Happy Friday!

Amazing Race- Amazing Husband

Last week was the High School's "Week Without Walls" and this year Jason decided to stay in Hong Kong. He designed and led a trip modeled after the TV show Amazing Race.  He had the kids doing tons of crazy challenges all over the city. It was a great outlet for Jason's creativity, high energy and love of Hong Kong. These are just a few photos I snagged from his phone. The one above is on 103rd floor of Hong Kong's tallest building, the ICC Tower. The bottom photo is from the cable car going to the big buddha. 

A Piece of "Home"

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  I had a little pity- party yesterday because I wanted to be in America (phooey!) either with all my family at Papa's 90th birthday party or at the annual Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival. Although it has probably been a decade since I've been to this small- town event, my heart (and Jason's) are filled with precious memories of Memorial Day weekends in "the village".

This morning the kids and I were in the "grumpy grocery store" as I call it (I usually try to avoid this store because the crowded isles, bad produce and smells tend to make mommy grumpy) and we found strawberries from Santa Maria, California (home!!!) It felt personal that God sent the Strawberry Festival to me in Hong Kong!

And they are yummy. . . I'm thinking strawberry daiquiris tonight!

Sisters

Annette Marie- May 28, 2010

 Annabelle Mei- May 25, 2013

Hungry

 Surprised

 Grumpy

 Suspicous

 Flirtaous

 Innocent

Musings from my Moments

- I'm not a big fan of Buddha, except once a year when we get a school holiday for his birthday (May 17). Of course Jesus' birthday is way better!

- I realized this week while reading a friend's blog post on how being a Mom in Hong Kong is a spectator sport that I am completely used to standing out.  Just yesterday while getting my hair cut (I brought Annabelle along because we're pretty attached) I was sitting next to a window with her in my lap and nearly everyone who walked past stopped, pointed, smiled, or took a picture on their phone. Of course I smiled and waved back at them all. Sometimes I wonder if deep down I secretly like all the "gwalio" attention. As if it brings out my suppressed wannabe Homecoming Queen fantasies. 

- On that note, why can't my hair dresser follow my directions? (it's not a language problem) (or maybe it is) He doesn't like my ideas and has a lot of his own. Like thinning my "fat" hair. He also thinks my hair would look better if the front was asymmetrical. I think I'll just grow it long again.

- I should really spend more time training my kids. This week Josiah was thrilled to learn two new "skills" (as he calls them)- folding towels and peeling vegetables. I guess I will eventually work myself out of a job.

- I am becoming spoiled having a car and public transportation just doesn't seem worth the effort anymore. Yesterday we took a trip to outer- lying Lamma Island using buses, ferries and taxis. We spent 4 1/2 hours just getting there and back, it cost $220 hkd ($30 US) and we were exhausted by the time we got home. I. love. our. car. Plus I looked a little silly trying to run to catch a bus while wearing Annabelle in the bjorne. Don't try it (:

- I love the beach. The only time I don't really love the beach is with a newborn.

- Annette can now wear her hair in a pony tail. I never thought the day would come. So cute!!

- This week our church hosted the first annual Justice Conference for Asia. It looked incredible and I so wanted to be there.  We got to hear Eugene Chu (from Seattle) speak in church today about the cost of fighting for justice and standing up for the oppressed. It really inspired me to want to do more.  

- Remember my neighbor (the domestic helper) Sunethra? We are becoming better friends and she even came up to my house and brought us a pineapple! I learned that she was married when she was 13 and now at the age of 31 may soon be a Grandma. I can't imagine!! Please keep her in your prayers and our growing friendship. She may have a Sunday off next week so we are hoping to take her to church with us. 

Here are a few photos from our weekend around Hong Kong. . . 

Magic Wands, Chicken Dance and Tea

This post is a little late but I had to share these photos from Josiah's class Mother's Day Tea. It was such a precious occasion and the teachers really went all out. My neighbor downstairs watched Annette (who weaseled her way out of nap time) so I could really focus on Josiah.  

 The kids made all the moms crowns and magic wands. Then they sang some songs for us. His teacher skillfully integrated their current "Bird" unit with the tea. So we did the Chicken Dance together (flashbacks to the rollar rink circa 1992) and played a game where the "Baby Birds" were blindfolded and had to identify which mom's voice was calling their name. It was pretty cute.

Next each mom had to find themselves in a portrait drawn by their child. I certainly had an advantage in this game as a blonde. Plus, it looks just like me.  Obviously. 

 In the end they served us some us some food and presented us each with flowers. Happy Mother's Day!

Which is the Real Baby?