AFTERTHOUGHTS . . .

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My husband said it would be hard to top last Thanksgiving for the kids because we spent it in Hong Kong Disneyland. And it was great. But this year was SO much better for me. I LOVED my year away, but I missed my family and our traditions, more than you can possibly imagine. Last year, my parents and my brother didn't even have Thanksgiving dinner because they all thought it would be too hard. So they went to the track instead. And then they went to my cousins like we always do. I got to talk to them while they were at my cousins. But I was crying so hard I couldn't really have a conversation with them. I was fine until my dad answered his phone. Then I started crying so hard I couldn't talk. He thought something was wrong. I could barely tell him I was fine, through all the crying! So yeah, family's kind of important to me; especially my parents and my "baby" brother.

This year we went to Mom and Dad's for the full fledged Thanksgiving dinner. After that we went to my cousin's. And we had a great time. I LOVE going there. This year was a little tough because my aunt, Kim's mom, passed away a couple of months ago. And she was a delight to be around. So yeah, this year, there was a hole in our family. But I think we all still had a good time. And she would have wanted it that way. She wouldn't have wanted us to dwell on the fact that she's not there. Because really, she was there. And now her kids and grandkids have their own special angel in heaven. What more could you ask for?!

I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. I might not look like Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock; have the money of Donald Trump or Bill Gates; or the self-confidence that I've longed for my whole life. But you know what? They don't have the things I have. A husband who loves me despite all of my flaws and all of our differences. Three beautiful children who try my patience one minute and make me smile the next. Parents who always loved me and taught me respect and integrity. A brother who was always there for me and still is. Family that's always been such an important part of my life. Friends that love me for who I am and don't expect me to change to be more like them.

So yeah, I think I have it pretty good. And sometimes, especially in today's world, it's good to sit down and just be thankful for the things we DO have, instead of dwelling on the things we DON'T.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING . . .

This week on Facebook I did a whole week about things I am thankful for. I decided to post them here, in the order I wrote them. I hope you all have a happy, safe and YUMMY Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for my hubby and my kids. Even though there are some days that I long for some peace and quiet, my world would not be complete without them.

Today I am thankful for my wonderful parents. They showed me they would always love me and be there for me, no matter what. They taught me respect and forgiveness. They showed ME how to be the best parent I can be. They helped me, be ME. Like it or not! :)

Today I am thankful for my "baby" brother. He always "had my back" when we were growing up, and lucky for me, he still does. He's an amazing Uncle and Godfather to my children. He's one of the best people I know, and I thank God every day that he's a part of my life.

Today I am thankful for "My Angel". Even though she's been gone for 12 years, she's always in my heart. She made me feel special and I never doubted her love for me. She's always been my hero, and she always will be. I love you Grandma. Thanks for EVERYTHING.

Kellie Pickler - My Angel

Today I am thankful for my "besties". U know who u r. Thanks for listening to me, crying with me, laughing with me, and most importantly letting me know you love me. Esp when I was in China and thought you'd forget about me! Whether we've been friends for 27 years, 21 years, or just a few short years, u mean the world to me, and I thank God for you every day!

FRIENDS by Michael W Smith

Today I am thankful for my family. My WHOLE family. I have 15 aunts and uncles, 18 cousins, and too many 2nd cousins to keep track of! I am very lucky to have been a part of such a special family. From summers in Lebanon to Christmas Eve in Mt. Washington "patiently" waiting to open gifts, family has always been a special part of my life, and for that, I am very thankful.

Today I am thankful for Ryan who's my polar opposite, yet he still loves me and puts up with my "idiosyncrasies"; Jason who's growing into an intelligent free thinking tween; Andrew who's smart and funny and always makes me laugh; and Sarah Beth who constantly tries my patience one minute and tells me she loves me the next. Thank you God for giving me such a wonderful family.

Today I am THANKFUL. I am so happy to be home for Thanksgiving this year. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

CHINESE TOMB SWEEPING DAY . . .

Last week the Chinese celebrated Tomb Sweeping Day. The Chinese name "Qing Ming" means Clear Brightness. Tomb Sweeping Day celebrates the rebirth of nature and marks the beginning of the planting season and other outdoor activities.

In ancient times Qing Ming Jie was celebrated with dancing, singing, picnics and kite flying. Colored boiled eggs were broken to symbolize the opening of life. In the capital, the Emperor would plant trees on the palace grounds to celebrate the renewing nature of spring, while in the villages, young men and women would court each other.

Throughout the years this celebration of life became a day to honor past ancestors. The Chinese believed the spirits of dead ancestors looked after the family. Today, the Chinese visit their family graves to clean them up, pull any weeds and sweep away dirt.

The businesses and schools are closed that day. This year it was on April 5th, which was the day after Easter, so the kids had a long weekend. They might not know what Tomb Sweeping is, but they know what it is to have a day off!

HAPPY EASTER . . .

Happy Easter, from our family to yours.

Easter is today for you guys, but it was yesterday for us. And it was another holiday that we spent away from home. Not easy. And not fun. But we survived it. It was even harder for me, because my parents were originally supposed to be here for Easter. But then we realized that the kids are out of school for 10 days at the end of April, so we decided it would be best for them to come then. And while I know that's the best decision, the fact that they were originally supposed to be here now, made yesterday even harder for me. But like I said before, we survived it. And now we're counting down the days until Mom and Dad get here. 17 days from now, they'll be on the plane about 12 hours away from here. And I can't wait!

Happy Easter. I hope you had a great Easter, and I hope you all enjoyed your time with your family.

THANKSGIVING DINNER . . . .

I get to have a REAL Thanksgiving Dinner today.  I am going to the Thanksgiving Luncheon for the American Women's Club of Shanghai with a friend of mine.  The funny part is, she's not American, she's from Singapore, but she's going with me so I don't have to go by myself!  Anyway, the turkeys are "supposedly" being flown in from the States, plus there's going to be mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, (which I don't like), pumpkin pie, (again, I don't like it), pecan pie, and lots of other Thanksgiving goodies.  I'll give you the details when I get back.

HALLOWEEN . . .

Believe it or not, we did find a place to take the kids trick or treating this year.  Of course, it wasn't the same.  If we'd been at home we would have taken the kids around the neighborhood, and then had chili and snacks with our wonderful family and friends.  Of course, that didn't happen.  But that's okay, next year will be even more fun!

Anyway, we took them to a neighborhood very close to school.  They went through a Haunted Garage, and then we took them trick or treating through the neighborhood.  They had a really good time.  They didn't get the same kind of candy that they would have gotten at home, there were a couple of Snickers here and there, but mostly it was Hi Chews and suckers.  But it's better than nothing.

Andrew was a Ben 10 character named Swamp Fire.  We didn't get Jason's costume until that morning, because he couldn't decide what he wanted to be.  He finally decided on a pirate, and then he wore it all night.  He even slept in it!  I guess he was happy with his choice.

Swamp Fire

The Pirate

The Beautiful Butterfly

Swamp Fire and Butterfly

The Pirate and The Butterfly.  Sounds like the name of a romance novel!

She wouldn't exactly pose, so we had to catch her whenever we could.  Since she was with us most of the night and not going door to door very often, there's many more pictures of her.  I was lucky to get the ones of the boys that I did.  They just wanted to go!

Here you can see her wings. 

And here

 

THIS is what she looked like in less than hour!

She's working hard on that piece of candy!

Not sure what she's laughing at, but she's obviously having a good time!

This is Ryan's favorite day of the year, because well, it's the one day he can go out without people asking him why he's wearing a costume!

Sarah and Daddy