June 2011

Since I've fallen so behind in blogging I thought the best way to catch up is to just do a month at a time... that way I can be caught up to post pictures of new baby Hanley next week (8 days and counting- I can't believe it).

Anyhow, June's events:
- Celebrated our 11th anniversary- pictures in previous post

- This year we had Caroline come join us in our city. She is a sweet girl that our family loves to spend time with. Caroline celebrated her 23rd birthday this year and requested a Hamburger Cake. It was a family effort in creating this cake. I wasn't sure how to do it since I've never used fondant before and didn't have marshmallows to make it... so, with Chris, CJ and my creative juices flowing we came up with this cake. I thought it turned out well & Caroline did too.




- I traveled to Hong Kong to get a Rhogam shot (since my blood type is negative and Chris' is positive I need to get a Rhogam shot during my 2nd trimester of pregnancy to make sure that all is safe for baby). Anyhow, after searching all over main land China (by phone I called all the big cities- our city, Shanghai, Beijing, and a handful of other clinics) I could not find a shot that is pretty routine to find in the states. So, in mid June I traveled to HK in search of the doctor's office that I found where a Rhogam shot was available. I'm glad I was able to get the shot but came home weary from the travel.

- While I was gone to HK the kids finished out their last days of Chinese Kindergarten. Though their school was going through the end of June (atleast till then- the school actually didn't even know when their last day of school would be) we declared that June 17th would be their last day of school. I was getting so exhausted from taking them to school and picking them up every, day in the heat. The almost 3 1/2 miles a day of walking in the heat was too much for me to handle with the big ol' belly. The kids didn't mind finishing the school year a little early- now they would get to sleep in. Here is a picture of them with one of the school's security guards.


- I got home just in time for Chris' birthday. We didn't get to celebrate that night but we did make his favorite cake- Bob's Chocolate Cake with Butter Pecan Icing and opened gifts the next day. Miriam prepared a scavenger hunt for him to find his Birthday presents and we had a nice time together celebrating a great Daddy!



- At the end of the month we planned to go to a nearby city to have a few days of R&R as a family and celebrating the end of the spring semester for Daddy teaching and the kids and Mommy with homeschool and Chinese school. While there we had plans of me attending a joint Baby Shower and time for the whole family to enjoy some English Speaking Fellowship. Well, on morning #2 I woke with some pains in my back. I thought it was just pain from sleeping in an uncomfortable bed. Well, after a few hours more of pain that wouldn't subside we made a trip to the doctors. The culprit- kidney stones. UGH! Because of my need for surgery, blood type (very rare in China), fear of the baby being born pre-mature when I was under anesthesia and other concerns... Chris & I flew to Bangkok Thailand. We were so thankful for the timing of everything. It's just amazing to think of how the Lord had us in a place where we could see and OBGYN that is fluent in English, friends (with children) that our children were familiar with and they were able and willing to watch our children for us, and others that could help us get to Bangkok. I received great care and was a peace the entire time knowing that our Heavenly was in control. Thank you for all the prayers lifted on our behalf!

That was June! Lots of travel- we were ready for a slow July!

Our 11th Anniversary

This June Chris & I celebrated our 11th Anniversary. Knowing that next year there would be a baby in our home and that would make it a bit more difficult to travel we decided to take an extended weekend to celebrate the last 11 years. We traveled to a resort location in China called Sanya. It was an amazing time of rest for us and we loved some time devoted to remembering our last years together and thinking and praying through the years to come. Friends helped watch the kiddos and gave us a wonderful opportunity to relax. We're so thankful!

The water and beach were beautiful but the water was a little too rough for me to enter- the tide was too strong and I thought a little too dangerous for preggo me. So, we spent a little time on the beach and many hours in the hotel's swimming pool. We also took a bike ride around the resort area and ate out for a special meal together.

Mostly we just sat in awe of the silence. Actually the first afternoon we didn't do much of anything- even talking. We asked each other if everything was ok- we were fine, just taking in the peace and quiet that we can't experience in our city. :)

Eliza does the Hula Dance

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!

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?

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.

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!

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.