Recent Instagram photos

Homework, writing "2"s.


New skirt made by Mommy.


Celebrating Independence day at school.


Afternoon visitor.


Spy Party


Girls in their twirl dresses.

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Haircut Date

Emma and I had a special mommy/daughter date to get haircuts at a nice salon in town. She was super excited as was I. In the waiting room you get some nice cold spice tea with a cold wet washcloth to wash your face with. Asia does this well!




In the lego playroom, Emma was designing the salon: the chairs, the sink, the shampoo, and where mommy, Emma, and the hairstylist would sit or stand.

Emma was a little timid letting someone wash her hair but ended up enjoying it.







She's so big! Below was her first haircut when she was 2. She still had to sit on two pillows though. :)

And ta-dah! Two ladies with shiny soft hair. Can't get any better than this!

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Our Lil' Sunshine

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Asian Jesus and the Karaoke Culture

This mural is in front of Emma's kindergarten. Though a little humorous at first seeing an Asian Jesus, I couldn't help but be a bit moved by the mural, knowing Jesus' love for each individual of the world is so great and unconditional, including the millions of SE Asians in this country. It was a reminder to me that Jesus is the God of all nations, all ethnic groups, every language and race. "Red and yellow, black and white...they are precious in His sight."

Emma is the only 'white kid,' the only westerner at her school of thousands of little Asian kids. At almost 4 years old, she has displayed such courage in learning the language, singing local songs, and enjoying playing with her friends. We are grateful for her experiences thus far.

Her first week, the kids had a chance to sing together and the teachers even took song requests. At the first offer to sing a song a kid requested, Emma's hand went up and she yelled, "Twinkle, twinkle!" with excitement. And the microphone was given to her to lead in singing. 

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Trip to the jungle

The Bs and Cs spent a few days out in nature, several hours away from our city. A small hotel. Food provided. And a nice area where kids could play inside and outside. That's all parents of small children could ask for, right?! :)








Abi and Emma way ahead of the group!





























 Ok, so it wasn't deep into the jungle of our island, but at least we were out in nature! The kids were able to discover dirt, bugs, unique flowers, and sweet Emma got her first bee sting. Ouch! It was a nice break from city life. Fresh air. Birds singing. And hiking with walking sticks. It's the little things.


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Last day of school

Emma has really enjoyed her playgroup this year, especially her teachers: English teacher, the head teacher, and her Mandarin teacher. Who knew she was learning Mandarin all year since I never hear any Mandarin words come out of her mouth at home. :) One day, it may come out, and I will not understand a word of it.

We are enrolling her for next year. She is such a big 3-year old. What a blessing to have this opportunity for her to be in the culture and speaking the languages she is growing up around.

So proud of you for being a sweet and "berani" (brave, courageous) little girl.

Love you, E.

Mom

Speaking "Olivia"

Translation of Olivia's phrases by Mommy


"mo' diya" = more quesadilla
 "ank you, mommy" = thank you Mommy or thank you Daddy
"mo' peese" = more please
"wa' mo' tye" = one more time
"bass tye" = bath time
"sim sue" = swimsuit
"oh gooness" = oh, goodness
"kiddy kack" = kitty cat
 "pashen" = patient

Olivia cooking (i.e. eating flour)

4 little monkeys...

 4 little monkeys jumping...running, leaping, crawling, dangling, laughing, and playing!!! Boy I feel old after spending just a few hours shopping and playing with these guys (all ages 3 and under). I'm exhausted but have a blast when they are all fed and in good spirits. :) Our two families (Bs and Cs) have been sick for the past several months so have not had much time out of the house nor have been able to play much together. We finally got to spend a Saturday morning grocery shopping and playing at one of their favorite places in the mall, Amazone.
Makes us all super thankful for good health. Thank you God for taking care of each of us.
Hope to post again soon.
K
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K's Trip Home

Here's a long overdue recap of my awesome "mini-vacation" by MYSELF to celebrate my friend Sarah's wedding. What an amazing gift (thank you T!) to get to spend time with my special friends from college and get to see family! 12 days without kids filled with all the fun things I miss about living in the States. Wanna here the list? In no particular order:

1. great convos and laughs with friends
2. quality time with the bro
3. quality time with Mom and Dad
4. great Mexican food!
5. botanical gardens in fort worth with Dad
6. awesome time eating at the Woodshed on trinity river in fort worth
7. a beautiful country outdoor wedding in granbury, texas (where todd and i had an anniversary)
8. catching up with college pals at the wedding
9. feeling at home with people who really know the good and the bad me, no need to explain anything to them
10. Spring! Grass!! Blue skies!! Cool breezes! A big one.
11. crafting!
12. a long shower with no kids interrupting (although i did really miss them ;)
13. wonderful hosts (Love the H family!)
14. prayer time on the plane
15. half a day by myself in Singapore
16. getting to dress up and put on make-up that wasn't going to melt off my face in a few hours
17. driving to target and roaming the isles for nothing in particular (yes, for real.)
18. a superb egg sandwhich made by mrs. sherrod for breakfast
19. chillin on the couch with friends watching amercian idol
20. blue bonnets!
21. my reunion with T and the girls. love them so much.

Love,
so undeservedly blessed K

The tutu

Off to dance class.


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Ballet class

Emma joined a dance class and so far loves it! This was her trial class so I stayed in the room and took some pics. More to come. And, yes, she will get to wear a pink tutu every time she comes to class. I don't know who enjoyed it more, Emma, or her mommy. What a blessing we have something like this where we live!

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I heart pink!

It's no secret that Emma loves pink! Thanks to the bright pink fabric from Mimi, I managed to make Emma her first Mom-made dress. It turned out pretty cute!



But not as cute as the little sweetheart wearing it.

(I used this great detailed tutorial if anyone is interested in making one too.)




We're calling it the Valentine Dress. Emma picked out the cute white heart buttons that go on the pocket.




The large pocket was a must since Emma loves putting her "lipstick" in it for going on mini-outings with Daddy.

(pleated pocket tutorial here.)


 










The purple leggings and white strappy shoes complete the outfit! I love my girl in pink.



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