05/14/2003

Tues.

We had a super busy Mother's Day weekend!! We did not even have a break for everyone. We just ran into rush here & there & finally settled down at the church to get a relief at night time...

We went to a Seafood Restaurant for lunch on Mother's Day & took Grandma & whole family to California Adventure Theme Park. We had a very great afternoon there. We left the park in a hurry, due to Charles & Andrew had to attend the Annual Mother's Day Church Children Choir Concert at 7:30pm & we had to get to the church at 5:30pm for the final rehearsal. We done rehearsal the day before the Mother's Day at 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Daddy-Edward was working at office but still showed up at church on Saturday evening just to be one of the volunteer to help set up the stage. He is the best daddy. He always show up & support us at the right timing. We had a very beautiful night at church on Mother's Day. All the music & songs from the teachers & children are just amazing... Grandma were very enjoy the music.... I called my parents-in law on Saturday night for their Mother's Day. We were on the phone over an hour. They are always happy to hear our voice.

Our good neighbor-Eric delivered the beautiful purple Butterfly Orchid & best artistic cake in town to our door. That was right after I got home with Nellie at last Saturday afternoon. Nellie was falling a sleep while I was driving home after the dance class. Thanks, Eric. You are too kind to us.

Yesterday Charles went to children's dentist to fix his 7 cavity teeth. Just like last time Andrew did, they put Charles into sleep & while he sleeping, then working on Charles's teeth. Charles was recovered very well last night. It acted like nothing happened in the day time. I remembered that Andrew was not feeling well last time until the next day afternoon. I think in that sense, Charles is stronger than Andrew. This is the 3rd week that Charles not go to After School Care. He is doing fine with his home work so far. I spend two hours with him every night just to review all his work. I kind of have no time to take care Nellie & Andrew. Andrew & Nellie are very trouble-free kids. They are more like peace maker. But Charles, I have to keep him busy at all time.

Edward & I went to a new Japanese Sushi Restaurant in Walnut last night. We both still agreed that KoYo Sushi is the best in town! After dinner we walked into a Video shop right next to the restaurant. That was a new place to us. It's run by an Indian but he has many Chinese videos. We rent a movie "Hero" DVD. Edward play that DVD in our PC. I would give 3 stars to that movie. I don't think there are too many surprises to me. I have to take Charles to his Singing class tonight!!

Grandma went to other church's Retrieve Camp for two days. She came back this evening with a little bit disappointed about the trip. She felt it was too pushy & people there were kind of hunger for money. No matter how exciting the messages that pastors tried to delivered to everyone, if at every end of the section just always try to sell people books, tapes or ask for donation, Grandma just don't like it at all. Well, I totally understand her feeling but it's always nice to learn something from the group.

I had a busy Friday afternoon. Since grandma out of town, I had to on duty to pick up kids yesterday. I had a nice lunch at Todi Seafood Buffet with Edward & coworker. When I returned to office after 2:00pm, I had to drive down to kids school to get Charles, Andrew & Nellie. The first stop we went is Gymnastics School. While we were waiting for Andrew & Nellie, Charles was watching the cartoon & I had a short but nice nap & chatting with an old lady that she has 3 grandchildren were taking class there as well. She used to be a teacher.... After the class, I stopped by a special kids training center in Walnut, I talked to the director there, but I don't think our kids need to get any of their help.

We came home around 5:30pm & I started to help our kids took the shower & dressed them up for the "Silent Auction" party at school. I called Edward before we left the house & we were met at school chapel. I was on time there at 6:45pm with my 3 kids. After I looked around the artworks for auction, I only saw one big framing art work that was really interest to me. The price was started from $65. There was a person put $70. Then I put $80. After 15 minutes later I went to check & I saw there were over 10 people bidding that piece and the price was up to $175. I don't know who will be the final winner but soon I found out the lady around the table was waiting to see who is her competitor. She told me that I should not try to bid this piece, because she planning to pay $300 to buy it. I was smiled to her & didn't say anything. She then put $200 in front of me. In a minutes, that school principle announced this silent auction will end in 10 seconds. The teacher Ms. Rahmanian asked if I am going to bid that piece. I put $205 & times up. But it was not the end.

That lady behind me just grabbed the paper & write $210. I looked at her with a smile & did not said a word. But I think she was crazy. Nellie received an award from school & Andrew received his diploma for the Junior K. Dad was arrived while all the children were all on the stage. We were planning to go to "Joe's Crab Shack" for dinner, that was highly requested by Charles for 3 days. But after the auction, when we went to that restaurant at Puente Hill Mall, we were told by the waiter that we have to at least wait for another 2 & half hour in order to get a seat. That was 8:30pm. After we explained to Charles, he finally agreed that we went to Home Town Buffet to have our late dinner.

Today after Chinese school & dancing class, we pretty much stayed home. Charels & Andrew was playing video game & accessed to Internet to play the kids game. Nellie was watching them while two brothers playing. I took a nap for 2 hours. It's kind of unusual & not like me. But since last week I got cold from Nellie or Charles, I still not find too much time to rest. At least now I feel much better. Thanks God!

I had a long conversation with Edward from 11:00pm to 2:00am. We were enjoyed the nice music plus many fun subject to chat... It's late!! I need to go to bed now. 5/18/2003 , 2:15AM

05/29/2003

Thurs.

06/01/2003

Sun.

It was a busy month of May. At the end of the May, by Charles's request, I went to his field trip with all his class on May 31, Friday. I had to got up at 6:00am & got ready at 7:30am. I took 3 kids to school on that day. Normally Edward on duty, but since I promised Charles to go on this trip with him. I had to take half day off. When I returned to work already after 2:15pm.

Even though I had Mother’s Day & little break on Memorial Day, I found myself have lot of pending duties from work that need to be done quicker. Today is the 1st day of June. I got up at 4:30am; due to Edward has to get to the Ontario airport before 6:00am this morning. I enjoy driving him to the airport. We went to bed late though. I watched the clock was 1:45am when I went to bed this morning. Anyway, life is busy with all this kind of “this” & “that”. Edward is flying to Alabama this week. Edward will return next weekend but he will fly to Nebraska right next day of the following week. He has been almost worked 7 days a week for the month of March, April & May. What a busy schedule!! But the most important part is he really enjoys what he is doing & we still keep our quality life together with our children.

Anyway, after I dropped him at the airport, on the way home, I decided to stop by the office to do some work. It’s still early. Only 6:40am in the morning. I’ll probably do some more work here before 9:30am. Grandma told me last night that she decided not to go to church this morning. She promised my kids would take them to the park this morning. I’ll go to get car wash & car maintenance done while they are out at the park later. We’ll go get the Korean food for lunch today. I kind of like to try the Korean’s Seafood Tofu Soup & their verity appetizers recently. That is a little spicy but tasty. My favorite restaurant is in San Gabriel. It will take 25 minutes to get there. It will be another beautiful Sunday again!!

By the way, we went to Both California Adventure Theme Park & Disneyland yesterday evening. We were there around4:40pm. The first we went to California Adventure to watch the Aladdin-Musical Opera for 45 minutes & then we did some fun, crazy rides. We went to Disneyland at 7:00pm & head back to home at 10:00pm. Too bad we missed the chance to meet our good neighbor at the park. They were just about to leave the park when I called Eric from the Disneyland’s parking lot. Anyway, I am sure all of us had a happy Saturday at the Disneyland & California Adventure Theme Park. Wish Edward has a safe trip while he is not with us.

06/16/2003

Monday

Edward finally returned home last Wednesday night. He told me when he flew into Arizona Airport, the airplane was very bumpy. I was very scared to hear that, Thanks God, he is home now...

We had a busy Father's Day weekend. Our CO-worker-Anthony was married on last Saturday. Last Saturday afternoon, while our kids were all taking the afternoon naparound 2:00pm.,but only Charles awaked. Since we going to pick up Edward's partner-Roger, Susan & their daughter JoJo later in the evening for the wedding banquet. I decided to take Charles with me to had my car washed. Kids all like to go see the car wash. But it was very hot outside. I rather let our kids stay home & have more rest. Finally I have a clean & fresh strawberry smell car again!

On Anthony's invitation card listed the banquet was held at 5:00pm & we were arrived there at 5:50pm. When we got there, we met bride & groom in the parking lot. The bride asked me if I have safety pin, she told me her wedding gown was too long. I told her don't worry I'll go find it for her. Soon I drove my car to the SAV-ON drugstore & came back in 10 minutes. I was happy that I can provide my instant help to her. We had a good time at that nice"Seafood World" Restaurant. The seafood food was delicious & good wine & music. We were left early, but that was after 10:00pm already. I don't know when their party was over? I guess maybe after midnight.

Sunday was Father's Day. Edward had to work still. He left home at 8:00 am. Our kids were gave Daddy big kiss & hug in the early morning. Edward came home around 2:00pm & then we went to church to pick up their children choir's year end award & trophy. We supposed should stay at church for dinner, since I already bought the ticket for our entire family. But I changed my mind. We need to do something special for Edward. We need to find a most nice seafood restaurant to celebrate Father's Day. Luckily we didn't even wait & got into the famous "Harbor Seafood Restaurant" in Rowland Heights. All the tables had been reserved but only one table for 6 people were available & we were just fit into that number. We had a nice dinner!! That was a surprise dinner.

The first weekend of the June, which was June 8, Sunday, I took 3 kids to Disneyland & California Adventure Park. Daddy had to work & grandma went to church. But we had a super great fun there. We play over 12 items, from 11:00am to 8:00pm. We watched the opera again, took the fun ride, we went to the winnie the pooh &....Anyway, if I have time, I like to take our kids there every weekend.

Today is the first day of the summer for our kids. This morning I dropped 3 of them at Chinese School. This was totally new to Nellie. But I know she is willing to learn Chinese. So do Andrew & Charles. Wish them have a good learning time at the Chinese school.

Tonight I watched Andrew & Charles play the piano, their recital has been scheduled on June 28, 2003, Saturday. That is Grandma's birthday. Anyway, we have to do more practice for the songs that they going to play. So far they both doing very well. I hope they will do well at the recital.

Charles's go game is doing great! He is enjoying the game very much! This summer I'll teach them do more drawing, flash animation & more creative activities. I hope they have a colorful life. They should do good at school & also have to good taste to their life. Life is too short, for ordinary people.

06/23/2003

Monday

It just another busy week. Edward still has to work over the weekend. I have to spend more time to focus on our kids. They love to see me involve more to their activities. Last Wednesday Charles passed the level I swimming test. Tomorrow at the new session, he'll move up to Level II class. Good for him. Andrew will still stay at Level I, hopefully soon he'll move up to level II as well. This going to be the 4th time to Andrew to take this level I class. I still remembered last year Andrew was so scared to stay in the swimming pool, he was helpless crying at the pool side & did not enjoy the water in the first week class. But with the experienced coach's help, towards to the end, he was enjoyed the water very much. People deserve potential. As the parents, we need to offer them more chances to learn.

Recently the weather is quite strange. Sometimes just hot like summer & sometimes just chilly like winter, cloudy & even a little shower, this weekend's weather just typically fits into this strange mode. I don't want to see our kids catch cold. So, we were pretty much stayed home this weekend. I invited our good neighbor Alan to come to our home on Sunday. Since I kind of feel the Sunday school at church, it's not great benefit to our kids, I decide not let them go there anymore. That was started two weeks ago. Now I want to make Sunday as the day Mommy & kids day. Since there's no children choir going on in summer time. Daddy can join us at anytime. But I don't see daddy has too much time this summer. He has to handle lots of pending projects.

We had a busy, fun Sunday at our home. We did the "Finding the Words" contest this morning. It's totally new to our kids to play this game. I called it "Finding the words". That's really from the Disney movie-Finding the Nemo. Since Alan & our family went together to watch the movie at the AMC theater. I feel "Finding the words" is just perfect to describe what we are doing. Alan, Charles & Andrew were like this contest very much. They like to compete with each other. We had a good contest going on Sunday morning. Guess what, at the end, Charles is the No 1., Andrew is No. 2 & Alan is No. 3. They three also played piano to each other from time to time. I am so glad that Alan & our kids are so compatible. Andrew was very surprised me today. Since Alan played "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to all of us, from there Andrew asked Alan to teach him how to play that song. Ever since then till this morning, I saw him practice more than hundred time. I am very sure that Andrew will be a good piano player. He is truly like music, just like me. This morning's morning wake up music was "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" that played by Andrew. He is an angle from God.

Charles is like play video game more than anything else. We did drawing together. Charles & Alan both are very good with drawing. Andrew is not as good as Alan & Charles. But he enjoy doing it. They are all different. But Andrew learned the 3D concept from me last winter at the soccer field. While we were waiting & watching Charles played the soccor, me & Andrew were doing the drawing. Andrew is a good to draw the trains. He still a train lover. Nellie is the only baby girl in the family, but she was enjoy playing these 3 boys. She is a socializer. At the end of the day, Andrew was the Best Boy of the day. He was very well behave himself at all time. Nellie was the next & then Alan. The most wiggling worm-Charles was the one not follow instruction at all time. He had 3 time out. He had to stayed in the dark bathroom & repeated tell himself "Hand, feet to myself. Be nice to my family & friends. Also, Take good card of my own properties." He has to repeat all those words to himself 100 times for each time out.

Edward came home late till 2:00am this early morning. I finally decided how we going to celebrate my mother's birthday. I talked to my sister-Jennifer & our good nighbor-Eric. We going to have a surprise Birthday Dinner Party for her at Pacific Palm Resort Hotel. We'll go to the Cima Restaurant which is inside of the hotel to celebrate my mother's 60 years old birthday. In fact, that will be a busy Saturday to us. Edward has to work still, but he will be home after 4:00pm. Because Charles & Andrew have a recital at Keyboard Academy. He would like to participate that event. We have to arrive the recital music hall at 5:20pm. The recital will start at 6:20pm & we'll leave there before 6:50pm. That way we can on time be there at the Cima Restaurant. Edward think only at that 5 stars restaurant can make that night more special.

Since Charles & Andrew have the recital coming, we have been working very hard to practice every night. Charles & Andrew seems to be very cooperative with me. So far so good. I told Edward that now I am our kids Drawing teacher & Chinese, piano & math teacher. Of course, I need to be a good story teller as well. We bought the Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix yesterday. That was the 1st release day. In fact, I bought the previous issues, too. I'll read the story with them this summer. Since, this is the best time to do it. Without too much school work.

Last Friday night, June 19, at 11:00pm, after I took Charles home from Go Game, me & Edward just cannot wait to watch the Ang Lee's movie " The Hulk". It was an outstanding film, but I doubt if the Academy would give so much recognition to a sci-fi film. It would probably get nominations for technical categories like score, editing, sound, cinematography, sound editing.

Ang Lee is a great director and deserves to get an Oscar someday!

06/28/2003

Saturday

This is the dress from the Chin Dynasty. This Chin Dynasty doll wears a dramatic robe reminiscent of those worn by the ladies of the Chin court. Her ornate two-piece dress is tailored completely in sumptuous red, a color symbolizing celebration and good fortune in the Chinese culture. Delicate crystal gems and bead ornaments dangle from her waist, complementing the gown's fine embroidery. Ching Dynasty Doll completes her dramatic costume with a stunning headpiece, arrayed with an intricate pattern of glimmering jewels and a large peony blossom, the national flower of China.

Today is grandma's 60th birthday. It is a special day!! Tonight, we all had a great meal, but the best part of the dinner was when my mother one by one to open the presents from us & our good neighbors. She was surely had a wonderful birthday. This is the first formal party that she ever had in her life. But she never prepared for this party, this is a surprise party to her. I have to thank you to Edward, he is the person told me that I have to treat her "Birthday Party" as a Major, Big project. Edward insisted that I have to make this birthday unforgettable & successful. Edward is always the Best husband. He always treat my parents & sisters like his family. He is the man that I'll always count on & believe will do his best efforts for my mother & our own family.

Last night at the bed time, I reminiscing about those old days when she was young that she was working so hard for our family. She is the person that always put her 100% efforts to all her duties. In fact, she is overdo a lot. My father was worked very hard for the family also. From the begin towards to the end, my mother is the one always get most of the credit & compliments among our relatives & friends.

We had a very special way to celebrate her birthday. Edward still went to work today. He still continually works as 7 days a week. In fact last night he worked through the night till this morning 3:00am came home. But he was came home early today at 4:30pm, just for Charles, Andrew's Piano recito & my mother's 60th birthday. He is the man never missed the best & important moment with his family.

This evening is Charles & Andrew's first piano recital. Our entire family went to see their performance. They did excellent play. We are very proud of their talent. It was a wonderful evening with nice people & beautiful music. But too bad we had to leave right after Charles & Andrew's performance, due to we set grandma's 60 years old birthday at 7:00pm. When we left the Keyboard Academy, it was 6:55pm.

After that recital, we drive to Pacific Palm Resort Hotel to started our birthday celebration. It was a wonderful party. Grandmon is very surprise & happy. It's a beautiful day. We have total 17 people attended tonight's party. The sea food buffeted was very delicious. Grandma received many surprise present. This is a beautiful day. May God bless all of us have a peaceful life.Thanks for all our neighbors that came to tonight's birthday party for grandma. Since I went to bed around 4:00am this morning, I decide to go to bed now. I'll post more family news for all the viewers-you, when I have more time. Indeed, "Time is Money.".

06/30/2003

Monday

Believe or not, my mother & I were watching the VCD about the "Chin Dynasty's story" from 5:00pm till this morning 4:00pm. Edward was joined us to watch this movie after work around 8:00pm. This movie contained 50 VCD inside. We were probably finished 11 PCs last night till this early morning. I bought total 4 TV Movies set for her birthday on last Friday, while I took Charles to play the Go game in San Gabriel. I went to the "China King" Video store & bought that historical movie set for my mother. I think I did the right choice. She cannot wait to open it yesterday evening. So we are all start to enjoying the movie now. Please see attached Chin Dynasty's doll at this page. Isn't it cute?

We did not go any where today but stayed home resting & watching movie. We have plenty of the fruits, snakes & foods. It's nice to be a couch potato sometimes.

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