27 years

My family moved here from Taiwan 27 years ago. Wow! I have been in the united states longer than my birth country. Pretty amazing how time waits for no one.

Farm Trip 2

We went again to farm country.  Thanks to Gong for coming along, it made the hour long wait for pony ride tolerable for all included.  Still had moments of temper tantrums but am glad it was not just my child.

Got to ride wagon ride and play in the produce to market showroom.

A New Day

Surprise! Today I got two fun calls.  One from a parent from Wasatch who wants me to tutor their 2nd and 5th Grader.  West was my student two years before.  I agree and he will call later today to finalize some things.

Second, a mom I met at the park invited Wes and I to join their pre school group and we will have a play date on Thursday to finalize curriculum and pre school schedule.  I am excited!

Little Nostalgic

Well both babies are sleeping after a walk to the park this morning and visiting the library.  I've been looking at my predessor's webpage and it is very well done.  I have to admit feeling a little blue that I can't be among them and be immerse in the "glory".  This is a transition time I tell my self, after this it will prove that I am stronger and better.

At the park, I met another mom and asked her about her 3 year old, and wondered if her baby goes to preschool. And you know what she invited me to join their group.  Waiting to hear back if Wes can join the group sounds like fun for him and for me, wouldn't mind teaching little 3 year olds, even if its just 5 of them.  We'll see if she calls back.

Ari will turn 11 months old in a few days.  She is small for her age but is meeting all her milestones. A little lower tooth is even erupting! She also can use the walker to walk.

Wes is three now and can be very stubburn, but his vocabulary has really soared! Today he even counted with the computer up to 12!

A Gentler Approach

Today Gong gong and Ama came to visit the kids an hour before their nap time. So Wes threw a huge fit and did not want to nap. You name all the misbehavior, he did it. From slamming the door, going limp, throwing tantrums, he did not want to obey.  So I let him threw a fit in his room.  He bang his body towards the door, crying for all of us (Gong gong) .  After 5 or so minutes, I went into the room gave him a drink of water , held him in the rocking chair, and rubbed his back.  That did the trick. He calmed down and was able to follow through with nap. Raising kids, must Be firm and with compassion.

Real Birthday

A visit to the farm.
Favorite thing for Wes is the ride on pony. I can't help but think how sad these ponies were...

Happy 3rd Birthday Son

                     
                  He got a fun visit for his birthday from Gong Gong, Ama and Uncle Marty.

Our Family 

A New Chapter: I'll be Okay

Today I completed my summer project for working in the Chinese youth camp for U of U. A total of four weeks, I taught both incoming second and third graders.  This was a lot of time away from my kids but a good way for me to earn some money before I stay home for good.

It would be good for the kids that I am back with them for our daily routine.  Kids do grow up fast,  here goes to my new chapter.

Week 4 Second Grade Play

Good group of kids 23 morning and 7 in the afternoon.  Games are good. Slap it game, Walk around the room and draw the vocabulary. Foldables for vocabulary words excellent.  They were sick of stories on youtube...

Generosity

Yesterday, we went to one of our hiking friends party, and Inna, a former teacher/ culinary sweet chef/ pharmacy tech student met us there.  She has been very kind to us and extremely friendly about our babies.  She bought each of the kids a gift plus a $50 gift card for me.  I am touched but extremely humbled.  What can I give her?

Realization

I've come to the realization that my optimistic subbing days may be limited. I love and appreciate my father very much but due to the fact that he has not step forward to discipline or guide Wes that makes me very concerned.

My question next is would he be willing to learn how or does he merely accept that he is just a "fun grandpa".  I don't think I am being unreasonable when I ask him to give Wes a variety of activities so he is not just constantly occupied on the iPad.

It may not be worth it, for me to be a substitute teacher, when my kids need me more at home. It is a sacrifice the next few years, but I am the best teacher for them.

Feeling Concerned

So my father has been watching the kiddos while I've been working at UVU chinese camp.  He really engages Ari, but leaves Wes behind. I am concerned because he would leave Wes on the iPad and attend to Ari. So Wes don't get any engagement.  Hence, he will less likely cooperate with my father.

The problem is not the environment of the kids, the problem is my father.

His concern is that while he is trying to put baby to nap, Wes is following them everywhere.

Action plan:

Sit down and talk with father.
Work up a plan to try for Monday. Share your concern about having him on iPad.

Encourage him, he needs to hear that he is doing well.

Monday Tuesday Wed. Thurs.
9-3          9-3        9-3     9-3

Day 2 Week 3 Chinese Camp

Well it has been great! I have 8/22 students that are from wasatch and even one from my class. I feel I am better prepared and it show in their performance.

Loving to be a Chinese Summer Camp teacher!!

Discovery Sunday

Today Bryce took family to hike with Auntie Wan in AF canyon. We were only on the trail for about one hour or so and Wes had already dirty his shirt and wet his shoes.  So nice to have a break from city life though.  After we just happen to pass by a pretty cool playground so we stopped there for another hour.  Got home at noon, quite fun really.