October 2025 (NAMI Walk, Coaching, Cactus Show, Dinners, Food Pantry, Small Group)

I'm finally updating again! It has been really hectic as I have had almost daily appointments for Isaac and a lot of appointments for Lucas as well. Nothing serious, just ongoing treatment appointments that I might talk more about later. 

Last October saw a disruption and upcoming freeze for SNAP benefits in several states during a government shutdown. My parents who are on the benefits saved up food for emergencies, so they were okay. Usually on Saturdays I take Lucas to his game meetup, but the family sometimes has other events like gymnastics meets to attend on Saturdays. On one such Saturday, I went to help out at my former church's food pantry. It's always nice to see them again. We anticipated great need due to the SNAP disruptions. My former church also hosts a Harvest Festival, so we also gave out leftover candy. 

On the particular day I went, a lady came to us who didn't speak much English but spoke Mandarin, so they had me talk to her. Apparently her child was taken into protective custody after she had taken him to the hospital (I don't know the story), and she was trying to find a church family who would foster the child so she could see her infant son again. It was pretty sad, and we couldn't legally help her. She also was here on a Visa, and it was increasingly likely at the time that she would be deported, and she didn't want to leave her child. I could understand her desperation, and I know we all wish we could help her. But we didn't know the story and we didn't know her or her background. Another person there who actually works for the county said she had stopped by a couple of times before, and her story had changed a few times. We don't know if the child had been abused or what reason they took the child. I just felt bad for her, but as much as we all want to say yes, we have to exercise wisdom. So we told her she would have to try to work with the county. I hope that whatever happened the child is okay.

I also did the annual NAMI Walk with my friend. My other friend was also there leading another group. We ended up missing each other this year but texted and said hello. I saw her anyway the same evening to celebrate her birthday (we didn't plan it that way). The walk is a fundraiser and a way to raise awareness and stamp out the stigma of mental illness. I feel it's something that is often avoided in the church, and sometimes people just chalk it up to bad influences or needing more faith. We can pray for healing and deliverance, but mental illness is real illness. People with clinical depression aren't just sad, and people with general anxiety disorder can't just will it away. 

I continued coaching sports for Lucas's middle and high school recreational sports class. We finished up volleyball and started softball. I was pretty scared to do softball, especially since I don't know how to pitch well (I have some slight trauma from being barked at over that in college). Thankfully one of the teens had a family friend who was between jobs and helped me coach as well as helped pitch. And one of the students also knew how to pitch. Every single week God worked it out. And the last day of softball was also the assistant's last day before he started a new job. It just worked out very well.  

I also went to a cactus show that was held at Isaac's school (he didn't want to go). My neighbor reminded me about it, though we couldn't attend at the same time. I couldn't take a photo of every cool succulent, but I was amazed by all the different types and presentations. There was a contest on the stage, so we couldn't touch or purchase those. I went home with a "pregnant onion" and an echeveria. Those are technically succulents and not cacti. 

Manny and I also went to a local restaurant that just opened for dinner. I don't know what I'd call the cuisine. Korean fusion, I guess. It was nice to be out together, and I don't think we had any special occasion, just wanted to eat some good food and go out more now that we can.

I also had small group at church on Saturday evenings, which got pretty small since different families went to different groups or took a break. Manny decided to try a different one, too. Despite a big 25th anniversary milestone that year, we had had a rough spring and summer, and I think we had to work out a lot together and individually. I guess I can't say more publicly, but sometimes I wish I could. I often feel that sharing struggles helps others. I know that it helps me when friends and I open up about what helped us through our trials. It was kind of nice that our small group shrank a bit for that reason. Even though I'm quite introverted, I do actually like people and feel a lot of empathy and pray for others. I'm just poor at expressing it. I also like to hear about people's lives. I think we all have our own stories and yet somehow we are part of one big story. I feel more motivated returning to blogging in a more personal way instead of just a record of stuff we did.

On a side note, Naomi went to a concert with her roommates as well as doing many duties as her program class president. I will be posting less and less of her as she's older now.

Prepping at the food pantry

This praying mantis just hung out at our door for a week

Out at dinner with Manny. I think this was a pork belly wrap.

Scallops are my favorite protein. The broth was okay, but scallops were good.

Lucas's class playing softball (that's not Lucas)

Isaac wanted practice tennis, and he did it out in the rain.

Brain cactus where else but in a head

A pretty cactus dragon boat

So many varieties at the cactus show

Out for O's birthday

Roses from Manny

Coaching volleyball

Setting practice in a circle

Me with A and her sister K. Her family was there as well, but I don't want to post them.

Japanese cotton cheesecake I made in the pressure cooker to bring to my church small group. It's only 6" but looks big in the photo.

Comfy Coachy

No Halloween this year, aside from Coach being a banana

September 2025 (V & R's Wedding, S & J's 1st Birthday, Pluto's Birthday, Homeschooling, Lucas Sports Class, Naomi for Pres)

During orientation for the BFA program she got into, Naomi met a few people who thought she should run for president. She had already been considering it, and so she went for it and is now the president of her class for her program. She hit the ground running in September with her new duties, including running events, fundraisers, work groups, meetings with students and professors, and online meetings with the rest of the staff. She also seems to have become a den mother of sorts. She will have to run exhibits for the program and raise all the funds for it. Naomi also came home for a send-off party of sorts for her friend who transferred to another university. It was so hot that weekend, but they found a nice park with shade and a pretty view.

I also embarked on a new leadership role, my first year as a co-lead for Lucas's sports class. This included procuring equipment, budgeting, finding coaches, and setting up communications for the group. I am also the only person with a larger car, so I transport a lot of the big equipment. I was also the lead coach for all the sports first semester for the middle and high school group. Coaching was a challenge, but God gave us so much grace. For example, setting up the volleyball nets is a three-person job, and Lucas plus me does not make three. However, each week, someone would show up early and offer to help us. Also, I didn't know how to pitch a softball well, but there was a friend of a family who was able to help with demonstrating and pitching. The very last day of softball was also the day before he would start a new job. With basketball, there was only one court at the park. I did try to get there early, but there was no guarantee we'd get the court. God gave us at least a half court every week. So I coached volleyball, softball, and basketball. I will get a break when we do track & field to start the second semester.  

Also in September, Manny's cousin got married. I wish I could have gone, but I had to stay back with the kids. Naomi had school and also couldn't make it. She's an adult now and gets her own invitation! I don't think she's been to a wedding besides my friend C's, when she was a flower girl, and she barely remembers that. My father-in-law got the shingles and also had to miss it. Manny said the wedding was really nice, and I'm glad he had a good time with the family. 

Meanwhile back at home, I went to my friend and former colleague's twins' first birthday party. I don't think I've seen my friend's mother in almost 20 years, but she (the mom) still remembers me, and she looks the same. I got to meet a number of career women who'd worked with my friend at different companies. I haven't been around that environment in a long time. At this age, I don't feel "lesser than" women who work. I admire them. I do wonder sometimes how different life would've been had I chosen to or been able to stay working, but ultimately I believe it works out the way it should. I still do want to return to work full-time.

One of my homeschooling mom friends and her husband opened up a sort of Ninja Warrior gym. I took Lucas to the grand opening to support my friend and also to see if he might be interested, but it is only for children 17 and under, so he wouldn't be able to be in the class for long. He ended up not being super interested in it. The search continues for more recreational activities for him. At least he has his game meetup. On a day when Lucas had his game meetup, I went to go check out Keroppi month at the Hello Kitty Cafe. Everything was a little too sweet for me, but it was still really cute. 

Also in September, Manny and I went to breakfast and then went shopping for some shirts for him. It was kind of funny for him to be in the dressing room while I was waiting outside. We actually hadn't gone out together in months, but it was a successful outing.

Isaac's tennis class also switched to a new location, so I was exploring the area and found a place I used to go with my coworkers. The ducks are still there, but the restaurant is now the apartment complex's office. So much has changed over the years. Sometimes I forget how old I am. I don't know if that's good or bad.

Me with E, mom of the twins

I remember when we did this at one of Isaac's parties. Always fun for the toddlers.

Pluto is an elegant cat. I don't mean just appearances, but how he carries himself.

Celebrating Pluto's 5th birthday

The key lime mini pie was a bit too sweet so I gave the rest to Isaac, but it was super cute and nostalgic!

At the grand opening of my friend's family's gym

Sports class launched with Lucas's favorite--volleyball.

Shopping for clothes with Manny for his trip. This time I'm waiting while he's in the dressing room.

Had a Mexican breakfast with Manny.

What's left of a restaurant my coworkers and I used to frequent

The duck pond is still there.

Naomi and her friends' party by the lake before her friend E. left for college

V (Manny's cousin) & R's wedding

Manny with his mom and sister before heading to the wedding

March (Isaac's birthday, Orthodontics fiasco, Lucas rec sports, Gather25, Date, Store closures)

For Isaac's 12th birthday, he wanted to go hiking so that we did with his friend and friend's mom. We went to Windy Hill Preserve and hiked several miles. His friend and mom had to leave about halfway through. We continued to the summit and then crossed to another summit. I don't think the boys enjoyed the mom conversation, but we let them walk ahead and away from us sometimes. I also took him out for pizza and pho on different days. We then celebrated with cake at home. He chose the strawberry guava cake from the Asian home bakery that I had gotten my cake from. 

It's been a while since I've baked the birthday cakes, but I got a few more supplies while I could at the store closing sales for Joann's Fabrics and Party City. It's so sad to see them go, and especially Joann's. I didn't think it was doing that poorly business-wise. We frequented the store when Naomi was taking fashion design, and it was always full of customers. I later learned that a private equity firm had acquired it in 2011 and so it went the fate of many of those types of acquisitions, basically a slow death. It does make things much more inconvenient for us, and I had a $5 gift card they would not accept with the closing sale or online, so that just added insult to injury.

I can't recall how much if anything I have said about Isaac's orthodontics issues, but in March after I had escalated his care situation due to repeated issues and delays in his treatment, with two major incidents, the CEO finally released us from our contract. We transferred to another orthodontist that is quite far away but worth it (the one who filled in temporarily, when our original orthodontist left the practice, and had discovered Isaac's cyst). It was almost a wasted year of orthodontics treatments. Even in our very last appointment, the assistant broke Isaac's bracket and didn't fix it. Said next time they'll fix it. When we went to the new ortho, he just assumed Isaac had broken it, even though Isaac never broke any and is super careful with what he eats. He (new orthodontist) is still friendly with our previous one, so I don't bring up what happened, but it was pretty bad. 

I actually consulted with friends in healthcare, and they felt it was definitely wrong what was happening and recommended if I couldn't sue (I wouldn't unless it was even worse; it's too expensive and time-consuming), to contact the ADA, which I did as well as Better Business Bureau and within the orthodontics practice. I think it would have been better to go to a private practice than a group practice with constantly rotating orthodontists, which I didn't know when we signed the contract. I won't name the group, but I'm just so thankful that after a year we could be released. We had paid the entire portion upfront and signed a contract, so it was hard to break the contract and get the refund. I know people may find it hard to believe, but I generally do not file complaints. I don't send my food back at restaurants if there is an error or I don't like it. I have never given less than a five-star review on Yelp (I only review what I really like). Isaac also tried to just live with it, told me not to make it worse, but even in the end he said it was getting out of hand. I really just wanted the nightmare to end and thankfully it did. The practice was apologetic and understanding, and I appreciated that.

On another note, Gather25 happened in March, which was an online global Christian worship event. I think it really benefits us to see people from all different nations singing praise songs and praying. I think we can get stuck in this idea that there's a certain Western way to do church. I didn't get to watch all of it of course as it ran through the weekend, but it was very uplifting and also just a reminder that the world is so much bigger than our little bubbles.

I celebrated St. Patrick's Day very minimally this year. I made an Irish stew with beef, which was just beef stew, since besides me only Naomi eats lamb. It did have some Irish beer in it, though. As the years go on and the kids get older--and I get older--the holidays become more simple and I suppose more centered on special foods than decor or traditions. I stopped making corned beef and cabbage because not everyone likes it, but a friend made me some anyway.

Lucas continued with sports class. I had a break from coaching for a few weeks and just assisted. We played kickball and badminton, both new to Lucas, so that was fun. He continued with his card game meetup and music class. I am so thankful for these outlets for Lucas, and I'm still hoping some friendships could come out of them. 

Naomi was very busy with school and finish her portfolio application for an elite program at her college. She came home one weekend in March for Isaac's birthday, and she and I went out for some sushi and Meet Fresh.

A friend from our previous church came back for a visit, so I stopped by another friend's house for the lunch reunion. It was very nice, and certainly noticed a difference being the only non-white person in the room again. She was telling us about retired life in North Carolina, and I'm glad she and her husband love it there. 

Last but not least, Manny and I went out for a nice dinner in March. I can't remember the name of the place, but it was really good. The pita bread was much larger than we'd anticipated. I guess we were on a bit of a roll with going out, but I think that was the last date for a while. 

I was helping play outfield so couldn't get a close-up of Lucas at kickball. We continued to be blessed with great weather on the days we had our class.

Friend made us some corned beef and cabbage

Empty shelves and empty hangers where my friends will shop no more (not to make light of the song from Les Mis that wrecks me)

Irish porter cheddar, "Irish" stew, some green (mint) coconut ice cream, kiwis, and snap pea crisps for St. Patrick's Day

Badminton

A kind parting gift from the orthodontist's office that really messed up Isaac's treatment. It was nice of them, and I'm just thankful we were able to leave.

Giving away our homeschool math manipulatives from RightStart and Saxon Math. It was challenging at times, but rewarding to teach my kids (and other kids) math!

Delicious lunch for retired friend Maggie's visit

Gather25, Christian worship around the world. Thank you, people of Rwanda.

Early dinner at [I'll have to ask Manny and fill this in later]

Pita charcuterie

We made room for dessert

Another nostalgic goodbye

Hanging out with the family dog while Lucas was finishing his Magic game

Birthday meal #1 Legends pizza

Birthday meal #2 pho and fruit lemonade

Happy birthday to Isaac!

Happy not birthday to Pluto!

Birthday hike for Isaac and his friend

Seat or table made from a tree stump

Fun with friends (but who are starting to not always want the moms around)

This marks the summit

Birthday boy on top of the world