Eliza is a dancer. She loves to watch anything having to do with dance. "So you think you can dance" TV show (that we can see on rare occasions) inspires her to spin around the house like the contestants on the show. Cinderella's ball room scene inspires her to find a partner, curtsy and grab a hand and dance. Well, this video is of Eliza watching a Barney Video where they are teaching the children to do the Luau. I love her cute little wiggles. Enjoy!
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Ps. 127:3
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hair cuts!
A few weeks ago I took the girls to get hair cuts. Miriam is always complaining that the back of her neck is too hot- so we decided that we'd try a short doo this time. Eliza, just a little trim to help even things out- I usually cut her hair myself. Anyhow, the girls loved a little pampering and I giggled and all the spectators. When do you get to see two cute little foreign girls get their hair cut?
Poor thing- middle of the afternoon, sitting still, warm room, what choice did she have but to sleep? :) I tried to wake her but it was useless... I had to prop her head up so the hair dresser could finish her cut.
Do you like the audience we had for Miriam's cut? She loves the attention.
The final product:
FYI: It is more common than not to have male hairdressers in China- I've only seen a handful of female hair dressers in our 5 years living here. I know that in America there is often a stereotype that goes with a male hairdresser but here it is the exact opposite. An American friend that used to live in Beijing (and happened to be a retired hairdresser) learned that female hairdressers are often considered to have extra curricular activities that I wouldn't want to mention on our family blog- if you know what I mean? Interesting, huh?
Poor thing- middle of the afternoon, sitting still, warm room, what choice did she have but to sleep? :) I tried to wake her but it was useless... I had to prop her head up so the hair dresser could finish her cut.
Do you like the audience we had for Miriam's cut? She loves the attention.
The final product:
FYI: It is more common than not to have male hairdressers in China- I've only seen a handful of female hair dressers in our 5 years living here. I know that in America there is often a stereotype that goes with a male hairdresser but here it is the exact opposite. An American friend that used to live in Beijing (and happened to be a retired hairdresser) learned that female hairdressers are often considered to have extra curricular activities that I wouldn't want to mention on our family blog- if you know what I mean? Interesting, huh?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Morning Exercises
China is into exercise. Every morning and evening you can see TONS of people gathered for their daily exercises and socialization. It is mostly an event for those that are retired but you can see people of various ages participating. This is one thing that I LOVE about China. I love that folks get off their sofas and get out to spend time with neighbors and get healthy. Sometimes I scratch my head at the methods but then I scold myself and say, "Well, they are out doing something. Am I?" Some questionable methods that I see on a regular basis: 1) walking backwards around the running track 2) Walking backwards around the track while patting their bumbees. 3) Tugging at their ears while marching in place... Oh, I could go on and on with the curious things I see. But again, they are out and about while I haven't officially exercised in years. UGH! There are the more organized groups too. Tai Qi is usually a morning group exercise while ball room dancing and line dancing are saved for the evening.
Anyhow, Morning Exercises are one of my children's favorite parts of their school day. The music starts, the children run to their places and the teachers lead them in synchronized aerobics. I know these type of activities last, at least through, elementary school years but after that I'm not too sure.
Take a peak. Can you find the children? CJ is in a blue sweatshirt in the foreground- middle row, 4th from the front. Miriam is the furthest group wearing pink (I don't think you can see her) and Eliza's class stands and watches on the side (left near CJ) till their turn when the big kids are done. Eliza is wearing a pink sweatshirt and you can see one of the teachers bend down to greet her. I just realized that the morning this was recorded the schools PA system was broken- hence the lack of music.
As I return home from taking the children to school I also observe another group of people doing their morning exercises- the store employees. Yesterday I watched a group of about 40 electronic store employees line up in our plaza for their morning exercises. This group of 20-40 year old males and females, clapped and marched in time to the music. Think that would fly in the US?
Below is a clip of another group- employees of a tiny jewelry store outside our complex.
Yet, another glimpse into a culture that I can't always relate to.
Anyhow, Morning Exercises are one of my children's favorite parts of their school day. The music starts, the children run to their places and the teachers lead them in synchronized aerobics. I know these type of activities last, at least through, elementary school years but after that I'm not too sure.
Take a peak. Can you find the children? CJ is in a blue sweatshirt in the foreground- middle row, 4th from the front. Miriam is the furthest group wearing pink (I don't think you can see her) and Eliza's class stands and watches on the side (left near CJ) till their turn when the big kids are done. Eliza is wearing a pink sweatshirt and you can see one of the teachers bend down to greet her. I just realized that the morning this was recorded the schools PA system was broken- hence the lack of music.
As I return home from taking the children to school I also observe another group of people doing their morning exercises- the store employees. Yesterday I watched a group of about 40 electronic store employees line up in our plaza for their morning exercises. This group of 20-40 year old males and females, clapped and marched in time to the music. Think that would fly in the US?
Below is a clip of another group- employees of a tiny jewelry store outside our complex.
Yet, another glimpse into a culture that I can't always relate to.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Easter 2011
Just a few shots of this Easter. We had a great day celebrating Resurrection Day with foreign friends. It was a warm spring day and we enjoyed time studying and meditating on Joseph of Arimathea's account of the Easter holiday. We were able to spend almost the entire day with our friends and we all enjoyed some loving fellowship!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
CJ- he's 8
Wow! CJ's birthday was 2 months ago and I'm just now getting to his pictures- OOPS! I hope you still enjoy pictures of our growing boy!
Well, on February 13th we were in Thailand preparing for a Homeschool Conference. Since we knew we'd be traveling for awhile we were able to plan and bring some Birthday tradition makings with us. We stuffed some Lucky Charms and presents in our suitcase and were good to go. On the big day we woke and had Lucky Charms in bed and opened presents from extended family and Mom, Dad and sisters. He LOVED the new Legos, remote control helicopter, Spy Watch, Play Mobile Men... Then we made a trip to an American Restaurant that is in Thailand, Tony Romas. We all enjoyed steak, ribs, yummy bread, veggies, chicken... YUM! Then came the Big Decision- CJ had the choice of dessert. He definitely wanted a Theme Birthday cake back home but while in Thailand he had a hard time making a decision- ice cream, ice cream cake, regular cake, Crispy Cream Doughnuts... the options seemed endless and he just couldn't decided. Finally, we made our way to Swenson's for Ice Cream.
A photo of Mom and the Birthday boy at Tony Roma's:
Well, he made the heart wrenching decision of where to have his birthday dessert and what he would have (ice cream) but now the decision- what flavor ice cream. Oh, he was beside himself. After much deliberation he narrowed it down to 3 different flavors so we tried to relive the situation and let him have a double scoop ice cream sundae and then a single scoop of chocolate ice cream. Don't you love the face when his birthday dessert finally arrived?!
We were pretty confident that he wouldn't be able to finish the two desserts but we loved watching his face... until... he became painfully full after finishing the single chocolate cone. Poor fella felt awful and started to cry. The tears were not so much from the pain but because he didn't want the waiters to think that he was a wasteful boy and was not going to eat the food that he ordered. Daddy was not about to let the Birthday boy's day be ruined. He helped CJ resume his dignity by finishing a bit of the sundae. :) A photo of the 'too- full' birthday boy! Ugh!
The Birthday Celebrations lasted over a month. As we returned home from travel he asked for chocolate cupcakes and planned the Birthday meal menu.
He had not forgotten the theme cake. This year the car theme continued... this time it was a race track, which happened to be in the shape of an "8". He was thrilled to share his cake with our Sunday Morning friends and receive a few more gifts.
The final birthday celebration was with a neighboring little girl. Nemo, the little girl, is probably the closest friend that CJ has outside of school. They enjoy playing badminton, climbing mountains, and just hanging out together. They really enjoy each other's company and I'm hopeful that they'll be able to spend more time together when school pressure (for her) lets up a bit. (That's if her mother lightens her extra-curricular activities a bit. She participates in 3 different classes on Saturdays and 1 or 2 on Sundays.)
A bit about our boy, CJ. He is in love with anything with wheels. He likes to read about them. He likes to race them. He likes to construct them (mostly with Legos). He likes to talk about them. And every year he asks for a Birthday cake having to do with wheels- though last year he finally gave in and choose something that flew. He still desires to drive one when he grows up- though he was disappointed to learn that driving race cars is MOSTLY a hobby and not a source of income for a family. He desires to be a dedicated husband and father and has on occasion talked about the type of woman he plans to marry, the number of children he desires to have and how he plans to raise them. (I especially love these conversations. He has told me in detail about the type of man that he'll be- he'll love God and those around him. He has told me about the woman he'll marry- she'll love God too. He's told me about their occupation- they'll serve God wherever He'll send them. I leave these conversations with tears in my eyes and a very happy heart.)
CJ is a unlike his sisters and clueless to detail. I think this has been one of the biggest differences I have seen between boys and girls. His room can be cluttered in NO time at all (granted it is small and easy to mess up in minutes) and he is oblivious to his surroundings. I'll walk in his room and be appalled at the sight and gasp (ok- that might be a bit dramatic but I do like order). He'll look up at me and say, "what, Mom?" I'll motion to the mess and he'll say, "ok, I'll put that book away in a bit." He seems to have over looked the dirty clothes in the middle of the room, the books strewn across the bed, and the Lego container dumped next to the book shelf. He is only aware that he is having a great time and can still find his way to the door.
CJ's weekly tells me of his one wish: to go back to America so he could wake early in the morning, stay home from school and play Wii for hours on end. He is under the impression that he is the only boy in all the world that has to go to school and do work. I continually remind him that even if he were in America he would have to attend school and do homework.
CJ continues to be a very sensitive boy. With some of the limitations that come with pregnacny such as lifting heavy objects or pushing his youngest sister in a stroller, CJ has stepped up to bat and has been such a little man. He doesn't have to be asked- he just notices my struggles and runs to my aide. I'm so thankful for his sensitive spirit. His sensitivity is also apparent in spiritual matters. The most recent thing that he has struggled with is his own sin. He often gets so upset with himself over repeated sinful actions and he will say, "I hate myself", disappointed that he has committed the same sin once again. I hate that he struggles so much with the reality of our sinfulness but at the same time I'm glad that he has a very real understanding of our behavior and need for a Savior. He so desires to do right and is so disappointed when he feels like he has disappointed the Father.
We're so thankful for such a treasure we have in our son. He is a blessing from the Father and we're so thankful for have him in our family.
Well, on February 13th we were in Thailand preparing for a Homeschool Conference. Since we knew we'd be traveling for awhile we were able to plan and bring some Birthday tradition makings with us. We stuffed some Lucky Charms and presents in our suitcase and were good to go. On the big day we woke and had Lucky Charms in bed and opened presents from extended family and Mom, Dad and sisters. He LOVED the new Legos, remote control helicopter, Spy Watch, Play Mobile Men... Then we made a trip to an American Restaurant that is in Thailand, Tony Romas. We all enjoyed steak, ribs, yummy bread, veggies, chicken... YUM! Then came the Big Decision- CJ had the choice of dessert. He definitely wanted a Theme Birthday cake back home but while in Thailand he had a hard time making a decision- ice cream, ice cream cake, regular cake, Crispy Cream Doughnuts... the options seemed endless and he just couldn't decided. Finally, we made our way to Swenson's for Ice Cream.
A photo of Mom and the Birthday boy at Tony Roma's:
Well, he made the heart wrenching decision of where to have his birthday dessert and what he would have (ice cream) but now the decision- what flavor ice cream. Oh, he was beside himself. After much deliberation he narrowed it down to 3 different flavors so we tried to relive the situation and let him have a double scoop ice cream sundae and then a single scoop of chocolate ice cream. Don't you love the face when his birthday dessert finally arrived?!
We were pretty confident that he wouldn't be able to finish the two desserts but we loved watching his face... until... he became painfully full after finishing the single chocolate cone. Poor fella felt awful and started to cry. The tears were not so much from the pain but because he didn't want the waiters to think that he was a wasteful boy and was not going to eat the food that he ordered. Daddy was not about to let the Birthday boy's day be ruined. He helped CJ resume his dignity by finishing a bit of the sundae. :) A photo of the 'too- full' birthday boy! Ugh!
The Birthday Celebrations lasted over a month. As we returned home from travel he asked for chocolate cupcakes and planned the Birthday meal menu.
He had not forgotten the theme cake. This year the car theme continued... this time it was a race track, which happened to be in the shape of an "8". He was thrilled to share his cake with our Sunday Morning friends and receive a few more gifts.
The final birthday celebration was with a neighboring little girl. Nemo, the little girl, is probably the closest friend that CJ has outside of school. They enjoy playing badminton, climbing mountains, and just hanging out together. They really enjoy each other's company and I'm hopeful that they'll be able to spend more time together when school pressure (for her) lets up a bit. (That's if her mother lightens her extra-curricular activities a bit. She participates in 3 different classes on Saturdays and 1 or 2 on Sundays.)
A bit about our boy, CJ. He is in love with anything with wheels. He likes to read about them. He likes to race them. He likes to construct them (mostly with Legos). He likes to talk about them. And every year he asks for a Birthday cake having to do with wheels- though last year he finally gave in and choose something that flew. He still desires to drive one when he grows up- though he was disappointed to learn that driving race cars is MOSTLY a hobby and not a source of income for a family. He desires to be a dedicated husband and father and has on occasion talked about the type of woman he plans to marry, the number of children he desires to have and how he plans to raise them. (I especially love these conversations. He has told me in detail about the type of man that he'll be- he'll love God and those around him. He has told me about the woman he'll marry- she'll love God too. He's told me about their occupation- they'll serve God wherever He'll send them. I leave these conversations with tears in my eyes and a very happy heart.)
CJ is a unlike his sisters and clueless to detail. I think this has been one of the biggest differences I have seen between boys and girls. His room can be cluttered in NO time at all (granted it is small and easy to mess up in minutes) and he is oblivious to his surroundings. I'll walk in his room and be appalled at the sight and gasp (ok- that might be a bit dramatic but I do like order). He'll look up at me and say, "what, Mom?" I'll motion to the mess and he'll say, "ok, I'll put that book away in a bit." He seems to have over looked the dirty clothes in the middle of the room, the books strewn across the bed, and the Lego container dumped next to the book shelf. He is only aware that he is having a great time and can still find his way to the door.
CJ's weekly tells me of his one wish: to go back to America so he could wake early in the morning, stay home from school and play Wii for hours on end. He is under the impression that he is the only boy in all the world that has to go to school and do work. I continually remind him that even if he were in America he would have to attend school and do homework.
CJ continues to be a very sensitive boy. With some of the limitations that come with pregnacny such as lifting heavy objects or pushing his youngest sister in a stroller, CJ has stepped up to bat and has been such a little man. He doesn't have to be asked- he just notices my struggles and runs to my aide. I'm so thankful for his sensitive spirit. His sensitivity is also apparent in spiritual matters. The most recent thing that he has struggled with is his own sin. He often gets so upset with himself over repeated sinful actions and he will say, "I hate myself", disappointed that he has committed the same sin once again. I hate that he struggles so much with the reality of our sinfulness but at the same time I'm glad that he has a very real understanding of our behavior and need for a Savior. He so desires to do right and is so disappointed when he feels like he has disappointed the Father.
We're so thankful for such a treasure we have in our son. He is a blessing from the Father and we're so thankful for have him in our family.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Treasure in the Sand
We recently returned from a few weeks of travel. While we were gone we were able to spend some time at a beach in SE Asia. It was wonderful to be in the sun and to relax and spend time as a family. Anyhow, while there, CJ found a treasure in the sand. The quality is really poor since I had to copy it off our computer- but you can still see everything (atleast I hope you can). Check it out:
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pictures from the fall/ winter
I was looking at some of our pictures on the computer and I realized I had missed posting so many different events this fall and early winter. I think the business of winter and the fatigue of pregnancy took their tool on posting. Sorry about that! I'm feeling a bit more refreshed these days (yeah for 2nd trimester) and now am hoping to catch up a bit. These pictures are in no particular order... just random shots.
Sarah, one of the two American college students that was here this fall/ winter, joined the kiddos in making Christmas cookies. What a fun afternoon!
Here the girls are playing in their room with Bunny- a close Chinese friend. Bunny is so great with the kids and love her.
Sarah & Eliza are busy baking in the girl's bedroom- we're so thankful for college students with lots of energy and love for our children :)
We love to celebrate Birthdays at our house. Here is Miriam giving Anna, one of the American college students that was with us this fall, a birthday card.
A group shot that was taken at Thanksgiving time. This is one of the parties that we had with Chris' students. It was fun to share Thanksgiving traditions and a few desserts. It's always makes me giggle when I see the brownie plate hovered over and quickly scrapped clean. Asia/ America- no difference in the taste buds of college students :) Well, at least when it comes to chocolate!
Here is a pic of Chris' new look. (Some of the cousins have affectionately named him "Mr. Clean" (minus the earring) :)
One family day we made a trip to the zoo. We had a great time together- even though we felt like one of the attractions.
Though it was a far reach- CJ and the giraffe were able to reach each other over the enclosure wire and surrounding hedges.
CJ has always loved babies. He was so glad when he got to hold this cute little girl- she and her family will be in our city for the next year learning Chinese.
Sarah, one of the two American college students that was here this fall/ winter, joined the kiddos in making Christmas cookies. What a fun afternoon!
Here the girls are playing in their room with Bunny- a close Chinese friend. Bunny is so great with the kids and love her.
Sarah & Eliza are busy baking in the girl's bedroom- we're so thankful for college students with lots of energy and love for our children :)
We love to celebrate Birthdays at our house. Here is Miriam giving Anna, one of the American college students that was with us this fall, a birthday card.
A group shot that was taken at Thanksgiving time. This is one of the parties that we had with Chris' students. It was fun to share Thanksgiving traditions and a few desserts. It's always makes me giggle when I see the brownie plate hovered over and quickly scrapped clean. Asia/ America- no difference in the taste buds of college students :) Well, at least when it comes to chocolate!
Here is a pic of Chris' new look. (Some of the cousins have affectionately named him "Mr. Clean" (minus the earring) :)
One family day we made a trip to the zoo. We had a great time together- even though we felt like one of the attractions.
Though it was a far reach- CJ and the giraffe were able to reach each other over the enclosure wire and surrounding hedges.
CJ has always loved babies. He was so glad when he got to hold this cute little girl- she and her family will be in our city for the next year learning Chinese.
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