In His Hands

Weeds

2009-10-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Since I was pregnant for all of spring and half of summer and then had a newborn the rest of summer, our back yard was sorely neglected. I thought I would just ignore the weeds and they wouldn't bother me (or maybe just go away on their own). But they just grew and grew...taller than Abigail! So I took advantage of my mom's visit and took one day to pull those suckers. Here is the before and after.

What got me motivated (or just made feel embarrassed) was my neighbor's yard:

2 months along

2009-09-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Septembers are always busy. Abigail's birthday, then Mike's. This year Grandma came out for a visit and we started Kindergarten at home 2-3 days a week. In the midst of all of this and the daily work of taking care of the home, I find little bits of time to enjoy Grace. She started smiling and then baby-talking. I love those little coos and smiles...just lights up my life.

4 years old

2009-09-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

This past week Abigail turned 4. She had talked about her birthday almost every day since last year! She looked forward to the cupcakes and presents and friends. We had a small friend party for her at the park on Labor Day and just spent the day together as a family on her real b.day. She got her presents and cupcakes and even a new pink scooter! Yet, she seemed somewhat subdued on her actual b.day. Almost sad even. She kept asking...is it still my birthday?? The next day she was back to her normal self and excited about the crepe paper streamers we hung in the doorway and her balloons...and started talking about turning 5 ( a whole hand mommy)!
My thoughts...the anticipation usually is much more exciting than the actual thing :)

We Survived

2009-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you all for suggestions and prayers! We did survive :) I kept repeating to myself...that this will pass and also just the first line of Psalm 16...Preserve me O God, for in you I take refuge.

I took Grace to her 1 mo. Doctor visit the past week...she grew 3 inches!! and gained 3 pounds!!!! in just 1 month. No wonder she cried (well, screamed through the whole Dr. appt.). One thing we are trying now is to restrict my dairy intake and see if it helps her fussiness after feeding times.

Thanks again!!

1 month

2009-08-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

Time sure does seem to be flying by. Tomorrow Grace will be a month old! And my husband leaves for a 6 day business trip. Have Mercy!!! Grace has definitely found her lungs and has a couple screaming spells/day. Some good friends gave great advice...this IS the place God has called me to right now and when I get desparate enough that is when I will see his grace....and to memorize a portion of Scripture so that when these crying spells come I can still be at peace.

Any more suggestions to help me keep my sanity this week???

Grace's first pics

2009-08-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so its been over 2 weeks since we've been home and I finally can get on-line on our main computer (the one with all the pics on it). Here are a few of those first days with our baby Grace (and some leading up to it).

baby smells

2009-08-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

Not the bad kind :) It is 6 a.m. and I just finished a feeding...I should be going right back to bed, but I felt compelled to comment on how much I love the smell of a new baby. I think it must be God's gift to us...that sweet smell in the middle of the night helps to get over the hump of exhaustion. Also, I now know that this smell goes away all too soon and thus I need to appreciate it while I can. I wish I could bottle it up somehow and keep it forever :)

7th Anniversary

2009-08-02T18:01:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is our 7th Wedding Anniversary! It seems like it has been a long time, but also none at all. Tomorrow night we will celebrate in (after putting Abigail down for an early bed time) and when Grandma comes in a few weeks, then we can paint the town red.

The theme verse our pastor used for our wedding was: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God". Ephesians 5:1

Mostly I am just extremely grateful for my great husband. The more the years go by, the more I see how blessed I am.

I love you Mike!!

it's a...........

2009-07-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

.....girl!

born:
4:49pm
6 lbs 10 oz
19 in
Grace Michelle Cheng

At the Hospital..12:00 p.m.

2009-07-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here we go! I've been having contractions since 3 a.m. I was just praying that they didn't stop...and I guess the real deal is here! Been at the hospital since 10ish...will try to keep everyone posted.

Just waiting

2009-07-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

So I've made it to 38 weeks!!! I really can't believe it, but I am grateful. Mike was able to pass his 6 hour licensing exam last Friday, which means he still has a job...which is a blessing. I've been able to get really organized with stuff around the house. And now that I want real labor to start it is actually really clean too :)

Counting down the days...

Full Term!!

2009-07-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I reached Full-Term!

So exciting...now I can experience those last few days/weeks of waiting and waiting...just wondering when labor will start. I'm not always very patient about it, but I do try to just enjoy each day that comes...especially when it is a beautiful sunny day like today.

I recently read an awesome book called "Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss. She wrote this in the lat 1800's and man did women have a much harder life back then! Her main theme is that suffering can draw you closer to God and you can experience peace when you submit to God's will for your life. Here is a precious excerpt from the main character after she found out about her 4th pregnancy and someone remarked how much harder her life would be:

"Well, This is one side of the story, to be sure, but I look at the other. Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderst cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!"

Pre-School Graduation

2009-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

We had a little family celebration at the end of June. I think she liked the balloon best of all.

Abigail's first tea

2009-07-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our first mother/daughter tea. We went to a local chocolate/tea shop in our town. I think a good time was had by all.

Early Summer Fun

2009-07-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Although it has been raining a lot lately, we have found a few times to play with our new Water Table and blow bubbles. Sometimes it is just the little things in life :)

Helping Mommy

2009-07-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't been able to any housework. I've had to put Abigail to work. She learned how to pick up her own crumbs :)

Baby Shower

2009-07-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago ladies from my care group and a few other friends from church threw me a tea/baby shower. Besides getting some new things for baby and a new swing, it was great just relaxing and talking.

Fun May Outings

2009-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, I'm trying to catch up a bit on sharing pics. Since I have a hard time finding time now, I'm sure it will be a bit harder once the baby comes. So get ready for an onslaught of pics over the next week or so :)

Before Mike started his new job (well, studying for licensing exams) we spent some days doing fun things as a family. Our version of a summer vacation for this year :)

We went to the Boston Public Garden one day to ride Swan Boats and hang out. Another day we found a great beach on the upper Cape...just one hour away from our house.

Recent prego shots (2 weeks ago)

2009-07-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

More Cute Abigail sayings

2009-06-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Upon hearing that Michael Jackson had died:

Abi- Why did he die?

Me- His heart stopped working

Abi- Maybe he needed more batteries!!

Trial Run

2009-06-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

So it seems like all I do now is write about this baby. I need to find time to upload some pics and share them because we have been doing other things too :)

This morning I woke-up with some painful contractions (actually they woke me up). I decided to take a bath to try to relax but they kept coming. Since I was told to call in if I had more than 4 painful ones in an hour, I dutifully did so. So now I am at the hospital listening to the baby's heartbeat and thankful that the contractions have slowed way down. Everything looks fine, we are just waiting to hear back from a test to see if I have a chance to go into labor in the next 2 weeks. If not, then I should make it to full-term (if I don't do anything dumb)...and then I will be able to look forward to labor time instead of dreading it coming too soon.

COA, i.e. Center Of Attention

2009-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

A sign that Abigail is already feeling the effects of not being the center of attention (or the COA as Mike puts it):

Me- Please be careful and don't kick me

Abi- But the baby gets to kick you.

Me- (after laughing) Well, the baby is inside and has no where else to go

Abi-I want to be inside of you too!

I guess all first borns have to adjust to sharing their mamas :)

A beautiful inheritance

2009-06-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first round of letting people serve me by cleaning my house. It was humbling and wonderful at the same time. At least now I won't be sneezing so much because of the several weeks of dust build-up :) As we were hanging out over lunch, my friend told me this verse has helped her in times of uncertainty:

"The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance" Psalm 16:6

Other versions use the word boundaries instead of lines. To be reminded that this is the place God has for me now and that He has my good in mind, even in the midst of a hardship, is quite refreshing.

Time for Rest

2009-06-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the day has finally come. I was put on "modified" bed rest by the Dr. Which basically means no standing more than 30 min., no housework (which isn't such a bad deal), no long drives, etc.. Yesterday I had contractions all day long, even while sitting down. Providentially I already had a regular Dr. appt. made and didn't need to be seen at the hospital. So, now is a time for rest and not going crazy at all the dust collecting.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit".
Jeremiah 17:7-8

The Miracle of Birth

2009-05-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16

I'm 30 weeks now and getting more anxious that little one will come too early (especially since I've been having lots of brax-hicks contractions) This reminds me that the One who created the universe holds this precious life in His Hands too.

Funny things about weight gain

2009-05-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

I find it so curious that at my Dr. appt at the end of April I found out that I had gained 7 POUNDS in 1 MONTH!

So I stopped eating ice cream every night :) and limited myself to just the week-ends. That was all I changed about my eating habits. 3 weeks later I got weighed again and only gained...1 pound in 3 weeks! How does that work??

3rd Trimester

2009-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, today I reached the last stage! I can't believe that it is going so fast, yet it already feels like I've been pregnant forever. And we were able to get all the "big" projects done before now. I even bought some newborn diapers just cuz it made me feel better to have them already. Now its time to get all the clothes and baby gear out....and for some reason I still think this baby is going to be early like Abigail. I am feeling much, much better, but the baby is still sooo low that sometimes I worry its just gonna fall right out.

Another update...My husband got a job :) He will start the last week of May, but the first 4 months he will be studying for 2 licensing exams and traveling (the first week of travel is the week baby is due!!) for training. We now have to switch insurances and Dr's and the hospital! So I've been a bit anxious the past week..but God has been good to bring Scripture to mind that reminds me He is in control and sovereign over all things. Tomorrow we will take a tour of the new hospital and then pick new Dr's, and I think I am going to end up liking this new one even better (at least the people are much more friendlier).

Bragging Rights

2009-04-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

It usually drives me crazy when moms go on and on about how their child can do "something" special before normal...look Johnny can walk at 9 months or Suzy can write her name at 1....things like that. So I am going to do the thing that drives me crazy...cuz I guess its my kid and my blog :)

Tonight my 3.5 year old read her first book!!!!

Granted it is just a Bob book and the word list is very, very simple..Mat sat. etc.. but it does bring a smile to any parent's face when their child actually sounds out the letters to make a word and reads! Maybe its a first-born thing, but it is still pretty cool.

And just so my head doesn't get too big..she still struggles to correctly ride a tricycle..mostly because her little legs can't reach the petals :)

John Piper

2009-04-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night I had the privilege to hear John Piper speak live for the first time. He came to Park Street Church in downtown Boston and we were sitting in the 3rd row. Oh, what a treat! The great thing about him is that you know when you hear him, you won't just have your ears tickled. He speaks hard truth...but with humility. You are always convicted, but it is always good.

He spoke mostly on this verse: "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part" 2 Corin. 8:1-3

His main point (which he writes a lot about in his books... http://www.desiringgod.org/) is that when we find our full satisfaction and joy in God it will spill out in love for others. The convicting part for me was in this particular passage the people in Macedonia who were extremely poor and going through a lot of affliction were giving abundantly and joyfully. God is more concerned with my heart than my husband finding that perfect job or that all my life's circumstances are easy and the way I want them to be.

Also, Mike got him to sign my Bible and our friend Bry snagged a pic. of us with him:
Well... a picture of Mike and the back of my shirt :)

Prego shots & egg hunt

2009-04-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2009-04-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

With Good Friday and Easter approaching, I thought I would share something more deep...

Confidence

O God, thou art very great..
I am unworthy, but thou dost welcome;
guilty, but thou art merciful;
indigent, but thy riches are unsearchable.

Thou hast shown boundless compassion towards me
by not sparing thy Son,
and by giving me freely all things in him;

This is the foundation of my hope,
the refuge of my safety,
the new and living way to thee
the means of that conviction of sin,
brokenness of heart, and self-despair,
which will endear to me the gospel.

Happy are they who are Christ's,
in him at peace with thee,
justified from all things,
delivered from coming wrath,
made heirs of future glory.

Valley of Vision; A collection of Puritan prayers & Devotions

If you have a desire to read more about how God works through Christ in a more modern way, check out my friend's website: www.godsavedmiles.com

20 weeks

2009-03-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

well, I'm half way there...or over half way. Abigail came a bit early, so I could be already half-way done :) It kinda feels nice to be "showing" more. Since it is still cold here, there are days when I still can hide my little bump! but I also have this desire to get things done. fast. I just don't want to be buying diapers and wipes the day I go into labor like last time :) So I've made a little deadline for ourselves that we will get the room ready and the major things bought before the 3rd trimester...which gives us about 8 weeks! Yikes..better get started...

Medical update

2009-03-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. First, thank-you to all of you have been praying for me. My spirits have lifted quite a bit since I last wrote. Also, God graciously gave me a great Dr. appt. on Tuesday. It was not my regular OB, but I did ask her about the baby/placenta thing. She was very hopeful that as time went on and I got bigger that the baby should move up on its own. I should also have another ultrasound done next month since they didn't get to finish it, and then we will see if the physical restrictions will be lifted.

Also, my heart murmur has already disappeared!

I was reminded this week by our care group leader that "God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). When I take my eyes off the cross and dwell on my circumstances it is so easy to get anxious and despair. But when I keep Christ central, than I am reminded that if he has already paid for my sin in full, he will provide for all these temporal needs.

My God is so Big

2009-03-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

Another song brought to you by Abigail. I wish that I could have this simple child-like faith. But I so easily get boughed down by my circumstances. This is the 6th week that Mike has been out of a job. I'm now 19 weeks pregnant and although the naseau finally subsided (2 weeks ago) there are a couple more things popping up. I have a slight heart murmur and my mid-pregnancy ultrasound showed the baby and placenta really low. So I have some pain/discomfort and some physical restrictions. So as my faith starts to get shaken, I know that I can't trust in my own feelings. I find comfort in the Word:

"Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling... Be Still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:2,3,10

How I stay busy

2009-02-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been too long again...I was graciously reminded by my cousin Marlo. I have many excuses I could use, but it doesn't really matter. I just haven't had much energy to spend on the computer. But how do I spend my energy these days...besides growing a baby?

One of the biggest is that I do pre-school at home with Abigail. We started last fall with another friend in our old city. The pics below are from Oct. in our old house. It has actually been fun and good for both of us. The winter months are long here and it gives us structure and something to fill our time. We are now on the letter L. We do songs, crafts, math, printing practice, etc.. She spelled her name this past month and it was actually legible! We have friends come over now and again and do pre-school with us. We go on little field trips and recently discovered the local Y. My time stays full, but I will try to post more. I promise Marlo !!!

Little Graces

2009-01-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Well, its been 7 weeks now that I've felt "morning sickness" (who really came up with that name? I think it must have been a man, because this sickness in no way is confined to the realms of the morning) and I think I'm ready to vent. It has been horrible. Really. It is just so much worse this time around. The last few weeks I wanted someone to knock me unconscious and keep me there until the first trimester is over. I didn't know how I was going to make it through.

But then, there are always those little graces. Just little (and some big) things that help pull me out of despair and the grime of the bathroom. Here are just a few:
1. MEDICINE- I am SO grateful for whoever invented medicine to help with nausea. It has made a night/day difference
2. a HUSBAND who can scrub toilets, take out trash, dust, vacuum, and do dishes
3. a 3 year old who can play quietly on the floor while mommy passes out for a few minutes on the couch. who gets me special "candies" to help my tummy. who throws trash away. who just learned how to fold clothes and put them away. who is potty-trained.
4. for friends who let me cry when I think I can't go on and who remind me that we have an exceptional God.

Well, I do feel better now. With my new medicine and only a couple weeks left, I think I will survive. Thanks for listening!

Happy New Year and New...

2008-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Baby :)

It's been quite an eventful few weeks. Just 2 days after moving in to our new place, I started feeling "sick". I thought it was just because we didn't have a refrigerator for a couple of days and our food was outside in coolers. When the sickness just got worse and I missed an important monthly thing, then it wasn't hard to figure out the real culprit. Although, I am very happy for this little culprit :)

May you enjoy your Holidays and see ya Next Year!

New Home

2008-12-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hello All.
So I've been feeling a bit guilty for not writing anything for such a long time. Honestly, my creative juices are pretty non-existent right now. And loading up pics on our computer takes a looooong time. But I just wanted everyone to know that we moved in (with lots of help from friends and church) and slowly are getting settled in. I actually put up some things on the wall yesterday. And I did manage to locate our Christmas decorations. As soon as I can, I'll post some pics. For now, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a non-rushed, enjoyable New Year :)

Moving!

2008-10-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Well, speaking of speeding through life. I've been waiting for a LOOOOOOng time to move out of our technically 1 bedroom place. I think just after Abigail was born, we realized this place was too small. God has been good to us (mostly in helping with my bad attitudes) and we have managed to fit for over 3 years, but now the time has come. WE ARE MOVING !!!!

And it is all happening so fast. We saw the place on Sunday after church (which this place is only 2 miles away from) and already we put in our application, sent our check and they called today to approve us. Praise the Lord. So the next few weeks will be busy with packing and more packing. I doubt I will write much, if not at all.

Some quick highlights: It is a townhome, no one below or above us, a whole garage, a laundry room with more storage, an extra bathroom, doubling our closets, a dishwasher, a kitchen twice the size we have now, and a living room three times the size, and Mike's commute time will be cut in half. Of course, knowing my nature, I will find something wrong with this place once we've moved in. I hope by God's grace, I will remember His Faithfulness in helping us find this place, and will help me to be content no matter what.

So, until next time....

the Now and the Daily

2008-10-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Normally, I get moody when I wake up and the sky is the color of lead and huge rain drops are pounding against the window. But today I relished in an unexpected day of "rest". I didn't fully rest, because I am a stay-at-home mom of a wiggly 3 year old. But after 4 days of non-stop activity, it was nice to just be at home (literally).

I've also been meditating on a recent quote I read from Mitten Strings for God--Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry by Katrina Kenison (thanks Jen). Her first chapter is devoted to her friend who died from cancer. When Kenison was going through her papers, she found this quote among the unfinished manuscript of her friend's 2nd book:

“I have learned to quit speeding through life, always trying to do too many things too quickly, without taking the time to enjoy each day’s doings. I think I always thought of real living as being high. I don’t mean on drugs—I mean real living was falling in love, or when I got my first job, or when I was able to help somebody, or watch my baby get born, or have a good morning of really good writing. In between the highs I was impatient—you know how it is—life seemed so Daily. Now I love the dailiness. I enjoy washing dishes. I enjoy cooking, I see my father’s roses out the kitchen window, I like picking beans. I notice everything—birdsongs, the clouds, the sound of wind, the glory of sunshine after two weeks of rain. These things I took for granted before”.

Now, I haven't reached the enlightened stage of enjoying cooking or doing dishes, but I do want to cherish the Now and the Daily...and never, ever take anything for granted.

Abigail sings Winnie the Pooh

2008-10-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

The first video would of been the best, but we got cut off. So here is 2 for your listening pleasure:

Baking with Abi: The Apple Pie story

2008-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

This story might get a bit confusing, because it involves 2 different apple pies (well, 3 really). When my mom was visiting last week, we went Apple-Picking. Then the next morning, we spend 4 HOURS making 2 apple pies completely from scratch (and cleaning up afterwards). Since I only do this once or twice a year, I'm no expert. And we all found out this fact when we took our first bite...it was totally rancid! It turns out that vegetable shortening CAN go bad!! I even looked up on the internet..I just had no idea. Neither did I know that you should put it in the fridge to stay. Well, lesson learned. Then today we had our 2nd attempt. I used a Pie Crust mix from the store. Still had to roll it out and peel and chop all the apples. But the result was much, much better. Even delicious.

want a little pie with that flour?

and the clean-up..this is from Pie attempt #1...see the mischievous shortening in the background!

the bad pies:

5 weeks in

2008-10-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

So tonight is Mike's 5th week at school. I've been surprisingly calm so far. I had one mini-break down last month, but have received much encouragement from some friends. I've also been meditating on this:

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken" Psalm 62:5-6

Life hasn't changed too much. He does need to study a lot on the week-ends and the couple nights leading up to class. But, I'm learning how to "release" him to do his work. I've also recently heard about other ladies who had it even harder than me (one husband worked 40 hours on the graveyard shift and then went to school full-time during the day or one who's husband is being deployed in Dec. and won't see him for a whole year!). So, when I start feeling sorry for myself I remember a previous resolution:

I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others...mostly I shall simply forget about myself and do my work.

Enough said :)

A week with Grandma

2008-10-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Grandma visited us last week and we had lots of fun. Highlights were: visiting the Louisa May Alcott house, Apple and Pumpkin picking, and visiting the Boston Public Garden. Abigail says her favorite part was playing with leaves. Mommy's favorite was going on a date with Daddy :) Thanks for visiting Grandma!

Scenes from Maine, pt.2

2008-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you noticed, Mike's hair changed during our time away. In honor of his 40th Birthday (which took place on 9/21) he decided to shave his head! Here is the breakdown:

I think he looks rather cute this way :)

Some more random scenes from our fun time:

Scenes from Maine, pt.1

2008-10-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been back from our fun-filled and very relaxing vacation for over 2 weeks now. I've been way too busy to write anything, and I'm already longing to go back to Maine. Good thing it is only an hour away :) Some highlights: seeing the beach everyday, eating out a lot, eating sweets, Abigail turning 3, the trolley museum, the spa, an hour massage, watching movies, playing in the sun room, sleeping in, and did I mention eating? Here is the 1st set of pics:

Family Vacation

2008-09-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

We leave tomorrow for a week by the beach!! There is so much to do before then, but I am SO looking forward to a whole week without anything scheduled. Just me, Abi, and Mike. While we are gone, Abigail will turn 3 and Mike says he is going to do something drastic for his upcoming 40th Birthday (on 9/21). So, I'll have lots of pictures and memories to share :)

Changes

2008-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Resolution #5- Even if I turn out to be wrong, I shall bet my life on the assumption that this world is not idiotic, neither run by an absentee landlord, but that today, this very day, some stroke is being added to the cosmic canvas that in due course I shall understand with joy as a stroke made by the architect who calls himself Alpha & Omega.

Well, I haven't written for awhile, because 1: i've been super busy savoring the last few days of warm weather and 2: we have had some changes and I didn't know the best way to share it.

So, I will be brief, because I'm exhausted and need a nap. Last week we found out that we lost our health insurance again (well, we will lose it on 10/1) and that all the jobs Mike had been interviewing for didn't go through. Including the one that he is at now. For the past 15 mo. he has been working on a contract basis and his old boss told him the first week that they would hire him on permanently. His new boss told him that they aren't. At least until the end of the year.

He still does have a job, for which I am very thankful. But no health insurance. So our best option is for him to start taking classes again and we will get insurance through the school. Thus, in 2 weeks our lives will be a bit different. Now I will have a working and a student husband. The last time he was in school, I was not very gracious, to say the least. I am praying that my attitude will be different. There are many more things I could say about all this, but I fear that I will descend into a pit that I can't get out of. So, for now, please pray for me and look for many more philosophical and long blogs this fall (writing helps me to get out of my funks). Thanks!

The Blessing of Friendship

2008-08-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

We have lived in Everett, MA now for over 3 years. The first 2 1/2 years of it, I had a pretty bad attitude. We moved from one of the beautifulest places in USA (southern o.c. in California). I never really appreciated it, and I always wanted to leave. Also, I was born and raised there. So imagine my surprise after settling to our new home (which is very cute; our landlords take great care of their home) that I discover our city it a bit, shall I say, on the rough side. I wasn't used to broken, cracked sidewalks, or trash or broken glass or kids that all dressed like gangsters. So I tried hard for the first couple of years, to visit friends in other cities. And found myself making excuses for our little city. And then a year ago, Mike got a job in the suburbs. There was no way he could take public transportation there, and it was an hour commute. So overnight, we were now severely limited to our city or a few neighboring places. It was an adjustment, to say the least. I wish I could say that I had a good attitude about it. No. It was a hear adjustment.

So, that is a long introduction. Let's just say that God really worked on my heart. I read a few really inspiring books. And I finally took the step and actually reached out to some ladies I saw frequently at the story time at the library. It was one of the best things I've ever done. This summer was GREAT. We met up for pool dates. We played at the park and did arts and crafts through the rec. center. We had the music lady and the turtle lady and story time at the library. (Which now all the librarians know us by name and greet us as soon as we walk in!) I rarely had to wait for the bus or the train. I could just walk and meet-up with people. And now....

I can honestly say that I enjoy my city! I don't notice the cracks or trash (maybe there really is less of it this year) and the broken glass. Instead I see the memories we've made and the people we've met and the lessons I've learned. It's been a huge humbly experience. So, Thank-you to my friends in Everett and Malden. Thanks for being willing to hang out with us, and at times listen to my moans and groans. If we ever do move away, I think that I really will grieve.

And the icing on the cake was yesterday when 5 of us met up for some fun at the Frog Pond in the Boston Common:
Riad and Abigail hold hands every where they go! (here they are on the subway) He is a sweet boy and has a little sister, Mimi.

More hand-holding. I think we were playing the ants go marching on. Here is Abigail with Sophia, Alex, Riad in the back and the other Abby in the distance.

Sharing a blanket at lunch time..with Sophia, Abby & Lonnie

A cute pose with the Hill brothers, Lonnie and the 2 Abigail's.

New friends & the Beach

2008-08-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Abigail and I are part of a Mom's group through meetup.com. Last week we had a beach meet-up and met some new friends, Avery and Kieran, from Canada. After lunch, she warmed up to them and by the end, they couldn't even walk alone! Oh, the joys of youth!

Abigail & her ABC's

2008-08-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Now that she can sing her ABC's all by herself, we hear multiple renditions every day. Which leads me to another resolution:

4. I shall sometimes look back at the freshness of vision I had in childhood.

List of Resolutions

2008-08-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, people wrote resolutions...Jonathan Edwards is famous for them and I think George Washington had some too. Awhile back, I read a more modern list and I would like to share a couple with you:

1. I shall not fall into the falsehood that this day or any day is merely another ambiguous + plodding 24 hours, but a unique event, filled, if I so wish with worthy potentialities. I shall not be fool enough to suppose that trouble and pain are wholly evil parentheses in my existence, but just as likely ladders to be climbed toward moral and spiritual (wo)manhood.

2. I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others...mostly I shall simply forget about myself and do my work.

3.I shall not allow the onrush of this century to usurp all my energies, but fulfill the moment as the moment. I shall try to live well just now because the only time that exists is now.

In Desiring God, John Piper

Good-bye Rocas

2008-08-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today our friends & care group leader--Dan, Megan & Isabel (shown here with Abigail) left for 10 months to go to the Pastor's College in Maryland. Oh, partings are bittersweet. Once again, I am reminded how sentimental I am. I was a wreck yesterday at the "send-off". Today I am a little better...but we will still miss you!!!

Thanks for everything!

Design Star clarifications

2008-08-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

In my last post on Design Star, I got some interesting comments. So I wanted to clarify. I was kinda being fascias about my 'addiction' to Design Star. Actually, I don't really think if of as an addiction. Mike and I truly enjoy watching hgtv (which is the home & garden network). We like watching people take drab and boring rooms and transform them with paint and creative furnishings. I think Mike enjoys more when the carpenters take raw pieces of wood and make them into beautiful custom made shelves. We don't watch everyday. We might watch more than we should. But I was just wanting you to all know a different side of me. One that I am only recently discovering. I find delight in decorating and designing. I've even thought of taking interior decorator classes. Of course, like everything, I need to be careful that I don't make it into an idol. Or that I neglect other areas of my life (like feeding my family and doing laundry, etc.. )

So, here is a few of my recent projects. Nothing too extraordinary. I would love to paint the walls and put up awesome designs on them. But for now, I am learning to be content with renting and just doing what I can to make our home a more comfortable and inviting place to be. Hope you enjoy!

Our bedroom before. The pillow coverings didn't match and there was a lot of bare wall, plus the awkward corner.

Our bedroom after- With some pretty fabric, I actually sewed pillowcases (all I can sew is straight lines) and made the extra fabric into "art" on the walls. Abigail and I painted the frames and matting on the pics to match. And we got the canopy on sale. Now I truly enjoy going into the room. (it is also our office and storage room, so it wasn't that relaxing of a place before)

Up close on my hand-made pillow coverings

Abigail showing off her "name". We also painted these together. I've also made a new pillowcase for her and tie-backs for her curtains. (it has been raining a lot the past 2 weeks)

Well, I can only take half credit for this one. She is so cute that I don't really need to do anything :)

6 year anniversary

2008-08-04T10:44:00.001-07:00

Mike and I celebrated our anniversary by going to a really nice French restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Boston. We don't get to go out much, so when we do, we splurge! We love it here...especially when we walk into the lobby and they come up to us , greet us, ask us our names and instantly say "Happy Anniversary"!

On Grace

2008-07-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a bit sentimental this week and a little weepy (it's almost "that time"). So I will forgo any of my own thoughts and share a poem I read recently...and this is to you mom:

On Grace
Some people tell me I was free,
When I believed in Christ;
And by my power got victory,
When all the world enticed.
I think they did not know my heart,
Nor theirs. Let it be said,
That I for one had sought no part
In rising from the dead.
They wonder at the sovereign rights
That I allow my King,
And puzzle at the worship heights
To which his rule gives wing.
But I will rest in God's grace today
On this (I need no other);
He did not give me any say,
But chose for me my mother.

John Piper, in A Godward Life, part 2

Confessions of a Design Star junkie

2008-07-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

hello friends. I have no deep thoughts today. I just wanted you to all know that I am a Design Star junkie. What does this mean? It means that I LOVE hgtv and especially Design Star. We don't have cable, but we can watch the episodes on our computer now. Actually, Mike and I both like watching. We discovered our similar interest in design one vacation some years ago. Now, when we do go on a vacation (or at home, on the week-ends) when Abigail is taking a nap, we watch! Sometimes I get a little sick of it, but usually I just can't wait to see more and learn more. The only problem is when I start pretending that I am a design star! Like today, I just decided to "clean out" Abigail's room. But it turned into an almost all day project of re-arranging furniture, toys, and we even painted! At least, she did get to help with some of it, so I didn't feel too guilty, like I ignored her all day.

Anyways, just thought you would like to know. And if you've never seen design star, or if you have, right now you can vote for Season 3's winner!

Big Girl Bed

2008-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, we took a side off Abigail's crib and made a "big girl bed". Part of me is so proud of her for staying in and not falling out (I put the extra pillows on the floor, just in case) And part of me is sad...that she is not a little baby anymore. I am SO sentimental. I still remember her that night she came home from the hospital, all bundled up like a little doll (well, I guess it really wasn't that long ago). So, I am trying to enjoy the little moments with her NOW, cuz I know that the day she leave for college or gets married, I will look back at this picture and cry my eyes out.

Summer Fun

2008-07-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked me, what do you do in Massachusetts? Well, after seeing my cousin Marlo's blog, it gave me an idea to do a "week" in the life of the Cheng's. But then, we have been doing so much this summer, I will just highlight some of the fun things. Hopefully, for those who live far away it will help "see" our lives here :)

Many things start with waiting for the bus. During the week, Mike takes the car to work. So Abigail and I have been quite adept at taking public transportation. (this will be a theme for another blog)

We go downtown often. Here we are watching a singer for the Boston's Children's Day right before 4th of July

Sometimes we drop Mike off at work and take the car all day.
Here we are at a nice Beach with our friend's the Minchs.

We had a carnival last week-end with our church. Abigail's 1st bounce house experience!

Many days, we just stay close to home and enjoy the simple delights of summer. Like blowing bubbles in our backyard, watering flowers, going to the park down the street or story hour at the library, and recently we discovered the community pool is very nice on a hot day.

That's all for now! Gotta get ready for our next adventure!

Memories of ME

2008-07-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

Memories of ME

My cousin Joanna put this on her blog and I thought it would be fun.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories you have!!

Health Insurance, pt.3

2008-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

*** We have health insurance ***

Woo-hoo. I won't go into all the gory details, but it seems that we were able to qualify for a different insurance program that was still through the state, but we pay a small (very small compared to the private insurance) premium. When I talked with the lady yesterday, and she told me that we could qualify, I almost started crying! I wanted to give her a big hug and some flowers. Wow, I'm just glad that is over. But what I am really sad about is that as soon as I found out, I could feel a huge burden lifting. As if an elephant was riding on my shoulders and then poof..it was gone! Just like that! What makes me sad, is that as soon as my circumstances changed, my anxiety left. I wish that I could be like Habakkuk when he comes to terms with the fact that his people were going to be taken away into exile. He said:

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, And there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18

I would love to one day be able to rejoice even when the circumstance are bad or never change. Maybe when I get to heaven :) But for now, I will rest in Christ and enjoy my light shoulders.

Good to be afflicted?

2008-07-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes" Psalm 119:71

Although this is a hard verse to apply, I think it is one of my favorites! Now don't worry, I haven't been afflicted with some horrible disease. My "afflictions" usually revolve around worrying about money or my husband's job search or currently our health insurance issues. All these little (well, to me they don't seem little) afflictions really show me my heart. Mainly how sinful I am! How easy I get worried and anxious and lose all my joy.

But it is in the times of affliction that I can cry out to God and really apply the statues or Scriptures to my life. Verses become so much more alive. I cry when I read things like "be anxious for nothing" or "don't worry it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom". And then over time a peace comes. Or something changes and it's like God saying "See, I was always there...why are you so quick to forget?".

And after each trial is "over" I seem to have a deeper understanding of God which helps me in the next one. Even though I don't like affliction and seem to like worrying, it really is good for me to be afflicted, so that I can be sanctified and He can be glorified.

Health Insurance & Trusting God, pt.2

2008-07-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering how these pictures fit in with the title of my blog today. Let me try to explain...

I was watching Abigail play today... and she doesn't have a care in the world! (well, maybe she cares about drinking her 'milkies' and having 'white bear' in bed with her). But overall, she is clueless about the problems in this world. All she knows is that when she asks (politely) for food or drink or a toy, her parents provide. These pictures, I think, capture the delights of youth. Having a ball with spring flowers in our front yard. (these were taken at the end of May)

How I wish I could be like her! Now that I am older, I get so bogged down with the 'cares of this world'. Currently, we now need to decide which health plan to pick. We tried appealing our case, as instructed by the customer service rep, only to have it denied. The issue is that the insurance through Mike's work doesn't meet the standards that MA has declared, but we make too much to get the insurance through MA. So we may have to pick a private insurance or go with ours anyways and get more insurance later. So confusing.

But I do need to say that Mike has been wonderful in leading with this whole issue. He took over the responsibility to call and figure out all the options. Now it is back on my plate to go over the options and "pick" the best one. Yikes! I really need God's grace today.

So I will leave you with the smiling, happy, carefree pictures of Abigail and the lyrics to my favorite song from the new CD "Come Weary Saints" by Sovereign Grace Music:

Every Day

In your grace you know where I walk
You know when I fall
You know all my ways
In your love I know You allow
What I cannot grasp
To bring you praise

Chorus:
Thank you for the trials
For the fire, for the pain
Thank you for the strength
Knowing you have ordained
Every day

Your great power is shown when I'm weak
You help me to see
Your love in this place
Perfect peace is filling my mind
And drawing my heart
To praise you again

In my uncertainty, Your Word is all I need
To know You're with me every day

Ten Thousand Faults

2008-07-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

" He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more. He overlooks ten thousand of their faults, because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and, therefore, he is not disappointed when he does not find it" Charles Spurgeon

I read this quote in Ch. 2 of Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. The Chapter is about the delight of loving my husband. For some reason this quote really stood out to me, because I think I am a perfectionist. So I can be really hard on myself and consequently really hard and critical of Mike (and others). Thus, I desire to preach the gospel to myself, so that instead of seeing other people's faults (which I seem to see quite clearly), I can remember mine and rejoice in the grace of the gospel!

This pic. was taken at the wedding in California that Mike played in. My 2 cuties :)

Just for Fun

2008-07-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to share this one for awhile.
I took it about 6 months ago. Abigail was 2yr. 3 mo.
Hope you enjoy! And Happy 4th of July!!

Health Insurance & Trusting God

2008-07-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I think all those quotes I just posted were to serve myself for this week and the weeks ahead. I am struggling with some pretty big anxiety. Yesterday our health insurance ran out. We don't qualify for the state programs anymore. But the insurance through the temp. agency that Mike is working with doesn't meet the "state's requirements". I was told that a letter would be mailed today and we have to wait until they investigate our insurance options.

And although today I woke up completely healthy, I feel like a safety net has been ripped away. My crazy thoughts go like this: What if Mike gets into a big car accident on the way home today? We have no insurance. We won't be able to pay for it. We'll lose all our savings and become bankrupt! And on and on. Can you relate?

On Mother's Day our pastor preached on Psalms 27. David is afraid of men who are out to kill him (at least I don't have that issue) and he finds his comfort in God... "One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD" (vs.4). Two of the main points really hit home:

1. Is communing with God your #1 priority? Or is it just asking Him to come down and fix your mess so you can be at ease?

2. When uncertainty comes, it reveals to us what our functional God is. We can say all the Bible verses we want and can say that we trust in God.. but do we really when something happens? Or do we look to other things for comfort... food, TV, spouse, etc?

So as I wait for this letter and this investigation, I will fight my sinful desires (by the grace of God) to worry and be anxious and run to the cross for hope. And meditate on the last verses of Psalm 27:

" I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord".

Froggy Boots

2008-06-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

sorry that it is sideways
but it is so cute :)

2 more about anxiety

2008-06-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don't make this stuff up. I just get to regurgitate it :)

"Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety" Linda Dillow

and

"Our hearts are restless, unless they find their rest in Thee" (meaning God... and I don't know who originally said this, but our Pastor, Bauer Evans re-said it)

Can I just say again, how much I LOVE our new church? It is part of a network of churches... called Sovereign Grace Ministries. They have great worship, great teachings, great books and great people!

2008-06-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of faith is the end of anxiety. All our fret and worry are caused by calculating without God" George Mueller

Yikes! How convicting is that? I also heard this quote at our women's meeting last week. The main theme was trusting in God. I think my whole life I have struggled with worry. May God change me so one day, they could say of me:

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future" Proverbs 31:25!

1st post

2008-06-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

After much prompting by my husband, a cousin and some friends, I have now joined the world of blogging. I always felt kind-of selfish. Like, why should I ask my friend's to read my blog? I should just email them! But my friend Megan promised to read it if I started one (I read hers everyday). So to Mike and Megan... here we go!

I am a creature of God, and he has an undoubted right to do with me as seemeth good in his sight - He has my heart in His hands." Ann Judson

I heard this quote last week at a women's meeting through my church, Crossway (http://www.crosswayma.org/home.htm). This church has been such a HUGE blessing. It takes us an hour to get there, but it is so worth it! Anyways, I had a hard time coming up with a title for this blog and when I heard that quote it reminded me that I used "In His Hands" as the title of my newsletters when I was a missionary intern. I still need to be reminded daily that I am a creature of God; he is sovereign and in control of everything; and that he truly, truly as my heart (and my life) in His hands.

until tomorrow...