On Winter Perspective (OHIO)

My sister (Nila) and her family lives in Ohio. She wrote of her perspective on Winter. I love her words. She is the wise one in the family:). I thought I shared her words with everyone. I miss her much. I wish Tanner could play with Hyrum, Sam, Tiara and James.


Sam(8), James(2), Tiara with pink hat(5) and Hyrum(11). They are Tanner's cousins. Tanner looks much like Sam.

"We had winter storm (snow/hail/sleet) a couple days ago, leaving a least 6 inches of snow. The schools were closed on Monday. The ground is wonderfully gorgeous, white and sparkly, like diamonds field. Yes, it's still winter and I love it. I hope there will be more snow coming. After all winter is the warmest season, think of hot cocoa and blanket of snow; of warm fuzzy scarfs, hats, mittens and shoes; of warm breads, soups, pies and stews; and think of warm Christmas party and hugs from the family; also think of the couch by the fireplace to take a nap and books you don't have to take them off your lap. Anyway, I'm out of rhyming words, so enjoy the snow while it lasts."

"Almost forget these good ones. Think of the kids' warmest giggles and laughters as they play jump on their fathers. Think off Grandpa and Grandma's cozy cabin and how many people could sleep in. Thanks Mom (Jan), for warmest winter memories." (Nila)

Letter and pictures from home

Tanner is sick today so we stay home and let Martin go to church by himself. We get a weekly letter (and pictures) email from a missionary couple who are serving in my little branch back home. It is always good to hear the news from home. I enjoy the pictures most because they bring back the memory of my childhood.


A typical flood on a rainy day. When it rains it poures. That's literally what happened in my hometown. Here is a man paddling his "becak" (a type of public transportation). The flood brings a special memory to my family, in fact it's the most important event that had changed the course of my parents' life in knowing the true gospel.

Here is the story:
The year was 1970. My father was fascinated with some of the testimonies of the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ posted in a newspaper. He was impressed with the testimonies about a living prophet. So he found the church meeting house and set appointment with the missionaries.
The day came when the missionaries supposed to come. The village where my father (and his little family) lived was flooded. He forgot all about his appointment with the missionaries as he was busy saving his belongings and his children.
He saw from far a way the two missionaries walking with their bikes. They were soaked in water since the water was almost four feet (up to their waist). The missionaries stayed and helped my father. My father was very impressed and thought to himself: "Even the storms and flood didn't stop them from coming just because they have promised to come. They must have a great message they want to share with me and my family."

My father and mother was baptized a year latter. Three of their children was born in the church (including myself).


Fish, yes I grew up with fish. They sure know how to cook fish there. I miss the food.


Elder and Sister Bennett with a familiar family: my seminary teacher, Sis. Wartini, her husband and son (riding the motorcycle). We met Elder and Sister Bennet on our visit in Indonesia back in November 2007. Sis. Bennett is my sister's Visiting Teacher.

Pride and Prejudice

Take the Quiz here!

I was tempted to take the test from my friend's blog to see "what I am." It said that I could be "her." I don't think I am completely like her. We just have few things in common (certainly not playing piano forte and singing at the same time). Or maybe because I like Mr. Darcy, who is the truest character in the story (and has lots of money:). I like the book best. I could read them over and over and still waiting patiently for the ending. I wouldn't mind living in Pemberley either.

Crystal Cove Beach

It was another super nice day on Saturday. We packed our lunch and headed to the "Crystal Cove" in Newport Beach. Tanner was "free" at last. He kept running and running. He finally stopped to point at what he referred as "cool rock." It was a low tide and we saw a lot of sea anemone everywhere. We have to hose tanner down when we left the beach because he was so dirty. I always have extra pair of his clothes with me for this reason.






I want to get down, mommy!


Check out this cool rock I found.


Daddy and Tanner playing in the wet sands. Who is having the most fun :)?

Tri City Park

President's day! Martin got this day off. We were so excited. It's like another extended fun Saturday. We went to the Tri City Park to feed the ducks and play. We had some pizza after.


A boy and a stick. Enough to make him happy.


These two ducks have brighter collor and red feet.

More Valentines Parties

Martin's parents took us to "Thai Basil" for Valentine. They are very nice. Pam (Martin's mom) usually comes to our house on Thursdays to visit us. So, we all went to get dinner. The food was good but of course the restaurant was packed since it's Valentine's day. The service wasn't as fast as it was when Martin and I went for my birthday. Oh well.


Tanner was getting bored waiting for his sticky rice and satay chicken. I let him play while we were waiting. I really like this picture since it shows how big his eyes are.


We ordered sea food soup (tom something). It usually comes in a pot with a burner to keep it warm. I don't know if you could see the flame.


We were invited by Karin for another Valentine's Party Friday morning. Tanner was so happy to see so many friends and cousins too. There were about 24 kids running around.


More candies and chocolate too, yummm.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I'd like to thank you to all of you who help me with my "Valentine's project." I don't think I could say enough thanks. Growing up, my mom taught me that I'll be much happier when I could make others happy. I proved her words so many times. I felt much happier inside when I did even just a little bit of service to others.
Thank you Mom&Dad Edd, Isaac&Nila, Aaron&Elan, Beth&Eddie, Maly&Dan, Lorena&Josh, Wendy&Rick, Michael&Maricris and all of you (I can't name one by one) who sent their loves and prayers to Joshua Putra's family.


Tanner is doing his own project: making valentine"s cards. Some of you may get it after Valentine's day. I though we made a lot but we still need some more "loves." We love you all. Thank you for being part of us and growing with us.


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU!