She's my mother, not my sister.

And she is Drew's mother-in-law. It's true.

Today we would like to wish our Mom / Waipo a very happy 47th birthday!

If you think that sounds young, you should see her -- she looks even younger than her age. She's got a big heart of gold and is ever extending herself for others. Grounded, approachable, accepting -- people feel comfortable with her. Basically, my mother is the most lovable lady on the planet. I mean that Mom! We think you've got a special package of qualities and you're just plain fantastic. I hope that twenty years from now my spirit will be as vibrant and sparkling as yours. 

Blowing kisses to you Waipo!

It's been almost two years since we last saw her! 

Here are a bunch of shots from our adventures together in summer 2011. Seeing these photos is one-part torturous (the longing!) and two-parts sentimental (happy memories!).

Notice how adventurous she is. How adaptable and able to make friends even cross-culturally.

Here she is getting friendly with my dad over a piece of stinky street tofu.

That little boy is Jonathon!

She met him while he was still living at Butterfly Home.

counting the graces 

thank you Father for

zillions of happy memories

moms and dads who follow jc

no fear for the future; no regrets of the past

heard my Grandma Ruth's voice today

our dedicated Chinese teacher Ms. Zhu, patiently and faithfully tutoring us

an optimistic, carefree Drew

morning mist that dissipates into noon sunshine

my kids! they're awesome little people! I'm blessed to have them with me every day

Preschool Photos

Titus has been in part-time Chinese preschool for two years now. Our main goal is for him to acquire Chinese language and enjoy friendships. Overall we've been so pleased with our local preschool and thankful that Titus is accepted and happy.

Titus' class is learning and doing all the things you would expect in a four year-old class -- art, games, P.E., music, nature, counting, playground, teamwork, snacks, naps, cartoons, stories, basic Chinese character recognition, life skills. This spring Titus is helping teach his classmates a few English words each week with a poster that he and I create at home. Every Friday afternoon families are invited to join the class for hiking on the mountain trails.

This fall we're tentatively planning to start Mike and Jon in half-day preschool as well. They're both ready and will benefit from the social and learning environment.

Below are a bunch of photos, including a backlog of old ones that I dug up on the class website. Keep your eyes peeled for our brown-haired boy!

 counting the graces

thank you Father for
my mother
everybody singing loudly and happily at Tuesday night English corner
recent letter from Grandma Ruth to hold in my hands

ginger tea
unhurried nap time
job offer for Drew
repentance, forgiveness and a fresh start
Jon eating pureed sweet potatoes
auntie who loves on our kids
sleeping with head on husband's chest
husband says I'm his best friend, favorite person to spend time with
romans 8 - nothing can separate me from your love