Yes, it may seem childish, but side walk chalk is nothing less than fun. While I was sitting on my grandparents porch this summer, I thought to myself it would be fun to create some colorful art on the sidewalk. After I finished my creation and showed it to the others, then almost everyone began coloring away.
Jessie decided to draw a bright hot air balloon, inspired by one that had flown over our heads just minutes before. Rachel drew a chalky sunset like the one we had been enjoying every night for the past few days. I, on the other hand, was less creative and stuck with the word love. In the end the pavement leading up to my grandparents house was, to put it simply, very very colorful.
Category Archives: Connecting4
Missing Summer and Family
The school year is nearing at an uncontrollably swift pace, and in looking forward I also look back at the memories I shard during the summer of 2013. This particular day, in Dallas TX, was one of my favorites because I had the privilege of spending an entire day snuggling my baby cousins.
The day started with a batch of caramelized french toast made by yours truly, and ended with a sunset as I held a little, sleeping girl in my arms. Everywhere in between, I enjoyed time on the lake’s shore, taking photos, cooking out, and playing with the dog, Snorts (as we have nicknamed her).
I’ve been so blessed with family who love and care for me, I will treasure this day for a long while to come.
From the Studio: More gifs…
I am not sure how much I like this one. But I was thinking of Rachel and wanted to try out my gif making skills one more time.
This is in honour of Rachel. Love you girl!
The Power of a Song
Dear Rachel,
As I was on the plane headed back to Tianjin listening to music, I thought to myself how powerful music can be. It can make you cry, laugh, and embarrass yourself more than you thought it ever could. As I sat on my incredibly uncomfortable Hainan Airlines seat, with aching legs and tired eyes I started to think of all the songs out there that reminded me of you. These songs stick in my head, and every time they happen to play I think of you. For example, “There Can Be Miracles” in the Prince of Egypt, this song reminds me of the time we went to KTV (karaoke) with our cousin, Jenna. You and Jessie sang this song together at the top of your lungs (standing on top a table, of course) and had no shame whatsoever. Or “Stay” by Rihanna, this song can almost make me cry even thinking about how you loved listening to it and every time it came on the radio I just had to call you over to listen with me. I am so thankful that God has placed these songs in my life so that every time I’m missing you or just need a little cry I can listen to these songs and think of my sweet big sister.
Below are just a few of many songs that remind me of YOU. (If the player doesn’t work just click HERE or HERE – sorry!).
Note: The player may not work if you are using google chrome as a browser.
In the Studio: Making GIFs
Got my hair cut, took a run and made a gif. Looks like I’m heading in new directions.
Update a little later.
KimChi Rice
I am a big fan of Korean food so when I found this recipe on Cakies Blog I couldn’t resist trying it out myself. I picked up a package of kimchi at the store and tried my hand at Korean cooking. However, I didn’t read the recipe close enough to know I needed 3 cups of kimchi and I only had about 1 cup’s worth. “No problem, I’ll just half the recipe,” I thought. Well I prepared the dish following the recipe adding seaweed as a garnish, but I have to admit it was a little bland. Hey, I’ll get it next time, I’m sure of it. Anyhow, it was a good try and I’m not giving up on my Korean cooking just yet! The full recipe can be found here.
We used this korean sauce (actually meant for meat) to add more flavor. 
Hello, Austin TX
Dear Rachel:
I’m missing you already, now that I am back in Tianjin; but I am thankful for the time we had in Austin visiting the University of Texas. Austin Texas is such a interesting city and it was fun experiencing it with you! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much I did!
This snake-cycle (the line of tricycles inside the snake’s ribcage definitely qualifies it to be a snake-cycle) parked in front of the Indian food cart was my favorite piece of decor in Austin.
I also really enjoyed visiting the University of Texas! Both the campus and the facilities were beautiful.
I would definitly gain the “Freshman 15” with all the amazing food around campus!
Plus, I think I can see myself working in the studio…
…or enjoying the beautiful pool!
I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this special trip with you!
Miss you!
Jessie
Spontanious Garage Party
There is no such thing as too many “Connecting 4 Meetings” – or maybe its just our excuse to spend time together with some good food! Whichever it may be, Rachel and I planned a “spontaneous” Connecting 4 “barn party” (which actually was to be held in the garage because our grandma doesn’t have a barn). Food Network magazines provided the recipes for our two main dishes: roasted chicken salad and grilled zucchini and feta cheese salad.
I was so proud of grilling my grandma’s fresh zucchinis and actually creating a delicious dish!
In the end we actually ended up on my grandma’s front porch because the garage was so hot… hey – it was still fun!
Maple Anniversary Cake
I made this two-tier cake for my grandparents’ 50th anniversary last week. I was going for a woodsy theme as we were spending the weekend in the Black Hills, South Dakota. Maple is a favorite with Gramps hence the frosting is a silky, rich & earthy, maple buttercream.
Before leaving my Grandparents’ house for the Hills, I made both an 8-inch and 6-inch vanilla cake for the special occasion. Working all day before we were to leave, I finished the cake’s most important components, leaving just the assembly to be completed at the cabin.
Simply put, this anniversary cake is compromised of rich vanilla cake, maple buttercream filling and frosting, and candied pecans sprinkled between each layer and atop. It was a huge hit. We enjoyed this cake together while watching slides of different events and snapshots of Gramps and Grams’ married life (including Gramps’ time serving in Vietnam)
B1 Airstrip
We had the great privilege of visiting the Ellsworth Air Force Base last week during our trip to the Black Hills. Through Grandpa’s clearance, we were able to enter and discover a little bit about their life as a military family. My Dad was a life guard at the base pool when he was around my age, he told us about what he and his brothers would do for recreation, shopping, etc.
I love the fact that Dad’s childhood was similar to ours in the way that he and his family were also constantly on the move. As a military kid, Dad lived in more than 8 states before he went to college.
While at the Ellsworth AFB, we had the opportunity to see some active B1 Bomber air crafts. What an awesome experience this visit was for us kids.
