Hot Pineapple Tang

A normal school night...
Niemi family, this one's for you.
There's nothing that feels so Chinese, 
yet so American to me
as drinking hot pineapple TANG from
my baby Thor party cup, all the while, thinking of you
and wanting to play liars dice.

Art Wednesday!!!

We worked with different levels of light/shading.
Light, Meduim, and Dark.
I printed a halftone poster out onto 16 sheets of paper
and gave each student 2 sheets to color
with 3 different crayons.
Yellow (light-small dots), Orange (medium sized dots),
and Blue (dark-big dots).
When they are done, I will put all of the pieces together.
Should be a unique experience for them.
Until then, they get to stare at my example piece, hmhm. 

I've always like to imagine and create.
I hope that it rubs off on my students.

Cheers!

A wee bit of music

Don't worry, I didn't tune the guitar...
Be sure to listen up for a phone ding somewhere in the middle...

New Year...Old Summer Palace

Shenma? You rented a car?!

A friend of mine, took me on a quick trip
outside the crazy Beijing city limits for my birthday.
So cold. So bright. So fresh. So good.

A time or two ago, I took many pictures to document 
places HE's allowed me to see and experience. 
Time to bring the foot photos back around.
Thank you, Creator for your/my life
your love and your light.
Continue to guide me feet in your ways.

Parties, Programs, and Praise.

Friday night entire school program.
My kids (5th and 6th) are middle-front
saying their lines.
I'm kneeling down in the front,
trying to lighten the mood and ease their nerves.
They did a super job. It was such a ble.ssing
of an opportunity for all involved.

Saturday night program for all of our
Chinese friends from studies.
We presented the Chr.stmas story in dual language.
It was also another amazing thing to be a part of
and witness through to friends, brothers and sisters.
I was one of three musical (uke/cajon playing) shepherds.
We were a bit of comic relief. It was way fun.
PRAISE HIM.  

A small Beijing Chris.tmas

Student made (teacher hung) classroom decorations.
My kids did a beautiful job brightening our little room
and keeping our moods cheerful in the long days before vacation. 

A package from home.
I could feel the love and smell
the sweet fragrance of home during the holidays.
Never without a "Happy Birthday Je.sus!"
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.

Feeling festive at school.
A recess shot of our Beijing winter so far...
no snow, just cold.
It's snowing a little in our apartment. :)

Hill and my tree in the apartment.
Festive graphic.

Mom, one of these little cast iron squirrels is for you.
I'll keep him hostage with me for now.
I'm alive and well...
Hope you and your loved ones are warm,
 filled with love, joy, and peace
and are reminded of the greatest GIFT in days to come.