Minli-ism

Tonight while we were waiting for Ling at tumbling Minli says "Mom, we're doing Spanish during class AND in after care so we're learning a lot. But I'm the only one that can speak it because I'm from China!"

For Emily

I was jumping on the trampoline with the girls the other day when I collapsed in exhaustion. I told them "I have to stop, I need to rest, I hurt." When I turned around they were sitting like this saying "Ommmmmmmm -- try this mom, it will relax you!"

Oh to be 5!

Okay I have spent the last hour trying to figure out how to get the text under specific photos and can't seem to do it. So . . . all photos at top and explanation at bottom!

Saturday Miss Minli turned 5. She's been counting down the days for weeks. Friday night after she went to bed Ling and I built a quaint little princess tent in her room as a surprise. I had been planning it for several days. It turned out pretty cute. When we opened the door for her Saturday morning she turned to me and said "I love you!" She loved it for a little bit but it was quickly trumped by the guitar that Ling bought for her.

After we dropped Ling off for her Halloween card making class at the art gallery we went home to ice the birthday cupcakes. They turned out really cute but next time I make them I must remember to ice them once we get there. It was pretty comical with us trying to get them to the party upright in the car. Don't tell the party-goers but they tipped over more than once!

On the way to the party we had an interesting conversation in the car. Ling was telling me how she didn't like boys and how gross they were. I told her that she would probably change her mind some day. She asked me when that would be. I said probably when you're 14 or 15 or so. She said I don't think so. Minli chimed in and said "Oh I can't wait that long, I need one right now!" Look out boys!

After the birthday Ling got to go to a cooking class with other Chinese girls in the city. They made moon cakes, Chinese coleslaw and lettuce wraps. They didn't let the moms stay for the class but I did get to try some of their food when I picked her up and it was yummy.

Then we were off to pick out our gifts (Ling's birthday gift too) from Honey. And now we have these two new additions to the family -- Cookie & Caramel. They are really sweet. The dogs have yet to see them. I'm hoping to keep it that way.

On Sunday we had family birthdays. Minli got this darling puppet from Mema and Jetta but she was scared to death of it so Amy Jo got the play time with the puppet at the party. I'm hoping she learns to love it because it's so cute.

Normally the kids get an elaborately decorated birthday cake from Jetta but Minli's wish this year for her birthday was chicken enchiladas and pound cake with butter sauce. So Honey made this darling bee pound cake.

That night we celebrated at my sister's house. Then we were tired!!!

I snapped this photo of Ling swinging and I just love it. Such a sweet smile.

Way to Go Girl!

Last Friday I got to surprise Ling at their weekly assembly where they presented her with the "Student of the Month" award. She was very nonchalant about it all. But I was oh-so-proud of her. Way to go Ling! 

Minli-ism

Tonight I convinced the girls to give me a massage at bedtime. Ling is quite the master at it. So after they scratched my back and gave me an excellent massage Minli announced that she was going to put some lotion on my back. Minli is a child that mosquitos LOVE to bite. Poor child is pretty much eaten up all the time with mosquito bites. Well I bought this anti-itch lotion that we use on her bites. So that's what she got for my back. But she calls it the "itch-tie" lotion.

Sibling Rivalry

The definition of sibling rivalry is antagonism between brothers and/or sisters that results in physical fighting, verbal hostility, teasing or bullying. Psychologists believe that sibling rivalry comes from competition for parental attention, love, and approval.

We've got sibling rivalry all over the place at our house. The kids have it -- even the dogs have it! I've been seriously considering trying to get in shape and lose a significant amount of weight. But I'm afraid that there truly will not be enough of me to go around. Good excuse, huh?!

I've been doing a lot of thinking about the rivalry. And I'm not ready to accept everyone's "that's just normal kids stuff" response. I truly believe that the ability lies within each of us to live together, love, share, compromise and have healthy, happy relationships. At whatever age we find ourselves and in every situation. That is my goal for our family.

Gotcha

Four years ago today in a government building in Hubei China, Miss Minli joined our family. She had a binky tied around her neck with a string (that never came off -- even when she slept) and a bag of spicy potato chips. She didn't cry a bit and has been a delight ever since. She is witty, warm, smart and charming. She loves people and people love her. Earlier this week we were talking about this day approaching. In some circles people call it "Family Day." In others they refer to it as "Gotcha Day." Well I guess she almost got it. Today when I picked her up she announced "since this is my Geisha Girl Day, can I do anything I want?" Oh my, what a girl! Happy Family, Gotcha, Geisha Girl Day, Minli. We love you and can't imagine life without you.