Friday, June 21, 2013

Paper Chain Countdown


Titus kept asking, "Am I going to the US tomorrow?"

We constructed a visual aid to help conceptualize the time.
This paper chain has been facilitating our count down. Orange links represent days at home; blue is for days at school; pink is departure time. 

Now that I look at it I realize I screwed up and there should be another orange link. Bah!
K, we'll have to graft one in.

SIX links until take off!!!






























counting the graces
thank you Father for
our friend Ani is making supper for our family tonight, at her place! so I'm off the hook cooking and in for good company
watching Titus interact at school during parents' open house this morning, he is happy and has grown so much
time to finish preparing a newsletter while the boys are napping
kindness of neighbor Yang Cong inviting me to be her date at her company's party
kindness of Xu Kai offering to watch the boys if ever I need a babysitter
though Jon is sick and vomiting, he is still happy and active and staying hydrated
nurse eager to give good advice, putting me at ease
a thousand colorful little toy cars and trains strewn all over the playmat in the sunporch --  a sign of children, blessings
my engagement and wedding rings

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Granny Liao of the Stairwell


Liao Nai-Nai is a granny who lives in our stairwell of twelve apartment units.

She's kinda gruff and abrupt, but in a teasing, playful way.
Her husband is a cook at Titus' school. They have a fluffy good-natured dog named Andi and natural wicker furniture in their living room.
She is active and spunky, and generous. She makes this dark sour-spicy fruit leather that comes out a little different every time. I'd really like to learn how to make it with her. Every now and then she whips up a batch and gives us giant folded sheets -- unfolded they cover our coffee table. It's usually gone, eaten, in a day.





counting the graces
thank you Father for
air-conditioner, refrigerator, running water
discussion on wisdom at Tuesday night's group, listening, sharing ideas, us all interacting with the message straightforward and comfortable
swimming pool all to ourselves at first, and then pretty few people for the rest of the time
brave little swimmers who jump! in the pool, dive! under the water, paddle! in their inflatable rings and love swimming, "Mom, I am so happy!" - Titus
sincere apology from Titus and empathy
plans in motion to get Jonathon the care he needs; and to get me a day of respite
Auntie Wang's simple testimony of how her keys were recovered from the toilet drain
refreshing, sweaty, strong walk - jog - play - shop on a sweltering hot morning
kids watching and interacting with Dora cartoon in Chinese, so great to see them understanding and learning
all of our stinkin' visa-notary-travel paperwork done!
mom & dad's faces on skype

Friday, June 14, 2013

Win the endearment of your future father-in-law with this simple technique


Nine years ago!
High school graduation time. Drew and I made breakfast for our parents.

See, both of our dads are great sports, laughing easy and putting up with all kinds of nonsense.

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to all of you guys -- two days early.

We found this vid in the archives and simply could not delay!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Visit-Your-Dad-At-Work Sunday

tower on the left










Drew's parking space
 counting the graces
thank you Father for
mom, brother, grandma, aunts & uncles on a heritage trip to Sweden 
writing, reading, learning new Chinese characters, black ink swooping and decorating white paper
little buddy Barnabas is mostly recovered from his tough sickness and his parents survived
pizza, fellowship, tons of kids, farewells and welcomes to new-comers connecting comfortably within our fellowship
you want a contrite spirit, not sacrifices
red roses on neighbor's windowsill bouncing happy the breeze
Xu Kai's got a mature wise perspective, making good choices, she encourages me
laughing about and brainstorming functions for a multi-purpose yellow plastic Little Miss Sunshine suitcase-turned book bag
lemons in the glass water pitcher
visiting Auntie Wang's home, parents and son for the first time
Auntie Wang's husband spending time alone with brothers for the first time
tears, releasing volleyball