Suddenly, I look up and you're almost gone.

I feel like time passes by too fast..

it was Michael's 23rd Birthday today and we celebrated him with his family..

We had a yummy lunch at The Café and then took his cousin Tressa for a campus tour (it started snowing); and then we passed by the Reiman Gardens (it's a campus park), and we decided to go in and visit the Butterfly Park (yes, we have a Butterfly conservatory, and it's free :P)

It was awesome beautiful! The cousins and Grandma Jan left shortly after, and it was a prayer & scripture read pre-siesta time for Michael and I..

Then, we went on a 1-on-1 date at The Broiler with good, succulent steak and then a movie afterward on my wonderful cable TV..

We watched Father of the Bride.. and it just hit me, literally, I felt the emotion collide with my brain like a MAC truck..

Michael is graduating in 3 weeks.. and he would leave Iowa State FOREVER! 

and I wouldn't be able to spend Whole days with him anymore.. i was so overwhelmed ( and so emo-ed, i burst into tears.. ) but I know for SURE,

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

and I know, the LORD is watching, and 

All things work together for good for those who love HIM. 

So I wait for HIM to make All things Beautiful in HIS time, though it may involve a little bit of heartache here and there.. My Hope is in the LORD..

and so there's no talk about deferred hope making ill the heart.. *ideally*

So We keep our eyes focused on Father, and cherish each other's company and time while we still have it.. 

3 more sweet weeks of bumping into him on campus <3 

Michael mon cherí.. 

I like you!

When faced with Trials from without

Or tempted from Within,

Rely on the LORD for strength

To turn away from sin.

-Sper

Perfecting the art of

Chicken and Potato in Oyster sauce 

I have gotten the perfect recipe! Just how mommy makes it *yummm*

You have no idea how many failures i had, burnt/overcooked chicken, undercooked potatoes, too salty, too bland, weird chicken taste... and now FINALLY!

1 pound chicken ( like 2 thighs/ 3 drumsticks/ 2 whitemeats)

marinate for 10 minutes with oyster sauce( 3 tablespoons) soysauce ( 2 table spoons), and a dash of " mm heong fun (5-spice powder)"*agak-agak la*

in a pot,

saute´ minced garlic and 2cm cinnamon stick, half a star anise, thin ginger slices( i put like 4 slices) and 4 cloves.

Add cubed potatoes (1 large potato) fry awhile

then add the chicken and marinade (add a little water)

let cook till potatoes are soft/chicken is cooked( dont overcook), and take out for eat! 

Oh my gosh.. 

SO goood!

Serves one Esther.. 

*hehehe...*

Listen and be Still before Him.

Search me O Lord and know my heart,

Try me and Know my anxieties,

See if there is any wicked way in me,

And Lead me in the way everlasting.