An American Girl in a Chinese World

I now know where that comes from. The past two nights on our way home I have seen cars stopped with doors open at a red light, with people switching seats. They weren't racing or even in a slight hurry. I think they just thought to themselves.."I don't want to drive....so I am going to get in the back seat." haha anyways...I started laughing remembering as a kid friends talking about a chinese Firedrill. Its just ironical that i am in china and actually saw one.

Newly weds. During our first two years of marriage, every time Jeremy and I hugged, kissed, or laughed with each other, people would look at us with a funny face and explain "OH, you two are just newly weds!" We would then share a polite laugh with them. But inside, I didn't like being called that...it felt as if they were saying we weren't really  going to be that happy, it was just for right now. Now, even after 3 years, we still get that comment. Just the other day in the office as Jeremy and I were quoting "Christmas Vacation" and "Dumb and Dumber" lines...Merwin was laughing and said the "newly wed" line. But to my surprise I didn't get frustrated, but rather delighted to see that after 3 years, we still got what it takes! I have always known we have something special! I can spend every moment with J and never get tired of him. He makes me laugh more than anyone else, he plays my stupid games, and loves me like crazy despite my...

Even though I am "in the other half of the world" as Grant would say, I was still able to take part of their New Years Eve "PJ& cookie" Party! Grant and I played super heroes and tickle fights,while dad and Wesley played with the stinky feet baby, and mom supervised and laughed with us all! It was so wonderful to be "windy woman"the super hero and to be apart of their lives! Skype is a blessing and so is my wonderful family! Thankful for you guys this 2012!

PJ's picture Christmas Morning! New puffy vest lol My mom takes care of me...and gave me "target red" lipstick ;) Small group friend's package of love! New water bottles and Nike shirt- small group package of love Here is a recap of Christmas boxes and gifts! Thank you ALL for loving us so well!! We don't have the words to thank you for the amount of time and money you would spend to help us have a great Christmas here in China! We loved all the gifts and feel loved! 

This Christmas was our first away from home. Knowing it was going to be difficult the Merwins invited us over to experience their family Christmas with them! What a blessing it was! We arrived to see a beautiful table decorated in christmas plates, christmas strawberries, and french toast casserole that was to die for!! We ate as a family and then sat down around the tree as Stephen read to us the story of Barrington Bunny. This was the first time I had read the story of the bunny sacrificing himself to save the life of the mouse, but it had both Kellie and I in tears. What a great way to spend Christmas remembering the Son's birth and death for our lives! Jeremy then read the birth according to Luke...and we began to open gifts. It was a great morning and it was a lot of fun to be apart of and see other family traditions. Reading of Barrington Bunny This was his favorite toy! One present and he was content...wish we could learn from him! In front of the Merwin's T...

This is a common thing in the states, but from the look on the Chinese....they probably have never seen or heard of the tradition. We had so much fun though! We sang to all the Merwins Family connections around their block. The Noodles man, the Muffin man, the flower lady, the egg lady, and not to forget the fruit stand! What a wonderful way to spread Christmas Cheer on Christmas Eve!

I woke up on my anniversary to my loving husband telling me to look outside....this is what I saw! He claimed he arranged a marching band to wake me up :) hehe Even though this was not the case, having this wake me up was not only a laughing matter, but a made for a very memorable anniversary!