february break:

Our school district and several of our friends' districts were off for the week of Presidents' Day.  We still had school and extracurricular classes that week, but cut back a little to meet up with a few people.  On Monday night, Isaac spiked a fever and was lethargic, so we had to miss some friends that Tuesday.  But by the next day he was all better (I let the fever run its course), so we were able to make it to the rest of our full schedule that week.  

There is a lady at my church, an athletic mom of three and art teacher, who has a number of community ministries, so I originally wanted to pick her brain about Naomi's upcoming charity ("Love Our Neighbors") birthday party.  Ultimately, Naomi and I came up with what we wanted to do, so it ended being more of just a getting to know each other playdate.  Lucas was ecstatic to have another adult there so he didn't have to lose momentum on the swing (usually I have to go back and forth between pushing him and Isaac), and she's also just great with kids.  She brought her daughter and her daughter's friend, and they and Naomi all played together while we had the boys.  The park was crowded with the break, and Isaac didn't want to do what Lucas wanted him to, so at first he was crying to go home, but once he found a friend and got to know my friend better, he didn't want to leave.  We were even back the next afternoon with our sand toys after Naomi had a video to do at church (talking about her desire to help a girls' home in Mexico).  Isaac went over to help some older boys bury a football in the sand with their hands (we didn't have our shovels that day).  He was happy to be with them, but then two of them decided to slide into the football and got sand all over Isaac's face and in his eyes.  Isaac wailed, and I guess it was time to go home.  After that he talked about the "mean boys" for days.  I told him they didn't mean to hurt him with the sand, but I guess we have to be careful.  He reminds me a lot of Naomi at his age with some bits of Lucas and of course has his own unique traits as well.  

  

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The boys made friends on the boat.

Isaac in the big hole.

Isaac making his way over to play with some boys.  Started out well but ended badly.

Back the next day.  So nice to see all three kids doing something together.

When he's not able to climb, he loves to hang.

happy chinese new year:

Chinese New Year fell on our anniversary this year.  I wasn't able to get the kids to call my parents to attempt to wish them a happy new year in Mandarin.  Lots going on this February!  We celebrated last Saturday with an early Chinese (Szechuan and Cantonese) lunch.  We actually had a lot of seafood this time like Chinese people usually have on New Year.  Manny has found some fish dishes he likes.  Naomi got to have some prawns as a splurge for the holiday.  The boys are harder to manage, and we've been more spontaneous with our outings, which means we haven't invited others along as much lately.  I have two upcoming lunch/dinners with girlfriends, and I'm excited for the break.  For Manny, he only really gets to see the kids on the weekends, so he doesn't need a break, but sometimes I enjoy eating a meal in peace and before it gets cold.  

A couple of weeks before, we got a kumquat tree for the kids for the holiday.  Isaac ate the ripest one, and right now we're just waiting for the rest of the fruits to ripen a little.  He and Naomi love to go out and water it.  I hope they will do better with it than I do with plants!  

Isaac trying to pick a kumquat from the top.

Chinese food, or as we Chinese call it, food.

life doesn't give you bumpers:

We recently watched Boyhood, the movie filmed in real time over 12 years showing the child actors actually growing up (and the adults aging).  I liked it more than Manny did.  Not much happens in it...except life.  It's a reminder that everyday interactions are what shape us and what we remember about our childhoods, at least that has always rung true for me.  It's rated R and not really a family movie.  At the Oscars, the quote they decided to use in the montage for the Best Original Screenplay category was not necessarily the best one, but it was short and to the point:  "You don't need bumpers.  Life doesn't give you bumpers."

My random rambling topic for February is about the bubble wrap we're putting around our children in this generation.  On the one hand, it's an advantage to be have more information available to us, and it's always been right to treat our children with love and respect.  On the other hand, somehow we're starting to treat kids like peers yet at the same time prolonging their childhood and adolescence.  In schools, teachers are being told not to offend students for fear of lawsuits or a parent who is going to cause a ruckus.  We may ignore or excuse our child's poor behavior (and yet stare at our phones and miss their best).  Some schools are no longer using red pencils or giving regular grades.  I see the pros and cons, but many proponents do cite not wanting to discourage a child.  Kids are not learning how to accept constructive criticism.  Teachers have told me the children take it more personally as the focus on self continues to be unaddressed or even rewarded.  I know I myself can take criticism a bit personally, but I also understand I'm in the wrong.

One of our two ISP instructors writes notes in the students' science journals to dialogue and get them to think further.  She is older and more "old school."  The other instructor is a teacher at the school Naomi and Lucas attend for the ISP, and she suggested that the other instructor to use sticky notes in the journals, so the students could take her comments out if they didn't like them.  The older instructor would not bend, and I agree with her.  Not only are our kids not learning to handle criticism; they are not really learning how to administer it, either.  Academics and well-being are certainly important, but I truly believe children are not being taught how to cope with the real world and how to own up to their shortcomings.  So while I don't mind not having metal slides or toddler swings at playgrounds, we have too much reliance on bowling bumpers, we have guardians threatening parents for not inviting their children to a party, and we have raised a lot of entitled, toothless, self-centered, unmotivated children.  Sure, it comes with the territory, but we're telling them it's okay to stay home forever and never grown up and take some responsibility.  Homeschooling is not a bubble for us.  As a way of life I push and challenge the kids, not just in academics but in interactions with others and in their own responsibility.  If anything, I need to take it down a notch sometimes (and the Lord reminds me just that).

I don't always have a lot of spare time, but over the years I've read a lot about the backgrounds and upbringings of criminals.  In most recent times I've read about students who "snapped."  It isn't just about depression or anti-depressants or gun control (though those matter).  Looking at what they were going through and what they had to say, they simply could not cope with hardships and had little regard for human life.  They blamed others for their predicaments, felt others owed them something for it, and seemed to walk that line between desperately needing love and acceptance and pure hatred. Sometimes it was evident that they simultaneously loathed themselves while exalting themselves to a god-like status.  Unable to cope with circumstances that honestly weren't even that bad, they went for full control.  I'm not saying we are raising mass murderers, but what they experienced is actually what many people go through regularly.  The answer isn't to coddle our kids so they don't face hardships, but to teach them how to face them.  Many times they'll throw gutter balls, sometimes strikes, but having bumpers means they didn't really learn to bowl and none of those strikes were earned.  Then the bumpers come off, and they can't figure out why they can't score well.

Anyway, just two more cents, going for twenty-four cents (i.e., one random rambling per month).  Thanks for reading.

15 years:

We were married 15 years on Thursday, and here's what I posted:

Fifteen years ago, we said we do, and that was just the beginning. From the classroom to the cleanroom to the delivery room, and everything in between, I’ve found that it’s the “everything in between” that has made our marriage what it is. It is where God’s grace works in us and binds us every day, for better or for worse. Happy 15th anniversary to the love of my life, and here's to many more! 

I was pretty surprised to see so many likes (140+ likes and 40 comments so far), even more than for the birth of our kids.  I'm not sure if it was just the milestone or if it struck a chord.  The milestone means a lot to me personally.  Glossing over a lot of details, I'd say our marriage has been like this (from my point of view):  The first five years, high.  The next five years, low.  The last five years, revelation.  People still ask me if we ever argue (yes, often).  Not that the pictures are fake; we truly are happy in that moment.  However, we have had our share of unwanted circumstances, damaging exchanges, and prolonged hurts, even following a lot of smiles and laughter.  Over time, those wounds may wear us down, but we have to make to move forward, to love unconditionally, to forgive, even to forgive ourselves.  It seems like we just got married yesterday, but it also seems like a lifetime ago.  So much has changed in the world around us since we graduated from school.  I am not really one to imagine the future, but I'm sure I couldn't have thought up the way things are now.  You think the bliss will be there every day, with a few bumps here and there, but the reality is that, especially with children, you get older, more tired, more distracted, and things that didn't affect you before begin wearing on your patience, even things about yourself.  I can't tell you how many times I vowed to do or say something kind to Manny only to have it blow up in my face.  Children, work, and other things pull you away, and sin pulls you apart.

I think the only way to break free from that is to put on gratitude, humility, hope, and to love without thinking about what you will get in return.  The only way for me to get there is to remember that the Lord is always with us.  He is faithful, patient, forgiving, unchanging, and supplies all our needs.  Our flesh is weak, our tongues are fire, and even our love can be selfish and fickle.  Despite our flaws, love can live on if we let it, if we choose to work at it.  After 15 years, I'm still learning, and I still love my husband.  Marriage is a work in progress, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

On a side note, my in-laws sent us a beautiful card and gift cards, and my best friend called on our anniversary.  I felt very honored by that.  I added the next five pages of our year-in-review scrapbook for Manny.  It's neat to look back on our fifteen years, even if it's just the greatest hits.  I'm hoping the next 15 years will be even better.

my girl:

Naomi gets stars when she shows love and kindness above and beyond what she is asked to do (and I ask a lot of her), and she recently earned five stars, which she traded in for a shopping date with me on Presidents' Day.  She's still squeezing into her size 8 tops, but she is outgrowing them.  I don't really like shopping, but going with her was actually pretty fun.  We stepped into Justice for the first time, a tween girls shop with clothes that are vibrant and colorful, very much Naomi's style.  We bought some great clearance items, like a hat for $1.44, but we also got a couple nicer items as well, which were still 40% off.  For lunch, we ate off sushi boats for the first time.  We had some of the cooked stuff--salmon rolls, tempura, unagi, California rolls, and three kinds of mochi with red bean filling.  I included a nice tip, but my credit card was only charged for the original amount.  My friend who is a missionary in Japan posted something about how it's rude to tip in Japan.  I wonder if that carries over to here in the U.S.  Anyway we were in and out of there in 15 minutes (pretty fast when you just pick what you want to eat off the boats).  

Back at home, Isaac wasn't well for some reason and started throwing up.  At least he waited until I got home.  He seemed okay when we took Naomi to a rescheduled piano lesson.  That night, however, he had more vomiting and a fever.  By the next night he was back to his old self, so I assume it was some random thing he ate, or from not having his hands washed.  Unless fevers are unusually high, I don't treat them.  I'll give up my sleep and hold the child or give them a cool washcloth on the forehead, but no drugs.  A fever is the body's natural defense against germs.  If I let it run its course, the kids often seem to get better very quickly.  As for Lucas, I hope I can manage some quality time with him as well.  I don't have the time I used to with him when Naomi was in class, but some mornings I try to spend some time with him before the other two get up.  Manny does take him out every so often, which I think is good for him.  

"old school" valentine's day:

We had a nice Valentine's Day back at the place where Manny and I met, Stanford University.  The morning of, we were supposed to have an appointment for a blood test at 8 am, but the person didn't contact us until that evening about it (another rep later said her car had broken down).  I was pretty annoyed by the time I left a second message, because it was hard for me to prepare for the appointment, especially that week.  But Manny reminded me that how I treat people is my mission (not in the church or among friends, but everywhere every day), so I was much nicer when I actually spoke to her and the manager.  Anyway, we were off for our day trip.

We drove by the places where Manny and I used to live on campus.  Our first stop was Hoover Tower.  I thought the kids would enjoy it, but Lucas was pretty scared once he saw the tall buildings.  We managed to get him to go up the elevator on the tower, but he was too scared to walk around.  I don't blame him.  I was scared the first time I went up there with Manny about 17 years ago.  At least there are bars going all the way up now; I don't remember them having that back then.  I haven't been back to the campus since Naomi was a year old when we went with my mom.  Definitely brought back some good memories.  The fountain wasn't running, but there were heart decorations on it and around campus.

After that we continued to walk around and then drove to the main area for lunch.  It was pretty empty, and the place we went had a huge variety of world cuisines.  I ended up getting a Cuban platter, Manny a Thai burrito, and Naomi a shrimp taco with basmati saffron rice.  Lucas just went for the pepperoni pizza, and Isaac had some of our chips and rice, but wouldn't eat any meat as usual. I am amazed that he walks so much (he was pretty much never carried, and we walked for hours there) given how little protein he eats.  But he was hurting that night.

We then went to the bookstore, hoping to get a new sweatshirt for me and/or Manny.  Manny found a  nice one for me, but we couldn't find a good one for him.  Naomi scored a t-shirt, and Lucas got a cap, which he loves and wears around the house.  Isaac really wanted a ball and Naomi a stuffed animal that was on big-time sale, but I think we have enough of those.  We were getting pretty tired and hot, so we just walked around some more before settling down to have some probiotic drinks for me and Manny and push-up pops for the kids.  I was hoping we'd get to do a little more, but we were pretty spent.  We'll have to take a rain check sometime.

Manny asked if when I stole his sandwich (when I didn't really know him) at the dining area all those years ago if I ever imagined we'd be back here with three kids.  The answer is no, but I also didn't steal his sandwich.  I asked if he was going to eat the other half, and took it home.  I was a Chinese starving college student--of course nothing was going to go to waste under my watch.  It's good to look back on when we met, when things were more complicated yet easier, but also good to be in the present, and remember to choose each other again and again.

On our way to Hoover Tower.

Lucas getting a little scared upon seeing the tower.

Isaac wasn't scared at all and enjoyed running around.

Beautiful view on a beautiful day.

This is us trying to direct Naomi in taking our photo.

Now it's me chopping away.

There we are.  I think the candids were actually better.

The "Cuban Missile Crisis."  I could not wait to take a bite out of those fried plantains, and I could have eaten a whole plate of those.

Cheers!  (It's an Izze)

In front of MemChu.

A lot of construction going on.  The boys liked watching the construction equipment.

Up the spiral staircase.

Sugar quota reached, kids happy.

coming of age:

What would you tell your thirteen-year-old self?  Last Friday night I attended H.'s thirteenth birthday/coming of age party.  Her mom asked us to write a note of encouragement, advice, or wisdom to share with her as she enters her teen years and adulthood.  When Isaac was born, H. came over on occasion to help.  She is our pastor's adopted daughter.  I was so glad we found someone to come by to watch the kids so I could go.  She's a college student with special needs, and the kids know her pretty well.  I haven't had anyone watch all the kids in a long time, but the party was not for children.  Our pastor has a Jewish Christian background, so it was like a bat mitzvah of sorts, and it included a barbecue meal (which went well with Mom's southern background).  I was only gone for two and a half hours, so not that long, but at 8:15 Manny wasn't home yet, so I packed the kids in the car to take the sitter home.  

There was so much that the women shared, and two of her mentors from over the years were asked to speak.  One mentioned how she can always go to Jesus first and directly; she does not need to always filter everything through her parents' faith.  That has become more of a realization to her as she lost her mother some years ago.  Another mentor spoke about purity, friendship, peer pressure, and identity.  It was a blessing for me to take all of that in, especially considering I will be a mom of a teen in just three short years (although she already acts like one sometimes).  I really liked the idea of a birthday gathering like this.  I probably could have used some good influences speaking into my life when I was a teenager.  H. has often told me how much her biological family has been a part of their lives.  It was neat to see her biological grandmother and aunt there and have them see the love we have for H.  Even though as parents we are raising our own children, there's something to be said about the influence others can have on our children's paths.

Me and H.  She's already taller than me!

misc catch-up:

Dentist appointments:  No cavities, finally (but don't know how long that will last)

Gift to kids for Chinese New Year:  Kumquat tree

Reading test:  Lucas passed first level, moving on to next level next week.  Everything I've seen online makes it clear to me he has dyslexia.

Valentine Party at ISP for Naomi and Lucas:  Baked Potato Luncheon, passing out valentines, and the kids made ping pong ball slingshots.

Haircuts:  Naomi got another five inches chopped off, and the boys got their usual cuts.

Isaac trying to pick a kumquat.  The first one he had was good, but the next one was too sour.  I have to remind him to wait till they're ripe.

Naomi's bag of valentines from school.  Lucas made one as well.  He's participating well these days.

Naomi happy with her new cut.

stopping by to say goodbye:

My friend J, whom I've known for twenty years, moved away last weekend.  I didn't think I'd have a chance to see her again, but A. came up with a great idea for me to bring the kids to visit Awana so we could have some dessert and coffee (just water for me) and chat.  Lucas was nervous about going into Sparks, but he had fun.  Naomi was beside herself with glee because she has some good friends there.  She really wants to go back, but it's just not manageable right now for our family.  

We went to Nothing Bundt Cakes, my treat, and then took the cakes across the street to Starbucks.  I was surprised how long Isaac sat still with nothing to do but pick at the cake (he didn't really eat it), but I'll take it!  A. brought along her youngest as well.  J's three kids are pre-teens and teens.  

I'm taking this communication/connecting class at church, and one thing that's been reiterated is how you make someone feel.  We started out just talking about the usual Moms Night Out stuff--kids, life, all about ourselves.  At first, I thought maybe it's best if I just keep quiet.  I really don't like talking in a group.  I get nervous, stutter, and can't find the right words, and as a result my tone comes off harsher than I feel.  But I thought about how we were there to honor her and didn't have much time, so I just tried to gear the conversation toward J and their move.  She was probably fine either way, but I thought I should put some of what I'm learning into practice.  Communication in casual settings is not my strong suit.  I think some of it is my heart, some of it my wisdom, and some of it just the way my brain is wired (or miswired) and easily distracted.  But the most important thing is to have my heart in the right place.

Though we've been close and then not close in cycles, I value having known her since being at UCLA together.  She was someone in whom I confided, and she was my last Scripture memorization partner.  I think they will do well in a small town, and I'm really happy for them.  

M, A, J, and myself on J's last night at Awana.

birthday:

I had a nice birthday weekend/week.  February means my birthday, Valentine's/our engagement anniversary, our wedding anniversary, Chinese New Year's (usually), and Presidents' Day weekend, so it's a pretty full month, and we go from one celebration to the next or sometimes combine them.  

Manny watched the kids last Saturday so I could go get my hair done and run an errand.  It is very rare to have time to myself, and I often crave time alone to focus and recharge.  My hair has been thinning considerably, so I got a groupon for a fancier haircut and conditioning treatment.  The hairstylist had a private room in a salon facility, so there were no workers talking to each other, no outside noise, and no other customers looking at me.  Best haircut experience ever for me.  The stylist was pretty personable.  I was pretty happy with the cut, and I debated whether this would be the end to my $12-15 haircuts.  I'll have to think about it.  After the cut, I ran some errands for Isaac's upcoming birthday.  Then we all went to a late lunch (another coupon) at Sweet Tomatoes.  It was raining that day, so my hair quickly fell out of its styling, but it's a simple cut, and I won't really have to do much to it, which is great, because I wouldn't do anything to it anyway.  :P  Naomi usually hangs out with the neighbor on Saturdays until dusk.  In the evening, Manny got the kids together to watch Book of Life.  We like to support the Mexican and Asian-based films.  I ended up having to take Isaac away and watch him, since he can't really sit through a movie and distracts everyone.  I look forward to the day when we can all sit down and watch something together.  

The next day, I was in the church nursery with only two toddlers there.  A lot of people were gone at Youth Camp.  It was a pretty easy nursery day, and I got to know the other worker a little better.  Manny filled me in on the sermon, and I'll have to listen to it when they post it.  Afterward,

we had another birthday lunch.  Manny was thinking a nice Chinese lunch, but I chose Elephant Bar, because I wanted to go to a more family-friendly place with a booth, mainly so I could enjoy my food more.  Afterward we went to the Japanese dollar store (much better than the standard dollar store to me).  Then, I waited in the car with Isaac while Manny took the other kids for yogurt.  Isaac wants to climb out of his seat, run around everywhere, and he makes a mess.  He also is pickier than the other two were, so I can't share my food with him as often (so it costs more to get him his own food and I have to manage his eating and clean-up).  This is usually how it is until they turn three or four.  We had planned to have a date night for our anniversary, but I decided to save that money, and we're going to do a family trip to Stanford instead (where Manny and I met).  We also forewent the annual trip to Monterey.  

Naomi is so very sweet.  She spent the weekend making this little basket for me and filling it with coupons (and a special ticket) good for hugs, massages, etc.  It really made my day.  I had the kids help me make some muffins and quiche.  Lucas was pretty uncooperative during school and the start of the day, but he came around by day's end, and I felt a lot better.  Maybe the special Valentine's package from Grandma had something to do with it!  The kids are surprised every time, and they just love getting sweets from their sweet Granma!  

  

Post-haircut.  Had two inches cut plus added some layers, sweeping bangs, and rounded the bottom.

Lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.  Always happy to see Isaac eating a tiny bit more variety.

Movie night--blankets from Aunt Quinka (I think), Grandma, and our friend Sarah.  Why did the older two get the baby blankets and the baby get the big one, I'm not sure.

Birthday lunch after church at Elephant Bar.  We bumped into Sarah (who made the blue blanket above) and her family there.  I still have my nursery volunteer nametag on--I'm such a dork!

A basket Naomi made for me.

I'm going to have to use these coupons soon!

I was a winner!

Kids helped me make that and the quiche, which was even better the second day.

The kids got their favorites from Grandma.  She knows them so well!  Isaac was so proud to get his own card!  The kids were great about sharing.

nature walk:

It's been almost three years since we went out with J and A's families for a nature walk.  Back then, our youngest were not yet born.  Now our oldest are either 10 or almost 10 (born within five months of each other).  This may be the last time, or at least the last few months, we can do this before Naomi heads off to public school in the fall.  During our walk, a women asked the kids if they had school, and Naomi just told her they were homeschooled and on a field trip.  The ladies seemed fine with that and left.  I don't mind their asking, actually.  I'm an open book about it.

Rancho San Antonio is a great place for kids.  It was a beautiful sunny day, following no measurable rain in January (but it rained by week's end).  At least the December rains were enough to green it up.  The trail we took is fairly wide and flat, and kids can play and explore right off the trail.  Isaac wanted to walk for much of it, so he was kind of slow and fell behind sometimes.  Lucas was a little overwhelmed at first, but by the end of it, he was having a blast.  He enjoys nature walks, but he doesn't do well with certain scenarios.  He warmed up and tried to talk to a couple of the kids at the end, but by that time they weren't expecting that and didn't say much in return.  He told Manny he had a great time, though, and keeps his walking stick in the car.  Naomi of course always enjoys being out with others.  

We had a scare at the end when Naomi ran ahead and out of sight with another child.  A. admonished the girls in a gentle but firm way, but I was too upset.  I left no room for Naomi to offer an excuse.  Naomi is clear on our family's rules.  I had told her we didn't have time to go to the creek again, so she thought she'd run ahead so she could make time and accommodate her friend.  It reminded me of how sometimes I don't listen to Manny because I want so badly to please someone, and then I end up regretting it.  So, she was grounded and cannot have a sleepover for her birthday.  It's not characteristic of Naomi to break safety rules, but we can't bend on them.  I also had to accept responsibility for letting it happen.  I told Manny since I always want to be honest with him.

  

I guess someone decided to stop and eat by the farm, which wasn't particularly appetizing to Isaac (not much is).  He kept gagging, and the first thing he said when Manny asked him about the trip was "farm stink."  :P  Even though Isaac usually naps later in the day, he had had enough and was wailing by the end.  He finally calmed down when he saw a gopher and then fell asleep in the car.  

I'd tried to get us going early for the other toddlers to have their naps on time, but it ended being mine who had the meltdown!  One of my friends had delays and came about 45 minutes late, I think.  I was kind of upset at first, because I'd woken Isaac up early to get everything ready, I'd only had about four hours of sleep due to unforeseen circumstances, and it was a Monday for us, too.  I did everything in my power not to be late.  But I understand that kids happen.  Isaac, Lucas, and Naomi all caused some delay during the hike.  I know it may be better to be late and pleasant than on time and flustered.  Honestly, though, I'd be even more flustered if I were late while someone was waiting for me.  At any rate, said mom was kind enough to text us, and I'm sure she did what she could to get there quickly.  I turned the car around and went home.  That added half an hour to our commute, but I thought it'd be easier to drive than to wait there in the parking lot.  The third mom, on the other hand, could not see the group text and got there on time, so she had to wait the longest.  She and her kids were so patient, though.  That helped me calm down.  My kids can be more a lot more patient and gracious than I am.  Manny and I are always trying to be efficient with our time, though we go about it differently, but marriage, children, and other life lessons like this one have helped us relinquish control.

Before I make it sound bad, it was really worth it.  It's always good to get out in creation and let the kids see the natural world.  The kids spotted unusual trees, deer, a lizard, possible poison ivy, and various rocks.  Naomi was happy to apply her most recent science lesson to identifying sedimentary rocks.  Isaac loves water and trees--what more could he ask for than a running creek and all the different types of trees he could imagine?  With Lucas it's hard to know what he's thinking all the time, but I know he enjoyed the tree stumps!

Having different circles of friends, the dynamic can be so different from one group to another.  In some groups, I feel like a designated leader, in some groups I feel rather invisible, and then there's everything in between.  Friendships can't all be the same, and it took me a long time to learn that.  On this day, I appreciated it for what it is, and it was just a really good feeling to catch up with old friends.

The kids playing and talking off the trail.

Down by the creek.  Lucas wanted to hop across the stepping stones, so A. took him down.  Then he came back up and wanted to go home.  But he just needed to warm up as always.

Hole in the tree.  Too shady, but still a cute photo.

Spotting deer!

A very cool tree to climb.

Group shot sans J's toddler, but you can see our kids.

Group shot sans Isaac before that, but with J's toddler.  Always tough to get them all in and looking!

nice, quiet super bowl weekend:

One thing I'm doing in 2015 is clearing our calendar more.  I've always believed family should minister to others and shouldn't be exclusive, but just like a church family, there are internal relationships to develop that will make external interactions that much more positive.  Now that we are at a more local church, I am able to more often take the kids with me to visit with people during the week, or someone will come here, and we also have a community night at church where I'm getting to know a lot more people.  On the weekends, I'm not saying yes to every single invitation, and if we go out with friends, it's just one and not both days of the weekend.

Super Bowl parties can be fun, but I'm glad we stayed home this year.  Sometimes the hosts turn off the halftime show (maybe with good reason) or don't really care about the game and talk through it and the ads, and sometimes I have to worry about the kids disrupting others and how they're eating.  It was kind of nice to watch the game (and halftime show) with Manny.  We don't get to see each other enough.  Naomi played outside with a friend, Lucas sort of did his own thing, so we just had Isaac really.  It was relaxing but exciting, especially at the end there (too bad for the bad play following such a good save--but good for Manny's friend who spent $10K to go and is a Pats fan).  It was a good end to a long week.  Lucas came down with fever and bodyaches the Thursday before, which went away after a day.  I had given him oregano oil, which works wonders for me.  I don't know if that did it or if he was just exhausted and needed rest after he'd been up early and out late.  So we missed some things Friday.  On Saturday, Manny took the older two out in the morning, and then he and Chris went to see American Sniper at night.  We were able to go to church on Sunday.  Isaac didn't even cry.  He usually cries when we pull up to church (but only for a couple of minutes, then he's fine), but now he's made "friends" with two other boys who are a couple of months younger.  He calls them by name and says they're fun.  Or at night he tells me they're sleeping or what their hair color is.  :)

Sunday was a nice day to go out and have some Japanese food as a family.  I guess it was an early birthday celebration.  Then we went to the supermarket before heading home for Isaac's nap and to cook up our "junk food party," as Naomi put it.  We rarely eat processed food like this, but I guess that would be an accurate description of what we did for the Superbowl.  :)  Manny is actually on a diet/lifestyle change, and he's lost about 15 lbs.  But he had a couple of bites here and there.  At least the beef was grass-fed, I guess?  Haha.  

Early birthday roses from Manny--he let Naomi pick the colors.  :)

A fountain with great memories for our kids.

Junk food party!  It's okay once in a long while.

music apprecation:

Naomi has started her piano lessons with her new teacher.  The teacher says Naomi is well-mannered, respectful, and eager to learn, which I'm happy to hear.  The teacher is an older, no-nonsense British lady.  She put Lucas in his place twice already (deservedly so).  Naomi likes her and seems to be learning more, or at least at a faster pace, in just a few lessons than she did in over two years with another instructor and in a group class.  The lesson is only half an hour for now while I try to limit the cost, which is too much time for the boys to sit in the car but too little time to go somewhere and run an errand.  If the weather is cooperating, we go to the nearest park for a quick jaunt.  

I spoke to Naomi's former music school about Lucas, and they thought he would benefit from some music therapy.  He's now in this early music awareness class with two other boys (although one is frequently a no-show).  He seems to really enjoy it so far.  The ISP, Naomi's piano lesson, and Lucas' music class are all the same day, but that's the easiest of my weekdays.  I think the music classes are good for the kids, and I'm glad that Manny is okay with it even though he's not really a music person.

Lucas getting to conduct the other student S. on a tambourine.  Not wanting to distract Lucas or the instructor, I didn't go into watch, but Naomi took this creeper photo from a crack in the door.  :)

The first day of class, they learned beats and got to play with a variety of instruments, from piccolos to a glockenspiel to a trumpet.  They thought the trumpet sounded hilarious (boys and bodily functions, you know).

  

What we do while Naomi's at her piano lesson.  Is it me, or are there far fewer swings around than when I was a kid?  They don't have them in schools here, and there's usually only two to four of them (including toddler swings) even at the huge parks.