politics and faith:

An important sermon entitled, "Should a Christian vote Democrat or Republican?"  Manny and I have had many of these views and convictions for years, but it's often difficult for me to figure out how to talk about it with those who believe the Republican agenda is God's agenda.  Sometimes I think the reason for things seeming to fall apart in this country isn't one leader but the failure of the church to live the gospel out to those around us.  On the other hand, things aren't so much worse off than before.  In this article, if we look at statistics, violent crime is on the decline, and there aren't more mass shootings in the U.S. than elsewhere.  However, I wouldn't say "nothing" is wrong.  The world is indeed fallen.  But whenever people say they want to go back to the 50s with lower crime and divorce rates and when "Christianity" seemed more prevalent, I may not say it, but I'm usually thinking about segregation, the crises in marriage that led to women's lib, and as Manny had reminded me, how what society looks like isn't necessarily who we really are.  It may be better now that Christian religion isn't so accepted--it causes us to really be tested and think through our faith and know if it's real.  Likewise, we have two candidates, the first of whom some Christians were labeling a certain religion, but now a candidate representing them who is not of the same faith, and I think it's actually good for us to reflect on how being a Republican doesn't make you a Christian, and vice versa.

love your brother / lucas's party:

When I told Naomi we had no plans for Lucas's birthday other than cake and ice cream, she wanted to do more for him and spent two weeks making decorations and creating a detailed plan consisting of this favorite activities.  She wrote a pledge for me to sign to honor him on his birthday as well.  Part of that was not getting stressed out about it, which I failed at, even without anyone else coming.  Manny's parents, aunt and uncle, the babysitter L, and Chris and his wife were not able to make it.  At first we weren't going to ask anyone because he likes a small group, but then he asked if his friends were coming.  It's sad for me because he doesn't really have any friends.  The neighborhood boys play with him, but they're significantly older and it's often too much for him.

Last week, we went to the mall to pick up our portraits, and Manny suggested we stop by the bowling center.  Lucas likes bowling video games, and he was so excited when he saw the place ("This is awesome!").  I wasn't planning to stay, but Naomi had brought all her birthday money and said that she would treat Lucas to a game for his birthday.  He'd never been bowling before, and the kids had so much fun and were pretty worn out by the end.  I bowled the worst game of his life.  It's been probably 10 years since I've bowled.  For the kids, I had the side bumpers up.  I surprised myself with that.  After all, kids have to learn to deal with reality and not have cushions in life, but because the money Naomi put up, I had a change of heart.

On Friday I had to buy some supplies for Lucas's cake (he wanted a car cake this year).  I took the kids to get frozen yogurt to celebrate Lucas's birthday, and also to enjoy the Sanrio again.  I'm not sure why many Asians continue to like Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and other cute characters well into old age.  Oh well, why does anyone like puppies and smiling babies?  Cute is cute.

At the bowling alley getting ready to play.

Yay for Sanrio at Yogurtland!

A few pages of Naomi's plans, including her color scheme brainstorming and a party day checklist.  We got through most of the checklist, even though Lucas was difficult toward his sister.  She was very patient and forgiving toward him.  

Some decorations Naomi made with construction paper--Lucas, a car race drawing, the many faces of Lucas, a car and road, and she helped me twist the streamers as well.

Lucas wearing a birthday star sticker Naomi made him.

The kids making marshmallow pops and a fruity octopus.

Easy to make octopus Naomi found in one of my magazines.  Naomi cut the grapes and we used the melted chocolate to attach the eyes and chocolate chip mouth.

Lucas's cake.  Of course it didn't come out exactly as I wanted.

The family photo, with Abigail (Naomi's toy kitty) in her party hat.  Naomi made hats for all of us, and a crown for Lucas with cars on it.

Lucas about to open presents.  Naomi gave him a few items she wrapped from her room.

Yay, T-ball!  We took him outside to play it, but the ball ended up in the neighbor's driveway, so the neighbor doesn't want us out there anymore.

normal week ending in tragedy:

Naomi finished her swim class with flying colors and passed all but one item on her test.  She could not do the backstroke for 10 yards, so she will remain in her same level next year.  Overall, I was really pleased with her two instructors (especially that they were both women), the cost of the lessons, and the location.  Unfortunately, it conflicted with the lessons given by ladies at our church.  Next year, I'll see if we can get through an entire month of lessons by doing both.

My Zumba class was great.  It's been eight years since I've been able to go work out without the kids, so I'm feeling really blessed.  They had different leaders in the kids club this week.  The kids had a great time, and no one got hurt.  Lucas got run over twice last week, and I hurriedly picked the kids up and left so I wouldn't say something I'd regret.  

I spent all week cutting lots of tin foil for our VBS camp, which is about all I could do.  Lucas isn't really old enough to go, so I'll be with him while Naomi goes from 8-5 for four days.  It's going to be fun and a great opportunity for our church to reach out to the community.

Naomi is doing well in her Social Skills class.  She has a final presentation next week.  Lucas has been surprisingly patient through the hour-long class.  


We weren't able to go on a date night and see Batman this weekend, and that's all been tempered by the horrible tragedy in CO.  I went to bed Friday night thinking about Lucas's birthday party that Naomi planned, and how thankful I was for all I had.  At about 3 a.m. I was awakened by a faulty sprinkler, and it woke the kids up as well.  With my adrenalin pump, I decided to check the news and felt such shock and sorrow.  I prayed over the victims, their families, and all the eyes of the world who were watching, even the suspect.  Here is a blog by a woman who was in the theater about how she still believes God is a merciful God.  Here is a heartbreaking blog by the brother of one of the deceased.  


I've seen or participated in some discussions about it.  While I support the right to possess firearms, I believe it shouldn't be so easy to purchase all that ammunition online.  I wrote our congressman about putting a tracking/mining system in place.  People can have their privacy, but should unusually large amounts of explosives or weapons be purchased online, it should send off a warning or raise a flag for investigation.  I don't know if it'll happen as people fight for all or nothing, but if a credit card company gets notification when our purchases appear unusual or ad companies  show what I just browsed on my sidebar, I think the software capability is available, and it's just a matter of having resources to address the flags.  I guess that may be tough in this econcomy.

judging:

So, brothers and sisters in Christ...a break from my social calendar and kid posts.

Someone from our church posted the following quote:
“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship


I find it intriguing and worth a second thought.  First off, there is a difference between judging and accountability.  Not judging doesn't mean turning a blind eye to another's wrongdoing, but it also means wholly evaluating the situation in the humble manner, and we don't always do that.  The first thing I usually notice about someone judging someone else, including when I've judged people, is that there is comparison.  And when there is a comparison in which someone else is in the wrong because they're not like you, you automatically know that 1) there is a lack of humility 2) the one judging is using him or herself as the standard 3) the concern is that it bothers the judger, not that he or she genuinely cares about the one they are judging. Accountability, however, is when you are made aware of someone's transgression, have investigated the truth of the matter, and out of love and humility you are seeking to restore that person.  You are out of the equation.  Accountability is the reason to not only surround yourself with people you like because they don't call you out on anything.  You have to surround yourself with people whom you can trust to seek the truth and be humbly honest with you.

One thing that's tough for me being around women is that judgment is generally more openly vocalized, and often we don't even realize we're doing it because it starts off fairly petty.  We used to have these Christmas teas, and that was when the claws would come out.  And I'm talking otherwise sweet, demure ladies at an otherwise beautiful event.  I was often the quiet observer, recipient, or confidante, and I usually was so shocked I didn't know how to respond.  I could give plenty of examples, but it's probably best not to bring them up lest I judge.  Something I learned--sometimes we judge people by attaching something negative to them, and it's usually something we think we're doing right.  Do we really think that someone loves God more if they say "Jesus" instead of "Christ"?  It's not about a first-name basis, at least in my mind.  It's as old as time--who loves God more and who has more favor with God based on what they do...but the answer is right there.  All your works are like filthy rags and there is no righteousness apart from Christ.  The first shall be last (even the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest in heaven).  He who exalts himself will be humbled.  The meek shall inherit the earth.  We must doubly honor the seemingly weak members of the body.  There is no partiality with God.  I don't have all the references, but it's all there in the bible for us.

On the flip side, there are those who cry out against judgment and legalism but also invite that judgment.  Yes, we have freedom in Christ, but let love be without hypocrisy.  So people have asked why Christians are so hypocritical.  Even Christ himself talks about legalism and hypocrisy.  The answer is religion.  Man-made religion.  While all Christians say they believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for us, some translate that to everyday life, while others may find it easier to subconsciously come up with a set of rules to follow.  And when there are rules you've made for yourself, you start expecting others to follow those rules, you get upset when they don't, and you start judging.  Because your religion is your own and not Jesus, you try to tell yourself that it is Jesus.  Somehow you join God in judging someone else as if He needs your opinion.  The key different is the Spirit.  You can read the bible, pray, believe in God, go to church, be moral, follow your conscience, even sacrifice your life for what you believe, but what will make you a true disciple, a true Christian, is having and heeding the Spirit.  The Spirit will constantly remind you of your place and keep you from becoming self-focused.  However, you will also realize quickly that in this life you will still mess up.  This should cause you to look humbly upon others, not think you have a right to judge them.  As the quote above reveals, it becomes a cycle--you judge, it makes you forget yourself and judge further.

back to the present / girls' night out:

I'm almost back to a normal rhythm of life.  I'm out or have been out every day in July and almost all of June, and I pictured more full days at home to catch up on a lot of things.  But life happens.  We've also had a few rough nights transitioning the kids to a bunk bed, but there's progress.  It's kind of funny that Naomi doesn't remember having trouble falling asleep or that Lucas doesn't recall waking up and wandering around crying in the middle of the night (Lucas:  I slept the whoooole night in my bed!).  It really helped to talk to a couple other moms about it and ask for prayer.

Saturday evening, I went out to dinner with O, the one friend I eat out with about once each month.  We always have a great time hanging out, and the sky's the limit on what we can talk about.  We don't have everything in common, but we get each other.  She's a SoCal girl like me, and they eventually want to move back.  It's just a reminder to really value what I have today.  I may have never been invited to birthday parties as a kid, and no one wanted to sit by me on the bus, picked last for sports, never been a bridesmaid, and even in adulthood had some whom I thought were true friends betray me.  In spite of that, or because of that, I value the relationships I have greatly.  Not all of them, but especially the ones where there's mutual trust and learning.  

We went to this outdoor mall afterward and saw three cool cars which I photographed.  There are always people (immature men) who walk by and call me a freak for taking a photo, but hey, I like what I like.  One of my friends who only has girls once mentioned that she and her girls don't understand what the big deal about cars is.  I have a feeling it's because she doesn't have boys.  I didn't notice cars, trains, construction vehicles, any of that until I had Lucas.  As a matter of fact, I came to this mall last year with the kids, and there isn't anything for kids to do, but Lucas had a ball just watching fancy cars drive by.  

When we were leaving, we saw this DeLorean complete with a pseudo flux capacitor like the movie.  The owner of the car saw me pulling out my camera and asked me what I was doing in a somewhat threatening manner.  I apologized and asked if he didn't want me to take a picture of his car, and he said, "Go right ahead" in a welcoming tone.  Huh?  So I took it.  Maybe he thought I was going to take close-ups and try to reverse engineer it.  I've no idea.  I cut him out of the photo.

I had bad food poisoning afterward, so I was up till 3 a.m. with that.  Manny was snoring, which he hasn't lately.  It was the first night with the new bed.  Even with Naomi on the top bunk, Lucas came out crying at around 2:30, 5, 5:30, and 6:00.  I had to work in the church nursery Sunday, so it was rough, but at least these types of "survival" days are farther and fewer in between now.  We came home from church and Manny crashed.  He doesn't usually get up with the kids, but he still hears them.  Then he watched the kids while I took a nap.

another good week of summer / quotes:

This week was another busy one, but it was just stellar.  Naomi has been pretty helpful and kind, and I only had one instance of a Lucas meltdown.  We had a couple of sleepless nights with the heat, but aside from my eyes feeling like they were stuffed with breadcrumbs, we just kept going with life.

Naomi had her first four swim lessons of the summer (introduction to backstroke, breaststroke, dolphin).  She passed her test and is being promoted to the next level next week.  We missed having the free lessons with a couple ladies from church this year.  Their first week was Manny's week off, so that wouldn't have worked out.  After swim, Manny's aunt and uncle came by to take our toddler bed, toys, and books, and treated the kids and me to some In-N-Out.  The kids decided they wanted to bring a banana since In-N-Out doesn't offer fruits and vegetables apart from what's in the burger.  Haha.  

We had a friend from church over on Wednesday who might be able to babysit the kids once in a while, at least during the day and in a pinch.  I think we still trust L the most.  The kids enjoyed hanging out with her.  Manny got home earlier than usual, and we took a family walk to a nearby field.  I wish I brought the camera.  The kids ran through an obstacle course and one time around the track before the sun started setting.  It's a rare treat to be able to take a walk with their father on a weeknight.

Thursday after swim, we went to the dentist.  No cavities!  Not only that, but the dentist was very impressed with Naomi's brushing technique for her age.  All her damaged and rotten teeth from her vomiting days have fallen out, and she's taken great care of the new ones.  No more constant reminders of those horrible years or dealing with people's disapproving looks or comments (I know, who cares what people say?  But I couldn't help it).  We've cut back on their sugar intake, and this past Valentine's and Easter, Naomi got pickier with candy and therefore ate less of it.  The dentist actually buys back extra candy, so I'm glad to have that option.  Naomi has a lot of crowding in her bottom teeth, so they suggested an orthodontic appliance, but we don't think she'll do well with it right now.

We played outside, and visited a neighbor before we headed out to the free Zumba class (with free childcare woot) at our church, which I love even though I was the only non-Mexican there and had to think hard a few times when others were speaking in Spanish.  All I know is that one of the students said to bring $5 next week for the class, but I couldn't understand exactly what is was for.  :)  Naomi did well in the Kids Club, but Lucas got run over a couple times, which frustrated me, because the bigger kids didn't look out for the little ones.  There are three volunteer adults, but with that many children, I don't expect them to see everything.  I know Naomi would rather play with kids her age, but I want her to love her brother first and look after him.  I was disappointed about that and lost my temper, which I've been keeping under check but comes out when I'm really tired.

Today, Naomi got her hair cut.  After a year of not wanting it cut, she went for a drastic chance with a bob and side bangs.  She loves it, and she is pretty happy not to have to endure the pain of having the knots brushed out of her hair anymore.  She also said she feels more mature and responsible.  The teacher's aide at her public speaking class told her she liked it, and that made her day.  After her class, I took the kids to the park.  The rest of the day I cooked and cleaned...and cleaned and cleaned.  It feels like Sisyphus rolling the boulder up the hill only to watch it roll back down, but at least for a moment, I'm almost at the top.  

I didn't do school with Naomi this week, although I really wanted to, and a number of my Chinese (Tiger Mom) friends are all about the summer school.  I know there are other ways to learn than just sitting down with an assignment, so I've tried to incorporate learning here and there.  However, when it comes down to it, kids have to learn how to sit down and work through something and take tests.  I'm pretty excited about our fall curriculum, which will focus on exploring many countries and cultures.  Lucas will be doing preschool at home, although I plan to enroll him in preschool-level classes as well if I can find a suitable one.  A regular preschool just isn't in our budget.  It's all in your personal perspective.  The co-op preschools that people tell me are cheap are still $300+/mo around here, which means almost $3000 over the course of the year that we don't want to spend.  And the ones I might really like are way out of our budget.  There are some other options I'm looking into.

A cat costume Naomi made for herself.  She even made the nose rubbery and the whiskers hard (from plastic).  Kids will be resourceful if you don't buy too much ready-made stuff for them.

Naomi's first swim lesson.  It's a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio, and she loves having female instructors.

Naomi ready for In&Out with her banana.

Lucas and Uncle Gerard are great buddies.

D playing with the kids.

Lucas looking on as Naomi gets her teeth cleaned.

Ready for Zumba!

Lucas likes Naomi's new do.  "Naomi, you look like different!  Let's hug!"

The kids say all kinds of funny things everyday now, and I pretty much take it for granted.  Sometimes others will point out what they say so I can remember to write it down.

Naomi to great aunt:  I call him Papi because he's Mexican.

Naomi to cousin:  I like to close my eyes during rides, because it feels like unlimited time.

Lucas to great uncle:  Do you like to play lots of games on the TV?  I play lots of games and then I get tired and sleepy.

Naomi (poking herself in the eye):  Ouch!  A steak would make it better.
Me:  Oh, I think that's for black eyes.
Naomi:  No, I mean in my mouth.

Lucas:  Naomi's [Chinese word for male genitalia] broke off?

open house for thorntons:

On Sunday we went to church and heard from a couple who were blindsided by the wife's cancer diagnosis.  Many in the church came alongside them to help them, and the elders had stopped at their home to pray while making their rounds.  Within two days, the wife miraculously felt better.  But as an elder pointed out, miracles don't even create or stir faith in people, the Word does.  When Lucas's bloody urine cleared up quicker than the doctor had ever seen, I felt it was a miracle, but I knew that even if it baffled the doctors, people who heard would find a way to explain it away.  Starting this Sunday, our church is going through a series of sermons to address tough questions, including politics, salvation before Christ was born, and others, so it should be very interesting.  

After church we went to an open house for friends who are missionaries in Senegal.  They will be in North America for a few more months, awaiting the arrival of their second child.  The host home was spectacular, and the food was abundant and beyond compare.  Best of all, we had the privilege of hearing about their life and work in Africa.  Our kids actually behaved really well during the presentation (well, Naomi fell asleep), so I was thankful for that.  Lucas didn't want to bother me during the prayer, but I could hear his feet shuffling as he was holding it, so I quickly ushered him to the bathroom.  Lucas was really tired and once in the car, completely lost it before falling asleep.  

During the lunch, Naomi ditched us and went to sit with the hostess and another couple.  She still does well with meeting people.  They had the TV on, but our kids didn't want to watch anything, but I think the food kept them pretty happy.  Naomi had the camera and took some photos, but we didn't have any after she dozed off.  Haha.  Also, it was fun to catch up with L., whom I only see every few years at these type of reunions/gatherings.  We should hang out more, and I hope we can make that happen.  

Naomi wanted to wear this outfit, which is actually Manny's sister's dress from the 80s!  My mother-in-law has taken such good care of it, and Naomi received many compliments that day.

Amazing spread--fruit and potato salads, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, chicken, and all kinds of desserts.

The hostess, on the right, with friends.  Naomi took this photo.

Delicious handmade fish sliders!  Naomi (taking this photo of herself) ate most of it, although eventually it got too spicy for her.

Us with L and A.

santa cruz:

Our 5th of July photos.  :)

Click on the thumbnail to see a few more.

SC Boardwalk 2012

our staycation:

Manny had last week off, and I had no idea what we were going to do, aside from going to the Boardwalk with some family members.  I just made sure I had a meal plan ready and the rest I played by ear.  I am not a spontaneous person, at least not right now.  I like everything to be planned out, often down to the minute.  However, this can be tiring for others like children asking, "Are we there yet?" every few minutes (which thankfully our kids do not).  So I relaxed, or told myself to, and I think it helped make for our best staycation yet.

On Monday, Chris left after we had In&Out for lunch.  We had some errands to do, like taking our cars in for maintenance and cleaning/rearranging some of the rooms.  Manny helped me put up my stairwell frames, although I don't even know what I'll put in them.  Just wanted to take advantage of a major sale price.  On Tuesday, after dropping the car off, we took the kids miniature golfing for the first time.  Naomi got two hole-in-ones on two challenging holes.  Prior to that, I was "just trying to help," which upset her because she's a big girl and wants to do it herself.  While she had to change her attitude, I also had to learn to just let her do it on her own.  Afterward we went to Costco for lunch and to buy a few things.  Then we headed to find a bed for Lucas.

On Wednesday, Independence Day, we went out to purchase Lucas's big boy bunk bed on sale.  I think we got a good deal, but I realize what a blessing it is to be able to just go buy a bed.  I slept on a bunk bed for a year or so and then on a piece of tarp on the floor for the next couple years, then a couch in the living room until I was 12 or 13.  Otherwise we slept out of our car.  Manny slept in the same bed pretty much all of his childhood, and it was just the mattress and the box-spring.  So to be able to purchase a new bunk bed with mattresses isn't to be taken lightly.

We decided to find a cheap place to eat, but it was either packed or closed everywhere we went.  We ended up at a Korean food court for noodles next door and shaved ice.  The kids watched some fireworks on TV.  They're scared of the loud booms in the live shows, and at this age, I don't think it would make them any braver to force them to watch it.

This one is called "Falling Fruits."

Thursday was our big vacation day.  We drove out to see Manny's aunt at their house.  The kids played all day, and then we went to the Boardwalk that evening (they had one of those bring-a-Pepsi-can special offers).  I thought we'd leave at about 8:30, but we ended up staying until 10:45!  Ride after ride.  The kids both get carsick now, but they seem to handle the rides okay.  I wish I could absorb some of that energy from the kids--I was pooped.  I'll post photos separately.

On Friday, Manny had to call into work, and Naomi had her public speaking class.  She did so well!  We had lunch at home, and then for an early dinner we went to this authentic Japanese noodle house before opening time.  The sign-in sheet was already getting long.  The line is usually out the door for this place.  The orenchi ramen was definitely authentic and tasty, but the seaweed in the shoyu ramen was overpowering.  They played Amuro Namie (aka Namie Amuro) music from the 90s.  I can't believe that was 20 years ago when I was all into J-pop.  After dinner, we were supposed to stop off at McD's for a $1 ice cream cone, but the kids ended up in the playplace for 3 hours, and we ended up buying chicken nuggets and fries.  It was so nice for me and Manny to have time to chat without too many interruptions, though.  It was a bit ironic to watch a news channel debate over McD's food and sponsorship of the Olympics on the TV there.  This was Lucas's first time in the playground, and he had the best time.  I know Naomi wanted to ditch him, but we just reminded her to stay with her little brother.  When Naomi was his age, sometimes other girls would help her navigate or climb the structure, but Lucas doesn't really have that and won't usually ask strangers for help.

On Saturday we took it easy mostly.  Manny had some work and bible study prep to do.  I made ribs, corn, swiss chard, and mashed potatoes for dinner.  It was our postponed 4th of July dinner.  I can't remember much else.  The week was actually a big, fun blur for me, and I had to ask Manny what we did each day.  He actually recorded it in his phone (yes, we're big on record-keeping).  I didn't ask about Saturday, though, so without pictures, maybe something significant happened, maybe it didn't.

last weekend:

After the baby sprinkle, I went to pick Naomi up from our friends' house.  I felt so bad being almost an hour late, but they were very gracious and even fed her lunch.  I never like to be late.  As my friend says, "My time isn't any more important than yours."  But sometimes you just have to make a tough choice.  Anyway, Naomi was still beaming with excitement when we got home.  I went to buy groceries for the week and for Chris's visit.  I tried to hurry, since I hadn't seen much of Manny yet that day, but I saw an elderly woman in a walker just standing there and thought something was amiss.  I passed by her just like everyone else, but I felt led to go back.  Some people have a soft spot for children; I have one for the elderly.  Not that I've done anything of great significance, but a nice gesture can go a long way.  Anyway, it turned out she'd locked her purse in the car.  She thought she had it because she was carrying all her shopping bags with her.  We just chatted it up after I called for assistance.  Talking to strangers is not my strong suit, but sometimes I know it's the right thing to do, and I have often quenched the Spirit.

So after getting settled in, Chris was on his way after having been tied up at work.  My cousin T contacted me out of the blue and asked to go out for dinner.  So Manny went out with Chris while the kids and I went out with my cousin.  We went to a Taiwanese cafe owned by someone from T's church.  Without Manny there, we went more authentic Taiwanese, including pig ears, beef tripe, and goose.  The kids ate well (they're usually up for beef noodle soup), and we brought home some pork chop fried rice for Manny (a little too fatty, but everything else there was really good).  I feel weird because we split the tab.  It's customary for the elder to pay for the younger in Chinese culture, except for certain special occasions honoring the elder, but I wasn't thinking about it at the time.  I'll just have to treat her out next time.

The next morning we went to church, and the original speakers had an urgent last-minute commitment, so they brought up a couple of the youth to speak on what they were learning.  I was completely inspired by these kids less than half my age.  One was a girl who'd been a missionary in the Philippines who came to our area to be a missionary here as she saw the great need.  This is increasingly common in the States.  The other was one of the sons of a leader at our church.  They were both well-spoken but more than that, their love for  Jesus poured out of them.  The pastor reminded us not to tame our children, but to encourage them in their pursuits and passion for God.

After church, we went out to lunch with Chris.  We went to a Thai place that didn't work out last time, but this time it was really good.  I'm not quick to write things or people off after a first impression.  Then Manny and Chris went to watch a movie while I had the kids.  They made it back in time for dinner, which I was glad about because I made a lot of food, and then Chris had some issues to take care of pretty much all night for work.  Manny surprised the kids with a day off on Monday and some In & Out for all of us before Chris had to leave.  Monday was the beginning of an awesome staycation for our family!

 

baby sprinkle celebration:

Happy 4th of July!  We're having such a good week so far (because Manny has the week off).  Fireworks are still going!  I mean the real ones outside, but yes, we're also still in love.

On Saturday morning, I went to V's baby shower at H.obee's.  It was nice to have such a big room to ourselves, and the hostesses did a great job with the decorations and game.  V called it a sprinkle instead of a shower because it was a second-time shower.  I really enjoyed meeting and catching up with the ladies there.  V's husband and daughter were there, because there was a possibility they would have to head to the hospital.  :)  I love unique or new shower games, and A. made this Memory game with baby-related terms which corresponded with candy bars (like triplets with Three Musketeers, naptime with Take 5, tuition with 100 Grand, tax deduction with Payday, etc.).  I ended up with five candy bars and cleared the board, which wasn't my intention, honest.  The family sure was happy to have some candy, though.  I don't know why I win so often at these showers and parties, whether at games of chance or skill, but I'm thankful.  At least with this game, a lot of ladies took home a prize or two.  Well, the real reward was being there to celebrate my friend.  

Saw something like this in a magazine.  I didn't know her nursery has a city/street theme, so that worked out.  Chartreuse is (or was?) her favorite color.

Mom-to-be (for a second time) playing the very cool memory game.

Yay for baby celebrations!

just the three of us:

On Friday afternoon, I dropped Naomi off for E's pool/slumber birthday party.  She was beyond excited.  We waited to see if Chris would be coming, but he got tied up with work, so we decided to just take Lucas out for some quality time.  We went to a miso ramen place for dinner.  Lucas likes miso soup and he likes noodles, so it worked out well for him.  After we left, he was excited that he could still taste and smell it on him.  Then we walked over to a McDonald's for a soft serve cone.  We never really go to McDonald's anymore, since neither kid really enjoys the food there.  Naomi said the burgers don't taste like real meat (probably because they're not).  But it's a nice price for ice cream.  When we got home, Manny and I watched The Dark Knight while Lucas played before bed.  He said, "It's so quiet, Mommy."  It really was quiet without Naomi, but of course we missed her.  After two hours of swimming, we heard the girls were still up till midnight and then awake at 5:30!  

I hadn't seen the movie before, because we have it on Blu-Ray, and I can't watch it with the kids around.  It was a decent film and gave me some food for thought as many Nolan films do.  The line about the hero it deserve but not the hero it needs is a little weird to me, but I couldn't think of a better line.  Haha.

week of new things:

I took the kids to a drop-off daycare last week, mainly to check it out as an option for preschool for Lucas, and a place to drop off either child in case of emergency.  It's the summer, so the older kids (they take up to 11-year-olds) were there, and Naomi said it was way too chaotic for her.  All the other kids were begging to stay when their parents came to pick them up, but both our kids were overwhelmed by the lack of structure and tight spaces and were quite ready to go after the hour.  I thought of Toy Story 3 for some reason.

On Tuesday, I had an appointment which opened up, so L came over at the last minute to watch the kids.  So thankful for her!  Naomi said Lucas started acting up, because he wanted to play Hungry Hungry Hippo a certain way (and he's still learning to communicate with words).  Naomi said, "Oh well, we probably lost another babysitter."  (Not true, I hope!)  We've had some more rebellion from Lucas lately.  We just can't get through to him sometimes.  He can cry and repeat a sentence for an hour straight.  So we go through the cycle of correcting, ignoring, correcting, ignoring...until we finally reach restoration.  He can be super cooperative and obedient, but if something doesn't go in the exact order he wants, he loses it.  

I also went to my first group exercise class in eight years.  I hadn't able to find an affordable class with adequate childcare, but our church has partnered with community volunteers to open up a Zumba class free of charge with childcare.  It amazes me sometimes how much God is using our little church, but of course we need to do more.  My friend from church and I were the only non-Mexicans there, which made it all the more fun.  The instructor spoke in Spanish often, and I really enjoyed that.  One of the songs was "El Rey," one that I often hear at family gatherings (it's the one where you echo, "llorar y llorar"), and I felt right at home.  I think I did okay for not having ever done it in my life, but I definitely need to work on the steps a bit.  It was a packed class, and it goes on in the same building as the other community recreational programs.  Naomi and Lucas were together in the same room, and my friend's child was there as well, and they said it was fun.  Lucas told me they didn't go to class.  I think he was confused about why we were at church but not going to his class.  Zumba runs right through dinnertime, so I need to plan a slow cooker or easy-prep dinner for those days.  I actually enjoy exercising at home, but I was so glad to be back in a class.

Naomi also had her second Speaking and Social Skills class where she did a show and tell.  We are asked to stay in class, so I make Lucas sit with me for the entire hour.  Diversions don't usually work, so he just has to sit there unless he becomes distracting to the class.  This week was the first show-and-tell week, so I let him have a piece of sugarless gum, and that seemed to do the trick.  Naomi was the only one among the 15 or so students that did not follow instructions with the intro, eye contact, and ending, even though she'd done it right when she practiced at home.  I know nerves got the better of her, and told her it was okay, but the Chinese mom in me was disappointed she didn't bring her A game.  I ran to three different stores afterward with the kids in tow looking for little cars to put on my friend's baby shower gift.  It's not too bad.  I don't have to deal with any begging or whining at stores, which is a huge blessing, and Lucas is much better now about parking lot safety.

Friday night I dropped Naomi off at her friend's grandparents' home for a swim and slumber party.  Just last year I was still set on her not attending sleepovers, but we trusted this particular family and wanted to let her have a chance to bond with some friends from church independently.  She had the time of her life and wished it could have lasted longer.