The Chase is On

Chinese New Year Notes

2012-01-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

So I did my best not to plan a thing for us to do during Chinese New Year, and while it was tiresome (all the cooking, baking, cleaning - no Jojo!), Hubs and I managed to trade off sleeping-in days so that we could sleep into 10 am! And it felt so goooooood.

In other news, we are still awaiting word on Grand Daddy Claude. Mads' breathing is okay, but I'm afraid we're slipping back again. I talked to the doctor and he said it is because it is sooo cold here right now (7 degrees!) - and it is freezing in our house.

I have two heaters running on high in their room and it is barely taking the chill out of the air. I feel like I am living in Alaska. But how can this be? There are palm trees here. Swimming pools that are not frozen over. But somehow I have never, ever been this cold.

They say it's because your blood thins in tropical climates. I used to laugh at people who wore body-length down coats (ha! how funny they look! it never gets cold enough to....), now I wish I could find FOUR - one for each member of our family. Oh, and one for our kitty, who would sit on the heating unit if she wasn't worried it would burn her tail off.

Grand Daddy Claude

2012-01-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Within a few days of Great Grannie Annie (Hubs' mom's mom) passing, Great Grand Daddy Claude (Hubs' dad's dad - he just turned 97!) was hospitalized with internal bleeding. Now, nearly a week later, he is still in the hospital - and we have been receiving updates every day - and things are looking up. His levels seem to have stabilized, but the actual cause is still undetermined. And again, we are reminded how precious our time here is, and how quickly it passes -- and how important it is to make sure those around you know how much you love them.

We love you Grand Daddy Claude! So very, very much.

Chinese New Year

2012-01-21T04:04:00.000-08:00

Leading up to Chinese New Year, the kids were asked to dress up for school ... here they are, waiting for the school bus ...

Madsy also had a New Years event, but as she is in a mood where she only wears clothes she is comfortable in, she decided against any New Years clothing.

Decorations at Madoc's school ...

On Chinese New Year day, the girls were up early (4:15!) and after asking them to amuse themselves, I asked the girls to help me make a Chocolate Coy (fish) for a Chinese New Year party we had been invited to later in the day.... Little did I know, I would have to make 4 of them, before I actually could get the thing out of the form ...

They also did some free-form painting with chocolate ...

Mads worked hard on her fish mold ...

Our amazing friend hosted a Chinese New Year Party for roughly 40 adults and 40 kids. And because she likes to mix it up, she selects a "theme" for dinner.... last year, the theme was Greek -- this year, the theme was Mexican.

A gorgeous smile from Miss Anabelle!

The lovely Lara ...

The Mexican Chinese New Year feast ...

That crazy guy who kept shakin' his morackkas (?) ...

My dearest Chase ...

Lovely ladies ....

I made a Mexican Chocolate Mousse - chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, chili ... plus a chocolate fish!

And then the kids got the fish ...

Chase dressed-up like a dragon ...

And the band (Stu & friends) started ...

And the kids went crazy ...

And then there was the guy who could balance a pillow on his head...

And the kid that liked to play with fire ...

And the amazingly talented band ... (who let me sing Romeo & Juliet with them) ...

And it was getting late ...

The party raged ...

And the band played on ...

Remembering Great Granny Annie

2012-01-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

I am having such a hard time writing this. I've started this post a hundred different ways, because I can't seem to find the words to describe how hard it is to lose someone you love.

Yesterday a.m., Great Granny Annie passed away. And while she is Hub's grand mother, she became my grand mother, as I met her 14 years ago - she helped plan our (gorgeous) wedding, which was held in her church in Mobile, Alabama. She was always so kind, so welcoming and so generous. She was strong, smart and beautiful and absolutely committed to supporting her husband, her family and her community.

One of the hardest things about living abroad is the distance from family - in good times and bad. I am so grateful for all the memories and will treasure them; passing them down to the girls when they are old enough to remember. This is the third grand mother I have lost - my mum and dad's being the first two to go. And it strikes me deeply, as a daughter and a mother, the bonds women share and pass down through generations.

One memory I will always cherish is when I mistakenly threw a damp towel over her rocking chair and it left a big, wet mark (which much to my relief eventually dried and became invisible) - but before it did, I started to cry, thinking I had ruined her rocking chair. And she comforted me, telling me "don't cry over anything that can't cry over you."

I find solace in the fact that the last time I saw her, I told her how much I loved her, how much she meant to me, and how grateful I was for her kindness.

And dearest Chase and Madoc, while you might not actually remember her, I hope this post serves to remind you later in life of how much she loved you.

Overwhelmed

2012-01-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

I have noticed everyone seems to be asking if I had a "restful" vacation (Christmas break). And the truth is, I had a very nice, but very stressful Christmas vacation. I realize it was my own doing, as it is not unusual for me to over-schedule our lives, but as we start the New Year, I am feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, instead of "renewed" or "refreshed."

And I have to figure out how to make it all less stressful. Not just for me, but for my girls, too. Of course they have more energy than I do, and get bored easily, but seriously it seems I should be able to figure out a way around all the classes and courses. Easier said then done.

A Note About First Born

2012-01-07T03:54:00.000-08:00

Chase had some big questions tonight just before bed. Like, "what was my third favorite word when I was a baby?" (good thing I kept a blog, although I'm not sure I actually documented that)

She also asked me tonight, "Mommy, are first born children the best?" To which I said, "You are my most special first born child. Because you were born first. You will always be my first born child. I love you always and forever, no matter what." And then she said, "what about Madoc?" And I said, "Madoc is my most special second born child. Because she was born second. She will always be my second born child. I love her always and forever, no matter what."

And Chase smiled, turned over, and went to sleep.

Let Them Eat Cake

2012-01-07T03:51:00.000-08:00

So we went to a birthday party this afternoon, and after the girls were finished with their cake, this is what their plates looked like. Note: Chase ate only cake, while Mads ate only frosting.

Proud O You

2012-01-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

So proud of you, Chase!

1) You decided to swing yourself today (and really did it!)

2) You walked right in to a new Mandarin class today. A class with "older kids." A class where every child is at least a year older.

You are amazing. A shining star!

And Mad-OC, I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you for:

1) Asking for help when you needed it. (You couldn't quite open the sticker package, and you put your pride on hold to get the problem - solved)

2) For saying "Thank You" to your big sister, after she helped your open the sticker package. You are a proud girl, and asking for help - and saying thanks is hard. I applaud you, my girl, for setting all that aside and getting the job done.

So much love to you both!
- Mommy

Dance Baby, Dance!

2011-12-29T01:29:00.000-08:00

These girls love to dance.

Christmas Dinner!

2011-12-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

Mads and her self-proclaimed "best friend" looking forward to dinner ...

The menu ...

The table ...

The pomegranate kaprioskas seemed to go down without complaints (note empty jar) ...

Hub's famous scallops! He made the remoulade and grilled them himself.
And people couldn't get enough of them ...

Meanwhile, at the kids table ...

And then it was time for Christmas crackers ... and crowns

Gorgeous selection of mains ... I love all the veggie options!

Party party!

Hostess with the most-ess. Including an exhausted little one and an eldest with an ear ache.

What's that? Home-made Christmas pudding? Bring it on!

Kickin' back before dessert ...

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of all the desserts. Or the secret santa. But I can tell you we were gifted a Hong Kong dining guide, which we were really excited about, until we got it home and discovered it was all in Chinese. Oh well.

Chase was so whooped from all the Christmas parties, she had to go home at 3 p.m. And thank goodness mom was willing to go with her. Madoc joined shortly after. I was home by 6 p.m. Threw in my hat and put girls to bed and hung out with my mum instead of going out to the two other functions we had committed to - Hubs went on our behalf.

What I learned this Christmas. I CAN make a fabulous chocolate torte. And, spending time with my family is more important than any chocolate torte. No matter how good it is.

The Torte Of Christmas Present

2011-12-26T03:14:00.001-08:00

We were invited to a very elaborate Christmas dinner by a friend of mine up the street. She loves throwing big parties. I have never met anyone who said "the more the merrier," and really, truly meant it.

We've gone the last two years now -- and while it stresses me out, it is a lot of fun. This year, I was in charge of creating 1) pomegranate kapriosas, 2) scallops with remoulade, 3) bacon wrapped dates, and 4) a chocolate chestnut torte. Plus I was in charge of roasting potatoes and pumpkin. Plus secret Santa gifts for adults. Plus secret Santa gifts for kids. Plus 4 bottles of wine. Plus 3 bottles of water.

And I have to admit. The idea of making a perfect chocolate torte really freaked me out. I was totally intimidated, and obsessed at the same time. So obsessed I found it hard to concentrate on anything else.

We went to a gorgeous Christmas Eve party and all I could think about was getting home to start the torte (for good reason, it takes over 2 hours to bake and has over 24 oz of Chocolate in it). And bless my hubby and Mom, who stayed up and helped me through it! Here it is without frosting. And no, I didn't get a picture of it with frosting. But it was gorgeous. Rich. And oh so sinful!

Nutcracker

2011-12-26T03:08:00.000-08:00

Every year, we go to see the Nutcracker. This year, we saw it on Christmas Eve.

The Hong Kong ballet's rendition of the Nutcracker is unbelievably beautiful. The costumes and set are amazing. The dancers are fabulous. My only gripe - there appears to be no sugar plum fairy (what? I know, how can that be?) and there seems to be a distinct lack of plot. Of course it is gorgeous and magical, but some things appear to have been lost in translation. That said, it is still the most beautiful Nutcracker performance I have ever seen.

My two ladies, getting ready for the show ...

At the show ... (I can't believe how grown-up they are!!!) Chase soaked in every moment. Mads sat up straight and clapped at all the right times. Way too cute!

Nana!

2011-12-26T03:01:00.000-08:00

Need I say more?

Happy To You, Madoc! (3 Years Old!)

2011-12-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

Madoc woke up to find Nana Cris here! What a fabulous way to start her birthday. It only got better from there... Nana Cris gave her a beautiful pink dress, that twirled exactly the right way and was exceptionally fun to run around in ...

Then we made strawberry cake (with real strawberries) with strawberry frosting (strawberry puree), with Angelina Ballerina on top. Not the prettiest cake, but very tasty!

When Daddy got home, we opened presents and served-up cake...

Big sister found it VERY difficult to 1) not micro-manage the entire day (hmm, where did she get that from?) and 2) not open Madsie's gifts herself. That is why we also got her a gift, to thank her for being such a great big sister for 3 years!

Here is big sister trying hard not to blow out Madoc's candles...

Make a wish ...

First there was barbie ...

Then there was sizzles!

Then cake and sizzles ...

Sizzles! And a Barbie dining room set from mom and dad. Even though I swore up and down to myself that I would not buy (1) plastic, or (2) barbie. Oh well.

I love this picture ... oh sizzles, you are cute!

Jojo gave her a lovely gift of Snow White!

From there, we went off to dinner, where Madoc ordered Macaroni & Cheese (Madoc-a-roni and Chase as we call it in our home). And before she went to bed, she set up Snow White and Barbie at their little plastic dining room table, set out plenty of little plastic food and then carried sizzles up to bed.

Happy Birthday, Madoc. You are a shining star. You are a smart, sweet and beautiful little girl. We are so proud of you for all that you are and all that you do. We love you forever and always, no matter what.

Just Not Fancy Enough

2011-12-20T04:38:00.000-08:00

Today I bought what I thought were two very fancy little coats for the girls. They are pink boiled wool, with a fur collar and silver buttons. I also bought two little broaches. Chase saw the two coats and immediately told me they were not fancy enough. But she hasn't seen the broaches yet...

Happy Birthday Madoc: Disney

2011-12-16T20:56:00.000-08:00

As Madoc's birthday is at the end of December, we decided to take her to Disneyland in lieu of a birthday party. Probably won't be able to get away with that next year! But here is the 2, soon to be 3-year-old!

And what better way to start a day at Disney?

Worth mentioning Chase wrote the names of all the princesses on little slips of paper before we left the house. We weren't really sure what she was going to do with them, but they seemed really important. Turns out they really were - she gave them to the princesses and they loved them. Who knew princesses had pockets in their dresses?

Snow White and Cinderella just received their special name cards...

3D movie. VERY COOL. Chase almost climbed over the woman in front of her trying to catch Donald Duck.

Stopped for a rest ...

I turned to look at something and when I looked back I saw this ...

Dumbo ride ...

Carousel ...

TEA CUPS! These photos of Mads crack me up!

It's a small world, after all ...

Our two princesses ...

Daddy and his two girls ...

Totally exhausted ...

Grampa Mark Visit

2011-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

We just had an absolutely wonderful visit with Grampa Mark and his wife Fern! Thank you both so much for coming to see us. We really enjoyed spending time with you. The girls really miss you! And so do I!!!

Updates

2011-12-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have been super quiet. Too quiet. Just trying to keep up with what life has been throwing in my direction. Mads had pneumonia. Helper was flat out sick for an entire week. Chase got bronchitis. I got bronchitis. Hubs was dropped in rugby and is now contemplating knee surgery, or maybe walking across the Sahara desert (sometimes it's hard to decide what to do). And no, I'm not kidding.

And because it's December, both girls have had numerous school functions and activities associated with Christmas. International Christmas cards were put on hold this year (sorry friends!); grandparents will have to settle on belated Christmas gifts. I almost pulled off everything (including homemade peppermint marshmallows, lollypops and gingerbread men), but then I got sick and totally spaced on getting teacher's gifts, so I suppose the New Years Penguin will have to make an appearance (he is extremely helpful if Santa forgets something).

I was able to take some pictures from Madoc's school fair. Chase's school fair was big, busy and I had to keep my eye on both girls, who really wanted to be in different places.

Madoc was so happy to have a butterfly on her face that she insisted I paint a butterfly on her face every day (not kidding here, either) for a week.

Second Wobbly Tooth

2011-11-17T05:41:00.001-08:00

It's true. Tooth number two is very wobbly. It wants to come out soooo badly.

FIRST lost tooth

2011-11-13T02:31:00.001-08:00

I found myself, for the first time in a really long time, feeling really sad about my little girls growing up. This, of course, is linked directly to the fact Chase lost her first tooth. All I could think about when I held it in my hand was the exact moment I saw her first tooth, cutting its way through her gums. And how amazing it was to see her go from having no teeth, to a mouth full of gorgeous teeth.

Her lost tooth is so little. And white. And absolutely perfect. Just like her.

Guy Fawkes Day

2011-11-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Guy Fawkes Day with friends. Sadly, due to Hong Kong's rules and regulations (for which I am most grateful most days) we could not light a bondfire and burn things, as they do in London.

But there was an effigy ...

Games ...

Bobbing for apples...

And even home-made caramel apples ...

Almost the size of Madoc's head! Whoa!

Her mouth, by the way, is full of caramel in this picture ...

Halloween In Honkers

2011-11-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Before trick-or-treating, we stopped by a friend's house for a party. I'm not sure I'd want to answer the door for this lot!

The kids ...

The parents ...

Kids: "Swarm! Swarm!"

Parents gently reminding kids: "Say thank you..."

The candy ...

And finally, our annual Halloween family picture ... maybe one day we will all (1) look at the camera and (2) smile.

Halloween Prep

2011-10-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here are my two little cherubs. Chase wanted to be a Queen Bee this year, and I have no idea what Madoc is (yet again). Some kind of princess, fairy, butterfly.

But above all else they are sisters forever!

Chase's First Loose Tooth

2011-10-25T06:16:00.001-07:00

It happened. Chase actually has a loose tooth! She was so excited, she couldn't stop smiling. It was brilliant!

A Walk In The Park

2011-10-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a public holiday - and I'm pleased to report that instead of snoozing our way through it (a difficult decision for me to make as I haven't slept well in a week), we packed up the car and headed out to find a spot in the mountains for a picnic.

We drove for a while trying to find a "special spot," a place Hubs had found on one of his walks. We missed the entrance the first time around the loop and as the girls were hungry, we pulled over at the next potential picnic spot. If it hadn't been for a slight sewage scent (at the entrance), it would have been a perfect place to return to ...

And for those who haven't been to park in Hong Kong, most of them have exercise equipment.

And then we decided to try again to find Hubby's favorite spot. The promise of salamanders was like rocket fuel.

And then, after winding over hills and through single-lane roads through the jungle, and walking down many stone steps, we found it. And it was absolutely magical. Only a couple people wandered by when we were there. Amazing to have found a spot that wasn't littered with people and garbage on a public holiday.

Hubs showed the girls the fish and the salamanders ...

A lovely shot of Chase ...

And Mads ...

A very interesting reflection shot that I thought Hubs did on purpose, only to find he was as surprised by it as I was.

Garden

2011-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

It finally cooled down enough to plant a proper garden. I've been on the fence about planting food, because (1) after it rains there is a thin black layer on everything, and (2) I don't trust the soil at the garden shop. There could really be anything in it. But I'm tired of not having a garden. And Chase has been really keen to try to plant different seeds from our fruits - watermelon, mango, avocado. We also planted peppers, carrots, chives, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, nasturtiums, and cosmos.

Decorating For Halloween

2011-10-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Spooky ...

The Ballet

2011-09-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Chase was invited by her friend to go see the ballet, Coppelia. She was so excited. As she raced out the door, she said "I can't believe it, I really am going. I really am going." She wore the dress she won at the Chickeeduck fashion show and the pearl necklace and bracelet we bought for her four years ago. Before she dashed out the door, she paused at the mirror to take a look at herself. I hope I never forget that moment. I saw in her eyes that she knew she was truly, absolutely, unmistakeably beautiful.

Here are some pictures taken just before she left. Madoc was terribly sad that she could not go along. Mads cried for a long time after Chase left. It broke my heart I did not have two dresses, two different play dates for them to go on "at the same time." Because explaining life to a 2.5-year-old is really hard work. (Oh and yes, I realize, that Mads looks like she just graduated from Jazzercise 101, but I haven't been able to get her out of a tutu-type clothes for two weeks).

Swimming Chase

2011-08-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

We had a pool party not too long ago and invited Chase's swim instructor, who brought his underwater camera. This pictures are way too cool!

First Week Of School

2011-08-26T23:40:00.001-07:00

Mads had her first day of K1 (preschool) on Monday. Chase walked her to her school. Mads carried her little backpack all the way up to her little school. We opened the gate. Chase helped her put her snack bag in one basket. Her hat in another. Her water bottle on the water table. Chase found her name tag and helped Mads hang it on a peg next to the letter that starts her name. They worked together to hang her backpack on the peg next to her name. Chase gave Mads a huge hug and said, "I love you, have a good day." I kissed her and tried to be "cool," although I did have a twinge of sadness seeing my littlest rabbit gleefully hopping away from me - but of course, this is what we hope for...

And then she was off! And I found myself standing there while other mums had kids hanging, clinging and crying on them. And I knew I had to go. Even though I wanted to stay and watch. It was the easiest "transition" ever. Of course, it helps that I had taken her to playgroups there all last year. She was so happy to be back. So comfortable being there.

When I picked her up on Friday afternoon she said, "Mama, Gemma is my best friend." Sooo cute!

Chase, like Mads, had a staggered start, which is designed to give the teachers a day to "get to know" their students. Chase's first day was Tuesday. She then had Wednesday and Thursday off. And then everyone went to school on Friday.

She was so happy and exhausted by the end of Tuesday. I have never seen her like that before - and I really pride myself in running my children into the ground with projects and activities designed to keep them VERY busy. She told me all about her day, but two things stayed with me. (1) She told me her teacher played a game with the kids where they had to pass smiles to each other, and (2) she had a little run in with a girl who broke her lego house - and after she rebuilt it, the teacher said it was so great she wanted to keep it, and put it up on a shelf.

On Friday, she was assigned her buddy, an older student who knows the ropes and will take her to her bus after school. The greatest part (and strangest coincidence) is her buddy is actually our next door neighbor. It works out very well.

She also told me she saw a little girl who was looking really sad because no one was sitting by her and so she went over and asked her if she could sit next to her. Oh how I love her sweetness.

As Mads wouldn't let me take any pictures of her first day of school, I snapped one after she passed out waiting for Chase to get out of school.

And then school was over. And there were kids everywhere. And Madoc jumped to her feet and ran to her sister....

Let's Study The World

2011-08-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

So you'd think the opportunity to study the world would give me lots of ideas. It didn't.

Problem is I just lacked motivation and focus this week. End of Summer blues, combined with wishing so hard it was cooler so we could actually go outside and enjoy the sunshine, instead of feeling like I was melting right into the pavement.

Halfway through the week, Chase sensed I was not into it, so she quickly changed the topic to fairies. Which for some reason I just couldn't get excited about either.

Maybe it's because I am a little burnt out on the Rachel and Kirsty fairy book series because we read at least two per week. And they are all the same.

So I'm trying to pull my act together and give Chase at least three fairy-related activities. Wish me luck.

I like this

2011-08-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning, I asked myself, "What is life about?" I found the answer in my room...the fan said, "Be cool." The roof said, "Aim high." The window said, "See the world!" The clock said, "Every minute is precious." The mirror said, "Reflect before you act." The calendar said, "Be up to date." The door said, "Push hard for your goals." The floor said, "Kneel down and pray".... Shared linked from Rosalie Alvior Bat-og.

Tea Party?

2011-08-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

I honestly feel at times like I am spending most of my day at the Mad Hatter's tea party.

Tubes

2011-08-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Oh I am so upset. I just found out that Madoc's tubes should not STILL be in her ears. That they should only have been in her ears for 6-9 months. And that if they don't fall out, it means they, quite possibly have somehow gotten lodged into her ear, which means they need to be surgically removed. And the doctor told me, that it's not uncommon for kids to start getting ear infections after they have the tubes removed. I want to puke and cry at the same time.

Let's Study Chinese People

2011-08-05T02:47:00.000-07:00

So after a disappointing week of studying Castles (how many cardboard castles can one mum make? oh and what? I'm not an actual princess?), Chase decided she wanted to study Chinese people.

Now that we can do! Suddenly I found myself in craft-making/cooking heaven. And a week is definitely not enough time, but attention spans are short. Sadly there were no books at the library about Chinese history for children in English (can you believe it?) and no Mandarin CDs (that's okay, the girls have got that covered).

We started off by trying to make fortune cookies (I don't have a picture of the finished product, because, well, they stuck to the cookie sheet). Chase wrote the fortunes, which included "You will meet a prince" and "Have a happy day."

We made paper lanterns, which symbolize warmth, brightness and reunion and are supposed to ward away evil spirits.

We made paper dragon puppets ... The Chinese consider dragons the ultimate symbol of good fortune. There are actually nine major Dragons; each has a different role.

We made Chinese "Coolie" hats ...

And plum blossom trees, which the Chinese consider a symbol for courage and hope...

And Chinese hand drums from wooden spoons ...

I told Chase the story of the Terracotta Warriors (one of my favorite stories of all time). About how, so many years ago, a Chinese Emperor had his prisoners make thousands of warriors to protect him (and his treasure) after he died. Each Terracotta Warrior was different - hair, height - some looked to be from the North (high cheekbones), some from the South (rounder, softer face). Each had a weapon - some had horses.

The peasants, however, were terrified when they heard about the Emperor's great army that would protect him in death. So they stormed his grave and broke his army into tiny pieces, taking the weapons. And then his tomb was buried. And forgotten. Until 30-years-ago, when a farmer was thirsty and began digging near his well. And found a piece of a soldier. And another piece. And another. And he kept digging (along with others) and they uncovered millions of pieces of warriors. All brilliantly painted.

And within one week all the gorgeous, original color faded. To Terracotta. And no one on earth, to this day, can figure out how to preserve it. So archeologists have spent years putting together Terracotta Warriors. And there are thousands left buried, still to this day. Because they can't figure out how to keep the color.

And then we made our own Terracotta warriors.

Chase wants to study "the world" next week.

Getting My Groove Back

2011-08-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

So Chase picked a topic for this week - "let's study Chinese people" - and yes, hey!, we can do that! Castles were not very inspiring, but we have been up to our eyebrows in crafts this week. Pics and stories to come.

So Proud

2011-08-03T06:42:00.001-07:00

There is something about having your children actually cheer for each other that is so, unbelievably beautiful.

Yesterday, Chase cheered-on Madoc during soccer. Today, Madsy was shouting at the top of her little lungs, "go Chasey-boo" during gymnastics.

I want to bottle it up. Stick it on a shelf. And come back to it years from now when they are slamming doors in my face (oh please girls, if you are reading this years from now, don't ever do that).

Jumping back in...

2011-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

After being a full time mom, I am starting to evaluate different options. I have one year until Mads is in morning kindie. So it's time I start planning for the future (as if I can even do that with no idea where I'll be in a year). At this point I have started thinking more and more about re-entering the world of social media (could there be a better job for me?), as well as pursuing my Masters (hurrah!) - which means that maybe, someday, I could actually be a professor.

Castles

2011-07-29T00:30:00.001-07:00

So Chase really wanted to study castles. And I thought, I'll just go down to the library and check out a book for inspiration. Well, there weren't any books on castles (go figure), and there aren't any castles we can visit, and I've made about 1,000 castles out of cardboard boxes for barbie already. And I was tired and feeling "off" all week (I blame the insane heat!) - I hate to admit I couldn't even come up with a craft idea.

We did, however, check out a book on living royalty - a book that profiles all of the princes and princesses all over the world. And Chase asked if she was a princess, and I told her "you're always going to be MY princess," but that wasn't exactly what she wanted me to say.

I think she was really hoping I would say, as I once hoped my parents would say, "oh yes! And I was waiting for the day you would ask. Come with me and we will go to your castle and I will tell you all about how to rule your kingdom." Seriously.

So then she said, "well then we need to arrange a play date with a prince. Mom, can you do that, please?"

Sooooo, if anyone happens to know a bored 4- to 6-year-old prince who is available for a play date, please let me know.

Lonely

2011-07-27T03:42:00.001-07:00

Chase was rolling around on the floor yesterday. No particular reason, it seemed. Just couldn't get up. And then she stood up and came over to me. Hung on me. Really hard. I sat down. She cuddled up to me in a way that made me feel as though I was going to be pressed right through the couch.

"What's up?" I asked her.
No response.
"Are you angry?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you sad?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you lonely because you don't have anyone to play with?"

Oh yes! Fierce nodding. And then she said, "but I'm not lonely for friends, Mama. I'm lonely for you!"

Oh, melt my heart and fill me up with guilt. But here's the thing... I'm around all the time. So I'm not exactly sure how to fix the lonely for you thing. She is probably just getting anxious about school. About being away. Or maybe she is just sensing I am feeling sad about it.

What to do?

2011-07-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

We have to make a difficult choice.

Hubs' company has informed us we have less than a year left in Hong Kong (the company needs to cut costs by hiring locally - quite understandable and not a surprise). Having been expatriates for some time, this is not a new or unexpected concept.

And so we find ourselves weighing the benefits of trying to stay here (Lifestyle!! Yah!) with the benefits of moving elsewhere (pretty sure you can't beat this lifestyle anywhere else in the world).

And I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. I love so much about Hong Kong, and our life here, but I am so worried about the air quality. About my children's health. And I can't help but wonder if we moved elsewhere if I would get to see my husband more? Would we be able to keep up Chase's Mandarin? Would Madoc's breathing improve? Would I seriously have to cook and clean again? (I am trying to remember how to do this).

Oh and I do need to start a business, go back to school for my Masters in Communications. And maybe even find a part-time job. Oh and raise two kids. And spend time with my loving (although I think his nose doctor removed part of his brain) husband. Hmmm, not quite sure how to get all this done.

And it's getting late - so I must run... much to do

My Seven Links

2011-07-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

I was recently nominated by a friend to participate in My Seven Links, designed to unite bloggers and revisit favorite posts.

It sounds like a really nice way to revisit previous posts, but I've been blogging for over 5 years. In that time, we've lived in 5 countries. We've visited at least 13 countries (lost track along the way). Had two kids. Had ups and downs. Health scares. Joys and sorrows. So when I sat down to pick seven posts to fit into someone's proposed categories - I found I couldn't do it. Not the right way, anyway.

So here goes my version.

Your most beautiful post:
OBVIOUSLY the exact minute my daughters took their first breath of air. But I'm not going to post that. So instead, I chose this post, which I think is the most beautiful - my eldest daughter holding her new sister on the day she was born.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2008/12/big-sister.html

Your most popular post:
I really have no idea. I know people read my blog, but no one ever comments on it. One friend told me the posts seem "too personal" and commenting doesn't seem right.

Your most controversial post:
I don't write controversial posts. Or at least I don't set out to write them. Probably the hardest post I've written in a long time was the one just before this - about the pressure kids are under in Hong Kong. It was hard because I didn't want to offend my Chinese friends (because I really really get the pressure their kids are under) and most of my Western friends have a completely different approach (more play, less classes).

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50

My most helpful post:

This would be easy if I was writing a self-help blog. But I'm not. And my posts aren't exactly designed to help other people do anything. They are to help document my children's lives, so they have something to treasure and maybe, just maybe will be able to hear my voice when I am long gone. And so I guess I would say my Flowers post is most helpful - should anyone want to study flowers with their children, this might be a good starting point.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/05/flowers.html

A post whose success surprised you:
This might sound funny, but I guess that I am most surprised that people read my blog. People who I haven't seen in years and years. I don't have many comments on my entries, so judging a blog post's success is too hard to do. So instead, I have to say my blog has most surprised me. Because it gave me an outlet where I could express my feelings about transitioning from full-time career woman to full-time mom. It gave me a way to express my feelings when I was feeling isolated and missing home after moving to a new country. It gave me a place to share things I've seen and things I've learned, and keep track of friends and family along the way.

A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved:
I'm not even sure what to say about this one.

The post that you are most proud of.... Only because I somehow managed to keep my cool.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-drama.html

My blog nominations:

http://www.goolygost.net/

http://babygalvin.blogspot.com/

http://brennemans.blogspot.com/

http://cowboy-and-indian.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-namaste-india.html

I fear for the children

2011-07-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

I met a little Chinese boy at Chase's tennis class. He is adorable. Funny. Loads of energy. And Chase adores him - and even better, he adores her! They laugh through the entire class. Turns out they are born the same week. No wonder.

So I started talking to his helper (I have no idea who his parents are...) I asked her about his schedule (one of my favorite subjects with Chinese parents). She rambled off his class list - school, drumming, art, tennis (they actually commute an hour each way to this class), etc... I asked her if he could do math - oh yes, she said. Could he read? Oh yes. When does he see friends? Did he have any availability for a play date? Oh no. He has classes all day, every day.

One thing I love about Hong Kong? I think they really GET that children are incredibly capable. Capable of learning all kinds of things if given the opportunity. The fact I can find a tennis class, ballet class, Mandarin class and soccer class for my 2-year-old is proof enough. I know my friends and most family members think I have lost my mind, but my mom, who is an educator (and I think doubtful of what I was doing to my children) left Hong Kong with a firm understanding of how people really GET children here - their potential, and how conditioning kids early can really create a mind-set and capabilities for the future.

The problem, of course, is when it's taken too far. The pressure the local kids are under is unreal. At the same tennis class, I met a mom from South Africa, who told me her kids who went to an American-style school, were given 2-hours of homework a night (ages 5 and 11), and that parents were pushing kids to do more. That her 11-year-old's friend was learning four languages and 3 instruments (how?). I asked her how could this be? And she told me that competition in HK is so fierce, there is no other option - you have to do your best to outshine the others (which is hard when everyone is pushing their kids to the absolute limits). But I understand it. Apparently it is near impossible for kids to actually land a spot at University.

And so, while I think pushing kids this hard is wrong, I find myself surprised and delighted that my kids have access to so many kinds of classes. They can be taught to copy a masterpiece at age 5. It's crazy. And yes, I think it's wrong that kids, especially local kids, are under so much pressure. It will surely wreck a child if a parent pushes too hard - but what other choice do parents here have? No other choice. They are not going to get a space for their child at university because their child is good at playing. Or socializing. So I guess what I'm saying is that I get it. I'm in awe of it. But I worry for the children. For the next generation.

And I worry for America. Kids are very, very good at socializing. Or at least they were, until TV and video games and fast food came along. The kids here are too busy to eat crap and watch TV. Well, they may eat crap, I don't know, but they aren't just hangin out in front of the TV. They are too busy learning 13 languages.

Brainiac Strikes Back

2011-07-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

So I just had this amazing idea (as I started stressing over the whole concept of having to make my children lunch and snacks for school). And because you're reading this, I will share it with you.

I am going to make a menu plan for one month. Different food each day. At the end of the month, you just start over from the beginning. Which means your child only eats the same meal once every month (long enough for them to forget they didn't like it). You see, I really am a genius.

If Chase/Mads feel very strongly they don't like it, I will just cross it out and add another in. It's brilliant I tell you. Brilliant.

Summer in Hong Kong

2011-07-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is Hong Kong is hot. Sticky. Rainy. Quiet. And filled with bugs.

This evening, our helper opened the kitchen door and in seconds, our kitchen was filled with giant mosquitoes. Really fast ones, too - and I have to believe that if they are fast, they are also hungry.

A shame, really, because I'd love to tell the girls "go outside and play." Which would be the same as saying "go jump in that pond of Piranhas, they won't hurt you, see they're friendly, they're smiling...."

This Summer - time for that matter - seems to be speeding up for me. Already we are nearly through July. How did that happen? So here are the updates...

- Chase -

Chasie-Boo has been in charge of learning how to read, write - as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Shhhh, don't tell her, but she is going to be WAY smarter than me next year. I actually do very little, except answer occasional questions and throw worksheets in her direction when she is looking bored. She is also doing extremely well in Mandarin. I looked at her vocabulary list and thought "how did she get this far already?" Darn, I have a lot of catch-up!

As for sports, Chase loves her swimming, tennis and gymnastics. Today she told me tennis was her favorite and that she was sad other kids could hit the ball and she couldn't, so I told her we would practice every day this week and she would be better by next week. (fingers crossed!)

Overall Chase is such an eager and inquisitive girl she is an absolute pleasure to spend every waking moment with... that is, of course, until she turns into a limp noodle on the floor and complains when there is nothing to do. I am finding that she can be an absolute clown in front of her peers, she loves to make her friends laugh.

She also misses Denver. At least the idea of Denver. Terribly. With small, heaving sobs, she'll tell me she misses her friends, her school. I keep telling her we will try to find a way to go back, and then explain how every time we go back to America we need to visit our family (conveniently located on three different Coasts) and how that doesn't leave much time to visit other areas. But she is insistent. She needs to go back to Denver.

She is so sweet, so sensitive, so lovely. Oh my Chase girl, I love you so!!!

- Mads -
Oh Madsie-Loo, where do I start? Such a big girl. No more diapers. Hasn't worn one in a long time. Doesn't wear them to bed. How did you grow up so fast?

Now we're working on bedtime. On how to put yourself to sleep, instead of having your mom cuddled next to you. Talking her into it, night after night - no really Mads, you can do it! Not quite there yet - will have to introduce the bed time fairy soon if things don't change.

Mads is taking Mandarin, Soccer, Tennis and Ballet. Her Mandarin is great. She's a pro at soccer. She's a natural at tennis and she loves, loves loves to twirl in ballet. Being a little sister can be hard work, but I have to say it does amazing things when it comes to skill development. All that time trying to keep up with Chase has paid off.

Mads is also learning how to "be sad," how to get her way, how to make other people laugh, and how to get through the day without a nap. Just the other day, she was really sad about something (I don't recall) and she went and sat by herself, with her head low between her shoulders. I went over to comfort her and she turned around and put her head in between her arms. (SO SAD). So I started blowing raspberries on her back. And she started giggling. And that was that.... but it was work to turn her around.

And of course, if her big sister does or says anything... anything at all... Mads will, for the most part, agree. And throw a fuss on her big sister's behalf.

The girls play together quite well. For about 15 minutes. And then I've got to change it up to keep them from squabbling, which usually ends up with Chase putting her head on Mads (like our dog, Taggart, used to do to her), and Madoc will just make a little fist (no idea where she learned this) and whack her big sister. You get the picture. So it's all about running them until they drop. Until they are too tired to fight each other. Until they happily fall into bed at the end of a very busy day.

New Look/Feel

2011-07-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

Wait! Don't go! Decided to *finally* upgrade my blog.

Space

2011-07-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

We kicked off our week of studying Space by watching the last US space shuttle launch with Chase. Hubs and I watched it live and were torn as to if we should wake her. In the end, we decided to let her sleep and let her see it in the morning. Here it is for those who missed it, or want to see it again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPkJ8ugK3_0

For those who are too young (my children) and those reading this who are not Americans, the last launch of the space shuttle was extremely significant. It marks the end of a 30-year space program. It was one of those moments we will always remember; one of those moments our kids will read about in history books and say "Yah, what-evah" as they grab the car keys to head out with friends - just another thing that happened in "the old days," you know... 2011.

I kept telling Hubs there was "no way" this was the last shuttle America was going to send into space. He kept telling "THIS IS THE LAST ONE!"

Chase was keen to make a pop-up space shuttle, so I gave it a go. Here she is working hard on it.

Mads wanted one, too. No comments, please.

We talked about outer space. About the Sun, how it casts light and warmth on Earth.

We talked about how the moon revolves around the Earth.

And about how Earth fits into the larger solar system.

We built a space center (back by popular demand).

And made Chase and Mads rockets (again!).

We also went to the Museum of Science. And, for the first time, the massive ball drop was working! There was a funnel section, that we managed to tie back to how the planets orbit around the Sun.

We also came across this fun exhibit that has nothing to do with Space. Little digital butterflies flutter about and land on the shadow of your child (if they stand still).

And we checked out the section on satellites. Hubs did a great job of explaining it to the girls.

And we found a giant Earth! (how great!)

I also made cinnamon rolls this week, from Jessica Seinfeld's book, but they turned out pretty funky, so Chase dubbed them "moon rocks." And Chase named her tuna noodles "moon crumble." HILARIOUS.

Next week Chase wants to take a closer look at castles ...

Tennis

2011-07-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Madoc started tennis and ballet this week!
Super cute! Here she is, age 2.5 on the tennis court!

I know some of my family and friends think I'm crazy - how can a 2.5 year old play tennis? I was skeptical, but there is a little boy the same age, who can nail the ball every time.

Pink Pony Candy Company

2011-07-05T03:08:00.001-07:00

Chase has, for as long as I can remember, wanted to be a candy maker when she grows up. So today we established the Pink Pony Candy Company. Made (and sold) a batch of coconut kisses. Big thanks to our neighbor who MADE Chase's afternoon by actually paying her for the "sample" kisses.

Fish fins

2011-07-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Our Chinese host brings his own fish to restaurants, breaks the fin, puts half in his pocket, so he knows he is being served his fish.

Madoc consumed copious amounts of fish yesterday. Clams. Squid. She could not get enough!

Chase on the other hand, had one bite of fish and some noodles.

Hanoi

2011-06-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

With so many interesting places to visit in Asia, it has been really hard to decide where to go. Especially with two darling girls. Most folks take beach holidays, because they are easy and relaxing, but we decided to go to Hanoi, Vietnam. Definitely not easy or relaxing.

I had been warned about the traffic. About how we were taking our lives into our own hands. About how I could not let go of the girls, not even for a second. And how one should wait to go after the rainy season. And definitely not while a Typhoon was there...

But somehow we managed it and I must say it was one of the best family holidays we've taken!

I do feel I need to add that one thing that really made this holiday hassle-free was the fact we hired a driver (which allowed us to cover a lot of ground, see a lot of sights and stay dry).

I must also say that we really did not allow enough time - as we only had a long weekend. Had we been able to spend more time there, I would have taken the girls to Sapa (overnight train to hill tribe and terraced rice fields) and Ha Long Bay (for a night on a junk). My mom managed to get out into the country for an afternoon, but the girls at that point were totally over stimulated, so we lounged by the pool.

Ready, steady .... go!

At the airport ...

All checked in ... Go dogs, go!

First stop ... The Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Interesting place! They even have seats carved into stone that look like you are riding a turtle - but you only get to sit there if you have earned a doctorate there.

It didn't take long before people were lining up to pose with Chase.

I carried Mads just about everywhere ...

I had been told the food in Hanoi was great. What an understatement! A born foodie, it was heaven on Earth for me. Gorgeous fresh french bread and pastries. Loads of fresh herbs (combos of dill and lemon basil), savory clear broth, succulent duck cooked to perfection. Ice cream that tasted so good that after one bite, it was all Mads could think about for the rest of the trip.

But I think we all agreed that the best restaurant we found was Green Tangerine. Words can not describe ... all I can say is if I lived in Hanoi, I would eat everything on this menu 50 times. And then I would ask the chef every day to teach me how to cook. Every day. Until I wore him down. Until he finally gave in.

Seriously, why don't all kids meals look like this? Mads had the seared sea bass with lemon cream sauce and a side of veg.

Chase had the chicken cordon bleu ...

Tortoise tower in Hoan Kiem Lake...

Scenes from old town ...

St. Joseph's Cathedral (built in 1886), which was completed shortly after the Treaty of Tientsen, which gave France control over the whole of Vietnam.

Hao Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton), is where US POWs were incarcerated for 6 years during the Vietnam war. By 1953 they were holding 2000 prisoners in a space designed for 500. I would not recommend bringing children here.

Hubs and mom also went to the Vietnam War Museum.

On a lighter note, we also took the girls to see the Water Puppet Show. Front row seats! Fabulous.

The woman in green is playing a traditional instrument - I don't recall what it's called, but I loved the story about it. Apparently women were not allowed to play it or listen to it for the longest time, because it was feared that they would fall in love with the man playing the instrument.

Really fun to watch. Only problem was there was water falling from the AC unit in the ceiling directly above me the entire time. It was like water torture; I tried my best to ignore it.

More street scenes ...

Babes on bikes...

We also crossed the red bridge to the temple at the center of the lake. At the temple, the girls had so much attention it was overwhelming ...

love this picture of Chase ...

We practiced a little gymnastics ...

Just chillin ...

We drove by this lovely temple a couple times before we told the driver to pull over. It was beautiful inside. We never did find out the name ...

Inside the temple...

I think this was the opera house...

More love for Chase and Mads...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs ...

Ho Chi Min Mausoleum. He's in there. We didn't go in as the girls were too tired and our own interest level wasn't too high. It was impressive looking as we drove by ...

One Pillar Pagoda was originally built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. It has been rebuilt many times - the last time was in 1955 after the French destroyed it. The Emperor built it after having a vision of a goddess holding a son - and so his trusty adviser told him to build the Pagoda and then his wife would have a son.

Hmmm, another gorgeous and official-looking building that I never did get the name of...

Swan boats were available for hire. Paddle them as far out as you like, just make sure you have enough energy to bring them back. If we had more time and more predictable weather, I would have taken the girls out.

More information on this temple to come...

A picture of Chase posing with one of the many children who wanted to take pictures with her...

Ah, sister love...

And then we decided to go to Fanny, for ice cream. They had an amazing menu. Adult options included vanilla ice cream shake with chilies and vodka. They had ice cream creations the kids loved. Both ordered a "Pinocchio."

Hubs ordered a banana split.

Mom ordered something delicious...

So happy ...

On the way to the airport, we drove by rice paddys where we were able to see them being harvested ...

Here is a shot of our driver...

Goodbye, Hanoi!

Juggling

2011-06-20T05:59:00.001-07:00

Not much to report. Wine tasting on Monday. Girlfriends over on Wednesday. Birthday party on Saturday. Father's Day on Sunday (which I neglected to get photos of!). Tomorrow Nana Cris arrives (Yay!). Friday to Hanoi. Both girls have HUGE mozzie bites that have swollen up their arms. Madoc is backed-up and no amount of prune juice or water, or fiber, seems to help. So I'm a little stressed at the moment.

Itsy-Bitsy Spider

2011-06-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight Mads sang "Itsy-Bitsy" spider and "I see the moon." She knew all the words. So adorable. How I wish Mads would just sing all day long, I so love to hear her little voice.

For Mommy/Chase time, we went to Starbucks - she had an apple fritter and a soy steamer and we took turns reading her favorite Rachel and Kristy books. How I wish I could have spent the entire day with her doing exactly that...

And this afternoon, Chase and Mads played circus, where Chase basically orders Madoc to do tricks on the living room floor. Like climb up things, and then jump off things. And then Chase decided she wanted to try to make Madoc disappear, but no matter how hard she tried, Madoc just stayed in the chair. Chase was getting frustrated. Madoc wasn't understanding she was supposed to disappear. And then they just started laughing. They are such good sister friends.

Ballet

2011-06-12T06:14:00.001-07:00

Chase has been taking ballet for about a year - and then we took a break for a couple months. She was invited to preform at a children's dance recital in Hong Kong a couple weeks ago. And to be honest, I wasn't really sure how it would all come together. I never really saw her practice at home (nor did I insist on it), so when I asked her to pose for the camera, in her new "show" tutu, I was extremely surprised by how "professional" her pose was ...

She sat up "properly" all the way to the show...

And Mads, such a big girl and wearing her sister's practice tutu in support, insisted on her own seat (with seat belt).

Here she is with her dancing friends and of course, her little sister...

And a dear friend put some make-up (Chase's dream come true)...

And Mads had her make-up done, too ...

Chase's instructor, Miss Tina, showed the girls around the stage ...

And then they were told to get off the stage. The big girls went back stage to get ready. Mads howled like a little lion cub because she so desperately wanted to go, too. And looking at me the whole time, like what do you mean I can't go with my sister, "I'm wearing a tutu, right?"

And here's a couple pics from the rehearsal. Our seats were back a bit so we didn't get any pictures from the actual show - but this does a pretty good job of capturing it.

And then the girls left the stage and watched others rehearse.

In the end, the show was lovely. It was wonderful to see Chase preform. Really lovely to have her there with all her friends, in all their tutus. Very cute.

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-06-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty sure I just had the best birthday ever - except of course, those many surprise parties my dad worked so hard to coordinate when I was young. Roses, dark (90%) and the most gorgeous silver bracelet from my dearest hubby. Jojo made me a gorgeous sticky rice cake (which the girls decorated with red and green sprinkles). A dear friend dropped over the most incredible cupcakes and a gorgeous orchid.

And I took the girls to the bookstore and told them to pick out a book for me. Chase picked out a cupcake book, which she read for the rest of the day - soaking in each and every design one can do with a cupcake. Mads picked out a Charlie & Lola 5 -story-collection. And she looked through it and I read it to her several times for the rest of the afternoon. Really lovely!

It's A Jungle Out There

2011-06-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

This week Chase wanted to take a closer look at jungles.

So we decided to go to Kam Shan Country Park, which was established in 1977. Interestingly, there is a rock in the park that dates back to the early Jurassic period (formed 130 million and 160 million ago). And no, we didn't see it, at least I don't think we did. If we did do, we certainly aren't qualified to identify it.

So we set off to see the park - but first, we drove past the jungle in our backyard...

And when we finally arrived at the park, there was a monkey to greet us. As it turns out there are approximately 2,000 monkeys wild in the park. The monkeys are supposedly the decedents of pets set free in the 1920s.

We drove in, Hubs rolled down his window (briefly) before deciding to roll it back up again. The monkeys came uncomfortably close to the car.

And then the car broke down. The radiator broke. And it was hot. And we had to get out, of our cool, safe, air-conditioned car - and actually protect ourselves and children from the monkeys until HK Auto Assoc. sent a car, a tow truck and a taxi.

And yes, there were monkeys everywhere. And did I mention how hot it was? And Chase wanted to go home (I did too). And Mads just wanted to swing in the trees with the monkeys. And so we watched, and waited...

And Hubs tried to convince HKAA that we were surrounded by monkeys. That we needed help. Soon. VERY, very soon.

And then, after a monkey almost peed on me twice, we realized how important it was to keep our eyes on the trees above...

So we moved the girls to the road ...

The monkeys followed us, and watched...

And waited ...

Until someone more interesting came along...

And when we were finally safe at home, we made a jungle diorama ...

It wasn't long before the Barbies move in...

We also talked about rainforests. About deforestation (which made Chase sad and she will probably use less than the entire roll of toilet paper next time she's on the potty). We checked-out a book from the library on rain forests, and a Charlie & Lola book about recycling. For those who have seen it, we will have a recycling tree in place tomorrow.

Next week, Chase wants to take a closer look at houses.

Good Night, Moon

2011-06-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

Chase read "Good Night, Moon," to Madoc tonight.

I wasn't surprised she could read it. She can read pretty well at this point. But for some reason, listening to her little voice really struck me. Perhaps because I read it to her every night when she was little. It was my way of trying to keep something consistent in her ever-changing world.

And for a moment I thought maybe, just maybe, she will read the same book to her child/ren. And maybe (a mom can hope) she will remember reading this book to Madoc, as her mother once read it to her.

A Word About Blogging

2011-06-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

So I am back to blogging. Because I haven't for a while. Because Hubs just informed me that, get this, we could have just lost ALL OUR PICTURES from the last 12 years. Except the ones I have been saving twice on our little laptop. And the only thing that's keeping me from screaming hysterically is the fact that I have managed to write in this blog - almost every day (with the exception of the past year or so) - since Chase was born. And so I am back at it. To stay sane. To keep a record. So that my children and grand children can have a keepsake.

Dragon Boat Races

2011-06-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

We decided to spend this morning down in Sai Kung watching the dragon boat races. It was hot and crowded. But Mads LOVED it. Chase was ready to go after one race. Mads threw a tantrum when Brian finally pulled her away (four races later).

Mads cheering on the dragon boats...

So hot and crowded...

But what a glorious day...

Chase wanting to leave...

Madoc wanting to stay...

And so Chase and I went to get a strawberry smoothie, while Mads stayed back with Hubs to watch a couple more races...

Oceans

2011-06-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

This week we took a closer look at Oceans. First, we tried to find them on the globe.

Then we did a craft with salt. Watercolor does an interesting thing when you add salt. It makes "snowflakes" appear. Madoc's had a stronger snowflake effect (she used more salt).

Then we did a fish craft and named each part of the fish. Madoc practiced writing her name.

We named and located the five largest oceans in the world.
Good lower case writing practice for Chase.

It was also a good opportunity for Madoc to work on her "writing."

We went down to the local Chinese medicine shop and took a closer look at a dried seahorse, which the Chinese believe give you "special energy," when consumed. The lady next to us told us there are bigger horses, called "Sea Dragons." Unfortunately this shop didn't have any. After taking a close look, we gave it back to the lady behind the counter.

We made something, which I can only describe as sweet and extremely weird. Originally I set off to buy candy fish, but could only find marshmallow eggs, which Chase dubbed "tadpoles." So it was meant to be an edible ocean, but instead it was more like a little pond with strange, marshmallow eggs in it.

We made soap fish. The girls can't wait to take a bath with their new friends. Chase actually made a soap Whale.

Checked out a relevant book from the library.

Went down to the waterfront to take a closer look at what lives in the ocean.

We also tasted some seafood (at home). We made a delish tuna dish from Annabelle Karmel. The kids have never had tuna before and Chase LOVED it. Mads, who has always been the adventurous eater, has somehow changed her ways and now wants to consume only pasta and yogurt.

I am trying to muster up the energy to take the kids to the beach tomorrow morning before it gets too hot.

Next week we will take a closer look at jungles!