Genesis 3: Scripture Memory for 2013 - 2014 School Year

We have had some interesting discussions about how to take responsibility for one's own choices--good and bad--while dwelling on these verses this year (and then face the consequences). M insisted we could celebrate and end the school year now that this part was complete. :)

I also like how she takes a deep breath again in the middle, just like last year's recitation. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzY78ohCIh4

Genesis 2--Memory Chapter for 2012-2013 SY

To continue in Genesis, M memorized the 2nd chapter this year. To make it more interesting, she saw some onyx and resin at a site in Pamukkale. She worked on one verse almost every week.

Comfort in the Sovereign One

Daniel 2.20-23:

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."

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We missed voting in this year's Presidential election because we neglected to realize some logistics of being overseas and not knowing what to do when we didn't receive our ballots in time to send them back. I was kicking myself over and over for not being more diligent about the process, but I have to remember: I serve a sovereign God. We are given the privilege to vote in our country, and we should exercise that right, but I need to trust not in my vote but in my God.

A great article by Russ Moore also encourages me at this time: http://www.russellmoore.com/2012/11/07/christians-lets-honor-the-president/ .
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Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

Life in a New Land

There is a bit of apprehension whenever I move to a new place, but there is always a bit more faith involved with our moves now that we have keiki in tow. :) The excitement of a new adventure always seems to override any nervousness. This move is of no exception, and I am extremely thankful to God that our children have become great travellers. The younger of the two only remembers our last home, and he continues to recall the log cabin as his house. "When are we going back to my house?" "Rex is not with us because he is at my house."

The older child misses her friends and the activities we did with them. We thought our last assignment brought extremely transient and few children, but as it turned out, we all ended up with friendships that will last our lifetimes, I believe. Currently we are in a situation where we HARDLY meet any children because of the nature of this tour of duty. Even the native children are fewer because of the hot summer; supposedly many of them go to the shore during this days of extreme heat. Smart!

Nonetheless, it is a great relief to find that our children are making the most of this time in our life. They've transitioned well from living on five acres of land in the country, where four-legged creatures outnumbered the human being population by far, to living in a bustling city in an apartment. It doesn't hurt that we live so close to the water. They truly appreciate when they can speak to someone in their native tongue, be understood, and understand the other person. They suffer through language lessons given by their incompetent mother, who doesn't know the language.

Many friends like to say, "Home is where the Air Force sends us." We like to say, "Home is where God sends us," and we look forward to our ultimate home with him someday. :)

A Tribute to Dad

Dad with Steph, Johnny, Mary, and Lisa (last Sunday)

"You no more homework? I'll give you some!" 

As children of my dad, we never wanted to be "homework-less." Dad would always give us more things to do, and they'd be MUCH harder than any homework our teachers could come up with. Circles! Ugh! Ups and downs! Those were our handwriting exercises. We'd have to make sentences using multiple words that we'd have to use the dictionary to discover their meanings--and that was only 1st grade! Our projects were never good enough; we had to make them perfect. 

It worked to my perfectionist side a bit, but I feared I would become an ogre of a parent when homeschooling. Ah, yes! Homeschooling! When a parent's worst nighmares become a reality! Even though I didn't want to push my children more than they needed to be "encouraged" and "exhorted," I think I have done so. Yes, more than once. More than twice. More. Ugh!

What did I learn from my dad? Discipline in education and the love of learning. He taught me good penmanship, yes. He also taught me to play the 'ukulele and to want to dance hula gracefully. He taught me that God is important and he wanted my name to reflect that.

He taught me to love music, even though I am unable to "play by ear" like he does. He taught me to speak in front of a crowd, and--boy!--has that come in handy for paying many bills!

He hated that I went to Notre Dame and would write to me (along with his brother) to try to convince me it was a bad school led by the Jesuits. After finally convincing them that the Holy Cross order ran the school, they left me alone. He also became a HUGE ND fan! :)

Ever since I can remember, my dad cooked our meals in our house. He loves food, and he passed on that love to all us kids. When we lived in Kaimuki and a Korean lady moved across the street from us, he immediately (as soon as he could tactfully) ran across the street to ask Jun if she could teach him how to make Korean food. 

Little did Auntie Jun know how far her tutoring would go. Dad went on to be in charge of the Korean Food Booth at our school's annual fund-raising carnival. For weeks we had kim chee, taegu, and other Korean scents filtering our home. 

Of course, the children had to help out. This was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY before Costco came along! We had to peel--I don't know how many--cloves and cloves of garlic. As we grew older and went to different schools, Dad would always offer his cooking prowess wherever we went. His menu expanded and soon became the International Food Booth, partnering with other leaders. 

Whenever we cooked with Dad, we noticed he didn't use a recipe. VERY OBVIOUS. 

Dad: Put sugar in that bowl.

Me: How much?

Dad: You know, a little.

Me: (After putting a little) 'Nough? 

Dad: No, PUT!

Me: (After putting a little more) K?

Dad: (Walks over and pours about 2 more cups) Just PUT! 

:)

It was hard for him to finally write down his Kalbi recipe, as he'd make some of his great tasting Korean short ribs for the people at the Ground Floor at the previous base whenever he came to visit. I pressed him to help me develop his taste to pass down. Yes, like playing by ear, his cooking talent only sort-of got passed down to me. I like to eat. I like to cook. I don't always get to where my dad gets w/o at least a list of ingredients. I can cook by taste, but sometimes I can't figure out what that special feature is. 

Anyway, I FINALLY got up the nerve to use Dad's recipe. IT WORKED! That is what is a the top: the short ribs marinating and then grilled. :) 

Thank you, Dad! :)

A Dress & Slippers--breaking the basic rules

Makana's ride wasn't hindered by her fashion sense. It was her first solo ride around our house through tree roots and other obstacles. Go, Makana!