My father-in-law passed away on October 11, 2006 at 11pm. He was diagnosed with liver cancer back in April 2006. Daniel and I asked for his parents to come down to Houston and live with us so we could take care of him and his sickness. They agreed so pretty much after my father-in-law found out about his sickness, he moved in with us about a week later. We were very happy to take care of them. It has been such a great journey to learn about my in-laws. I never knew I could love anyone else the way I loved my parents. I've known Daniel's parents for 7 years now, but really I've gotten to know them better once they moved in with us. Every night we would eat dinner together and when his dad was not really sick, he would cook for us each night. (After all, he was a chef for 20 years or so) Then on the weekends we would go out to China Town and eat out together. We always spent time together. I'm just looking back at these past 6 months and he has had such a great impact on my life. He has given Daniel and me so much. Especially love. I miss him. I miss everything about him. I miss his presence. I miss his laughter. I miss his love.  I miss the times we spend together.

The thing is I don't know how to feel right now. I cry on and off like a mad woman. Certain things kind of trigger my memory of him. We were finally able to see my father-in-law at the funeral home today after about a week now since he passed on. It was very hard. I thought that maybe if I would cry all my tears out that when I see him, I wouldn't cry anymore. It didn't happen like that. The very sight of him lying there made me cry. Then my mother in law cried and so did Daniel. I couldn't contain myself. I tried to be strong, but I failed. I just keep wishing in my heart and mind that he would wake up and come home with us. I know he is in a better place right now. He was in so much pain while he was sick.  Time will heal the pain I feel.  I just can't describe this feeling that I feel.  I never lost anyone this close to me.

The thing is that I was hoping and praying for a miracle for my dad and that the miracle would be that he would get better and his cancer would disappear. I didn't see that miracle take place, but another miracle came about. The day before my father-in-law passed away, he accepted Jesus into his life. That is a true MIRACLE!! See my father-in-law's background is pretty much Buddhist. We have been trying to get him to come to church with us. We even found a great Chinese church for him. When he first came down to Houston with us, he was open about coming to church so we were able to take him to the Chinese Church. But he was not ready for Jesus. They had communion that day and he refused to take it b/c he said he has not believed in Jesus yet. We were okay with that, we didn't want to pressure him into anything he wasn't ready for. So we just kept hoping and praying that he would eventually see what we saw in Jesus...that HE SAVES!! We took him to church maybe about 3 times in the whole 6 months he was living with us. He would always make up something so that he wouldn't go, but towards the last 3 months of his life, he was getting sicker by the day. He didn't want anyone at church to see him and his condition so he wouldn't go with us. We just kept showing him unconditional love and kept trying to keep him positive and take his mind off his sickness.

On October 10, 2006, Daniel had found out there was a healing service being held by Dodie Osteen at Lakewood Church. She usually does the healing service once a month. Well Daniel had asked my father-in-law if he wanted to come to get some prayer. He agreed to go with us. He normally would just tell us he was too tired to go with us. On this day, he was actually very sick and tired. He could barely get out of his wheelchair. We rolled him into the hallway where they were doing the healing service. They were giving out numbers and we were #77. They were calling 10 people up at a time since there was so many people who needed healing prayers. They were only on # 40 when we got there. My dad was pretty tired and he was in alot of pain, you could see it in his eyes. I was very proud of Daniel today. He had the Holy Spirit in him and was not afraid to speak to his dad about Jesus. He had rolled his dad to the restroom and when he came back, I saw him talking with another lady and they were praying for my dad. My mom was in tears! I came by and my father had his hand on his forehead. He was in such pain. We kept praying and laying hands on him. Finally one of the Lakewood Volunteers told us to come up front so our dad could get prayed for. They were only on #56 or so when they called my dad up. I just felt Jesus everywhere in that room that night. My father-in-law got prayed for and he cried. Whatever anyone said, Daniel would translate it back to his dad. Usually this is very hard for Daniel since his Chinese isn't the greatest, but for some reason, today, he spoke it very well. The pastor asked if my father-in-law wanted to accept Jesus into his heart and he said "YES" and also he said that he "LOVED" Jesus. Now that was a Miracle. He used to always debate with Daniel about Jesus but this night he wanted nothing more than to believe in Jesus. A lady had brought over the bread and juice to see if my dad wanted to take communion. He drank so fast and ate the bread like there was no tomorrow. He truly believed. Daniel and I was so happy!!!!!!!!!!!

On October 11, 2006, from what my mother in law told me, my father-in-law was not feeling good at all that whole day. She had said he looked a little different all day long. He didn't speak at all but he would point out things he needed for my mother in law to do. She told me that he felt no real pain that day. Usually he is in so much pain that he can't sit in one place. When Daniel and I got off work, we went to eat really quick and brought back dinner since my father-in-law was so weak. He ate maybe 2 spoonfuls of soup. Not much at all. Then Daniel was heading out to play a game of tennis with one of his friend. He left maybe 15 minutes and that's when I heard my mother in law calling me downstairs to call 911. My father-in-law had fainted while she was rubbing some medication on his back. I called 911 and Daniel and we rushed to the emergency room. We were there for maybe 20 minutes and the doctors told us he had lost his pulse. The docs had asked if we wanted to give him CPR and try to get him back. OF COURSE!! Why would you ask that kind of question??!! I guess it's standard, but it was weird they asked us that. Well they pretty much tried for an hour to get my dad back, but they finally had to stop b/c he wasn't responding. We said our final good-byes in the hospital and my father-in-law was at peace. He got to see his wife, and 2 sons before he died and that was one of his wishes. Jesus took him home so that he would not suffer any more pain. He is with Jesus now and we will all see my father-in-law once again in heaven. I do believe this with ALL my heart and soul.

My father-in-law was a great man. He did great things. He helped many people. He loved his family. He worked hard. But regardless of what he did all his life, he was a sinner.  But the day before he passed away, he gave his heart to Jesus before it was too late. Life is too short. Jesus died on the cross for ALL our sins. We just have to have faith and believe that JESUS is the ONLY one that can save us. Only God knows when our last day will be. Don't let it be too late. The worst death that anyone can have is one that will seperate you and God. I don't ever want to be separated from God. He is the only one who loves me unconditionally regardless of my faults and shortcomings.  I love Jesus very much. 

Please continue to pray for my family, especially my mother in law and Daniel. Also, thank you everyone for the kind words and love that you have shown towards my family. I didn't know so many people cared. I am deeply touched and grateful.

Introducing the newest addition to our family! They were born on July 24th, so they are almost one week old now. Aren't they adorable?  Dandee actually had 4 puppies, but one passed away.  I'm not sure why, but it was sad.   Anyways, I want to keep all three of them, but I don't think Daniel wants me to do that.  We already have 5 chihuahuas!  If I keep them all, we would have 8 total!  Pretty crazy huh?  But what can I say???  I LOVE DOGS!!!   I've named all three of them.  Two are girls and one is a boy.  I already have names for them: Deuce, Dixie and Dumpling!  Yeah we are keeping it in the "D" family--teehee...yeah yeah!   Can I keep them all honey??  Pleaseeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of our Canadian friend (Thien-An) who's like a little brother to us, just left our house after playing HALO with Daniel and Brave.   (HALO seems to get guys together...I still don't get it, but it's a good thing) Haven't seen him forever!!  It was so amazing for him to come hang out with us.  No matter where we are in our lives, we can always pick up where we left off.  His girlfriend Brittany and I had a wonderful talk too.  I think we talked for like 3 hours straight.  She's such a lovely girl.  It's cool b/c they have a long distance relationship and are still going strong.  I love that!  I give them props for making it work, I know it's not easy. I would love to spend more time with Brittany, she's such an awesome person!  I love that girl! 

On another note, Daniel and I have been going to West Houston Chinese Church.  It's been hard for me since I don't understand a lick of Chinese , but we just found out they have an English service, so I'll be going to that next week.  I'm very excited about that!    Anyways, our parents have been very receptive to the whole church thing.  They are adapting and willing to go so we are very happy right now.  It's the first step...with a little more love and prayers, they will accept Jesus into their lives.  I know it!  God is good and I know God had a purpose for Daniel's dad's sickness.  Regardless of the outcome, I will trust God in whatever plans He has for all of us.  I can only hope and pray for the best--and I will!!

Oh yeah, and also this past Sunday that I went to West Houston Chinese Church, I saw a previous co-worker of mine.  So weird because I haven't seen her in 2 years!!  I was in shock when I saw her.  She was more in shock when she saw me, b/c she didn't know why I was there since I don't know Chinese at all!  LOL...she didn't recognize me at first!  She just kept starring at me...it was funny.  I am glad I was able to know at least one person at the church to show me around.   Woohoooo, I might finally pick up some chinese after 7 years with Daniel!  LOL...well, who knows...I'll try my best!  It's a good thing Daniel's family speak Vietnamese so I don't have to try too hard! But I will try though...Okay well time for bed now! 

XOXO--muah!!

It's been a long time since I've updated.  Sorry, again I've just been super busy.  Life is flying by so fast for me.  I can't believe it's already JULY!!  I mean from my last post it was May.  Whoaaa...  Anyhow, here's a little update. 

We finally convinced Daniel's parents to move in with us.  They are originally from Dallas.  Daniel's dad (his name is QUANG)  is very ill right now and we are taking care of him.  Please keep him in your prayers if you can.  (Thanks in advance.)  It's been such a joy to have his parents here.  I have the best in-laws in the whole wide world!!!!    They have totally spoiled us even though we are suppose to be the ones taking care of them!!  My father-in-law cooks for us when we get off of work.  He used to own his own restaurant until he got sick.  He misses the cooking, so I think that's why he loves cooking for us.  Besides, I can't cook!!  Yeah, it's the truth...I can make a few dishes (very limited), but they aren't too fancy.  I know everyone can make noodles! 

Oh and then my mother-in-law does everything else for us.  She is AWESOME!!  She cleans my house, washes my clothes and even mows the yard!  Isn't that crazy?  I keep telling her to stop doing all these things because I don't want to become lazy and spoil and not do them.  She just always tells me that she doesn't mind and she's so bored at home and it makes her time go by faster.  I feel sad when she says that.   She misses working.  She's a total work-a-holic like me, so I understand completely.  I think if I was working hard for 40 years and now I had to completely stop and stay home, I would be bored out of my mind.  She's at home taking care of my father-in-law right now, but when he gets better, she is going to find some kind of job so she won't be bored.  We told her she should just enjoy the good old retirement days, but she says it's hard.  I love them so much!!!   I really have been blessed to have wonderful in-laws.  Not everyone is that blessed.

Now a little update on my job.  I have been trying to cut back my hours lately.  It's been hard since I have a new girl come in and I have to train her.  We are still short right now so at times I'm still overwhelmed by the workload, but majority of the time, it's been good.  I just feel blessed to have the job that I do.  I had review last week and I got a pretty decent raise.  We get reviews twice a year.  I was thinking about how fast I've advance at this company, which is all by the grace of God.  I've only been with Netco since March 2005.  I became the branch manager starting December 2005.  I've only been with my company for a little over a year.  I was in total shock when I got the promotion.   There's so many other people who have been there longer than I have, but my regional said that I have more management and leadership qualities.  It was such an honor. 

I'm just recapping on my past year...and it's had it's ups and downs, but I am rethinking everything and I feel happy to be where I'm at now.  I was starting to complain and be negative about not having enough people in my office and it was just overwhelming, but I took on the role as a manager and I  knew the position I took on had more responsibilities.  I was even thinking about quitting a few weeks ago because I was extremely stressed out.  I'm glad I kept pushing on  Everything is much better now.  I am now more positive and able to handle my stress in a much better way.  I have a better outlook on my position now since my new girl came in.  She's like in her 40's and she said she looks up to me!   I can't believe someone older than me is even saying that.  She's so happy that I'm her manager and that she said one day she wants to be like me!  HUH???   Wow, that's completely flattering!!!  That made me change my mindset on my job.  I'm blessed to be where I'm at right now.  God already had a plan set out for me.  He had a purpose for me to be at this company.  I get to meet different people all the time and so I am able to witness to them.  I am a living testimony of how awesome God is.  I am not worthy of Him giving me anything, but He loves me and has good plans in stored for me.  I have always believed in the promise!  God is Good and it's defintely ALL the TIME!

Change of subject...my little sister Anny will be graduating August 5!  (Congrats little one)  I'm happy and excited for her.  She will be going to Optometry school in Houston.  (Don't worry Anny, you got in!!--Go Coogs!)  Woohoo....I've already made a room for her.  It's already painted lilac so she better come to Houston!  Heehee...well she is planning to go to Vegas for her graduation?!?  Wished I could come, but I won't be able to...or maybe I could.  We'll see.  I would love to go though.  It would be fun!  But if I don't go, I think we will plan on going on a cruise.  Ohhhh...I've never been on one of those before.  I was too scared too at first.  I watch too much 20/20.  I saw this one episode where this couple was on their honeymoon on a cruise and the husband was missing.  There was foul play and he was never found.   They believe someone pushed him overboard.  Crazy huh?  It's still a mystery!  That scared the crap out of me because I was like I don't want to be pushed off a boat...I CAN'T SWIM!!!  You just never know who that crazy person will be.  But I am rethinking about the whole cruise thing.  I've had friends going on cruises and they've made it back safe and sound.  What's to worry about?  I'll be chained to Daniel or whoever's with me for the whole trip.  I'll even bring my pepper spray!  I'm such a freak...I know.   Oh well, better safe than sorry.

Well this is all I have for now,  will update again I'm sure in about 2 more months! LOL...just keeping it real.   (I'm sure no one ever reads these post anyhow.) Oh yeah, my little cousin got me into the whole MYSPACE thing...so you can see my other website:  www.myspace.com/hellodede

Chao for now!! 

Hello again!    So this weekend my little cousin Mike is in town for Spring Break.  He's 12 years old, and we hardly get to see him much unless we go back to Dallas.  We're so excited to give him an awesome time this weekend.  Daniel has this whole schedule of things for us to do.  Fun!!  Fun!!  Fun!!   He'll be staying til like Wednesday or Thursday, then he'll fly back home to Dallas.

Anyhow, on March 24th to March 29th, Daniel will be going to Las Vegas!!!!!  His company is having a conference over there!  Lucky for him, but so sad for me.   I'll be alone for practically 5 days!  I haven't ever been that long without my BooBoo bear.    The last time I went to Las Vegas was like 7 years ago with my family.  I want to go again, not because of the gambling or anything, but I love to see all the awesome buildings and casino.  It was nice the last time I went, so I know for sure now, it's even better.  Daniel's company is super cool.  His boss is extremely generous.  Daniel will also be going to Orlando (Disney World) in May.  I'm really jealous!!!!   He gets to go to these nice places, WITHOUT me!!!  How could he?  Heehee....j/k....I'm happy he gets to go.  At least one of us does.  I know I'll have to go to St. Louis or Chicago for some management training soon.  So he'll feel how I feel when he leaves.   But, I hate traveling by myself.  I'm such a baby.  I don't really like to fly much so going to far away places by myself is frightening.

Oh yeah, btw, I love my new CIVIC!  It's so wonderful.   Drives so smooth and it fits me like a glove.  I'm glad I made my decision by picking the CIVIC.  And NO Little BRO, I am not trading my Awesome Civic for your beat up one that I left you.   LOL....no way!!!!  I'll let you sit in it next time you come into town!  

Let's see what else is new.....oh yeah, we got 2 more doggies.   Yeah we have a total of 3 doggies now!!!  All CHIHUAHUAS!!! Now we have a family of 5.  It's Daniel, me, Deno,  Dandelion (Dande for short) and Little Dipper.  Yeah, I'm keeping all the D's in the family.  I'll try to upload some pictures when I get a chance.  They are so cute!  I love all my babies. 

On a final note, I just want to praise God for all the wonderful things He has done in my life.  I can't believe He has blessed me in so many ways.  He is truly good to me and I totally don't deserve it.  I could never repay Him back.  I just want everyone to know that everything that has happened in my life was not by chance.  God has always been watching me and taking care of me.  He knew where I would be today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life.  I let God take the wheel to my life.  Just TRUST HIM!!!!  He's got it all figured out.  Don't put limitations on God.  Just believe that he has good things in store for all of us. 

That's about it for now...just wanted to do a little update.  Talk to ya later.