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.