I love Singapore!

November 7-12

Yes, I, Lorraine, went on a little trip all by myself. This was a last minute thing offered to some of us to go to a women's conference. The timing wasn't great, but I couldn't pass it up. Some of our really good friends live in Singapore so I went out a day early to see them. Then another friend going to the conference started talking with me about going out early and we decided to make a little adventure out of it. 

I left after dinner to get to the provincial capital. My flight to Singapore flew from 11pm-3am. What in the world?! Best prices folks. My partner in crime was arriving from her country earlier and already checked in the hotel. I got in about 4 a.m. and she let me sleep in until 10 a.m. Then it was time to get coffee....

 I didn't know SC too well before this trip, we had just giggled together some in various meetings, her laugh is contagious, but get to know each other we did, and I am so the better for it. Plus her daughter gives Gabrielle a run for her money in spunky cuteness, they pair up together. Gabrielle loved that I was going to hang out with Grace's mom.

After enjoying Christmas Blend Starbucks and a delightful old-fashioned donut, we lost track of time in our conversation. But we had no where to be except wander, shop, explore, etc.

Off we went....our aim was only a ten minute walk....except that after 30 we had not yet arrived. That was when we realized that even with modern day technology, you still need to put it on the right mode. It was originally a ten minute drive, not walk! This was cool, we were still consumed in conversation, and because we knew we would also be consuming yummy food all weekend (Chili's twice), we needed to walk and keep walking.

 The things we passed on our wayward stroll.

And another reason for a pre-conference adventure: off-broadway tickets to The Sound of Music. I LOVE that we did this. I LOVE Theater and this did not disappoint at all. We had so much fun getting dressed up, still trying to navigate the city via subway, eating overpriced pizza, and sitting in the nosebleeds. I would do it over again. A blessing.

I did get up and do the treadmill one morning. I greatly dislike running on the treadmill, but alone in an unknown city I didn't have Germaine with me to help me get lost, so I stuck to the gym, where I found this water fountain...I took the pic for the kids, who love these things as such a novelty.

Great views.

Finally, before the conference, we did meet up with our Singaporean friends for breakfast. These people bless our family's socks off. They visit us, they love us, they encourage, they have some of the deepest faith of any people we have ever met. SC had never met them, but I assured her she would love them too. They are so down-to-earth and real in their endeavor to live full and live sacrificially for Jesus.

 We talked with them for almost two hours before they had to leave.

 We moved on and around the city some more.

One of the things I really enjoyed was the Christmas decorations and Christmas music playing in all of the malls. Every other building is a mall in Singapore, so it seems. And the subways all seem to come out in one.

 And perhaps one of our favorite discoveries were these folks: gentle reminders of how to be polite on the subway. These hashtags became our byword and SC and I laughed and joked with these like school girls. Just in case you might appreciate them like we did I will include each one for you...

This was our most used quote

"bag down benny" (but don't put down the soccer ball whatever you do!). This started to take on a little 'back off' tone to it.

We got a little snarky with this one too: Hush Hush Hannah!

Give way Glenda had the rockin' Afro

 While 'Move in Martin' was a necessary tip for sure on the crowded trains!

SC came up with the brilliant idea to see who could use all four phrases first with their kids when they got home.

Okay lets move away from our immaturity and on to Little India...
Our same Singaporean friends treated us to Little India, where they live.
This brought back so many real memories from India, the smells, the talk, the brightness. We loved this and were so glad we went. 

bangles...the girls love these.

from their apartment she showed me where she hangs out her clothes 10 flights up. I for sure would lose half my clothes doing this.

We moved from a hotel to a host home...an amazing couple from Wales opened their home to us and one other lady. What a treat to get to know these folks, we were so thankful for their hospitality!
The conference too did help me gather some thoughts and think harder on some things in my walk with Jesus. 

I was very thankful to those who provided this opportunity, for SC for nudging me to venture with her (or maybe I nudged her), and David who made it all possible!

This was for Gabrielle, who adores Hello Kitty. Singapore Airport!

STEM 2

STEM has been hit or miss with sickness, etc. But early November I did host again. 

I wanted to introduce computer coding but didn't have enough time to pull together across-the-age-range activities so I went with more structure stuff. Last time it was more about balance, placement, and physics. This time it was more about structural integrity, and physics too, along with design accommodations.

We used clothes pins, metal bracket pins, and our same 'ole jumbo craft sticks. 

They first had to make any size structure that could hold the most weight.  

 short and sturdy, those clothes pins in connection with the other materials proves super-strong.

We also just tried to design with triangles...

And of course try a bridge...

great designs...all did awesome and each person succeeded, failed, and improved upon their original designs.

Lastly I helped them build exploding boomerangs (that don't actually work like real boomerangs), with just four jumbo craft sticks. With no glue or anything holding them together they are stuck together simply by the way they are wedged. They loved this, then throw them and upon impact they 'explode'. (Just don't throw them at people!!! was my constant drum)

Still in October...Reformation Day (or Halloween in Some places)

October 31, 2017
Since it has been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his Theses to the door at Wittenberg, we had to amp up our celebration. KS and I, the morning before, talked briefly and threw together some activities for the event. She drew an amazing portrait of the door, and I printed the theses and came up with other games.

As part of our homeschool day I reminded the kids why we celebrate reformation day and its impact on their very own lives (they are protestant, for one). We talked about its impact on the life of the church, not to mention so many other ways that this first act spurred the reformation that really did change the face of Europe and consequently affected the world.

We read about Luther, we read about the climate of the catholic church and practice at the time. We sang hymns. And lastly, we decided to fuse it with the common day practice of dressing up and asking for candy....

Before going to 'protest' and nail the these to the door, each dressed in character. Not a character from the reformation scene, but others just as interesting....

 Padame (Star Wars) Coker

Obi-Wan Coker

Dr. Coker

Outlaw Coker

 What a rag tag team of protesters.

Wait we found more...Harry Potter, spiderman, and a few princesses

Printed in modern day print type it took eight pages...
imagine what Luther's 95 Theses looked like!

After Luther protested and he had to defend himself at the 'Diet of Worms' in Germany, we had our own little 'Diet of Worms' relay. I kind of hacked this by using chopsticks and not your normal gummy worms. It was hilarious to watch them hang tight to the worms with chopsticks and run to get them in their respective bowls...

 And later, K came up with Wittenberg Bingo....lots of skittles involved.

In the end the adults spread out in the room and the kiddos petitioned each one for goodies with the normal 'trick or treat' chime.
Yes, we called it a Fusion of History meeting Modern, with candy as an ultra-important center piece (in keeping with our half-hearted desire to keep up with some parts of American culture). And like a good momma, I snuck in apples and pennies, just to give them something to complain about...except they didn't know they were supposed to complain....so not much grumbling. And while they 'only' got about two small handfuls of candy, they were over the moon. And this is one of those instances where I happily keep them in the dark, they do not need to know what they are missing.
Overall a blast! Happy Reformation Day.

The Every Day Events of This Crazy Life

That is a misleading title, the following things don't really happen every day, and as to 'this crazy life' always debatable, maybe its just me that is crazy and the life that goes on around me is subdued and mundane....probably a mix of both, and that is how our God made it. No status quo around here....

Many weeks ago, it was time for the school 'fall outing' for each class. With three kids now in elementary school, this meant three places, three drop offs, three pick-ups....because of traffic I spent almost two hours in the car that day, even though the distance to the farthest place was not even 7 miles away. 

Tobin posing with his math teacher for a social media pic!


Sophia is in there somewhere with the girls from her class. She has grown up with these girls (they stay in the same class all the way through 6th grade in China).

Isabella had her outing too, but ended up going on a playdate with a friend, and David was in charge of her drop-off...so no pics!


But here is one just for cuteness. When Poppy and CC bought these dresses a few years ago I asked where mine was...I loved them so much. And look....little G is growing in, growing up. And even though she is a little tike, I still just removed all the 3t clothes from her closet and put in the 4t! (this was mainly because the 4t box was taking up my space!)

The kiddos all worked together on this Fusion fort, lincoln logs, legos, soldiers, robots, transformers, maybe a superhero or two. This was a really spectacular design with mutual effort. They had lots of detail as to how things worked. I was so impressed I let it sit in the middle of the living room floor for many days.

As part of birthday celebrations for both David and KS, we went on a double date with our China life family and neighbors. We've been doing life with these folks for over ten years. Awesome.

Kids all about making money...this was with smoothie drinks and candy (because Sophia bought a candy toy dispenser while in Thailand). They actually did make a bit of money and had a great time doing this. They paid Tobin for his labor (he helped carry the table, etc.)

Speaking of Tobin...positive peer pressure, right after class while his classmates waited on parents, they started their math homework, so Tobin got in the mix and did his too. His first semester is starting to wind down. And the teachers are going super fast because they have to finish the book in time for review. Not to mention that the pinyin system of reading Chinese has different sounds for the letters and mastering them is difficult when he just solidified all the English Phonics rules and sounds just this year. He is a trooper though, like every Coker kid before him!

The kids' surprise upon our return...

Lots to detail of the past month...hang tight. 

October 21, 2017

When we returned from our trip and walked in the door, the kids had planned a little surprise:

signs and poppy seed bread decorated and with a candle for David to blow out.

Sophia made the bread all on her own (and it wasn't on her to-do list either!). They did all of this to bless us and were very well-behaved while we were gone.

Returning to this made us even more thankful. We had already decided we would treat the kids to the local amusement park that they have been wanting to go to. This is very low-key, think small town fair, if that. But they were super-excited. I was too until the guy had to double check the breaks (manually) on the roller coaster. It was rusty and old, but David put his mechanical engineering hat on and gave his approval, as I nervously watched on.

It actually was  a little fun, jerky as it was.

G had already gotten in bed when David reminded that we needed a pic with the kiddos! 

So thankful for David's 40 years, and these kids who keep us honest, clinging to Jesus, and enjoying life.

(24 of) 40 things from ME to David on his 40th

I too came up with 40 things I LOVE about David for his 40th birthday. I will include a few (24 to be exact)...

  You keep getting smarter….not thought possible, but your humble heart knows it needs to keep learning in all things. I LOVE that you keep me honest in kettle bells, nutrition, medicine, bible knowledge, Bible dependence, God-dependence in parenting, searching for knowledge…to KNOW HIM more through His word and the blessings of other's wisdom.

     You keep on the plan and planning more…dreaming and dreaming big...the parenting plan…the life plan…the education plan for yourself and the kids. This comforts me more than you know. You are not a suibian (Chinese for 'non-chalant, go with flow') kind of guy, you are methodical, purposeful, and most importantly, you execute.

     You keep on asking others….with the plans…they are not yours, you know you live dependent, you seek HIS face in it all and you ask and ask others their wisdom, advice, counsel. Volumes, this says volumes about your humble heart.

 You keep being willing to adjust and be teachable….this is a nuance on the 'getting smarter'  and 'asking others' part. Maybe the plan is off-kilter, maybe things fail, you analyze, pray, adjust and seek his face. You are not afraid to find a weakness as you assess. And not afraid to show me my weakness and how it affects big picture stuff. I need the re-focus and I need you to stay teachable so you can lead me in THE way everlasting.

    You keep an open mind to those that differ from you. You have always been this way, especially in theology. This humility spurs me on to keep on open mind too, every one has something to offer, you are not threatened by the differences, you are secure in your theology and the thought that you don't 'know it all'.

  You keep wrestling with our kids…when I scream stop you keep on and keep laughing and it never fails when they say what they love about you it is this. You love them enough to keep them tough and tickle and roll with them on the floor.

  You keep dancing with me…I love that you have rhythm, one of the first things I noticed really as we went swing dancing. You love the common grace of music and you love to move to the beat and keep me there with you. 

     You keep playing soccer…this is certainly sexy. I didn't think I would find a guy who loves soccer like I do…but you love the game, you are awesome at the game, and you still know it is the only game in town…we are soccer snobs and I don't apologize for that.

   You keep friends. I noticed this when we met. Your good friends, were good friends. They were loyal and they loved you and it went both ways, you played hard, laughed long, and dug in all the nitty gritty with those special few, and you keep on with them in the same way today.

   You keep influencing. Tied into everything else but with one nuance. You desire to leave a legacy, you desire to have impact, you desire to see lives changed, and none of this for your glory. Your legacy is making God great and that drives you to keep influencing for all the right reasons, even when the world tempts you to gather your own fame.

    You keep your heart pure. I thank God for this daily, and pray for it daily too. But that you are so vigilant to guard your heart and mind in order to protect yourself, me, and our family from gross sin…this calms my heart, my heart that is in your hands. You know the weight of it and you know the schemes of the evil one trying to destroy. Thank you for taking this so seriously.

      You keep seeking to be a peacemaker, in our home always, with extended family, in every relationship you take the low road, and you drive me (pull me) there with you. I am always learning from you in this.

    You keep on laughing. You don't take things too seriously and this keeps our family rolling, you play the joke, take the joke, and enjoy life. It is contagious. Please, keep us laughing.

    You keep on laughing at yourself…humble enough to not sweat the small stuff, and not take yourself too seriously either. This is a balance you have mastered.

     You keep teasing. I used to take a joke better and surely I need to, so please keep teasing me and our kids, it is so good for our souls to be teased in fun and flirt together still…thanks for keeping at this.

      You keep kissing…to the 'ucks' of our kiddos, this keeps us all secure in your love for our family and me.

   You (don't) keep me guessing. I am completely confident in your love and fidelity. You communicate well and often and pursue me with tender love. I don’t have to guess what you're thinking…there are no games with you. Only honesty and security.

      You keep forgiving. I am thankful you are a vow-keeper! I have sinned against you in some horribly ugly ways and you draw me close, hug me tight and offer your life for mine still.

    You keep protecting us. From ipad time to bad guys, you stand up to protect our family from each other, from sin, from the evil one and evil people. Your deep convictions are a force to be reckoned with and I am thankful for them.

      You keep me knowing the best is yet to come. Perspective. This has to do with not settling, in marriage, in family, in daily life…when things have been mediocre, you remind…you lead, you describe God's hope for us in every aspect and it inspires me to live in the reality of our future hope and daily strength.

      You keep me honest. I love your pure ethics, no fudging on anything. Even in the country we live in, you seek an audience of ONE in all of your dealings on copyright, finances, everything. You are a man of integrity.

     You keep me from financial worry. Like everything else, you manage well to protect your family. You give up to gain, you show me a more sacrificial way, and you still know the blessing of wisdom with finances. Thanks for giving me peace of mind.

      You keep me from the worst parts of myself. You are always leading me, even in ways unknown to you, to turn to Christ, to remember my Union, to rest in REALITY, to not wallow or sulk for fight or curse. I know I have a long way to go but you keep me from living in guilt and shame by continually showing and telling me of the one who bore it all.

    You keep dying. Death to self, this is what I daily see. No, you are not perfect, but this I see victory in daily. When ugliness comes your way (a nagging wife), when words that hurt are spewed forth (children), when chaos ensues…I see Christ. I see him in you as you take a deep breath and gently remind us all of the way of wisdom, the way of the cross. Thank you, thank you for taking up your cross daily for the sake of the gospel in our family. Death by living real and living large, and living hope and living true. 

Forty Things (abridged) from the Kids

For David's fortieth, I had each child come up with ten things about their dad, these could be funny anecdotes, memories, things they love about him. This totaled 40 things on his 40th birthday.
I will include a few of them here for fun...
 
Some from Gabrielle

• I like making coffee for Daddy
• I like to wrestle with Daddy on the trampoline.
• We went on the slide in Thailand.
• Daddy ate a chocolate donut and I ate a plain donut.
• When I didn’t have a floatie on I never sinked in the big pool. (referring to David jumping to help her)
• We went at the doctor place but I didn’t get any shots, Daddy did.(referring to her attending David's dental appts with him.

From Tobin:

1.      I love wrestling with him.

2.      He is godly.

3.      He is fun to play with.

4.      He is good at arm wrestling.

5.      He loves everyone even if they are bad or good.

6.      Jumping on the trampoline is a fun memory

7.      I love him reading books to me.

8.      He is the best daddy in the whole world universe.

9.      He is smart.

10.   He is handsome.

From Isabella:

-I loved it when I do not have homework and we play tickle monster on the trampoline

-  I like that you are really funny. 

-  I think you are the best daddy in the whole world, I mean it!

-You helped me not to be scared to swallow my pills (vitamins)

- When I had a bad dream you told me to say a verse in the Bible, and then I was not scared anymore.

From Sophia:

1.      You have so many funny (or not) stories from when you were little.

2.      You are an adventurous and playful dad.

3.      You are always wanting to read to us not boring books but good books.

4.      You can really teach the Bible so we can understand it.

5.      You love to play and not sit around and be a boring adult. You are a kid-like person who plays like a kid.

6.      Most of all that because of you I was born into this family and believe in the one True God. I have a blessed life in a family who knows and loves God.