Walt Disney World

We just returned from a VERY nice time in Orlando, Florida. The weather was a nice 80 F, cloudy, a bit humid, but not too bad. Crowds were not bad at all, so we never had to wait in long lines. I guess the gas crisis has affected many people's vacation plans. It made for a very relaxing time for us, and we were grateful.

Here we are, trying to be Donald and Daisy. Hope didn't want to participate. She must have thought her parents were nuts.

We met Goofy whilst meandering about Epcot. He was definitely goofy!!!

Hope went up to Snow White and said, "Don't eat the apple!" She was a bit taken aback but then replied, "Oh! I won't." Then, to encourage her, Hope gave her a little kiss. Hope still thinks Snow White isn't one of the smarter princesses.

Hope kissing her prince in front of HER castle.

Here is one of the smarter and more agile "princesses", though we really can't say she's a princess, can we?. I'll have to teach Hope that Mulan was actually a warrior. Hope'll probably like that better. Mushu blew some smoke onto Hope's autograph book, but Hope thought Mushu was trying to eat the book.

At Epcot, people can do weird things with their pictures, so we were having such a hoot changing Paxton's face into various creatures. This one had us rolling, and I just had to take a picture of the Paxhound.

Big Tigger meeting Little Tigger. Hope made sure that they met and that they both hopped for a long long time. One of their colors is off, and we can't figure out if little Tigger has faded or if big Tigger just drank too much Tang.

Here was a nice and pretty princess, though not too smart in the Prince area. She just knows that he can dance, but what about other topics? Hope still likes Cinderella because Cinderella's just so sweeeeet!

Here's another sweet princess that likes to dance and sing, but does she REALLY know her prince?

Here is Hope's favorite princess because she's not only beautiful, she's smart, likes books, and she really got to know her prince before she fell in love with him. I mean, he was beastly, right? And there he was! What a guy! Hope asked Belle where Beast was, and he came right out after she asked. It was magical for her...and us.

Who's the real princess here????

Busch Gardens, Tampa. What a fun time. They had 10 roller coasters and loads of things for little kids to do. A lot more locals go to this park, since it's so far from Orlando, but it was worth the trip to go ride SheiKra, a roller coaster with a freefall....crazy. Why do we humans subject ourselves to such torture by freaking ourselves out so that we can laugh about it later?

Done Studying...for now

Today, Paxton took his 7th and final test, finishing off 1.5 years of studies for the Air Force. No additional degree or promotion; it was just a MAJOR requirement for this Major. Daughter and mother had been missing dad, when he'd disappear into the eaves of the house and stick his nose into a book for hours on end.

When he finished, he was a very happy man. We celebrated by going to the Elephant Bar, eating some good tasting food and some chocolate cake for dessert. It was a quaint celebration for a man who worked hard and passed this Space requirement for work. Congratulations, Sir!

Good thing he finished, since in a few days, we'll be off to Florida!!! We want some heat!!!

Fashion and Art

The Fine Arts Center MODERN had the beginning of their Fashion/Art exhibit on May 10, 2008, and Lisa got to be part of the fashion show, with 8 other models. We had loads of fun with new hairstyles and fun clothes.

Veda Salon cut more than 10 inches off my hair and gave me China RED highlights. I felt like a punk rocker afterwards, but hey! All in the name of fashion, right?

Someone said I looked like a modern day Geisha girl. I guess I can take that as a compliment...

Here we are at the end. Boy! Did I feel short!

Death of a Colleague

Life is fragile, yet as Americans, we often don't experience the fragility of our lives. This past week, a good friend/colleague, died an untimely death. He was Paxton's former boss, and he was the man who could turn anything to gold.

On the 28th, they held a Service for him, where there was an open casket. When Hope saw that, she wanted to see his body, but I told her that she probably should NOT see it. Of course, Miss Strong-willed had to see it after Mom said No, so off she goes. When see saw it, she remained quiet the rest of the service, only sharing her thoughts afterwards: Where is he? Who took him away?

We decided there was no way we could hide our own grief and distractions with daily life, so we shared with Hope what a 3 year old could understand, and let me tell you. Three years olds can understand a LOT of things. She never questioned why we were so sad and confused. She never asked the family left behind why they were so distraught. She knew, and she was such a comfort to us and those around us.

On the 29th, we went to the internment, where our friend was buried with military honors. There was the honor guard to fold the flags from the casket and present each flag to the 14 and 12 year old sons left behind, a 21 gun salute, and a trumpet to play "Taps". Then, the minister shared, and they lowered him into the ground. Hope watched the entire thing in silence, and comforted mom when she cried. Paxton and the rest of the Air Force workers all had to stand at attention during most of this part, but we could hear the sniffles as tears fell. Afterwards, Hope asked: Why do we have to bury him? Is he with Jesus? I decided to wait until she was a little older to explain. After the burial, Hope went to pick some dandelions and decided she'd give Mom a flower. I kept that flower on my ear all day long, reminding me how empathetic my child is. She also picked another dandelion and gave it to Paxton's new boss; we were all quite taken aback with this action, as Hope never interacts with "strangers". I'll never see dandelions the same again.

We've indeed grown much from this tragedy; Hope understands that death is part of life, and there is really no way we can avoid it, though we try, don't we? The good thing is that we have our hope is Jesus who comforts us in life and in death. We are grateful for a savior who has conquered death so that we can have eternal life in Him. Thank you, Jesus.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11: 25

The Military Ball

Every few years, Paxton's Air Force Group holds a ball, so Hope really was wanting to go to the ball in the last entry. She stole Mom's shoes and pictured herself dancing with her prince. All the spouses get decked out to the nines, which is really fun. It's kind of like "grown-up" prom, except it's a lot more expensive and there are no limos . New officers are still nervous with their first ball and don't know how to act, but it's all fun and we have a great time. We were able to take Hope, because they offered free child care where the ball was, so Hope was enthralled with all the women in their flowing gowns and updos. We meet all the Generals and Colonels and listen to lots of talk about how the Air Force has grown and strengthened through the years. We ate some food, and then when we're all tired, they make us dance. Hope wanted to dance with her Prince (aka BaBa), but when the band started to roll, it was too loud for her tender ears, so they just danced out in hallway...

I went to a salon academy, showed them my hairpin and told them to do something Asian looking. This was the result. I thought it looked pretty Asian, don't you? snicker

Hope antics

I'm not sleepy at all!!!!

I'm going to the ball!!!

Striking a pose!

Whine Phase

Before Hope, I used to give moms with whiny kids the evil eye, assuming that the moms just couldn't control their kid's whine. I apologize to all moms that I gave the evil eye to; I was sooo ignorant.

Hope has now come into el whine-o phase. She must have at least two 2-hour whine phases daily which end in a full blown temper tantrum, just to get mom or dad's back hair to rise taller than the Washington Monument. We have had moments of temptation, where we want to find the duct tape and gently place it over her beautiful lips. We haven't...yet.

Please pray we won't.

To those who have perfect kids that don't whine, we have indeed tried various "parenting" techniques that will help Hope to grow out of this very ungodly phase of life. We've tried: ignoring, getting eye to eye and trying to help Hope explain her "feelings", putting her in Time Out, placing her in her room to calm down. We haven't smacked her upside her head yet, but let me tell you that the temptation is great!!! It just seems that her whine must run its course, and she will come out refreshed and ready to be her happy self. This phase has run its course in the clothing section of Wal-Mart. A lady gave me the evil eye, and I gave it back to her. Hope just decided to start her whine/tantrum to see how many moms would look at her.

Another time, she did her whine/tantrum thing in the middle of the magazine rack of East Library. Moms were gathering their little ones, telling them that that little Chinese girl in the magazine area was NOT the way to behave in a quiet library. Hope proceeded to scream for a good 10 minutes before I took her home. She screamed another hour at home before she decided that her bladder was too full, so she stopped her screaming.

Will I really look back at this one day and say "Ah! How I miss those days..."????

Easter!!!

Dying Easter Eggs. Hope loves the mess from this task.

Writing on the eggs. We blew out the yolks to keep the eggs longer. Of course, two were quickly broken after the dying process. Dad broke one as well. Can't blame just the small kids.

Playing concentration. Hope likes this game and makes sure to get mom to play lots with her. Of course, when she sees the pair, she says, "Mom! No stealing my pair!"

Thank you, Uncle Matt and Aunt Arlene!!! What a great book!!! In fact, the Easter bunny didn't leave Hope any candy this year. She just left her lots of books that she quickly devoured faster than chocolate...hehe heh.

WCC=World Christian Movement

February 15: I left Colorado Springs on a jet plane to San Francisco, leaving my husband and dear daughter all alone. I prayed more for Paxton than for Hope, as she was in temper tantrum phase. I guess enough people were praying that, in the end, she didn't have a single tantrum!!! She waited for mom to come back...sigh

I left at 2 pm, hoping to get into San Fran at 5 pm, enough time to settle in before the WCC conference started at 7 pm. Too bad there was a 3 hour delay at the airport. Ugh!!! United didn't even give compensation, not even a meal voucher! I even groveled a bit, but no such luck. Good thing I thought about the NSO, so I hurried over there, and they ended up giving me a nice ham and cheese sandwich, soda, chips, and an apple, so I wouldn't be too hungry on the plane. The NSO in Denver is next to Continental's Fancy First Class area, so we had the nice chairs, nice views. It was a nice break from airport craze. Of course, the NSO was crowded with lots of military people, so I tried to stay out of there way. They looked like they were coming home from deployment...worn out!

Well, I finally got to the San Fran hotel at 9 pm and was pretty exhausted. But WCC's evening session was still going on, and Jackie Pullinger from Hong Kong was speaking. She has sacrificed 30 years of her life for the downcast of Hong Kong. She faces prostitutes, gangsters, and the homeless in Jesus' name, and she is not afraid of them. It was a privilege to hear her speak and speak mightily.

Saturday,th 16th, George Verwer, founder of OM (Operation Mobilization) shared about his work and his vision. He is a mighty instrument, used by God, for the expansion of the kingdom, and I'm grateful for such a brother in Christ.

Saturday afternoon, I gave my feeble efforts to share what it was like to be a Chinese American living in China. Right when I was about to start, my computer died. My computer had never done this before, so we had to pray over the computer! Still, no effect. Good thing, another brother told me that he'd brought his computer for such times as these. He ran back to his room, to retrieve the computer. I praised God that my wise husband decided to put my presentation on a USB port "just in case." So, all I had to do was plug and play. Of course, I was all stirred up from this confusion that I had NO idea what I shared the first half of my talk. Ah well. I hope I said something encouraging. They put my two workshops back to back, so I ended up talking from 1pm until 4pm. I didn't know I had all those words in me...haha!

Saturday evening, Jackie Pullinger talked again and asked that we pray and break the unbiblical bonds that Asian parents have put onto their children. Many attendees were in tears as they were freed from these bonds. It was a very deep evening.

Sunday, the 17th, I was hoping to get out of the hotel to take a stroll or to visit Trader Joe's or eat Thrifty Ice Cream, but no such time. I ended up talking with lots of people that had questions about their call. "What in the world does God want me to do with my life?" It was a great time of talking and asking questions. I felt so encouraged that there are young adults out there, so willing to put everything in front of God and ask Him to lead them in the way of righteousness. One woman wants to give up a cozy life here and go to Morocco for Him. Wow! She has for a long time felt a deep call to reach Muslim women. Oh how we need so many more of her kind. One couple who is already in a Muslim nation as Asian Americans have shared that they have been more readily accepted because of their faces. There is a deep hatred towards whites in that part of the world, but Asian Americans are still seen with neutrality. May God raise up many more Asian Americans to stand in the gap for the Muslims, that they may see Jesus through them.

Sunday evening, there was a call for those willing to commit to go and serve Him wherever He leads. So many stood! After communion, I had a chance to pray for many wanting to be blessed or commissioned or anything else. Many were on their knees, many received confirmation of what was already in their hearts. I was glad to be an instrument of blessing these people who desired only the Lord. I pray even now that these young adults will go home and continue to draw deeper in Him, even when the feelings have subsided.

Monday, th 18th, I had to fly out early, so I didn't get a chance to hear George Verwer's last words. I was grateful for WCC, and I hope that God will expand this wonderful fellowship of Asian American believers. We really need this group.

LOVE this story about Hillary Clinton!!!!

Hillary Clinton goes to a primary school in New York to talk about the world.
After her talk she offers a question time.
One little boy puts up his hand.
The Senator asks him what his name is?
'Kenneth.'
'And what is your question, Kenneth?'
'I have three questions:
First - Whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
Second - Why would you run for President after your husband shamed the office?
Third - Whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?'
Just then the bell rings for recess.
Hillary Clinton informs the kids that they will continue after recess.
When they resume, Hillary says, 'Okay, where were we?
Oh, that's right, question time. Who has a question?'
A different little boy puts his hand up.
Hillary points to him and asks him what his name is.
'Larry.'
'And what is your question, Larry?'
'I have five questions:
First - Whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
Second - Why would you run for President after your husband shamed the office?
Third - Whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?
Fourth - Why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early?
Fifth - What happened to Kenneth?

Hope in a Box!

Hope's 3rd Birthday

We decided to have a quiet celebration for Hope's 3rd birthday on the 26th. Mom made her the much requested homemade strawberry ice cream cake. It's strawberry cake with strawberry ice cream and strawberry frosting. We decided to use chocolate for the icing instead of strawberry, as we thought it was just a bit toooo strawberry if EVERYTHING was pink!

Yes, that's drool coming from the little girl's mouth!

"Feed me more!!!!"

"Thank you, Grandma for the nice dress and doll!"

Hey! My favorite Tigger!!!

No No, BaBa! That's mine!!!

Shy..... Thank you, Ge and Kim and kids

Growing Growing Growing

Opening a nice gift from grandparents. Don't we just LOVE grandparents, spoiling and doting on our kids?

Caught, wearing mom's slippers!!

Working on Emma's gift to Hope. She did 95% of this necklace all by herself! Pretty good finger dexterity, I might add!

She absolutely LOVES this necklace. Thanks, Emma!

Christmas at HOME

Cousin Dakota and Hope playing a duet

A Thomas the Tank train set for Christmas morning

Uncle Alex and Cousin Nathan playing with Thomas

Cousins Dakota and Emma playing Lincoln Logs

Let's EAT!

All the cousins hanging on the couch

Happy Birthday, Jesus CAKE!! YUM

Cousin Nathan playing Elf

Opening gifts

Who are these silly four men?
The whole clan

We had such a fun time. Uncles and aunts and cousins that flew out from Pennsylvania and Georgia just to enjoy a freezing Colorado Christmas. We ate lots, open lots, played lots. Ah! What a wonderful Christmas, filled with family laughter, a few Time-Outs, a few bruises on kids, and LOADS of memories. Thank you guys, for coming out and letting us enjoy a wonderful time together. Next time, Di's place or somewhere really cool...heh heh!!!