Tipping Point

July 17, 1997. 16 years ago. I was 16 years old. Standing on a hilltop watching the sun sink in the summer sky with a blonde haired, (sparking) blue- eyed boy.  I remember everything about that day, even down to the socks I was wearing.  And I remember writing in my journal that night, “I’m going to marry Jason Paine”.  After today I will now have lived more than half of my life walking hand- in- hand with Jason. If I had to choose again Babe,  I would still choose you!

And just so you can laugh at us, here are a few photos from High School days!

Elle Photo Shoot

(Friday morning 6:30 am) Annette: Mom, I'd better get up today is my special day!

Our whole motivation for doing this photo shoot was to make a special memory for Annette. We were so happy that she was chosen by the designers in Paris (ew la la) to model for the winter collection because we knew she would love it. We told her that she was going to a "dress up party" and to her that's what it was. 

Waiting to be called into the studio with her fellow 3 year old model, Liam. 

This experience reinforced every stereotype I had about the fashion industry- from the make- up artist's purple hair, to the creative director (a former model) barking orders around the studio. It was such an interesting behind- the- scenes experience. Annette was very calm and would have gladly sat still all day getting her hair curled.

Annette posed in about 6 outfits, some on her own and some with Liam. One surprise was that they didn't want her to smile in any of them (a little different than mommy). But she probably did better than I wold have at keeping a straight face.  I was really proud of how well she listened and most importantly, I could tell that she felt special!  And it didn't hurt that she got paid more than 20 times what I did for my first job (: 

Unfortunately I can't post any photos from the set or of the clothes yet. There will be a couple months of post- production and then you can bet that I'll be sharing the pictures once the catalogue comes out!

Uncle Matt and Aunt Karina in HK

Oh my goodness, we have been having too much fun!! We had SUCH a great visit with Jason's brother Matt and his beautiful bride Karina. We loved sharing our "world" with them. They made everything so fun and were very enthusiastic (in spite of the scorching heat!) Josiah and Annette adored being spoiled and loved- on by them. Here are just a few photos from our time. . . 

They brought Annette this little ergo for her dolls to match mine. TOO CUTE!!

 Victoria Peak

 Horsing Around

 Tai O Fishing village- dried shark

 We saw PINK dolphins!  You can't really tell from the photo how PINK they really were. Incredible!!

 8 Days of playing hard left the kids exhausted but happy! Thanks for the wonderful visit. We love you guys!

Beauty and Birdies

I've been learning this year how beauty feeds my soul.  One of my favorite places in Hong Kong is the Mong Kong flower market.  It just make my senses come alive to take in the colors, fragrance and diversity of the flowers.

At the end of the flower market is the bird garden. It is a popular tourist stop and I had never been until this week.  The birds were so cute in their antiquated little cages I wanted to take one home (but have been cured of all pet urges thanks to the addition of "Queenie" who we are hampstersitting)

Jason and Josiah got inspired to build a bird house/ feeder to attract the many beautiful songbirds that live around our house. Our balcony is so tiny that the bird house perches on top of the glass railing. Hopefully they will discover the house soon so we can enjoy some bird watching out the window.

Although we'll leave the birds to live outside, I couldn't resist this cute little cage for my bookshelf. Where do you find beauty in your neighborhood?

4th

Happy 4th ya'll from China! We had a fun BBQ with some American (and British- bless 'em) friends tonight, complete with a pool on the roof top for the kids. Of course we wish we could be in the U S of A today, but are excited that Uncle Matt and Aunt Karina are flying here now to visit us. Let the summer fun continue! 

Hong Kong's Next Top Model (or not)

Occasionally I get emails through a modeling agency advertising jobs for kids. It usually seems like too much of an overwhelming hassle, but this week was pretty free and with Jason home, we decided to go to our first model casting. A casting is like an audition and this one was for Elle. Incidentally later that day we saw this ad for Elle in the mall (our kids are cuter- don't you think?)

Having never been to a casting I didn't prepare the kids well. Josiah was not enthused about having to change into clothes that we ill- fitting and uncomfortable (fair enough).  He can be quite charming if he wants to, but he was not feeling it today.  When it came time to take some photos he looked everywhere but the camera and produced only goofy grins. I don't think we uncovered his life's calling and I don't think Elle will be calling us either (: 

 Annette on the other hand worked. it. She loved her little outfit, chatting with the ladies (who ate her up) and could have smiled for the camera all day. I'm hoping we get a call back for her, but I don't really know what they were looking for. Either way, it was an interesting experience and not too painful (although Josiah might not agree!)

3 Months

 Annabelle continues to be a delight to us. She has such a sweet, mellow temperament- for which we are daily thankful. She usually sleeps for a 7 hour stretch a night and then another 4. Annabelle is smiley and happy to be along for the ride whether it be in the car seat, stroller or ergo. She is close to cutting her first teeth, keeping in step with her early teething brother and sister.

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