The Ong Family

American Patriotism

2010-06-29T15:37:00.003-06:00

John Greenleaf Whittier wrote a poem about a real woman named Barbara Frietchie, who was 90 years old when Stonewall Jackson’s army marched into the town of Frederick. The story is speculated whether true or not, but Barbara was well known patriot who loved her country. This poem pay honor to her. I think about it many times when I see a flag (regardless of the month) and remember the first time I heard it –given by my father –It holds special memories and feeling for me, and I wanted to share it.

Barbara Frietchie

by John Greenleaf Whittier

Up from the meadows rich with corn,

Clear in the cool September morn,

The clustered spires of Frederick stand

Green-walled by the hills of Maryland.

Round about them orchards sweep,

Apple- and peach-tree fruited deep,

Fair as a garden of the Lord

To the eyes of the famished rebel horde,

On that pleasant morn of the early fall

When Lee marched over the mountain wall,—

Over the mountains winding down,

Horse and foot, into Frederick town.

Forty flags with their silver stars,

Forty flags with their crimson bars,

Flapped in the morning wind: the sun

Of noon looked down, and saw not one.

Up rose old Barbara Frietchie then,

Bowed with her fourscore years and ten;

Bravest of all in Frederick town,

She took up the flag the men hauled down;

In her attic window the staff she set,

To show that one heart was loyal yet.

Up the street came the rebel tread,

Stonewall Jackson riding ahead.

Under his slouched hat left and right

He glanced: the old flag met his sight.

“Halt!”— the dust-brown ranks stood fast.

“Fire!”— out blazed the rifle-blast.

It shivered the window, pane and sash;

It rent the banner with seam and gash.

Quick, as it fell, from the broken staff

Dame Barbara snatched the silken scarf;

She leaned far out on the window-sill,

And shook it forth with a royal will.

“Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,

But spare your country’s flag,” she said.

A shade of sadness, a blush of shame,

Over the face of the leader came;

The nobler nature within him stirred

To life at that woman’s deed and word:

“Who touches a hair of yon gray head

Dies like a dog! March on!” he said.

All day long through Frederick street

Sounded the tread of marching feet:

All day long that free flag tost

Over the heads of the rebel host.

Ever its torn folds rose and fell

On the loyal winds that loved it well;

And through the hill-gaps sunset light

Shone over it with a warm good-night.

Barbara Frietchie’s work is o’er,

And the Rebel rides on his raids no more.

Honor to her! and let a tear

Fall, for her sake, on Stonewall’s bier.

Over Barbara Frietchie’s grave

Flag of Freedom and Union, wave!

Peace and order and beauty draw

Round thy symbol of light and law;

And ever the stars above look down

On thy stars below in Frederick town!

Our New Arrival

2010-03-17T11:20:00.006-06:00

INTRODUCING: Scott Ivan Ong

Born: March 8,2010 9:32pm

After 16 hours of labor -My doctor (Dr Klomp) said we needed to have an emergency C section -Our baby was facing the wrong way and wasn't making any progress. I was scared to death... my only comfort was that I knew I was in good hands (I have an incredible doctor -one I would recommend to every woman), and that hundreds of women have C sections all the time... and most importantly- Zack was with me to hold my hand.

Look at the size of our baby! :) 8lbs 14oz and 21 1/2 inches long :)

Baby Scott Ivan with his proud daddy

Listen to skibabe002s Playlist

2010-02-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

Drum Roll Please!

2009-10-20T21:08:00.002-06:00

We had our ultrasound on Friday morning and decided we wanted to find out what we were having......

We are having another boy! :-) We honestly are very excited about having another little boy -first because we already have clothes and toy for boys, and Logan will have a little playmate :-) that and I'm seriously worried that I would be a terrible mom to a little girl... I have no idea how to do little girls hair...and I don't know if I'd dress her up cute and put together... (at least not like a little boy) and I know... I know that that comes with experience and time, but the thought actually scared me. The only thing that was disappointing was that Zack and I had a girls name picked out. We honestly haven't been able to come up with a boys name AT ALL... so I guess since we have some time we're still ok -and we'll let you know when we do.

In a Nutshell

2009-09-19T10:41:00.003-06:00

Ok so after a few months of no internet at my house we finally got it again (we were having an argument with the phone company who said that if the internet connection problem was from inside the house we would have to pay for it to be fixed, even if we didn't do it) so after a long story short.... we went with CableOne -so far so good. :)

Ok quick update on our life -the most exciting news is that we are expecting! My due date is March 7 -and we find out in a couple of weeks what we are having. :) I just haven't ever been able to wait too long -at least not yet -maybe if I had a boy and a girl then I just might consider baby #3 to be a surprise... we'll see when that time comes... :D But for now we have decided that we want to find out. :) I'm sure we'll post.

Another crazy part of my life is being called into the Primary Presidency. I am now the 2nd coucilor and it has been so much fun -I think that Primary is one of the best callings I've ever had. Right now though it's been a bit crazy with trying to get the primary program ready and still being new to everything. :) I have to admit it will be a little nicer when the program is done.... but for now... :)

Next week I'm going to run/walk in the St. Luke's womens celebration 5K -maybe I will be able to post some pics....

Anyway -that's about it for now. In a nutshell.

Free Redbox Codes! :-) YAY

2009-06-22T15:32:00.001-06:00

Ok So I love following "The Budgeteer" Blog -she's fantastic... and something fun she posts are free RedBox codes -so I thought I'd share

___________________________________________________________________
More RedBox Codes
I have been missing my weekly free RedBox codes, how about you? Reader Elizabeth suggested using the library to rent new DVDs for free, which is an excellent idea and I wanted to make sure and put that in print for any of you who just had an "ah-ha!" moment.But I stumbled acrosee a couple codes on Inside RedBox and wanted to pass them along. I have not verified them, so if they work for you, let me know.***MC6AF39This code is valid an McDonald’s only, and is said to expire on June 30, 2009.6SN67S7This code is currently working at all locations, but may revert to a Shop N’ Save only code at any time. It expires on June 17, 2009To get all of the details on each of these and other Redbox promo codes, click here to visit the Redbox Codes page. You can click on each individual code to read comments and see when/where the code has been working recently. Also, be sure to report your experience with each code using the “ADD / UPDATE REDBOX CODE” form found on that page.
1 comments
Posted by Sarah Kay
Labels: RedBox

2009-06-08T18:38:00.003-06:00

2009-03-31T10:55:00.007-06:00

Birth-t0-Two

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN!

2009-03-28T18:01:00.005-06:00

I can't believe that Logan is now two -it just doesn't seem possible. Two years just isn't suppose to go by THAT fast. I look at him, and he just doesn't seem to be that "baby" anymore.

Today we had a lot of fun, we woke up and had "gwapes" and bagles for breakfast-it's what he wanted. :) and then gave Logie a hair cut -and suprisingly it was the easiest hair cut I've ever had with him -usually we end up both covered in hair and him so upset that he's difficult the rest of the day -I gave him a cookie to eat while I cut his hair and I think that's our new trick! YAY!

Then we went to the store and bought an Easter Sunday outfit -something he can match daddy in. I have to confess something awful -I only had Logan's 4 month old pictures taken -other than that -it's just been snapshopts... and nothing prepared.... So I'm determined to have a family photo taken and also Logan's two year old pictures taken. -I'll make sure to post them.

We also bought a birthday present for Logan's little friend -Brogan (his birthday is also today -he turned three) -Logan picked it out -it was a kite with Lightning McQueen (Cars) on it -hopefully it's something Brogan likes...after Logan helped me wrap it we went over to Brogan's birthday party -it was a pirate theme -and really cute! They had to walk the plank, and pin the treasure on the map, the cake was cupcakes shaped in the form of an island with a pirate on it -Logan loved the blue frosting (ocean) and was stained blue the rest of the day. :) -then they (all the kiddies) had a fun time trying to hit the Pirate Ship pinata -it was so funny.... none of them had the strength to break it, so in the end my friend Gina (Brogan's mommy) had to break it open for them....and the treasure -really was a treasure! chocolate gold coins, silver mint paddys, etc...! Gina you did an awesome job!

-Tonight we are having a little family birthday party -nothing really big -we're having all our families over for a real birthday party tomorrow. I'll make sure to post pics and everything.

I'm just so very humbled to be able to enjoy my sweet little boy -he truly has been a blessing in my life, he has made me laugh and smile more than anything else. I can't help but think that if someone had told me what joy he would bring into my life - I know I would have agree with them -but I probably wouldn't have felt the same way I do now. Out of all the things I have accomplished in my life, of all the fun experiences and good times I've enjoyed -nothing comes even close to the joy of being a mother. I feel so blessed -and am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me this overwhelming opportunity. I love you Logan. Happy Birthday.

It's lunch time!

2009-02-16T11:55:00.005-07:00

I just went into the kitchen after being on the phone with our insurance company, to find Logan sitting in the middle of the floor (with the fridge door open) a large tub of cottage cheese between his legs and a large spoon he got from the dishwasher -thankfully they were clean. :) three sticks of string cheese, and a carton of orange juice! I wish my camera worked! It was so funny! :)

Incredible Video

2009-02-12T13:08:00.003-07:00

Zack and I were watching the Glenn Beck show today online (I've never really been interested in talk radio or anything like it... but this is something that shocked me) and I felt that this was something that everyone should be aware of. I can't help but feel that we are in serious trouble. The video is above. Please watch it!

Changes and Adjustments

2009-01-20T13:45:00.003-07:00

Today Zack started school again -so far he's really excited and he likes his teachers. -which is really great! One class that I was a little surprised he wanted to take was a music appreciation class geared towards engineers (I didn't even know a class like that existed!). I guess we'll see how tomorrow goes with the rest of his classes and teachers. :)

Tomorrow will be my second week of being a news paper deliverer (newsie). The first day I wanted to cry -it was really frustrating because I had to get up and drive around trying to find houses I didn't recognize, and try to remember the particulars for each house (ie: one paper on the porch in the right corner standing up, or another on the right side of the windowsill next to the door). The only comfort and reason I think I was able to finish was because Jasie went with me. We got home at 6am (6 hours later). I was just so glad that she went with me. The rest of the week Zack went with me, and critique my rout until he got it down to 45 mins. (driving fast :)) and on Sunday an hour and 15 mins. A great improvement! Last night was my first night alone and I was able to remember almost every home, and completed it in an hour and 20 mins. So I am very proud of myself :)

Another new experience in our home is Logan learning how to open the front door. Today was his 3rd escape out into the big world, and a scary experience for me. He knows he's doing something he shouldn't -he quietly sneaks out, and even makes sure to close the door behind him. This morning I found him in my neighbors backyard...and a few days earlier Aunt Jasie found him in the road. This has been a frightening experience -I hope one that will end quickly. On that note I'm off to the store today to get childproof door locks of some sort.

2009-01-07T10:58:00.002-07:00

When things go wrong, as the sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must -but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow-
You might suceed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Sucess is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you never can tell how close you are,
It many be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

-Unknown-

I think this applies to so many of us in so many situations, and I feel like this is something I have to tell myself and try to remember and use as my "banner" or motto of the new year.

I got a letter from my little brother Chase who is serving a mission in Mt. Airy North Carolina -and he told me his Motto is: "The Struggle is the Glory" -that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I just feel like it is an appropriate thought to start out this new year. To all my loved ones, and friends -I hope and pray this year will be a year full of joy and wonderful memories. Happy New Year.

Quick Before Santa Comes to Town!

2008-12-19T09:58:00.004-07:00

I think that this has been by far my craziest week -I am not ready for Christmas-not even close. I can only imagine what it's going to be like when I have more kids. The biggest project I'm working on right now is TRYING to get Chase's Christmas DVD in the mail (My family has been sending me family video clips of themselves so that Chase can see the family, especially the kids -which he keeps asking me about -he thinks of each one of them) I've had a hard time getting some of the clips from family members (ie: I just taught dad that he has a camcorder on his phone) I'm especially excited because I got Grandpa Pearce on the video...hopefully I'll get it out in the mail today- otherwise I'm afraid he won't get it in time for Christmas.

Kicking and Screaming My Way Into Blogging

2008-12-10T23:50:00.007-07:00

So this is all a new thing to me -Jasie came over and informed me that I was going to start a blog whether I liked it or not. Actually she confessed thoughts of creating a blog for me, and posting pictures and comments for me... and then letting me see it later....maybe :)
I'll have to tell on Jasie again... I went over to the neighbors house tonight (she needed me to watch her kids while she ran to the store for some meds) and while I was gone, Jasie created this blog, and now is having me post "my first of many" postings. :) What great faith she has in me. :) Hopefully I'll learn my way around here, and know how to do it on my own before too long. And so without further ado, I find myself a blogger after much kicking and screaming. ;-D