bit chaotic, sweet, quite smiley and cheerful, extremely busy.

2011-4-29

What's playground fun without a bit of see saw fun?

2011-4-29

Troy's helping. Can't you tell?

2011-4-29

Here's my sister and me. I am nothing close to a fan of this photograph of me, but it's the only recent picture of us together.

2011-4-29

I leave you this day with a big fat smile or grin.

Resurrection Day

2011-05-02T19:22:00.000-06:00

Easter was a week ago, now; and I still haven't gotten around to posting the photographs I took. Until now.

I had some grand plans of talking about Easter and the meaning behind it. We have a children's book about how Easter eggs, bunnies, chicks, etc. aren't bad. But the real meaning of Easter is all about Jesus saving us. In Chinese, the term for this special day is "Resurrection Day," commemorating the day Jesus rose from the dead. But, if I wait until I get my act together to do that, we'll all be old and gray by the time I get a chance to post something more meaningful. Without further ado, here are some photographs showing how we celebrated part of the day.

2011-4-24

The goodness of Good Friday

2011-04-22T15:14:00.003-06:00

Contemplating and deeply reflecting on the suffering, agony, and death of Christ; that is just where I need to be at this point in my life. No experiences of suffering, pain, agony, or death of mine can possibly match or surpass that of Christ. Moreover, his suffering, agony, and death had an intentional, intensely relational purpose. He did this for our sake, each and everyone's sake, so that we can be with him.

Jesus loves, loves, loves little children.

2011-4-22

But Jesus loves all of us. He desires nothing more than for us to be with him.

This Good Friday, today, I hope that I focus on the goodness of Good Friday and I hope I don't lose sight of the truly important life matters, when feeling sadness, despair, loss of hope, pain, or suffering. Blessings to you this Good Friday.

Neither forgotten nor forsaken

2011-04-20T21:04:00.001-06:00

I have had the title of this post written since the third day of April, but finding words to fill the blog post has been difficult. Too much going on, words couldn't capture my experiences, and well, some things are intensely private and personal. Alas, the passion week has already arrived, and I have written relatively little in the blogging realm regarding my spiritual journey and character formation this Lenten season.

Rather than provide lengthy, vague explanations about this journey, I will say that I have been challenged over and over again on whether I daily live a life of leaning on the Lord. Head knowledge, cognitive awareness and recognition, or whatever you want to call it is insufficient and fails miserably in surviving and flourishing current life circumstances. I feel, in a relatively short period of time, I have been tested and stripped of so much, much like Job, described in the book of Job; many losses are yet still to come. Lots of tears have been shed, anguish has been had, and despair has been experienced. I have not, however, asked the "why me" question. I have struggled with whether I would have the required or necessary strength to endure such hardship, especially when the bad news keeps coming.

I confess, I have had moments where I wondered whether Jesus has fallen off the stage (reference to a sermon illustration I heard this past Sunday; ask if you're interested in knowing more) or whether I have been forgotten. But, the Lord has graciously reminded me that I am neither forgotten nor forsaken, in the form people reaching out to us in ways of wonder (and what I consider grandeur), not mere coincidence, accident, or dumb luck.

The road ahead is still uncertain and turbulent, but I will hold steadfast in following Jesus, pray that my character will continually be molded and shaped in his image, and learn to take life a moment at a time. I close with something I wrote on April 11, 2011.

On a fairly turbulent trying day,
the Lord seems blurry or hazy:
difficult to discern clearly;
but present nevertheless.
Initially, I feel very lonely,
isolated;
but then Abba reminds me
of his love
by wrapping his arms around me
with the embrace of his people,
his other children -
who weep alongside me
and pray with me.

Lily Chang
Copyright 2011

Little lambs

2011-03-27T09:41:00.011-06:00

Yesterday, I heard that the Littleton Historic Museum had some baby lambs, and I was eager for the girls to experience those little ones. In the afternoon, off our family went.

Each of the girls had her own idea of what we had to see. . . horses, said Victoria. Once Isabella realized where we were going, she really wanted us to go see "the old house."

2011-3-26

Then Victoria wanted to see pigs. The girls were pulling us in all kinds of different directions. What about the little lambs?

I was informed there were a couple.

Isn't this little one cute?

2011-3-27

There were certainly more than a couple. Interested yet, girls? I was captivated.

Energetic little ones. Wish I had that kind of energy. Seriously.

Oh, and we met a heifer that is due this summer. Poor gal; I can understand how you might feel. Try fitting two in the oven at once.

Mustn't forget the kitty cat. What a life.

2011-3-27

Gentle with the kitty cat. So sweet and quiet looking, when not provoked. I miss my kitty cat.

My own celebrities

2011-03-26T17:25:00.008-06:00

I do not need celebrities to model fashion, when I have my own. Those sunglasses are the bomb. Very colorful, fuzzy flower. I'm sold.

2011-3-25

Not completely sold? How about the charm? Hmmm???

"Look at me," she says.

Here's my next model.

How about this for a fashion statement? A shopping shirt with a butterfly headband.

Are you charmed?

2011-3-25

I was informed that Henry was not to be left out of the photo shoot. Actually, I was told, "Henry wants his photograph taken, too."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T17:51:00.003-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone. My older daughter did all kinds of fun activities and ate all sorts of goodies in celebration of the day.

2011-3-17

While Isabella was having a good ole time at preschool, Victoria and I paid a visit to my nurse midwife; feel free to read about it here.

2011-3-17

In preparation for Lent, which begins tomorrow, with Ash Wednesday

2011-03-08T21:19:00.003-07:00

The girls have been singing this song quite a bit lately, which in the midst of the life-changing struggles I've been experiencing, has been a gentle and sweet reminder of an important truth. My daughters sing this proudly and loudly, whether in the Target parking lot or waiting in line at Starbucks.

In case you have trouble understanding what my 2 year old is saying, here it is:

Jesus loves me,
this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong.
They are weak but he is strong.
Yes Jesus loves me. . .

Then Victoria cycles back to the beginning instead of finishing the rest of the song.

***

Lent begins tomorrow, with Ash Wednesday. My plan is to replace any time I normally use on facebook and twitter with a combination of prayer, bible reading, or devotional time. So, for those of you who communicate with me via twitter or facebook and look for updates there, you can contact me via phone or e-mail or by coming for a visit.

My hope, during this 40 day period is to give a glimpse of what this journey looks like from time to time on this blog or another blog on which I haven't been writing for awhile.

Pajamas, pajamas, pajamas

2011-02-27T14:45:00.004-07:00

The girls got really cute new pajamas from Grandma & Grandpa this week. And well, Grandma and Grandpa hadn't had the pleasure of seeing these new articles of clothing on the girls. And, I am sure they miss the three busy days they spent with us.

Enter Exhibit A: Victoria in her butterfly pajamas.

2011-2-27

Enter Exhibit B: Isabella in what she is calling, "ABC" pajamas.

2011-2-27

Enter Exhibit C: the two seconds the girls are sitting together and not running all over the place.

2011-2-27

My newest creation

2011-02-26T15:07:00.003-07:00

2011-2-17

After I completed and submitted all remaining requirements for my January intercession class, I promised myself a reward of creating a necklace. Greatest indulgence in jewelry-making thus far. Including fine pieces, such as Venetian foil glass.

Seeing Mermaids Swim

2011-02-26T08:59:00.013-07:00

As part of our action-packed adventures with Grandma and Grandpa, we went to the Downtown Aquarium (for which we now have a membership; thanks, Grandma and Grandpa). The girls, especially Isabella, were super eager and excited to see the mermaids swim.

2011-2-25

The other stuff was, well, not as exciting to them. Just in case we had issues with short-term memory, my older daughter kept reminding me that we had to see the mermaids perform.

Me: Alright, Isabella, but the mermaids aren't performing, yet.

Isabella: What are they doing?

Me: Resting and eating lunch. But, they'll get ready to perform very soon.

2011-2-25

Still waiting to see the mermaids, my older one.

The girls had an opportunity to have pictures taken with the mermaids before seeing the mermaids in action.

Behind the mermaids is a pool of stingrays w/ the stingers removed, for people to pet and touch.

Are we going to see the mermaids perform, yet? Where are they, Mommy?

By the time we caught the second performance, my younger one was so tired; she slept most of the performance in Daddy's arms.

Here are the three mermaids we saw perform. Unfortunately, due to having a broken flash and the women swimming quickly, the shots are not the clearest.

2011-2-25

Pretty neat, huh? We thought so. My older daughter sat on my lap and couldn't take her eyes off the mermaids; too fascinating.

In fact, my husband's taken them back to see the mermaids now, as I rest or attempt to study. So much to do, yet all I want to do is . . . absolutely nothing.

Tidying up, serving tea, and dining with Grandma & Grandpa

2011-02-25T17:11:00.003-07:00

Grandma (Karen) and Grandpa (John) came for little visit, and we filled that time with loads of family time together. Including a visit to the Children's Museum, where Isabella showed up her tidying up skills. She did not appreciate the other kids leaving behind a big mess.

2011-2-23

That day, Victoria was happiest in my arms.

2011-2-23

How come my baby looks so big? Not much of a baby whatsoever. Grandma, Grandma, who do you see?

Back to sorting and tidying. I promise, I had nothing to do with that, insofar as telling her to work on that.

2011-2-23

Whilst Isabella was preoccupied with tidying, Victoria was serving up tea.

My littler one is growing up way too fast. What am I saying? Both girls are growing up way too quickly.

After getting a workout following around two little girls, we enjoyed a lovely meal at the Olive Garden.

Snow flakes keep falling. . .

2011-02-05T15:05:00.005-07:00

I took these photographs over an hour ago. The snow has been falling steadily and hasn't stopped. Can't even see the driveway or sidewalks I diligently shoveled, yesterday.

2011-2-5

Snow is falling,

and falling,

and falling. I love it.

Christmas in February?

2011-02-04T14:55:00.004-07:00

I picked up one of my girlfriends up at the light rail station. Though Christmas has long passed and our decorations have been put away, I stowed away plain, undecorated Christmas wreaths and various items to use for decorating them in our basement. Got all these items on sale, of course, for a steal.

We worked so hard and diligently, we hardly spoke a word with each other. And, we don't have a problem connecting. I'm sad to say, I don't have a photograph of her wreath.

I made one for me. Yes, we already have one, but, can't hurt to have another, right? When I got those shiny, glittery, colorful balls, I thought of the girls. Isabella loves blue, Victoria loves red (well those are pink, but still) and green, and I love purple. They also came to mind, because during the Christmas season, they were so taken by the lights on the trees around the city. Perhaps this is our own way of having lights?

2011-2-4

I also made a wreath for Isabella's preschool fundraiser. This academic year's fundraiser has come and gone, but I'm thinking ahead for next year. The people who work at her preschool are such wonderful, people loving, God serving individuals. Do you like the bow? Making it, tying it, and fastening it to the wreath left blankets of glitter all over my hands, the table, and the floor. But, I kind of like the job I rendered with the bow.

Happy (Lunar) New Year, everyone

2011-02-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Lunar New Year, everyone. We are ushering in the year of the rabbit, my year.

Aren't these three little rabbits cute? I cannot lay claim or responsibility for taking this photograph.

The animals that are part of the Chinese zodiac include: rat, ox (or cow), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster (chicken), dog, boar (pig). Fare the well, year of the tiger.

When smiles do

2011-01-27T14:21:00.004-07:00

2011-1-27

My younger daughter, Victoria, insisted on me taking her photographs in her "really pretty dress." So, here we go.

I am beyond tired and have been for most of the day. I leave you with a smile, full of life and vitality and energy.

Having fun and learning to catch with A-ma and A-gong

2011-01-27T12:55:00.006-07:00

A-gong and A-ma (my parents) came for a visit and stayed for nearly a week. And I miss them very much so. When I told my girls that I'm sad they're gone, Isabella has assured me that things will be okay and that they will come back multiple times to see us. But, it is now Grandma and Grandpa's turn to come.

I had neglected to put my camera into action until the last day they were here. Shame on me. Better late than never?

2011-1-23

Can you tell that everyone was having a good time?

Though Troy and I were both there as well, both of us are missing from any photographs. We're not as cute or fun, I suppose.

Have a merry day, all.

Thank you, by the way, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Aaron, Aunt Jenny, & Aunt Becky for renewing our The Children's Museum membership. A-ma and A-gong, thank you for everything.

A belated Christmas gift, Pandora, from one of my best friends

2011-01-26T17:10:00.006-07:00

My dear mother-in-law started a Pandora charm bracelet for me, for Christmas a couple of years ago. A luxury I would have never allowed myself; I'm touched. She started me with the bracelet itself, two little girls charms that are towards the middle of the bracelet, and the heart spacer between the girls. Since then, she's contributed other lovely Pandora stuff, like the stone flake charm and the blue stone spacer. My husband also got me a rose charm and the flower spacer to the right of the rose charm.

Well a friend, with whom I became best friends in the 4th grade, Abirami, surprised me with a clip (basically a charm that stays in place and doesn't slide around), a turquoise enamel charm, and a roses spacer. Thank you!

A fine piece of ceramics

2011-01-26T17:01:00.004-07:00

2010-12-31

My friend Ashley and I got together after Christmas, and part of the gifts she gave me included this exquisite piece of ceramics, sold by Starbucks. Do you know that I took a potter's wheel class in college? Some of my hand thrown, hand glazed pieces have shown up in my recipe blog, such as the bowl in the first photograph and last photograph of this blog post. In addition to the well crafted aspect, this piece was made in France. We had a lovely time catching up and I drank plenty of caffeine-free tea that day.

I feel warm just thinking upon our conversation and warm tea. Thanks, Ash.

An artisan's gifts

2011-01-25T15:37:00.014-07:00

Last semester, fall semester 2010, I participated on my last of three mentored spiritual formation classes required for my counseling licensure degree. "Participated" is a gross understatement. I took the bull by the horns. Through mentored spiritual formation, each one of us were supposed to create a character formation contract that was tailor written for our character and challenged us to spiritually grow and mature in character. In short, I wanted to be able to be me - in my twirling, giddy little girl who also thinks about deep matters and loves people - without being consumed by what people think of me and how they are judging me. I included readings that would challenge me in that direction and activities that really pushed me towards that goal, ending the semester with a voice recital.

Working on that spiritual formation contract and doing other sorts of difficult, life-changing looks at who I am, what makes me tick, how I approach life have changed me and continue to mold who I am. Due to some of these factors and others, I was very much in a giving spirit around Christmas time. But, given various constraints, I had to be creative in my gift giving endeavors. I gave mostly home made or hand crafted gifts. I gave cinnamon and sugar almonds, and jewelry made by yours truly. Here's a sample of what I made . . .

for Tonya

and Abby

and Karen E.

and Haiying

and Christine

and Katia

and Kar-Shan

and Ashley

Making those for people who have made a difference in my life did wonders for me. But, I was disappointed that I wasn't able to make something for everyone that means so much to me. I don't want to go out of this life or have others pass from this life without knowing how valued they are and how significant they are.

Giving tasty treats to neighbors

2011-01-25T14:39:00.007-07:00

Growing up, my parents would say that I quite the sweet tooth, especially with candy: eating it, saving it, trading it, and dreaming about it. Not exactly good news for a gal who has genes for bad teeth. Anyways, presently, I'm not inclined towards sweets, whether cookies, cakes, or the like.

The week of Christmas, I made three different treats, and some of these treats were made on more than one occasion: cinnamon and sugar almonds, cupcakes, and gingerbread cookies. Each time I made these goodies, I shared them with close by neighbors that I have met in passing in the past. Plus, my girls love treats and, well, the holidays seem a good time for that.

I got invitations to bring back goodies to share any time. Any time.

Birthday cupcakes for Jesus

2011-01-25T13:13:00.004-07:00

I've been missing on the radar, first, due to my laptop screen going completely blank permanently and second, due to my desktop computer's refusal to recognize my camera and any photographs on it. Speaking of my camera, I must apologize for my sometimes blurry photographs. Having a defunct flash and being at the mercy of natural sunlight can be a challenge, at times, especially when the daylight hours are shorter and sunlight within the house is limited.

It doesn't seem that long ago that we celebrated Christmas, but not only was that December 25th, we're nearly a whole month into the new year. This past Christmas was our first staying put with no out of town guests visiting. We took this opportunity not only to enjoy not having children thrown off their sleep schedules but also creating or maintaining some of our own family traditions.

One tradition is making cupcakes for Jesus's birthday. If we make cupcakes or cakes or purchase those to celebrate other people's birthdays, why not for Jesus's birthday?

2010-12-25

Also, my children are four years old and two and a half years old; they could use tangible ways and easy explanations to talk about Christmas. Speaking of simplicity and explanations, I hadn't given much thought to the fact that we celebrate Jesus's birthday with the baby version of him, whereas we celebrate others' birthdays at whatever age(s) the person(s) are.

So, when my older daughter asked why we're celebrating baby Jesus's birthday and whether he is still a baby, I tried to keep the explanation simple. Jesus was once a baby, he's really big now, and we celebrate his birthday as a baby because he's really special.

I have also told the girls that Jesus came to earth to save us and that if we really believe in him; we will not only see him again at some point, but we will be with him forever and he will always take care of us. Simple enough for a 4 yr old and 2 1/2 yr old?

We, humans here on earth (myself included), too easily get caught up in our lives here. But, we cannot buy into the non-truth that life here on earth is all there is. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of you know that I am a philosopher by training (studied the discipline in undergraduate as well as loads of graduate school) and I am hesitant to claim any knowledge with certainty. One thing I know for certain is that Jesus is the real deal; he is the one and only Savior, Lord, that can and will (should we make the choice to believe and trust in him) save us from an eternity apart from him.

Since Christmas, my 4 year old has been explicitly assuring people that she really does believe in Jesus. A friend and fellow church attendee believes that a person as young as Isabella has the capacity to make a well informed decision as such. I'm not certain but hopeful. Within the last week or so, my 2 1/2 year old has been saying that she really believes in Jesus. Really? Or, is she copying her sister? Not sure; perhaps time will tell.

Learning and the approaching kindergarten

2011-01-25T11:34:00.005-07:00

2010-12-25

For Christmas, amongst numerous other things, the girls got their own computer. A toy computer. It's pretty sophisticated for a toy, including numerous learning games. Up until recently, first thing in the morning and several times a day, Isabella would venture to this computer and play. Though she's still young, she figured out how to play a few of them, such as "what comes before and what comes after a certain letter in the alphabet.

By the way, Isabella's sporting a top from one of my aunts in Taiwan. Lovely, isn't it?

Lately, we have been looking at kindergartens for Isabella. Can you believe it's already that time? My baby, my very first baby, is getting ready to go to kindergarten. This fall. I have mixed emotions on this: yes, it's great she's growing up and she's actually ready for this step; but, what happened to my little babies? We are zoned for a decent public school, but that hasn't stopped me from looking at three charter schools for her, for which the lotteries are fast reaching their deadlines or have already done so. Will blog some more about kindergarten searches perhaps at some other point.

A rebel in artistic acrylic painting

2011-01-25T10:25:00.003-07:00

2010-12-22

Towards the end of December, I had gone to a place called Canvas and Cocktails with my mentor, some other people she was mentoring, as well as a few friends of mine.

Probably well over 50 people were crammed into this little studio space. We each had our own make-shift pallet, four or five brushes (my mind is hazy), and cup of water. Then, our instructor gave us slow, methodical, patient instructions. A little at a time.

Good thing she gave us permission to deviate from her instructions and her painting. Some in our group of ten people painted altogether a different picture. And, I well, certainly didn't do what she said to a 't.' Our group, we're rebels, we are. We had loads of fun spreading color for 2.5 hrs on a 16 x 20 canvas.

A surprising act of kindness that made my day

2010-12-15T09:59:00.003-07:00

2010-12-15

This morning, I was supposed to have a coffee date at Starbucks with a friend. She called 15 minutes before the girls and I were to depart and said she might have the stomach bug. Not that I'm beyond being empathic, but I saw her yesterday and feared that perhaps she passed something horrible on to me. I have very vivid memories of the last time I had a GI virus; not pretty at all.

Though the date was canceled, I asked if the girls still wanted to go to Starbucks. The girls are still at an age where routine is significant and where promised engagements are expected to be kept. To Starbucks we went, at 8 am.

I got my usual drink. Are you ready to hear my high maintenance drink? An iced tall white mocha americano, in a grande cup, light ice, no water, 2% milk filled up to the top. I handed my card to the barista to pay.

I was told that the drink was already paid for by someone else. Huh? What? Let me check to see whether my ears are functioning properly. Perhaps a barista was treating me to a drink; after all, I knew most of the individuals working this morning. They assured me, promised me, it was none of them. Was it Troy's colleague whom I had spotted studying at the coffee shop? Again, they declared, with certainty, it wasn't him.

Juli, a friend and barista at Starbucks, said some customer walked in shortly before me and said he wanted to buy the lady with two little girls coffee. Juli mentioned something about the drink not costing $20.

I was given my drink and a Starbucks card, at no cost to me. I was baffled, pleasantly moved, and grinning from ear to ear. What a way to make my day. Thank you, thank you. When I arrived home, I registered the new Starbucks card and found out the card originally had $20 on it. Wow. This person has bought me several cups of coffee. I'm speechless. I hope I can surprise and bless others in various ways, too.

Christmas presents, making and sharing

2010-12-14T21:39:00.010-07:00

Last night, I stayed up entirely too late. Not finishing up stuff for the last week of stuff. Rather, I was making Christmas presents.

Do you guys realize that Christmas is next week? This year Christmas and Thanksgiving crept up on me and startled me, without warning. I'm racing against time, to get gifts to certain individuals.

All four bracelet creations of mine were unique. Made a bracelet for a lovely gal, Gabi, who has been watching my girls while I was in class. Czech glass beads and a sterling silver clasp.

Wanted Christmas gifts for Isabella's teacher and the assistant for the course, Ms. Haun and Ms. Amy respectively. For Ms. Amy, also using Czech glass beads and a sterling silver clasp.

For Ms. Haun, using foil glass beads, sterling silver beads, and a sterling silver clasp.

Then, there's Isabella's preschool director and fellow attendee of our church, Joyce. A little something for a lady with a huge heart.

When I was done, I wanted to make something for myself. One of my best friends, Abirami, gave me a lovely, exquisite crystal pendant for my birthday. Hadn't had a chance to make something with it, yet. Plus, I hadn't figured out the perfect plan for the pendant. The seed beads are from a dear friend, Tonya, who's working in Botswana. I was touched and honored she would pick up beads for me whilst in Africa. So, every time I wear the necklace, I'll be thinking of these dear, sweet friends.

I have failed to capture the brilliance and piercing royal purple coloring in the pendant. Nevertheless, this was my attempt at a departure from my creative norms. Have I succeeded? What do you think of the necklace?

Went to my last class for the semester this morning, took care of the girls, cooked some tasty food. Then decided I wanted to make something for my spiritual mentor, Carrol. This afternoon, we were meeting formally for the last time, after three semesters. I wanted to give her a gift as well. So, I spent the girls' precious nap time making and creating a necklace.

She immediately said she loved it and proceeded to wear it. Matched the sweater set she was wearing. I must confess, there were tears shed at this meeting. I'm still not over the shock that we've met once a week for three semesters and our formal meeting time is over. She is a tremendous, wonderful, loving, gracious, generous woman of God. No words can do her justice or capture just how incredible she is.

I've got to head to bed to make up for the sleep I didn't get last night. Good night.