Parking tickets

Martin and I both got parking tickets for street sweeping on Tuesday. I was so upset. That means $120 worth of food storage is gone. I was done with my morning run. I told myself I would move the car. Elnora was sleeping in the stroller then I got busy helping Tanner with breakfast. I helped Tanner organizing his stuff when I realized it's 12 o'clock. I grabbed my keys and hurry with the thinnest hope of not getting ticket. We both got tickets for street sweeping (11 am-3 pm). I felt like wanting to swear even though I never swear.

Then a powerful lesson came to my mind about the tender mercy of Christ. I realized we live in the world with law. We didn't have intention to break the law. We just simply forgot. Yet we need to pay for the consequences (no matter what). I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that allows me to repent. His tender mercy is extended to me. I do not need to pay the consequences of my sins if I repent and have faith in the atonement of Christ. Over and over Christ extended his mercy on me. HE is merciful and understanding. He will forgive if we repent. There is a higher law that will apply for everybody. Someday we'll have to answer on our obedience in observing these law of God. I felt bad for the people who think that these laws won't apply for them because they don't believe in the existence of such laws and the need of a Savior.

I needed to be reminded of the atonement of Christ. Sometimes I just go on with my days without even thinking to be grateful for this wonderful gift from Christ.

MY CUTE KIDS

Pajama time for Tanner and Elnora. Tanner adores his sister so much. She seems fine with that. She enjoys playing with him too.


Tanner wanted to be a big brother and feeds Elnora. He's done a good job.


He can't get enough of her!


Elnora found her voice!

GRATEFUL IN ALL THINGS

I've found myself thinking about my childhood. With 6 children to raise, my parents had less than what I have now. Yet, they were the happiest and most generous people I knew growing up. The key is gratitude. To be thankful for all things. How could I forget these simple recipe. We didn't have much so my mom didn't have to worry about organizing and decluttering. I remember she gave away my favorite red skirt and I was so mad. She said that it's too small for me and I haven't worn it for months. I saw the little girl next door wearing it. She was so happy. It made me happy that she was happy wearing my old clothes. Thanks to Mom! I never forget that moment. What a powerful lesson.

Little Sister

The highlight of the year 2009 would be our baby Elnora. Tanner calls her little sister. She is a rollie pollie and we are happy to have her. Here are some of her adorable pictures when she was 2 months. She continues to be the center of attention and her brother seems fine with it.

My sweet children

Christmas is just a day away. I haven't kept up with blogging since Elnora was born. So much has taken place. Martin got a job in October and we are in a good place. Our children are growing up fast. Elnora is five months and started to roll over from her back to her tummy two days ago. She is a good baby and I wouldn't mind having two more like her. She is a rollie polly and a daddy's girl. She has a cute smile and enjoy following and turning wherever Tanner goes.
Tanner adores her so much and tries to make her laugh everyday. Tanner is a good brother and proud of his sister. Tanner knows all his alphabets (capital and lower) and their sounds. Thanks to the "letter factory." He started sounding them out even though he doesn't know how to read yet. He attempted to read simple words.
Tanner and I almost finish with our Book of Mormon's reading. In fact we will finish it on Christmas day.
I am so thankful for everything I have especially the beautiful family we have. Most importantly I know that my Redeemer lives and He is our anchor in our marriage and family's life.

Elnora Sri is here

Monday night I felt some leaking. It's only July 13th and my due date is not till August 6th. I called Dr. Lawton and she told me to come to her office so she could check me. I told Martin is time to get our stuff together. I waited till morning with much anticipation because I felt more fluid coming out. Sure enough it was the amniotic fluid. Dr. Lawton told us to go to the hospital. She recommended another C-section because I wasn't having strong contractions. Martin and I prayed about what we want to do. We felt that I should do a trial labor again with lot's of praying and exercising faith that things will somehow would work out.

Well, PRAYERS WORK !! What a miracle. After much pain from the epidural, great dose of petocin, hormone changes, throw ups, big headache and lower back pain - 12 hours of labor and one hour and 40 minutes of pushing - She was here on July 14 2009. Talking about beating the odds. There's no way I could do it myself. Heavenly Father was watching over me and giving me what I've been praying for - to deliver my baby vaginally - after moments that seems forever to me and almost giving up to have my belly cut open again. He heard my prayers. It was important for me and it's important for HIM too. What a loving Father HE is. I cried when they put Elnora on my chest.

SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!

Audrey's shower

I went to Audrey's baby shower in May. We were roomates when we were studying at ISU in 2002. We both were expecting baby girls. How fun is that! both of us never knew that we'll end up in California nor be pregnant at the same time.