Halloween in China!!!

My Knight in Shining Armor saw his friend Ashley (who is almost twice his age, but has a huge crush on) from a distance. He yelled her name and ran to her.


Then he saw her up close in the grandeur of her costume (down to fancy shoes and crown) and it literally shocked him! This is him screaming... and her smirking.


Not to worry, because Hunter's always had a thing for beautiful princesses.


This is Hunter's best friend at school. The horns and balled up fist say a lot about this little fireball. When I asked him if he and Hunter were best friends he replied (in Chinese) "Hunter can fight". Strange. I thought. Hunter has always been the peacemaker.

The picture above had me laughing hours later just thinking about it. His friend (from the prior picture) started yanking Hunter's hook off his hand. Hunter politely asked him (in Chinese) to stop. Then the boy yanked so hard that Hunter flew out of his seat. Next thing I knew Hunter drew his plastic sword out of the sheath, and I caught the above with my camera.

They were just play fighting, but it's so funny to see him hold his own with this cute bully/BFF of his. Then, true to Hunter's nature, he took off his hook and shared it with his friend.


One of the classes at Hunter's school. Almost EVERY student dressed up.


It was an interesting mix match of costumes.


Here you have a wizard's hat, spider man towel, and thick eyebrows. Too cute!


Or, one of my favorite guys... snow-leopard ears, butterfly mask, lei, pirate scarf, and a ball bracelet. Dressing up is all relative. And fun was had by all, and once again, I am so grateful Hunter is going to an all Chinese school this year.

Happy Halloween

Hunter was a Pirate, and Tanner was a Knight


I picked up Hunter early from school on Thursday, and had his costume sitting on his seat in the car when he got in. He was thrilled. He's always wanted a pirate costume.



Tanner was a true sport. I made him hold the shield for the pictures, and he did not like that one bit. But then he was fine, and loved all the attention. Every time he sat down, the breastplate would nearly choke him, and his eyes got big and he'd look at me as if to say "is this how this is supposed to work?!"

I literally said a prayer I'd be able to snap these pictures before we had to be out the door. I was sooo happy to get some giggles out of Tanner. Thanks for your awesome brother skills, Hunter. Hunter can change Tanner's tears to belly laughs in no time!

So here's the picture I prayed for. I think sometimes when Heavenly Father hears my prayers he laughs first, then answers them. I bet he gets a kick out of the silly things that are important to me.

The Bow Obsession

For ShaYing's Baby Shower

Side note: If you want to see other baby shower pictures from China, click on these links:
Lara's

Allison's

Okay, so ShaYing never let me throw her a Baby Shower. She didn't want one. But, she let me compensate by making some things for her Husband's boss' wife's Baby Shower (don't even try to correct my grammar on that sentence!)... in exchange for a Chinese Massage at the well-known Dragonfly salon. Where did I find these friends?!


And DARNIT! I didn't get a picture of this beautiful taggie. Not beautiful b/c of the maker, but b/c of the cool ribbons (all different textures and shades of pink)on the edges. And Thanks Tami for the Minky Chenille that was ever so soft for the backing. Tami is a fabric horse like me. We are thinking of starting a support group.


Travel Baby Wipes. My friend Leslie makes these much cuter than I do!


The onesie with the coordinating TuTu. I haven't made one of these since the one I made for my little niece.


The Onesie with the fabric applique. These are way easy and fun too! This was my first time doing one.

My Stinkin' Hilarious Friends and Family:

If you're in for a laugh, no matter your political background... read these.

Dancing with the Stars

My Neighbors finally decorated for Halloween

Disclaimer: Please don't be offended by the above, it's just meant for a good chuckle. Really, my friends are funny. I once asked myself... what is one quality EVERY close friend of mine has? I thought of several, but the most common was that I could catch myself rolling over in laughter when in their company. I love it when people laugh, and I love to laugh too. It balances that twitch I get in my neck after re-folding towels in my linen closet (okay, under the bathroom sink in this smaller house we're in now).

Okay, I'm still laughing over the above links.
Are you? Or do you want to re-fold towels with me?

Sleeping Tanner/ Edward's Song For Bella

FYI, I've added a ton of posts below... scroll down.

The song you are hearing is part of Stephanie Meyer's playlist for Twilight. This is Edward's song for Bella (an old school one from Billy Joel). Tell me you don't love it!

Tann is my little chatter box when it comes to bedtime. Many nights Hunter (who inherited his father's quiet gene in this area) asks to sleep in another room, b/c he likes it quiet.

It's a rare moment when I see him sleep. But tonight, he woke up wanting his little wet nose wiped. Then I just put him on the love seat (did you like the fabric I picked out... a bit too funky?) in the office with me. He talked my ears off while I finished something on the computer. Isn't if funny how very sweet they are when they know they should be in bed?

I made myself promise not to talk back with his sweet little jabbering (it was bed time, and I didn't want to foster a new habit. Plus, I knew it would've been best to put him back in his bed.). I had alto to finish. Then he just fell asleep. And I stopped what I was doing, and Tim and I just stared at him. Tann, thanks for making our night. We love you boys soooo very much.
10/28/2008

My Secret

Here it is:

I use a baby gate.

There, my secret's out. I have a little rule I developed when I was nannying children in my home. It was a rule that kept kids safe and happy while keeping the house manageable. I made sure the kids and I were on the same floor/section of the house at all times. To the next level, as a mom, you might find this helpful...

In the morning, I lock the baby gate, and we don't go downstairs 'till all beds are made, curtains opened, laundry put in my master closet, sippy cups by the stairs, me showered, boys dressed and toys put back in the toy bins. It takes about 30-45 minutes (twenty for the boys and the house, and 20+ for me, depending if I wash/blowdry my hair). It's usually from about 7 AM to 8 AM, at the very latest. Then, together we go downstairs.

At that point, we're hungry for breakfast. They like to go straight to the table. I start them with fruit, while I get other things ready (nuts, cereal/milk, dried fruit, granola type things). I usually don't do hot breakfast... but have always been sooo admirable of those that do.

Then at night, while Tim's getting them ready for bed, around 7:30-8:00PM, I head downstairs. I do the dishes, put things away. Then when I go upstairs for bed, I lock the baby gate behind me, ready for another fun day. Oh, one other thing.

I have upstairs and downstairs activities. All supervised activities (with glue, crayons, paint, scissors, spillable things) are for the downstairs (or the kitchen table portion of the house). And all upstairs toys are for independent playing... or rotated baskets (which have been in total disarray since the move-- but ideally you'd have one basket of Mr. Potato Head, one for StarWars, one for Legos etc).

They can pick any basket to play with, and I'll get it down for them. But I always keep a huge basket of GeoTracks Trains on the floor (it's one of their very most favorite things to play with), for easy access. So basically, I just lock the gate just before bed, and then late at night. Otherwise, Tanner is sneaking downstairs at the crack of dawn unloading the fridge.

Try this out, and let me know what you think.

Allison's Baby Shower

9/23/2008

This invitation I needed to make 50 of. So here's how to do it in about 2 hours (that includes about half of that time trying to figure out the formatting and everything). So I've done the work for you if you want to copy it.
1. Make all the info on Word, using a text box (all my scrapbook software was lost in the computer crash). Make it about small enough to only cover one sixth of a 8.5X11.
2. Copy the text box with all the invite details, and paste in place until you have 6 on one page (you'll want to "rotate image so that all 6 images are laying horizontally, and not upright).
3. Print on white cardstock. Don't bother with the scrapbook store's stuff, use the regualar cardstock you'd find at an office supply store. In order to make 50, you'll only need like 8-9 8.5X11 sheets.
4. Then gather all those little reminants of scrapbook paper you have and cover the top and bottom 3/4 inch. Cut a piece of ribbon to go horizontally across the top. Then embellish with a silk flower or rhinestone on top of ribbon, off to the side. You'll be able to pump out 50 in less than two hours. Do not use envelopes. It's much cuter in a basket so everyone can pick out their own invitations (that's if you're passing them all out at one location, like church). Who needs all the invitations to match nowadays anyway?!


Allison's Diaper cake. That's the invitation at the top of the cake.


I ran out of the ball trim, so I just used left over chenille scraps.


I got these grass things at Ross some time ago. They are very bland. But they worked great for the base of these fruit flowers. If you want to make this, you can easily throw some styrofoam (rocks a the bottom, the flowers are top heavy) at the bottom of a pot, and put some peat moss on top... or parsley.

Isn't it fun that China has so many different fruits? The speckled black/white fruit is called Dragon Fruit.


And just for kicks... LOL, this is a Chip Tasting Contest. This was for memory's sake only... how often would you have a baby shower in China? I wanted Allison to never forget it! So in China it's fun to see what they come up with for chips flavors. All of the above were Lays brand. Here are the flavors, left to right:
Blueberry, Lime, Steak, Kim Chee, and I forgot the other one. I only bought the ones that sounded disgusting.

Here's some pictures of Allison's friends (and mine!) that came to support her! They brought WONDERFUL food... I ALWAYS do a potluck babyshower.

Ward Luau

Tami, in the pink lived in Hawaii, and was even accepted to be a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laiea (Tami, you're gonna get me for spelling it wrong!)...

Then she met her Hubby Trent, in the background, also in a black shirt, and took him over the Hula dancing. Whatta story!

Okay, sorry I had so many pictures to upload, I didnt' crop or edit any of them. But, this is a picture of Ken and Allie... and Nathan (who was born a couple weeks later). Aren't they so cute? She is one fit prego lady... Skinny pregnant ladies...geez! We still like her.


This is a group of us trying to dance like Tami as she instructs on stage.

Just another reason why you wish you were Tami Christensen. Yes, she does the Hula too.

Happy Birthday Ash!

As most of you know, our sweet little niece, Ashley Peterson , Tim's younger sister's daughter was called home on March 20th of this last year while held in her mother's arms. Today is Ashley's birthday, October 14th.

I remember when she was born. We got the call that Em was in labor, and Tim was worried all day. I even walked in on him kneeling in prayer for Ashley's safe arrival.

Then I remember the first picture I saw of her, in her family's Christmas card. I'd never seen a baby with such perfect skin, it was like porcelain, blushed in perfect places. Emily always had at least one bracelet (that she made) on Ash, and a coordinating bow in her hair.

As a toddler, I remember how excited she would get about certain things. I remember seeing her get excited. Her whole body would shake, her fingers stiffen and spread while her eyes get big, it was so infectious! She was absolutely head over heels for Uncle Chris. I remember him taking her to the park and how much she trusted him and would call him "Uncle Cwis".

She was always a bit reserved the first day when we'd get in town, then I loved how she'd always warm up in the end. Every time. When she would get shy, she clung to her parents who welcomed her closeness each time. Then we would try to get her to laugh, and she would look out of the corner of her sparkling eyes and then her whole face would light up. She didn't make us work hard to make her smile.

On our trip to Utah, the trip before the diagnosis, we stopped in to see Emily and Paul's new home. Ashley was so excited to have us there, and we were the Uncle/Aunt that she knew the least. She was so friendly and accompanied the tour. She'd prepared a special note for us to take home with a drawing in it. This was true to her character, as Paul noted at the funeral "Ashley always left people with more than they came with". And Emily said that the neighborhood friends would come over and she'd get treats out to share with them. I remember feeling so deeply grateful that Ashley was so warm and accepting of us, though we lived in a different state (all the other siblings were in Utah, and much of Paul's family are also there).

I remember the day of the diagnosis, I remember I was standing in front of the clothes dryer when Tim's oldest brother, Dave called. We immediately made plans to drive to Utah. Grandma Calton arranged for family pictures. There was a calmness in the air on that day when we took those pictures. It was like you could feel the strength of this 5 year-old's spirit. It was like she was leading us all. We were all there for her, and yet she was the champion pulling through with flying colors. She was mild and sweet, and a bit tired.

I was amazed at how consistent her character was through it all. Not just for a 5 year-old, but for anyone. Hers is a valiant spirit, the noblest of the nobles. Her diagnosis brought much attention, and many watched her over the last year of her life. And she continued loving others.

Even in her last few months, Ashley was serving others. The tumor had grown on her right side of her brain, and she walked with a slight limp. She taught herself how to be a "lefty" and continued drawing pictures for others. While her gymnastic teacher once praised her and said "She's buff!" her spirit was even stronger, and she transitioned from more physical activities to more crafts. She spent hours making little ironed bead projects. She made at least eight for our boys.

When we were preparing for our move to China, I gathered all the bead projects, and distributed them throughout the different baskets in our house. If any of you have been to my home, I have a ton of medium sterilite white plastic baskets. At least 10 of them separate the boys toys, at least 5 separate things in our office, 4 for crafts, 2 for recipe books, canned food, laundry supplies, etc. I made sure to put her crafts in some of these baskets, randomly. They will always be there. I have a few dispersed in the kids toy baskets.

They (the boys) sometimes will look to see if they got a basket with a present from Ashley in it. I just want them to always have glimpses of Ashley in their life. I want them to know that she will always be there. She is their cousin cheering for them on the other side. Just as she remained consistent in loving people before and after her diagnosis, she carries that attribute with her into the eternities. It is our honor to magnify Ashley's life by following her example:

Always leave people with more than they came with.

So while we continue to find our hidden bead treasures throughout the house, I am sure that we will see many Ashley treasures/influences in our lives when we look for them.

Until we meet again, dear sweet Ashley.

Lara's Baby Shower

The outside of the invitation


The invitation. Lara only needed 5 (the rest of the friends she told in person at her Bible Study). So I had the perfect amount of scraps to do this thing!


Her Diaper Cake. Each row is actually a girl's hair bow. Lara donated one half of all her presents to a local chinese charity she works with.


Lara and all her friends. Lara is wearing Grey in the middle first row. Kim, our neighbor is directly above her. Do you see Tami Christensen behind me?


Lara and I with the Diaper Cake and Fruit Flower Bouquet. Jonna, Lara's housekeeper did an amazing to die for spread. Candles, coordinating pieces, and some amazing salads. She basically threw the shower for me. LOVE Jonna, who actually unpacked my entire kitchen when we moved too!

Did I tell you I have a slight obsession with baby showers? It's diagnosable. Really. I love the excitement of a new baby coming home! You'd think I was the one having the baby!

My friend Diana Graves from Castle Rock taught me that EVERY baby deserves a shower. She hosted more baby showers than any other person I've ever met! Her philosopy was: Every baby deserves their own shower. Even if it's the 10th baby, no matter if the siblings are of the same gender.

The part I love best about baby showers is that the mom gets to have all the closest of her friends and family under one roof at one time (at least the ones in the area). There she can have all her school friends, playgroup friends, college friends, work friends etc. What other opportunity can a mom do that?

Thanks Lara for letting me throw this shower for you! You are so deserving! Also, thanks to Jonna who made everything so appealing to look at!

Daddy

The Sunday of General Conference here in China (a week later) we were at home, and having a blast together as a family while we waited for the talks to download.

Below are some cute things/stories that I didn't get pictures of (of course). So I threw in some old ones I found of Tanner

1. Tanner was calling for Tim and saying "Daddy! Ball! Daddy Ball!". He was holding a ball and trying to find Tim. When he found him, he threw the ball, and put his hand up for Tim to hold him and hug him. It was so cute, it was Tanner was trying to lure Tim in with a ball, only for a quick snuggle.

Tanner putting a diaper package on Tim's head. And apparently very proud of his work.

2. Tim and Hunter were building space ships with the couch cushions, and Hunter said "Daddy, it's time for us to play house now." I could see Tim from the other side of the room. I grinned at him, and waited for his reaction.

Then Hunter said "Okay, this is how we play. I'll be the Daddy, and you be the Mommy." I laughed out loud, and watched for his response. Tim grinned at me. Here my 6' 2" husband of no petite size replied in the highest pitched voice he could muster "Okay, I'm the mommy, what do we do now?!" Reason # 2,856 why I love this man!

3. Then we went for a ride on scooter. Holly was just entering our complex at that time, with a container of fresh Chicken-black mushroom-ginger pot stickers. So we dropped them off, and offered her a ride on the back of the scooter to her house. When we got there, there were over 10 housekeepers living there! WOW! I knew she was starting this agency, but had no idea she was this involved. We were totally proud of her. She had a table full of pot stickers from teaching all the housekeepers how to make her secret recipe. BTW, all of the Beijing housekeepers from her agency all have RESTAURANT experience!!

But the cool part was Hunter... LOL! He is our introvert, and Tanner our Extrovert. In crowds, he gets so quite. But here in the Ayi (Chinese for Aunty or housekeeper) palace, he was totally in his element. There was one room there with 3 queen-sized beds lined on the floor side by side covered in sheets. Hunter jumped from one end of the room to the other back and forth (forever). He kept charming the ladies and speaking everything he knew in Chinese. We all watched and laughed, he had such a blast there for some reason. The Ayis treated our little boys like kings, and like 5 of them cracked sunflower seeds for them to eat. It was crazy. Usually, when eating shelled sunflower seeds, you get like a table spoon of nut for an hour of work. But with five cracking at once, Tanner couldn't even keep up with eating them! They were so sweet, and we are so impressed at Holly's success!!

Orphanage Visit

Talk about life altering. This was my first visit to a local orphanage.

This is Lara with the kids. When we opened the door, we were flooded with generous smiles. They were so happy.

I'd never seen so many smiles from those who would have rightful reason to be down. I was overwhelmed with all the smiles and giggles in this room.

You could tell these children were genuinely loved. When we came into the children section, they lifted their arms for us to hold them and hug them.

" 'Sup?!"

Can you see all the beautiful murals all over the walls. What a beautiful thing someone did here. What amazing love this person must've had for this little corner of ShangHai. What love to give so much of their time.

Another friend Lara Andrea came with, she is from Japan. Andrea is in the background, due with a baby girl soon, and has lived in china over 10 years.

I think by the end of our visit, our cheeks were hurting from smiling and giggling so much. It was a great balance when you think of their circumstance in life. I did not see one temper tantrum. They were all so peaceful and sweet. I originally thought it would be so sad, but I truly saw so much love in action there.

This is the nursery. These little babies and toddlers were simply angelic. The volunteers there were so sweet feeding the babies.

This little guy reached for me to hold him. He wrapped his legs so tight around my waist, as if to hold on with his whole body. I could almost literally feel the bottoms of his feet on my back. It was hard to let him go too when you knew he was so appreciative.

This is Andrea with a little Angel. Like I said: Life Altering. Life Altering. Life Altering.

Words won't come, it was almost sacred walking among these strong spirits. The road ahead wouldn't be an easy one for them. But I felt that they had truly been loved by volunteers.

If these sweet deserving souls had never been rocked by a mother,

Isn't the heart of a Volunteer the closest thing?

In their faces, I could see the fruits of those volunteer mothers and Staff. Some that I'd never met. Ones that come quietly, ones that come often, ones that truly know these children. Ones that don't fight against the system, but simply LOVE the children as they deserve. Don't you just want to be more like these quiet followers of the Savior?