Attitude...Enjoying the Journey

I am learning this from sweet James.

He teaches me so much.

Last night we were late for this New Years Eve dinner -- I felt that we must hurry and try to be on time.

But we were late.

I let this frustrate me terribly.

James said--Even if we make a mistake and our late--the greater mistake would be to let it ruin our relationship...put a wedge in our relationship...let it create feelings of resentment or irritation toward one another.

Enjoy the journey even despite the bumps and rought winds (even if those bumps and winds are created by our weaknesses). For life is bumpy and all have weaknesses that contribute to those bumps.

How profound. Then, this morning, I read this profound thought in Living the Abundant Life, from President Thomas S. Monson (the prophet):

William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

"We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

*other great things he said:
"Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities"

So CUTE!!!

Who does she look like???

We have no clue (some great grandma or aunt???)

Christmas Eve...Thanks MOM

Thanks to MOM, April, and the Family (I am sure Dad and Hunter went shopping too;) we had presents to open. And we used some of the wrapping paper to make ornaments for our little 2 foot tree (baby Joy size).

We LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!

Kissing in the Metro...

The Taiwanese are still getting used to some public affection...

You can bet we were getting some stares!

Christmas Card 2011

One more miracle

It is a small one...but nonetheless still a miracle.

Joy and I were rushing out the door--but to my horror couldn't find her other shoe.
We looked everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

But to no avail.

Finally, I thought, "Well, we haven't said a prayer yet. Surely God knows where it is."
But then I thought, "But it is such a small thing...He wouldn't care about that. Plus, I don't have time to say a prayer."

Finally, after wasting some more time searching, I knelt down (while Joy swung between fits of closing her eyes and pulling my hair) and we said a prayer asking Father to help us find that little shoe.

Literally, one second after we finished the prayer, I am still on my knees on the bed and get this thought that perhaps the shoe is somewhere hidden in the folds of the bed blanket.

I lifted up the blanket and there was the shoe!

Some might wave this off as merely a coincidence.

But I have had too many like this to know it is not.

We said a thank you prayer.

Suddenly, we felt this feeling of pure love...and at that moment I just knew that right then Father was smiling down on us and was grateful we remembered to give Him a chance to remind us--and especially my little Joy-- of His power, His knowledge, and His love.

I hope that I, like my mom did with me, can constantly help Joy see His hand and miracles...and get answers to her prayers.

Praise the Lord!

I just have to tell you my experience last night/morning.

Joy was up screaming for a bit. Then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours.

I was so frustrated. I wanted to shake James awake and let him know of my sad tale. (misery loves company) But I have an excuse--sleep really affects me. Or at least, I let it affect me.

Finally, I got up and did what always helps me relax. Opened up the Scriptures. I read 3 Nephi chapter 26-27.

So beautiful.

The Lord opened my eyes to some marvelous insights that I never before understood.

I received some powerful and strong urging about the importance of writing in a journal--about life and about spiritual experiences and feelings. It will be like scripture to our children. Even our Father writes!

I love the scriptures. I love Father and I love hearing His words.

He has given us so much to be grateful for. Even the hardships of life...end up blessing us (like occassionally being an insomniac)

After that, my frustration was gone. I was so at peace and felt so much love fill my soul.
I fell asleep immediately.

Throwing up at the post office

This past week I sent a Christmas package to my family.
(yeah, I know, a little late. But at least they will have something to open for New Years Eve!!!)

It took almost 3 hours.

Who knew?

I should have brought lunch...

By the end, I was so frustrated. Joy was screaming and hungry.

Suddenly, I could tell I was going to throw up. That's what pregnant ladies do when they haven't eaten.

I quickly opened the package of gifts and found some food I was sending the family and tore it open so I could stuff something in my mouth and stop the urge to throw up.

But it was too late. There was no stopping this one.

I grabbed a very small plastic bag.

Then I told the post office employees that I needed to use their bathroom because I was going to throw up.

Suddenly, there it went.

Fortunately, the small bag was sufficient until I could make it to the bathroom.

They became a lot quicker with helping me after that.

Rats and Ants

So, it has been an interesting past week.

It all began when we were at the "mall"--or a supersize Walmart, known as Carefour.
On the first floor there are all these fast food restuarants.

We were walking out of the store--after all the restaurants had already closed down for the night.

And lo and behold! You won't believe what we saw. The LARGEST RAT I have ever seen in my life. It was as large as a cat. It's pink tail was so long. It was hopping over all the fast food tables and counters and stoves. And scrambling into some drawers.

so sick. I vowed to never eat at one of those kinds of places ever again.

Then this past week, we got a swarm of ants in our house. I don't know how they made it all the way to the 13th floor but they did.

Got to hand it to them.

I am watching a handful right now as I type. Fast little suckers.

I am becoming a merciless smasher of insects. Using bare fingers if necessary.
Driving me CRAZY.

I have tried everything!!!

Any ideas???????

a little Christmas spirit...

At James' work...Sunrider

I finally remembered to take a couple of picts...

She's got SASS...

I could just eat her.

She loves pulling this face

She finally let us put stuff in her hair (at least for 10 seconds...)

Can I just say--I love this little girl. So much. We have so much fun. She brings such light and love to our family.

I love taking naps with her (which I do often now that I am a walking pregnant zombi)--we end up playing eye games and giggling for 30 minutes! She loves to tease me. She will wack me on the face (HARD sometimes!) and then burst out laughing--throwing her head back and all. Then I will smack her back--and that gets her giggling even more!

The best is when Daddy comes home. She gets so excited and runs toward him as fast as her little legs can carry her. Then he throws her around and she laughs her little head off.

Gingerbread House Decorating!!!!!

For the 1st Time in their Lives...

The Taiwanese did the unthinkable...

made the sweetest dessert they have ever had:

GINGERBREAD HOUSES!

With the works.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any powder sugar...Anywhere

Nor could I find graham crackers.

So we improvised...








No...it is not a snowy Christmas for these little gingerbread houses.

It is a very muddy one.


See that cute little baby in pink? She was loving the brown sugar "frosting"...

Joy is still eating ours. When I am not looking, she climbs onto our table and tries to rip off a candy as fast as she can. But I caught her this time!!! haha

Nativity Story in Taiwan!!!

Every year the English ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts on a Nativity Story.

With a REAL HORSE

And Angels that look like they are flying in the air

James and I helped "direct" the cast and acting.

In other words, we sat back and watched in awe...

The Guard Who Never Blinks

The Guard Who Never BLINKS!!!


We are at the Chang Kai Shek memorial. It is beautiful. Many people just hang out in the breath taking garden, pond with massive bright fish, and trees.

HIlARIOUS

The Star is Born

Joy is a natural performer.

She is such a hoot.

She will walk up to these groups of Taiwanese people -- right smack in the middle-- and start dancing and shaking her darling fanny.

And (like clockwork) they start squeeling and screaming and laughing.

Joy just soaks it in and smiles.

Then after a couple of minutes she is sick of the attention and blows a fuse (stomping her feet or swinging for their faces).

She keeps us entertained.

Queens in the Making

I think if we, girls and women, really understood and remembered WHO we are and WHAT we are meant to become, we would not be such followers of the world but have the courage to be different...

The Tale

There is a reason that both girls and women gravitate to movies and story books that contain a tale of a Princess.

Take Tangled for example.

The tale?

A girl does not know who she really is, grows and develops herself into a kind and charming young lady, and then ends up finding out that her parents are actually this kind and loving King and Queen of the kingdom...making her a princess and future Queen.

Royal Blood

From the Lord's own words in the scriptures, we learn time and time agai

n that we are daughters of God.

God is our Father.

Who is God?

The King of the Universe, the King of His Kingdoms

What does that make us?

Literal Princesses and future Queens

I know it's hard to truly grasp and believe. But it is a Fact. It is Truth.

We have royal blood rushing through our veins

Queenly Women

What image does a princess or queen portray in your mind?

The usual image is one of: elegance, grace, charm, nurturing all those in her kingdom. Usually wears an elegant long dresss.

Simple style and shoes, yet graceful.

Worldy Women

What image do women in and of the world portray in your mind?

The general image now a days is one of: sexual and sensual appeal, coarse, and career-driven.

Muhammad Ali

The following incident took place when Muhammad Ali's daughters arrived at his home wearing clothes that were not modest. Here is the story as told by one of his daughters: When

we finally arrived, the chauffeur escorted my younger sister, Laila, and me up to my father's suite. As usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to scare us. We exchanged many hugs and kisses as we could possibly give in one day. My father took a good look at us. Then he sat me down on his lap and said something that I will never forget. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Hana, everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You've got to work hard to get to them." He looked at me with serious eyes. "Your body is sacred. You're far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too." Source: From the book, More Than a Hero: Muhammad Ali's Life Lessons Presented Through His Daughter's Eyes by Hana Ali

We MUST understand that we are literally daughters of a King, and as such must start to ACT and DRESS as one.

In other words, stop trying to be more like men, make them lust after us, or think that life is about a career...but instead...

Understand that we are precious. The World and Men are changed by pure, virtuous, queenly, family-oriented women. The future leaders and societies of the world are molded by nurturing women.

Indian Wife

This man from India retold this conversation he had with his wife:

His wife indicated that she wanted to start wearing more revealing clothes, the husband pleaded, "Please don't, I don't want you to wear such clothes that would only make men lose their respect for you and lust after you. No, it would break my heart if you were the cause of other wives' broken hearts."

Daddy Time with JOY!!!! I love these moments

HANGIN' OUT

Joy UPSET

I just couldn't help but post this.

I think she is darling--even when she is mad.

Or at least mad until she gets distracted...

Couldn't we ALL learn a lesson about being Quick to Forgive from children!!!

My Twin Sis and Family Celebrating Halloween!!!

My whole family on my mom's side (we are tight) celebrated Halloweed together at this big Witch festival...
My twin sister, April, arrived dressed up as a Bee. She said, "Hmmm, I obviously didn't get the Memo..."
You can imagine...among all those dressed up in Black...she ended up getting All of the Attention

The FIERCE witches:

My Aunt Dana and cousins, Rachel and Mary Lynn...

casting a spell...

April...

Finding the Enchanted Outhouse...

Sssshhhh

My dear Grandma with Rachel's little girl.

Oh I miss them!!!

Grandma is so great about getting the family together.

Dancing...

Here is Joy dancing!!!

Anna's Baptism!!!

Today, my friend, Anna, got baptized!

It was marvelous.

I met Anna after the missionaries had begun teaching her. She loves Christ.

She couldn't stop smiling. Even before she was baptized, she kept saying, "I am just so happy. I am so full of happiness.

We have some of the sweetest Taiwanese sisters. Grace, is one older Taiwanese sister. Every Sunday she brings bags of bread and pastries for those who are hungry. And she lives in a tiny apartment. She just loves to give and bless others. She made this tomato soup for everyone after the baptism. Joy ate half of it! haha

She had a beautiful baptism (immersed into the water) by an Elder (one who has authority from God to baptize).

I loved it. The Spirit was full and people left filled with love for each other and for the Lord.

Two Creations

TWO CREATIONS

A builder built a temple,He wrought it with grace and skill; Pillars and groins
and arches All fashioned to work his will. Men said, as they saw its beauty,“It
shall never know decay; Great is thy skill, O builder! Thy fame shall endure for
aye.”

A mother builded a temple With loving and infinite care, Planning each
arch with patience, Laying each stone with prayer. None praised her unceasing
efforts, None knew of her wondrous plan, For the temple the mother builded Was
unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builder’s temple, Crumpled into the
dust; Low lies each stately pillar, Food for consuming rust. But the temple the
mother builded Will last while the ages roll, For that beautiful unseen temple Was
a child’s immortal soul.

-Hattie Vose Hall

What a HOOT!

We are all just a bunch of monkeys sometimes...haha

Taiwan Taipei ZOO!!!

At the ZOO!!!

If you look closely, you can see Joy in the middle of the Flamingos. It was crazy how she snuck away and got in there.

We had such a blast at the zoo with our friend, Flora.

Joy is a Quiet Baby... hahaha

Now you can get a taste of what Church is like for us!

Joy's new baby

Incredible--how early the female nurturing instinct begins...

How lovely is a nurturing woman! How beautiful! How influential and impacting. For truly, it is LOVE and GENTLENESS not POWER or MONEY that makes the biggest difference in the end.

And yet the world rather glorifies "being tough"...persuading women to become more like men.
What a sad loss. (not that we don't need men. But rather that we need women in society--just like every man needs a woman!)

Best Video Ever: Joy Performing

Now you see what we go through when we go out...and there is music...!!!

Mommy and Daughter Date

Mommy and Daughter going out for a night on the town!

Bonding Time

Don't worry Joy was later clothed...

Yes, I admit, there are those days when mommy just doesn't have the energy...and Joy plays on the playground with just her diaper on...(the grandmas who sit around just love it!)

Jiu Fen Market...CROWDED

Hanging out with friends at one of the famous Markets...

during a holiday...

a rainy holiday...

and eating delicious dim sum, pancake ice cream, and peanut with cilantro ice cream rolls...(who would have ever thought that that combo would taste good!)

Dinner with Friends

Take a look at the "Cutest Babies of the Year"

Here we are with our friend and her daughter at one of the best restaurants in Taiwan.

So Yummy.

I swear I ate half of all the dishes.

the Fake Out

The Wet-the-Floor "Fake Out"

Maybe this is a crude Post...but James wanted me so badly to post it (more for our own memory).

Tonight we went to dinner with a friend. While there, I drank too much-Water that is. As usual, with my small bladder, I urgently asked the waiter where the bathroom was. By my "dancing", he clearly realized the urgency of the situation.

While trying to help me find the restroom, I saw how worried the waiter was. I just couldn't help it. I had to give him a good scare.

I suddenly stopped, looked down toward my feet, pointed to the floor, and with a horrified expression said, "uh-oh".

You should have seen the look on his face!He was MORTIFIED. His hands went up to his mouth to hide his shocked face. But his eyes and gasp said it all.

Oh, what a good laugh! hahaha

These are the moments that I revel in...

Favorite Vids

These are now my favorite Videos.

I watch them often...

(2 minutes long)

(1) Create
(2) Moments that Matter Most

I get teary almost every time...!

Joy, The Arab

This is Joy...playing dress up or something like that...

So cute.

She loves to put random pieces of clothes on her head and then walk around like she owns the place.

I love being a mommy to this darling little piece of art.

I wouldn't trade these moments for any "Nobel Prize" or other fame and grandeur that the world has to offer.

To Joy- I am the world. I am the "Nobel Prize." I am the most influential person in her life.

I want to enjoy every minute of the "fly-by" 18 or so years that I will have her with me.

*Ps. I want to thank my dad for correcting some spelling errors... :) haha

My B-Day: Nothing went Right...But everything turned out Perfect

On my b-day I was taught a PERTINENT LESSON: How to enJOY Life

At first, I wanted to celebrate my birthday in a fun way: go to the parade in the morning (it is also Taiwan's 100th Birthday), go see the fireworks at night, go to a nice restaurant...

But then, thanks to a great conversation with April, we realized that all of that leaves you unfulfilled still. We realized that what would really make this day beautiful and joyful is to try and serve others and bring them joy and love. So April and I thought of ideas how I could serve James, Joy...etc.

Suddenly, without selfish expectations, nothing can really get you down.

So when the parade didn't work out...Or the Fireworks...Or the Market...Or the Restaurant...I was not irritated or let down!

Rather, I was so content and at peace. Why?

Because I spent the day deliberately living for others. I enjoyed helping James finish his homework until late in the evening because I wanted to show my love for him.

I loved missing the fireworks because we got to simply chat with our hotel friends.

To my surprise, these sweet friends brought out a delicious Birthday Cake!!! YUMMMMMY.

Best Birthday Ever. Because my soul was filled by loving others.

What the Adults do in the Evening...

The "playground"...but not just for KIDS!!!

The Temple of Heaven

And then there is the "Chi"

We are learning to go slower...be one with God's creations...appreciate our bodies...learn to be more united and loving with your community around you.

The people in Asia are so ready and so hungry for more Truth (the Gospel of our Lord.)

They are so kind. So giving. And so able to recognize Light.

Mommy's new way of Feeding JOY

I have learned quickly--feeding Joy means staining her clothes...and mine.

The bibs just don't do the trick.

Joy wants to do it herself. I don't blame her. Mommy is just not quick enough.

So Mommy has improvised...

Beijing's Brides

love...weddings...THE GOWNS

Every day we would see at least 5 brides (with their grooms) taking photo shoots nearby James' work at this Catholic Cathedral (surprise surprise--in this mostly atheist country, the cathedral is more of a tourist location and a place where all the adults gather at night to get their "dancing" in...or work out.)

We learned quickly that these couples likely wouldn't get married for another year. But because the appearance of the wedding (the "Face") was so important, they had to start early....And start EXPENSIVE.

the Pavarotti...who knew they were in China???

It is so hilarious.

We constantly catch people--especially girls--sneaking pictures of Joy. They will act as if their friend is posing nearby and then "snap" a photo of Joy.

Other times, as you can see here, they are outright obvious.

For some reason, Joy does not fear all the crowds...I think it is simply because she loves people. (see my other fav scripture-- Moroni 8:16)