Alfords in China

Happy 2nd Birthday Zoe!!!

2012-01-27T05:37:00.006+08:00

Ice cream at Louisville's famous Greater's Ice Cream
presents!!

with Bops and Grammie
cupcakes!!
sure do love my girls!!!

On January 25th, Zoe Mei turned two. Zoe is a precious gift we all adore. She is the family jokester. She makes us all laugh, and she loves to do everything her big sister does. Zoe Mei we love you and are so glad you are a part of our family! Happy Birthday!

Bailey Belle

2012-01-14T04:57:00.003+08:00

While Sue was at our house she sewed up a storm. Man, I've got to learn how to sew as fast as she does!! She whipped up Christmas dresses for Bailey and Zoe, a Belle dress for Bailey, finished two pairs of pants for Bailey that I hadn't completed, and helped me with a bunch of felt food. The girls were thrilled with her creative endeavors. Bailey loves dressing up like a princess!!! Thank you Sue!!!

English Corner Christmas Party

2012-01-06T03:44:00.004+08:00

As is tradition we held the Chicago Coffee English Corner Christmas Party at our apartment again this year. It was a really special time. We were packed to the brim with people of all ages. Old friends, new friends, parents of long time participants.... so many people came. We decorated sugar cookies, sang Christmas Carols, played white elephant, and shared the true meaning of Christmas. It was a blessed time. God really worked in some amazing ways and stirred people's hearts. I will so miss all these precious people when I no longer am responsible for English Corner in 2012. So many seeds have been planted. I am blessed to have had this opportunity for the last four years.

Lots of blogging to catch up on!!

2012-01-06T03:41:00.002+08:00

Hello Everyone!

The girls and I are in the USA. That's right! I know, how, when, huh? It was a last minute decision. We have been here one week and are still struggling with the horrific jet-lag. However, I'm in the land of super fast internet so I can finally upload and catch up on all the blogging that I need to do!! Whoopie! It was a wonderful Christmas Season with amazing and bittersweet events that I will fill you in on. See you soon!

Xiao Ping's Wedding

2011-12-30T14:20:00.003+08:00

At the beginning of November we went to our dear friend Xiao Ping's wedding. We met her when she started working for us at Chicago Coffee a couple of years ago. She is such a lovely wonderful person, and it was great to share in her special day.

Advent and slow internet

2011-12-08T13:28:00.005+08:00

cookie making
Snowflake glittering

Yikes! The posts for advent have been few and far between. We've been super busy doing lots of fun Christmas things to celebrate the season, but the internet has been so slow I can rarely even get on to post about it. Getting to spend this special time of the year with Grammy Sue has been fabulous. We've been making and decorating lots of Christmas sugar cookies (and of course eating them!), cutting out snowflakes and decorating them with glitter, acting out the Nativity scene, enjoying Christmas music which I love and play constantly, and just having fun. We haven't' had this opportunity to be with a grandparent at Christmas since 2004 so this is really special!! The great grandparents, Jack and Alice are here as well, and the awesome Katie and Micah will be here late tomorrow night. What a special way to celebrate the birth of our Savior!!

Advent Day 2

2011-12-03T07:49:00.002+08:00

Today we enjoyed the special gift of waking up to my mother in law being here. She arrived late last night so the girls didn't get to see her until day today. It is truly a gift to have her here with us this Christmas Season. We are thrilled that she is here, AND more family including Grandma Alice, Grandpa Jack, Katie, and Micah will all be coming this Christmas as well!!! We have not had a Christmas with this much family since 2004.

We topped off a great day with a trip to the 8th Annual Community Christmas Fair that takes place here in the Spring City every year. We enjoyed great food, shopping, face painting for the girls, running into lots of friends and former students that I haven't seen in a long time, and Christmas spirit.

The First Day of Advent

2011-12-01T16:06:00.005+08:00

It is December 1st. I am so excited to begin a planned out tradition-making December with Chris, our girls, and the extended family that is coming to spend Christmas with us. Most of all I am so thankful for this extra special time to reflect on the birth of the Savior, my Savior Jesus Christ. I have planned several advent calendars for the kids to use December 1-25th, and I'm also going to share a photo of past Christmases and a special little tidbit of what we're doing over here in China to celebrate Christmas for the next 25 days. Merry Christmas!

This photo is from our first Christmas in China.

Shanghai December 2005

Observation Day at Bailey's kindergarden

2011-11-20T21:19:00.006+08:00

Table time! Bailey's teachers would circle a Chinese character from the text on the board and she would have to find it in her book and circle it. She did pretty good!

Stickers for a correct answer.
We played a game where the kids had to find the characters that the teachers called out. Look complicated?
Water break!
Lining up to go outside to exercise and dance.

The teachers lead the students in exercises with music, and they use these rings that jingle.
Classic picture! It was a little crowded getting back inside.
Then we made a little water droplet man out of clay. Random.
More games outside. I was so glad to have this opportunity to sit in on Bailey's class. She was really proud to have me there, and I got to see a lot. She still struggles to communicate, but she has improved so much. Her teachers are very kind, and most of the children seem to genuinely be her friends. I'm proud of her.

Zoe and the Red Balloon

2011-11-12T09:24:00.005+08:00

One of Zoe's favorite books right now is "Goodnight Moon". However, she doesn't call it bye it's original title; she called it "Goodnight Balloon" or rather "Goodnight Boont". (That's how she says balloon right now.) She's totally taken with balloons. She always comments when we see them outside which is quite often because stores here decorate with balloons. She loves to play with them, and she's always trying to blow them up. She's such a cutie.

Cinderella at Beauty and the Beast

2011-11-12T08:41:00.004+08:00

Last weekend the international school here in Kunming put on the musical "Beauty and the Beast". Several of my friends and I decided that we would take our girls and they could dress up as a princess. I decided to make Bailey a Cinderella dress. I used a free tutorial on-line and drafted my own pattern. I ended up making three muslins of the bodice before I got it right!! She loves the dress up dress, and of course, she looked adorable. The show was really great. Bailey was enthralled. I definitely see dance, music, and drama in her future. What can I say, she's like her mom:)

Bailey's 4th Birthday Paper Doll Party

2011-11-08T15:27:00.007+08:00

I printed out a bunch of different kinds of paper dolls for the girls to color

the little girls coloring their paper dolls
buckeyes
Jelly sandwiches
Fun with photo props

playing "Pin the bow on the paper doll"
Opening presents
One of her favorite gifts- dress up jewelry!!
Pink cupcakes!!!

This year Bailey requested pink cupcakes. I decorated them with cupcake toppers of paper doll dresses and some sprinkles
A garland of photos of snippets of Bailey's life
I downloaded and made some photo props for the girls to have fun with.
Mommy and Bailey had some fun with the photo props after the guests left.
That's my four year old Bailey girl. She's full of spunk, personality, and I love her to death. Happy fourth birthday Bailey Grace!

Happy 4th Birthday Precious Bailey Grace

2011-11-04T20:57:00.003+08:00

4th Birthday breakfast of pink oatmeal and blueberries

I came home from one of my runs last week and this is what she was wearing. this picture is so Bailey! Gosh I love this girl!!

Dear Bailey,

You are four years old today. You're no longer a baby. You're not even a toddler. Your chunky little legs have grown into strong long limbs perfect for running, riding bikes, and dancing your little heart out. Your mind is inquisitive and sharp. You come up with the funniest stories, and your memory of detail astounds me. You make me laugh. You make me cry. You amaze me. I love you so much. Happy birthday my sweet.

Encouragement for a mother

2011-10-14T09:28:00.002+08:00

Last night I hosted a baby shower for my friend Krista who is pregnant with her third. We had a wonderful time laughing, talking, shedding a few tears, and eating some yummy homemade goods. But the best thing, in my opinion, was the encouragement. I asked all of the ladies attending to bring a verse or thought of encouragement to share with Krista. All of us have have children. A few of us have adopted. Some are in the process of adopting. All of us, except one wise and mature older woman, are in the trenches of motherhood. The word "trenches" evokes a battle, and in a sense motherhood is that. We are fighting for the souls of our children, and we all need to be encouraged. Though the encouragement last night was specifically meant for Krista, I think each one of us left with a little more strength than we came with. (or maybe it was all that sugar?) :)

Here are a few things that were shared:

Isaiah 40:11 "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." ... gently lead those that are with young... wow! I need gentle leading every single moment of every day. And that is the example to follow as I lead my children.

Another friend shared about how A.W. Tozer's mother, when she was being applauded for raising such fine young men, she answered that she both poured out her life for and into her children. I so often feel completely spent at the end of the day. I'm just splashed all over the floor. But I'm not just pouring out. I'm pouring into my children. These energies are not being wasted. Lord willing, they will pay off. And no matter, as long as I am being obedient to the Lord, he in the end, is ultimately responsible for my children's souls.

Another friend read some lines from the hymn "Take My Life and Let it Be". This verse in particular, "take my moments and my days. Fill them Lord with ceaseless praise." Often these "moments" are the hardest things to surrender in a momma's heart. The daily training, cleaning, whining..... are the things that wear me out. But these small moments are what God desires. My all.

Anyway, I left encouraged. I hope Krista did too. I'm so thankful for this group of women, to help point my eyes in the right direction when they start to turn inward. But I'm most thankful for my Shepherd; the Shepherd who's right here with me holding my hand and wanting and caring about each moment of everyday.

Snow White

2011-10-10T19:29:00.005+08:00

I finally was able to check a sewing project off my list when I made Bailey her first item of dress up play clothes. I happened to have in my very paltry stash all of the colors for a Snow White dress so that's what I made. I figure it out by myself (not that it's that complicated), and I'm really pleased with it. Most of the dress was made from old t-shirts that I cut up. Bailey has never actually seen Snow White because I think it is horribly scary for someone her age, but we have read a less scary version, and she knows what Snow White looks like. We decided to have some fun and go out for a little photo shoot. I was hoping to get a lot more pictures, but my camera ran out of battery so some of them were taken on my phone. The best part is that she ADORES her dress. I'm so glad I can at least make these kinds of things for her. Enjoy the pics!
A little morbid, but what can I say? She's dramatic.

Zoe Mei 20 months plus a few days

2011-10-07T08:50:00.004+08:00

Zoe is at such a fun stage these days. Her vocabulary is exploding. She's starting to speak in complete sentences, and she can say a lot of words in Chinese! She loves to do everything her sister does. She loves to sing, and she loves to sit on Bode. When I pick her up she pats my back and says, "I ludge you mommy." It just melts my heart. Did I mention she adores her big sister? I love having two girls. There is certainly a lot of emotion and drama, but when they are playing well together it's awesome. We love you Zoe!

Summer family photos

2011-09-22T13:46:00.006+08:00

Goodbye baby

2011-09-15T20:42:00.004+08:00

Chris has been gone for ten days. He got in last night, and then he had to leave for the airport at 6am to head to Shanghai for some meetings. We've missed him terribly, but we did get a few things accomplished during his absence. First, I have officially weaned Zoe! I thought it would never happened. She will be 20 months old in ten days so it was time. I still call her my precious baby girl every time I pick her up and kiss her cheek, but she is not a baby anymore. She is talking up a storm, is opinionated, is completely enamored with her older sister, and is as adorable as ever. She will as me a question then say, "K mom?" When I pick her up she pats my back, puts her head on my shoulder and says, "Wuv you mom." And now, her constant response to anything I say is, "Why mom?" Gosh, she makes my heart just melt.

Her big sister has made some incredible strides too. Bailey is no longer wearing diapers during naps and at night time!!!! She has occasional accidents, but she is doing great! So, yes, this momma has been working hard while daddy has been gone. I can't wait for him to be home!

No you may not pet them or pick them up!!!

2011-09-03T07:03:00.004+08:00

the gathering crowd when we stopped to get ice cream in Chengdu
taking pictures of my kids. i should charge for this.

My kids are like super stars here. The moment we step out our door they are admired, fawned over, commented about, and touched. My kids handle it pretty well because they've both lived here their whole lives, but sometimes it's just too overwhelming and they freak out. The attention comes because they look so different from Chinese children. These are the comments we hear all the time: "Look at the foreign children! " "Look!" "Wow they're noses are so long!" "Their eyes are so clear, like glass!" "Their hair is so yellow!!" "Pretty or not pretty?" "Pretty or not pretty?" "Pretty or not pretty?" I'm not kidding. These phrases follow us around EVERYWHERE. Let me just say I love the fact that America is a melting pot. I love that you can step outside and see people of every color and that' s normal. Here in China there are no hair color variations or eye color variations. Obviously my kids do not have yellow hair. It's dark brown and light brown. Bailey's eyes are hazel not blue. It's so interesting to me that these variations cannot even be expressed here. Your hair is either black or yellow. Your eyes are either dark or light. And the comments "Pretty or not pretty?". Yeah, this is what they ask their children all the time in our presence. This kind of sentence structure is very common in Chinese ( Hungry not hungry?" "Tired not tired?") But I HATE this sentence structure when this sentence is said to my children all the time.

I think my biggest problem with these constant verbal tirades is the fact that the differences between my children and the Chinese children are constantly being pointed out rather than the similarities. When Chinese children see us, every single difference is pointed out, and we are specifically called outsiders or foreign. "Hey look there's a yellow haired, light eyed, long nosed old foreign!" Sometimes I feel like shouting, "Hey look there's a yellow skinned, dark haired, slanty eyed Chinese person!" back, but I don't. China thinks it's moving forward, but until they can stop only looking at differences and start seeing the similarities in the fact that we are all people, China is going to be backwards. In the mean time I'm trying to be patient, trying to help my children be patient, and trying to have a good attitude about it.

Oh, and don't get me started on the constant petting, attempted picking up, photo taking, and pawing of my children that takes place on a daily basis. They are not dogs, and you may not pet them or pick them up!

Just for fun

2011-08-22T21:40:00.004+08:00

Frustrated with blogger

2011-08-22T21:35:00.003+08:00

Hey Folks,

I've been trying to put up quite a few posts, but I keep getting errors every time I try to load pictures. Just want you to know I'll keep trying. Don't give up on the blog yet. Also, I have tons of projects to put up on My Creative Dongxi, but I have yet to photograph them. So much is changing in our lives right now; the kids are going through a really rough phase, and I'm just plain tired. Hopefully, I will be able to fill you all in on the details soon.

From another's point of view #2 The market

2011-08-21T14:51:00.007+08:00

peppers galore!
How about a pig leg?
spices, dried veggies, beans
different kinds of pickled vegetables
It's wild mushroom season!!

Our lives from a visitors point of view #1

2011-08-21T14:45:00.003+08:00

Since having children there are very few pictures taken that have me in them as I am usually the one behind the camera. However, whenever my parents visit we get pictures from a completely new perspective. The view of our lives from an outsider (as in someone who doesn't live here in China) is very refreshing and interesting to me. I've gotten so used to this role as a foreigner in China that I forget how truly bizarre and unique our lives are! As a result, I'm going to do a few posts of pictures that my mom took. They are of things that I see all the time so I never think to photograph them, but they represent a good slice of our lives. Thanks for the pictures, Mom!

Pictures from Mom and Dad's trip

2011-08-15T20:40:00.009+08:00

We had a wonderful time with my parents. Lots of good memories to cherish.

Lots of wrestling and tickling...
Morning talks about Jesus over breakfast and coffee...
Train rides with friends in the neighborhood
adventures in squatty potties...
English corners...
trips to the market...
and of course amazing food, coffee, and desserts at this place...
Barbies...
swimming...
hair cuts...
shopping adventures around town
and more Barbies. Thanks for coming mom and dad!!! We had a wonderful time!

Bailey's Hai Ma Ban graduation performance

2011-07-15T13:05:00.004+08:00

Putting on her costume
classmates lining up for makeup
what a cute little frog!!

getting tired and not too thrilled about class pictures
awwww.... what a sad face!
Bailey's class minus Bailey
Much happier after she got to take off her costume and get a lolly pop for the walk home
Gosh I love this girl! She is so brave to attend school in another language, and I'm so proud!!!

For the last two weeks Bailey's class has been rehearsing a dance for their big graduation performance! She's been showing it to me on a daily Basis, and her teacher even told me that Bailey had been put on the front row because she was doing such a good job! The performance was in the auditorium of a local middle school, and it was packed! We were the only foreigners there. Bailey did a great a job, and overall seemed to really enjoy herself.

in memory...

2011-07-13T09:11:00.003+08:00

picture from EC Christmas party at my house 2010

David is top row third from left

Last night right before English Corner I found out that one of our long time participants, a 17 year old boy with the English name David, died last Friday. All we know is that he was by himself riding a motorcycle. There were no cameras on that part of the road so it is unclear if he was hit or if he fell down and was run over. As far as I know David was not a believer. I can remember countless times of sharing the Good News with him at English Corner. I can remember how quiet he was, but also how deep and fun. I remember joking with him (in a serious sort of way) about how he drank and smoked way too much. Oh David, why didn't you believe?! I am so very very sad right now. My heart is so heavy. I just pray that through this maybe more friends at English Corner will be more open to considering the frailty and unpredictability of our lives on this earth and the eternity of what comes after.

I saw a woman at the market...

2011-07-11T13:18:00.003+08:00

A few days ago I was walking home from picking up some fresh produce at the market when I saw a very old lady gingerly trudging along with a cane. This is no strange sight, but quickly my eyes made their way down to her feet- her tiny tiny bound feet. Yes, my friends. There are still Chinese woman alive who bear the grisly reminders of things past. I have seen bound feet before, but this time I was particularly moved because I just finished reading, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. This book gives incredible insight into how woman were viewed in China for thousands and thousands of years. I recently listened to a podcast on Chinese foot binding that described it as a "choice" for the woman who received it. These podcasters were gravely mistaken. If you consider that a girl was only considered property to be married out, and that the smaller her feet were the better chance she would have at marrying well, and that her sole purpose was to obey and bear sons, then I don't see that these woman had any choice in the matter. The years of agony in the foot binding process led to almost crippled women who could never walk very far or walk normally. Many young girls died in the process as well from infections. Here are some excerpts from the book:

"No one said I could die. It wasn't until I moved to my husband's home that my mother-in -law told me that one out of ten girls died from foot binding, not only in our village, but in all of China. All I knew was that foot binding would make me more marriageable and therefore bring me closer to the greatest love and greatest joy in a woman's life-a son. To that end, my goal was to achieve a pair of perfectly bound feet with seven distinct attributes: They should be small, narrow, straight, pointed, and arched, yet still fragrant and soft in texture. Of these requirements, length is most important. Seven centimeters-about the length of a thumb- is ideal. Shape comes next. A perfect foot should be shaped like the bud of a lotus. It should be full and round at the heel, come to a point at the front, with all weight borne by the big toe alone. This means that the toes and arch of the foot must be broken and bent under to meet the heel. ... If I could attain all that, happiness would be my reward. " p. 25-26

The Chinese government did make foot binding illegal in 1912, but it still continued for many years especially in villages.

When I saw that old woman in the market how I wished I could have sat down with her and heard her story. Our lives as woman and what we have experienced are so different it's almost as if we are living on two separate planets.

Though the view of women in China has greatly improved since those days it is easy to see how the implementation of the One Child Policy led to the murder of millions of baby girls. This also is not as prevalent now particularly in the cities, but it still happens.

China is not unique in it's low view of women. Women throughout history in almost every country have had it very rough. I am so thankful that I was born in America, in this time in history, but more importantly that I worship the true God who created me, a woman, in his image. I don't have to seek after an impossible goal like a seven centimeter foot to be considered worthy. I have infinite value through salvation in Je-sus Chr-ist.

Here is a very interesting link with personal stories of Chinese women with bound feet

4 days and counting

2011-07-11T13:07:00.003+08:00

Though we've been officially counting down for more than four days, I can't believe my mom's arrival is only four days away!!!

Bailey has been diligently pulling off a ring from our paper chain since July 1st, and now our chain is pretty short! Woo hoo!!

See you soon Grammy!

And not that it's any less monumental, but my dad will be here in 13 days!!!

Yay for parents who will travel 48 across the world to visit you!!

Thoughts... and Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-04T20:49:00.004+08:00

I love America. I am so thankful that I was born in that incredible country. Having lived almost seven years in China I can truly say that America is like no other place on the planet. I could go on and on about why, but I really want to write about Bailey.

My three and a half year old had no concept of the 4th of July until today. Her first two fourths were spent outside of America. Last year we were in Indiana, and she was terrified of the fireworks. This morning I started telling her about July 4th. How even though we live in China we are still Americans. I sang our national anthem to her and started teaching her the Pledge of Allegiance. She was confused. Yes Bailey is white and she carries a US passport, but in all reality she is so different from your average three and a half year old who lives in the States. At the same time she goes to a Chinese school, is surrounded by Chinese class mates and Chinese teachers. Chinese people are our neighbors, friends, and every day companions. Yet these Chinese people call her "foreign". So where does Bailey belong? Honestly? She truly doesn't have a country anywhere on this planet where she will be totally accepted or feel totally at home. That's why I'm so glad that she has already trusted in Jesus and is a citizen of an eternal kingdom that will last forever. In that place she will not be foreign. She is and will be a daughter of the king. So when I start to worry about my sweet little third cultures daughters, I don't worry too long. Let freedom ring!

This is where we...

2011-06-25T14:56:00.005+08:00

Spend a Saturday morning...

Have a special snack and say hi to daddy...

Play outside on a beautiful Kunming day...

I love hanging with my girls.

To my dad...

2011-06-19T22:17:00.003+08:00

My Dad is:

Strong as a rock

One of the hardest workers I know

So amazingly talented and accomplished while being incredibly humble

Faithful to and wonderfully in love with my mother.

Adventurous to a fault

A lover of Christ

A loving, fun, and guiding Grandpa to my girls

The best dad this girl could have asked for. I love you dad!

Love,

Eki

Life recently (in photos)

2011-06-19T21:40:00.004+08:00

Tales of a sick Bode

2011-06-12T09:40:00.003+08:00

Bode started chewing on herself last week, and her skin got seriously infected really fast. As a result I had to take her to the vet three days in a row for cleaning, shots, and iv's. Though the animal hospital here is a tiny, unsanitary hole in the wall, the doctors are really sweet, and they helped our dog so I am thankful. Poor Bode had it really bad last week. She had to wear a cone to keep her from biting herself, and as result she kept bumping into everything. In order to get her to the vet I have to take her on the scooter which she actually likes but is difficult because she is so big. One day we were at a stop light and she jumped off my scooter and jumped onto the lady's who was next to me. Boy did that freak her out! Another time, she got spooked and jumped off my scooter and rolled. She got a cut on her back and lip. The next day when she was on a walk, one of the crazy cats in our complex bit her on the butt right on one of her sores. Poor girl. She is doing much better now thankfully.

Double Rainbow

2011-06-12T09:19:00.003+08:00

Children's Day

2011-06-08T21:09:00.007+08:00

Bailey's teacher in one of her dances

June 1 is Children's Day in China. For this holiday Bailey's kindergarten put on a performance. Some of the older children performed as well, but mostly it was the teachers dancing for the parents and students. It was quite entertaining!

Introducing "My Creative Dongxi"!!

2011-06-03T14:05:00.004+08:00

In an effort to keep this blog about our lives in China and not about my sewing I have started a new blog!! www.mycreativedongxi.blogspot.com will be all about my sewing adventures and everything else that I feel I need to blog about but shouldn't be on this blog. So... if you're tired of me putting sewing pictures up here, you're in luck!! But, if you find my sewing adventures interesting head on over to www.mycreativedongxi.blogspot.com and become a follower!!

Zoe Mei @16 months

2011-05-30T20:47:00.004+08:00

I've really been remiss about blogging about Zoe's milestones but better late than never right? Zoe turned 16 months last week! I know. I can't believe it either. It seems that 16 was the magic number for her too. She's been walking while holding onto someone's hands for several months now, but she just wasn't ready to do it on her own. Then last week she decided she was ready, and now she's all over the place!! She still toddles with her hands in the air ( oh the cuteness!!), and she is thrilled with herself every time she does it. She also has suddenly started saying so many new words! Her vocabulary development right now is very similar to how Bailey's developed in that she says a lot more Chinese words than English words. Her favorites right now are:

gou gou-dog

mao-cat

mama

dada

jie jie-older sister (this is how she refers to Bailey)

down

wow!

shower

duai- correct

AiYi-Auntie

water

She is so precious. She still doesn't sleep through the night, but she's been sick ALOT this year with coughs that wake her up, poor thing.

Right now I am really enjoying how the girls are beginning to interact and play and dance with each other. They are going to be best friends for sure.

We love you Zoe Mei!

How about a snack?

2011-05-28T09:36:00.002+08:00

Just in case you might be hungry. Oh, and gotta love the English translation, "Coolfashion need Cool taste, we like the newtaste, we need he quality Here you are willfindwhat you want."

new birth

2011-05-28T08:55:00.002+08:00

Over the last few months I've come home discouraged every week from English corner. I kept telling Chris, "I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall." During Christmas and Easter and the weeks before and after those holidays we had been having so many deep discussions, and I had been sharing and sharing, but nothing ever seemed to come of it. The conversations were so frustrating. Literally I feel sometimes like I'm in the desert holding a bottle of cool clean water to the cracked and parched lips of a dying friend. But my friend refuses to drink. My friend looks at me with eyes yellow and shining from dehydration and says, "That water may be good for you, but it's not the right kind for me." It doesn't matter to my friend that this water wasn't created in my home town or even my own country. It comes from a cool spring that runs all over the world. But my friend is content to lay down and die, not willing to even try a taste. Then last week I finished reading John Piper's "Finally Alive." This is an amazing book. It deeply impacted me and helped me understand the new birth much more clearly. I cannot even begin to break down the book. Just read it for yourself. In the last chapter Piper confirms what I already knew, that salvation is the work of the holy spirit, but God uses us to do this. There are many influences on one person's individual journey of coming to know Christ. I may not know what role I play, but God is using me. Piper talks about how just mentioning the name of Jesus Christ is powerful. I want to share this quote, "So if your heartache is for your own personal change, or for change in your marriage, or change in your prodigal children, or in your church, or in the systemic structures of injustice, or in the political system, or in the hostilities among nations, or in the human degradation of the environment, or in the raunchiness of our entertainment culture, or in the miseries of the poor, or in the callous opulence of the rich, or in the inequities of educational opportunity, or in arrogant attitudes of ethnocentrism, or in a hundred other areas of human need caused b some form of human greed-if your heart aches for any of these, then you should care supremely about the new birth. There are other ways of shaping culture and guiding behavior. But none so deep. None so far-reaching. None so universally relevant. None so eternally significant." My answer to this is yes, yes yes!!

I went into English corner last week with a fresh perspective more secure in the power of Jesus Chris and his power through me. We talked about real joy and happiness. I had many opportunities to share, but I trusted that God would use his truths in his timing and his way. Then right after we finished, a sweet high school girl who has been attending for quite some time asked me to share more deeply with her about where my peace comes from, and she really listened. Thank you Jesus! Thank you for the new birth! Thank you that you use this broken jar of clay for your eternal kingdom!

this is how she eats

2011-05-25T13:25:00.004+08:00

moving up in the world...

2011-05-22T20:18:00.005+08:00

the line snaking around the building. this picture doesn't show how it snaked in and out like at an amusement park ride.

One of the main reasons I bought a sewing machine and taught myself to sew was that I never shop here. I don't like to haggle over prices, and cute kids clothes are really expensive. When I discovered that I could buy a pdf pattern for a couple of bucks off of etsy for cute kids clothes, I knew I had to become a seamstress. Though I love sewing clothes for my kids and sometimes myself, I still miss the occasional trip to a store to get some t-shirts. Well, now I am in luck. The small city of 6 million that we live in is drastically changing. Last month the first Starbucks opened (boo), and this past week H&M opened (yay!!!). I took a little trip on my scooter to check it out on opening day and was amazed at the long line snaking around the side of building. This was just to get in and shop!!! Needless to say, I went home instead of waiting in line. When I went back today I was pleasantly surprised there was no line to get in, but I did end up waiting 40 minutes in line to use the dressing room!!! However, It was worth it!!! I found a couple of things, and now that I can sew, I can use them as patterns to make some more!!

What we eat for lunch: 2

2011-05-20T20:42:00.004+08:00

Garlic and spinach on the left and goat cheese (which is quite different from the goat cheese we're used to in the US but it's really good), red pepper, and pea pods on the right. We eat all of these dishes over brown rice. Yummy!!

This is what we eat for lunch: 1

2011-05-19T22:32:00.003+08:00

It struck me recently that my "normal" here is completely abnormal to people living in the USA. I knew this once upon a time, but now that we're on our seventh year of living in China, this is now my normal so I forget to put up these funny blogs and oddities that my friends and family in the USA might find interesting. As a result I am starting a little series on what we eat for lunch every day at the risk of making all of you lovely readers quite jealous!!!

We have a wonderful Chinese sister who works for us 30 hours a week. One of the great things she does is cook lunch everyday. Can I get a woot woot?!!!! She whips up the most amazing food, and most of the time I love it!

In the photo is zucchini and carrot stir fry and fungus soup. The fungus was gathered by her from the woods in her home town. It was actually my first time to eat fungus soup. It looked odd, but was really quite good!!!

To Sue on Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:06:00.004+08:00

Dear Sue,

I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law. From the moment I entered your family you embraced me as your daughter and welcomed me whole heartedly. You are a wonderful mom. You raised your son to love God and love his wife. I couldn't ask for more. I have seen you go through incredible hardships yet instead of becoming bitter at life, you are more tender and more ready to do exactly what God asks of you. You have grown in your faith. You are an example to me, and I truly admire you. Thanks for all that you do for us. Thanks for being a wonderful grandmother to my daughters. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T14:50:00.005+08:00

We spent Mother's Day at a beautiful park and enjoyed just being together as a family. With our crazy lives we don't get to do this enough. It was a great day.

My thoughts on motherhood

2011-05-08T14:24:00.003+08:00

Mother's day 2011
First moments with Zoe Mei
Preggers with Zoe
moments with brand new baby Bailey Grace
Preggers with Bailey

It's the hardest thing I've ever done or will do.

It exposes the best and the worst parts of me.

Infuriates and amazes me simultaneously.

Does crazy things to my body inside and out.

I wouldn't give it up for anything.

My mom is...

2011-05-07T12:41:00.004+08:00

My Mom is:

Always there for me-night or day rain or shine she's there.

One of my best friends. I'm serious.

The example of the kind of a Godly woman I want to be. The kind who continues to grow in her relationship with God and continues to be transformed.

Loyal.

My biggest fan.

Always thinking of others.

Selfless.

Always serving others.

Brave.

Adventurous.

Wise.

An incredible grandmother.

And this is the short list folks.

I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day!!!

Your loving daughter,

More Easter photos

2011-04-28T14:52:00.006+08:00

This year I made Bailey and Zoe coordinating Easter dresses. It was really fun to be able to do this for them, and they seemed to like it.

As far as the weather goes, Easter here was cold, rainy, and drab. BUT we were celebrating our risen Savior, and that, my friends is amazing.

This year Easter also fell on my dear husband's 29th birthday. We had a yummy Easter/birthday breakfast and a birthday dinner complete with pimento cheese stuffed chicken breasts. (recipe courtesy of my friend Brooke), mashed potatoes, butter and brown sugar glazed carrots, and homemade ice cream with oatmeal carmalitas for dessert.

Chris Alford is an amazing man, y'all, and I am so thankful to be his wife. I love you babe!!

Easter Family pictures

2011-04-27T08:59:00.003+08:00

Easter Sunday and Chris's 29th Birthday!!

2011-04-27T08:07:00.004+08:00

birthday boy!
For Chris's birthday breakfast I made crepes with a variety of sauces to put on them: strawberry sauce, lemon cream cheese, whipped creme, chocolate sauce, and powdered sugar. It was YUMMY!

Easter bag goodies!!

dying Easter Eggs while eating some homemade ice cream!

through new eyes; a fresh perspective

2011-04-20T07:36:00.008+08:00

I'm on my seventh year of living in China. I feel like I've spent my entire adult life so far here. When we moved here Chris and I had been married less than a year. We were young, vibrant, passionate, willing, in love with God and each other, but we were also ignorant. We knew it would be hard, but we had no idea how hard. We were ready for a challenge. Why did we leave our family and friends to live all the way on the other side of the world? God told us to. God put into both of our hearts a special love for the people of this country. God had given us the ability to live cross-culturally, to adapt, to learn a new language, to survive. I remember how scared I was to even leave our apartment those first several months when were living in Shanghai. I couldn't speak the language. I truly felt like a fish out of water struggling to breath. Every meal was a challenge. We didn't know how to order when we went out, but I also didn't know how to cook in our apartment. All we had was a hot plate! I remember the first night we spent in Shanghai. The company we were going to work with had picked us up from the airport and dropped us off. They were are all going out of town for the Spring Festival so they dropped us off and said, "See you in a few weeks!" That was it. WE KNEW NO ONE. That first night was bitter cold. We had no hot water, and we were grimy and gross from the many days of traveling. We shivered in freezing water then dried ourselves with the clothes from our suitcase because we had no towels. I remember shivering next to Chris in that hard hard Chinese bed in that freezing apartment in January and crying. What the heck were we doing??!! The next morning we awoke to find cockroaches stuck to the airline stickers and duck tape on our suitcases. The following weeks we got out our maps and our dictionaries and found the stores we needed, the subway line, and the right bus routes. Slowly we figured things out. During that period we celebrated Valentine's Day and my 24th birthday.

From the very beginning It was hard. We lost our teaching jobs one week after beginning them because the person in charge of our company didn't comply with some government regulations. But we kept on. We enrolled at a university and began the arduous and incredible task of learning this language.

Time passed. We learned, we grew, we shared, we moved, we battled, we won, we lost, we rejoiced, we cried, we ministered, we became parents, and we embraced this strange land as our home. I think back to those days where I truly felt so foreign. Now I feel like I belong here as much as a white person can. The local people call me "foreign" which I will always be because of my white skin, large light eyes, long nose, and American birth, and I am proud of and grateful for my American heritage. Yet I feel at home here.

So time passes. I hear the words of Isaiah so clearly in my heart, "The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever." But as time goes on we become bogged down by the incredible difficulties of living here. The brokenness and tenderness for the lost becomes calloused and hardened by the constant struggle and stresses of living daily life cross-culturally. And sometimes you don't even realize this is happening.

This was happening to me. Then Jenn came to live with us. Oh how she reminds me of myself seven years ago! She's young, on fire, full of life, full of potential and a willingness to forsake all for the cause of Christ! She recently accompanied Chris and some of our staff on a trip to our farms to see the opportunities there. She blogged about it, and I was convicted. The Lord spoke to my heart and reminded me of why I first came. He ripped off the callouses and renewed my tenderness for the people of this country who are so steeped in hopeless darkness. I was so thankful for this, but then my heart broke even more. The Father has given us so many opportunities to share here, to help the poor farmers, to encourage and lift up those who know Him out in the villages yet we can't do it!!! We have neither the financial resources nor the man power to do it! We have been crying out to many in the USA regarding these things for years yet they remain silent!! I truly don't understand. People get so excited when we share about what's going on. They give us a nice pat on the back and a, "Good job Chris and Liz", but then they turn away. But we won't be discouraged. Thankfully what we do is not the work of man. It is God's and for his Glory. He is sovereign. We will always be let down by people as we will also let others down in our sinful frailty, but Oh praise the Lord who is above all that!!! Though we may lose it all! Though we may have to move on, He is in control. Join me in prayer. Join me in asking Him what he would have you do in your own lives to forsake all and serve him wholeheartedly.

And I would encourage you to read Jenn's blog to get a fresh perspective on our work here.

Thanks for reading!

shir madness

2011-04-18T21:10:00.004+08:00

I recently started experimenting with elastic thread in my bobbin. The first experiment for myself to make a maxi dress was a complete disaster. The second attempt at a dress for Bailey was mostly a success except that she doesn't like to wear it. She complains that it's too tight!! ( It is not tight, it's just fitted. She's so used to all of her clothes being loose. ) Anyhow, I was pleased with the result, and I even added some ric rak at the bottom. I think I'm going to love that stuff. It's just so cute!!

tired of being sick

2011-04-17T14:49:00.003+08:00

Functionally ill. That's what I've been for about the last four weeks. I'm still going to class, teaching dance class, I can even run a brisk 8 minute/mile 4.5 mile run on a good day, but I don't feel good. After listening to my hacking cough and raspy voice during too many skype phone calls my mom told me I must go to the doctor. They said I have a sinus infection, and on Friday I started antibiotics. Today is Sunday. I still feel awful. I'll give a few days. Hopefully this will clear up.

dancing again

2011-04-15T09:01:00.002+08:00

Dancing for me comes in waves. I just ride them. My love for dancing and teaching doesn't wane, but I'm content whether I'm doing it or not. I just want it to be meaningful. I had an opportunity to teach hip hop again at the cultural center I've worked with on and off for years, but the money just wasn't worth the time and effort. Time is oh so limited when you are a mama. So I declined. Then an opportunity arrived for much more meaningful teaching. I am now teaching at a place called Eden. It is a shelter for women who are coming out of the sex slave, prison, or prostitution. It is an incredible place, an incredible ministry, and I LOVE teaching those girls. Encouraging them, teaching them to use their bodies in glorifying and uplifting ways. I am truly blessed to be able to teach them.

Another opportunity the Lord has given me is to teach ballet to a sweet American girl who will soon be auditioning for the Shanghai Ballet. She has a strong technical ballet background so she is a pure joy to teach. I rarely get the opportunity to work with dancers that already have training. She is a lovely dancer, and she is a great student!

So yes, I once again am dancing again, and it's great.

Recent pics

2011-04-11T19:33:00.005+08:00

always trying to keep up with big sis
static
blurry love
only slightly bossy (i made her skirt!!)

Bailey playing with Judy and "Xiao Bailey"
sister love

the broken playground

modeling her bubble dress and new head band both made by her mama

more baby gift sewing

2011-04-03T21:09:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I attended a shower for another friend having a boy in May. I made her a changing pad/diaper wipes holder and two pairs of newborn pants. I love being able to give handmade gifts!!

Welcome Jenn!!

2011-04-03T13:47:00.005+08:00

fun times: roasting marshmallows on a candle

We have a house guest!! Jenn is living with us for one month while she researches serving options here in our neck of the woods. We are really enjoying having her, and she has already been a huge help!!! Welcome Jenn!!

We thought spring had arrived...

2011-03-28T22:06:00.003+08:00

Then it snowed. In March. In Kunming. This doesn't happen.

catching snowflakes
pure delight for a child who NEVER sees snow

not so delightful for mommy who was out on the scooter in the freezing, pelting hail. ouch!!

incredible eyes

2011-03-27T21:44:00.001+08:00

a tulle explosion

2011-03-27T20:59:00.002+08:00

I recently purchased 20 meters of tulle to make Bailey and Zoe tutus. It was pretty fun to play with even not sewn.

baby shower goodness

2011-03-27T20:29:00.004+08:00

my new skirt that I sewed for the occasion
and of course I had to have a matching hair accessory!!

folded up changing pad
matching headband
leggings
sweet tunic

One of my friends is having a baby girl in July. For her surprise baby shower today I made a tunic top, some leggings, a headband, and a changing pad/diaper and wipes holder. I am so happy that my new sewing skills allow me to bless my friends in this way. The stitching isn't all that great, and I'm really slow, but I love it!

Zoe at 14 months

2011-03-27T09:25:00.003+08:00

On March 25th Zoe turned 14 months! I can't believe my baby is already 14 months. She still seems like such a little baby. Ahh our sweet sweet Zoe Mei. She is so precious. When I pick her up she pats my back and puts her head on my shoulder and says, "Mama".

She recently took her first steps, but she's not walking on her own yet. She is a speedy crawler so she already gets around really well.

Just like Bailey did when she was learning how to talk, Zoe only speaks Chinese words (aside from mama and dada).

She says:

xie xie-thank you

zai jian- bye bye

gou gou- dog.

We love you Zoe! Happy 14 months!!!

lots of blogging to catch up on...

2011-03-20T21:57:00.002+08:00

Sorry I've been so delinquent lately. I have gotten crazy busy this month!!! Needless to say I've got lots of photos and tidbits to share. Stay Tuned!!

too cute

2011-03-06T20:54:00.001+08:00

First day of you er yuan pictures

2011-03-01T09:24:00.004+08:00

front gate of her school
the sign says music and art kindergarden
pensive....
"Hai Ma Ban" class- Sea Horse Class

side shot of her kindergarden
one of Bailey's best friends, Callie, is her classmate

such a big girl!!!

幼儿园（You er Yuan) or Kindergarden Tales part 1

2011-02-28T15:56:00.005+08:00

our view from the second floor of the bus
on the bus

Bailey starts Chinese Kindergarden tomorrow! The journey to to this point, however, has been going on since November. Mostly it's been going on as thoughts in my head and deep prayer times to the Lord for wisdom about whether or not she should go, and which kindergarden she should attend. In November I observed at a very small montessori-ish school, and came away discouraged. The children were not very kind, and Bailey did not want to participate at all. I realized she wasn't ready, and neither was I. Fast forward about four months. We got a good price at the much larger public kindergarden in our residential complex, and so far I feel positive. Right now Bailey is thrilled (but she hasn't actually gone yet without mommy!!).

We've been having quite an adventure getting all of our paper work etc... ready to go.

First, Bailey had to get a health check. After taking a taxi to the incorrect location then walking to the right location we were told that we had to come back after 1pm. It was 11:50am, and they were going to lunch. Bummer. We did, however, ride a giant double decker bus home which Bailey enjoyed.

The next day we set out in the morning on the scooter. I paid the fee then we went from room to room on various floors seeing various doctors about various things. Bailey was a rock star!! Everyone loved her. She kept saying, "Wo jiao Bailey. Wo san sui.) Translation: My name is Bailey. I'm three years old. They definitely were not pleased that she was sucking her thumb though! All was smooth until we got to the finger prick. The kids were hysterical. Those things hurt!!! Bailey bravely watched the other kids get pricked while I nervously watched the technician take blood from kid after kid without changing her gloves!!!!! She had blood on her fingers, would wipe them with an alcohol soaked cotton ball and then kind of smear it around. I was horrified! I kept thinking, "I've got to get her to change her gloves before she sticks Bailey!!!" There was one kid in front of us in line when she got out her nasty rag and started wiping up the windowsill where are the blood droplets were. Then, she changed her gloves!!! But there was still one kid in front us...... however, he would not agree to getting his finger pricked so we got to go in front of him. Voila!!! or more like, Thank you God for that little blessing. I didn't have to say anything, and we got clean gloves!!!

Now Bailey is officially enrolled. She is in the 海马班（Sea Horse) class. She will attend three days a week in the mornings.

Please pray for her that she will have a smooth transition, that she will learn Chinese quickly, and that she will love it!!

Stay tuned for more kindergarden posts in the future!!

30th birthday reality check

2011-02-24T16:50:00.005+08:00

As you may have read in previous posts, turning 30 was not easy for me, but the Lord in his faithfulness gave me a really special gift- a much needed reality check. On my birthday I was in bed awaiting my "breakfast in bed" when I was informed that Zoe was crying in her room. I went to check on her and discovered a pathetic little heaving sick baby. My sweet pea was sick. Immediately my thoughts turned from my 30 year old self to my poor sick baby girl. She threw up on me all day long. She couldn't keep anything down, and to top it all off, our electricity was out most of the day. There's nothing like a sick baby to get your mind off yourself. As I cuddled and comforted my sick one year old, and played with my vibrant three year old I became so grateful. I am so so blessed. I'm 30 years old!! I have a wonderful husband, two amazing daughters, an adventurous crazy life in China, and most importantly, a Savior who gave his life for me and chose me to know Him. HE gave me life, breath, ability, and everything I have. Thank you God for these 30 years. I am looking forward to many more, but if that is not your plan, I am looking forward to eternity with you!

Also, my husband made me the most amazing three layered chocolate mousse cake from scratch of course!!! He is soooooo talented!! He also made a Valentine dinner for me and the girls complete with hot pink pancakes. It was a wonderful day, and so far, I love being 30!!

Chiang Mai

2011-02-22T13:42:00.005+08:00

East meets west- Buddhist monk in front of Starbucks

Thaipei Gate is one of my most favorite areas in Chiang Mai. This wide open space is full of a bustling market every Sunday that boasts handicrafts and yummy local food. There is a Starbucks, many used book stores that have TONS of great books to read, a Boots Drug Store, and many beautiful shops. I love the Thaipei Gate!

@ Miguel's. (I made Bailey's dress and my top!!)

On our way to and from our vacation destination we had a one night stopover in Chiang Mai. I love Chiang Mai. Not only is it where I gave birth to both of our children thus living there for significant amounts of time, but the city itself is great. I love the mix of Asian and Western culture with a small town feel. The city is full of back packers with dreads, tatoos, and the loose fitting "asian" clothing that can be purchased at the night market and small shops. I love how the tourists purchase and wear these clothes in droves, but you don't see any locals wearing them. The locals wear the western styles of jeans and t-shirts!!

Another thing I love about Chiang Mai is that is so easy to get around. Rent your own motorcycle or bike or hail a tuk tuk or song tao. It's so easy and cheap. Chiang Mai also has great food. Of course there is the delicious local food, but there's also a huge range of great western food as well which is always a treat for us since there aren't as many of these options where we live. One of our favorite spots is Miguel's. It has wonderful mexican food, and we go there every time we are in Chiang Mai.

Now that I sew I have discovered the fabric market. I can't believe I never went there before!!! It's awesome. I have only begun to discover it's hidden treasures. Next time we go to CM to have a baby watch out!!! (though I won't have my sewing machine, hmmm...)

30th birthday gift=vacation

2011-02-14T19:35:00.004+08:00

30th b-day lobster dinner (with a sleeping Zoe on my back:)

Zoe dancing

2011-02-12T20:14:00.002+08:00

Zoe came up with this choreography all on her own. I LOVE it!

a tiny dog

2011-02-12T14:59:00.004+08:00

Our friend Amber was dog sitting a little teeny tiny poodle named Coco. Bailey was crazy about him. The dog was crazy about Zoe. She didn't really like the little "gou gou". She's a fan of our huge dog Bode.

Turning 30

2011-02-10T22:02:00.004+08:00

*Disclaimer* This post is not meant to toot my own horn or anything else. This blog is in many ways a journal for me as well as a way for my family to stay connected with our daily ins and outs because we live so far away. If you're not interested in my life before China stop reading here.*

Turning 30 has not snuck up on me. In fact, I've been thinking about it all year. I am feeling strangely emotional about it and sense the need to reflect on my life thus far and what is to come in the next chapter. So here goes...

Experiences that have dramatically affected my life and made me who I am today:

-Growing up in a two parent, consistently loving, and God honoring Christian home

-Watching my brother struggle with the many diseases and health problems the Sovereign God allowed him to have

-Ballet

-fracturing my vertebrae in gymnastics at age 8

-spending every summer away from home at ballet camps around the country from the age of 13

-homeschooling

-leaving my family and moving to New York City to live in a dorm and train at the School of American Ballet at age 16

-living in NYC as a lone Christian teenager

-doing push ups on all the famous tourist sights in Paris during my senior trip with my dad

-Belize

-growing up in a house where we at one point had rabbits, cats, a dog, a ball python, and mice to feed the python

-fracturing my pelvis twice

-being in a movie

-being a professional dancer with New York City Ballet

-quitting dancing

-Going to Gordon College

-joining the cross country team

-becoming a runner

-backpacking around Europe with my best friend Kate at age 20

-spending the summer in India working at Mother Teresa's homes for disabled children and home for the dying, and working with lepers and gypsies

-majoring in social work

-interning at Germaine Lawrence home for girls

-spending a semester in China at Xiamen University

-marrying Chris Alford

-moving to China

-spending the majority of my twenties in China

-teaching English

-living in a country I call home, but calls me foreign

-dancing and teaching dance in China

-opening and closing a dance school in China

-learning a second language

-becoming a mother

-having two c-sections in Thailand

-raising my third culture kids

-living very very far away from my family

As I reflect on these life experiences God's plan is so clearly woven in the patterns and decisions of my life. It is calming just to think that God has already numbered my days. I just have to follow. I'm so grateful for my family and friends who have impacted my life and helped me on my journey. I am blessed. Here's to thirty more years Lord willing.

Traveling with "Wai Guo" children in China

2011-02-09T15:41:00.003+08:00

zoe with some of her adoring fans

Traveling with young children is an adventure in and of itself. From packing enough diapers, extra clothes, entertainment items, snacks, Nuks, wipes, etc... to handling flight delays and kids who won't nap unless they are in their own beds it can truly be an exhausting process.

Add to that chaos the fact that your children are white skinned, light haired, and light eyed beautiful girls adds a completely new twist. My children are basically celebrities. The first level of fan awe comes in the form of comments. We cannot go anywhere without people commenting on my children's looks. Typical comments (all of course in Chinese, but translated for you my dear readers) are:

"Little foreigners"

"Beautiful"

"So cute"

"Her eyes are so big!"

"Are they twins?" I'm not kidding.

"Her eyes are like glass" (referring to Zoe)

Level two of the fan love is the touching. My girls are constantly tweaked, stroked, patted, tickled, and sometimes even pinched. Usually they endure with much grace, but Bailey often comments to me when we are home that she doesn't like people touching her.

Level three of fan love is the holding and picture taking. While waiting for our flight I was playing a memory card game with Bailey. Zoe was sitting in her stroller making a little bit of a fuss but nothing to worry about. Over walks a lady and picks her up out of her stroller. Just like that. Doesn't ask me. Just picks her up and walks over and sits down with her friends. Can you imagine if someone did that in America?!!! The first interesting thing is that this is considered totally normal where we are. The second interesting thing is that I am so Chinafied I let a complete stranger hold my baby. The third interesting thing is that Zoe didn't mind!!! Of course I didn't take my eyes off them. Zoe had a nice time and they gave her to me when she fussed.

In the process of flying from Kunming to Chiang Mai Zoe was probably held by at least six different people ( not including me or Chris).

Then there are the photographs. In walk our kids and out come the camera phones. Bailey is at a stage where she loves the attention and will pose in the customary position that Chinese people love of holding up the peace sign. Then she will flip through their photos on their phone oohing and ahhing with the skill of an adult his is very familiar with an i phone. Zoe just stares.

The whole situation is made even more hilarious now with the fact that Bailey will speak Chinese to her adoring admirers and blow their socks off.

My third culture kids are certainly living an interesting life. I think it's good that they have never lived in the USA because these things would probably bother them a lot. For now, this is all they have ever known so they accept and oblige with great aplomb.

For me, I'm glad to be home. Traveling is tiring enough without having to be the manger for child superstars. :)

FINALLY!!!

2011-02-01T09:59:00.003+08:00

My sweet one year old Zoe Mei finally did it. She slept through the entire night two nights ago for the first time in her life. Then, she did it last night too. This mama is thrilled. Fingers crossed that traveling to Thailand today won't mess it all up!!!

Happy First Birthday Zoe Mei!!!

2011-01-25T22:11:00.004+08:00

Dear Zoe Mei,

Happy birthday to you, our precious little girl. It seems like just yesterday that you were born, and now you're already one!! You are an incredible blessing and joy to our lives. Your sweet personality, smile, giggles, and cuddles bring joy to all around you. We love you so much dear girl. Happy birthday!

Fish Soup

2011-01-20T21:57:00.002+08:00

My Chinese teacher wanted to come over to show me how to make the special fish soup that would "increase my milk supply and make me healthy because I'm too thin" so I humored her and said yes, and also told her I would teach her how to make chocolate chip cookies.

I was very skeptical of this whole process but was actually pleasantly surprised. I now know how to prepare a fresh fish and cook it the right way, and the soup was delicious! I messed up the cookies because I forgot to add flour to accommodate for our high altitude, but other than that we had a good time.

Hungry??

2011-01-12T10:41:00.001+08:00

How about these snacks that I saw at Walmart the other day??? yummmm....

humorous happenings

2011-01-04T20:50:00.002+08:00

During my class this morning my teacher commented that I had lost more weight, and my face looked even more gaunt than normal. Normally I would think nothing of such a comment because Chinese people have a tendency to comment very bluntly on one's appearance quite frequently, but I had had several Chinese friends tell me the same thing in the last week. I haven't weighed myself in a while because of mysteriously broken scale. (It shattered!!! thankfully not when I got on it-Ha!) I've been running a lot, but I always run a lot. So I started thinking... then I realized that Zoe has been eating (breast feeding) like crazy since she's been teething and a little sick. Ah ha! She sucked what little I had left right out of me!! So I told my teacher this and immediately was asked if I was drinking the soup. Of course my answer was no so she then proceeded to list several ingredients in this particular soup that I must eat in order for my breast milk to have sufficient nutrition and to be extra white, and so that I will have sufficient nutrition. I didn't know the words she was using so we looked them up in my on-line dictionary- pigs' trotters and dates!!! No wonder I didn't know those words!!! I told her I would NOT eat pigs' trotters to which she replied I only needed to drink the broth that they had cooked in . Ai you.

The second soup recipe consisted of carp, small red beans, and green chinese onion. This one sounded a little more doable so when she asked if she could come make it for me for my class on Thursday, I obliged. During that time I will be teaching her how to make cookies so she can make them for her daughter. My homework tomorrow is to buy some carp and red beans. We'll see how it goes.

A Year in Review: 2010 (very briefly)

2010-12-31T21:05:00.005+08:00

January: Was spent entirely in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My parents came. Zoe Mei Alford was born on January 25th. It was a difficult c-section, an incredibly difficult recovery, and an extremely difficult transition for big sister Bailey, but of course, all was worth it. We can't imagine life without our sweet pea Zoe.

February: We returned to China on February 14th, which was Chinese New Year, my 29th birthday, and of course Valentine's Day. Chris was already traveling and prepping for our up and coming project at Chicago Coffee.

Throughout the spring Chris traveled and we launched our Yunnan Hope project working with the coffee farmers in Mengding. This was a huge event- still is- and we're so excited about all the opportunities to help improve these farmer's lives.

In May in June we hosted an awesome team of students from Grace University in Omaha. Sue, Katie, and Micah were also able to come.

Sue and Katie accompanied the girls and me back to the states for a three month break. It was awesome to get to spend some time in the States with family, but horribly hard to be away from Chris for that long. The summer was a blur of activity, and Chris was able to join us at the end. While we were in the USA Chris planted 4,000 coffee trees in Mengding. There were many challenges over the summer, but as always, the Lord was faithful.

With our return to Kunming, we immediately started brain storming ways to improve the coffee shop which eventually led to our opening our restaurant within Chicago Coffee. So... we did on December 18th.

2010 was an incredibly difficult year on many levels. I've never cried so much or so hard, felt so lost, felt so hurt, been so challenged, and been so assured of God's faithfulness in my life. I am looking forward to what 2011 has in store. I am so thankful that God's mercies are new every morning (not just the new year).

Happy new year to you! I hope you have a wonderful 2011.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2010-12-30T09:48:00.007+08:00

My parents with Bailey and brand new baby Zoe in Thailand
my mama with me and my two older brothers
What a good looking couple!!!
amazing picture of my parents saying goodbye when my dad went on cruise

My incredible parents, Tony and Karen, celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on December 29th. 38 years is a long time, and the awesome thing is that they are still going strong. In my 29 years I have seen my parents' love for God and love for each other grow and grow. They have experienced many difficulties in their lives, but they have always stood firm in their faith and in their commitments to each other. I RESPECT them so much. I love them so much. And I am so thankful for the example they have been for me in my marriage. Happy Anniversary mom and dad!!

merry christmas to me

2010-12-28T10:48:00.002+08:00

More Chicago Coffee staff Christmas party photos

2010-12-27T15:06:00.004+08:00

My Christmas angels
Bailey's new favorite picture face

Happy 11 months Zoe Mei!

2010-12-27T14:41:00.003+08:00

Zoe's new Christmas dress that I made for her

On Christmas Zoe Mei turned 11 months old. I CANNOT BELIEVE SHE IS ALMOST ONE YEAR OLD ALREADY!!! She is just so so sweet, so so dear, so so happy and smiley. Yup, we're in love.

Christmas Day

2010-12-26T09:40:00.003+08:00

Presents in the morning, brunch with Steve, and then preparations for our dinner for our staff at the coffee shop. This is our fourth Christmas party for them, and it's always a blast. We make a huge turkey dinner for them and their friends, then we share the Christmas story, decorate Christmas cookies, and have a white elephant gift exchange. It's always a really special time.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T09:27:00.003+08:00

the childish wonder of the Christmas story by candle light
dinner with Uncle Steve at Chicago Coffee
sharing an AMAZING chocolate shake with my girl (it's made with home made ice cream!!!)

Christmas Eve was a busy day of preparation and fun. We had a delicious dinner at Chicago Coffee with Uncle Steve. I had the baby back ribs, ceasar salad, onion rings, and veggies. Holla!!! It was incredible. All served up by my most incredible husband our amazing staff. Of course we would love to be with our family, but if we can't be with them, this is where we want to be. Merry Christmas!!

"Food" The Premere

2010-12-26T09:18:00.002+08:00

On the 18th we opened our new restaurant within the coffee shop. Chris has been working feverishly for several weeks to put it all together. Complete with a red carpet, a limo, and of course amazing food, it was a success.

Chicago Coffee English Corner Activities

2010-12-16T21:13:00.003+08:00

the crew @ the Christmas party
singing carols
playing white elephant

The holiday season offers incredible opportunities to share, share, share, and it's been going great. It also offers a chance to teach them some fun cultural activities and crafts that I've been doing since I was a child. For Thanksgiving I taught them how to make turkeys by tracing their hands on construction paper. They really enjoyed it, and I was so impressed by their creativity!

Two nights ago I invited everyone to our apartment for a Christmas party. We decorated Christmas cookies, had a white elephant gift exchange, sang Christmas Carols, and shared the Christmas story. A great time was had by all.

Bailey's new dress

2010-12-15T13:49:00.003+08:00

I finally sewed Bailey a dress, and gues what???? SHE LOVED IT!!!

That is a relief because it took forever to sew. I was working with difficult fabric (not a lot to choose from here), had to trash the first sash that was made from satin and try it with something else, and the pattern left out a few steps that I had to go back and fix, but I am confident next time will be much faster! My plan is to make a matching one for Zoe for them to wear to our Chicago Coffee Christmas Party on Christmas Day. We'll see what happens!!!

I heart nap time

2010-12-09T14:10:00.002+08:00

Girls are asleep. Taking a few moments to sit in front of my computer and check some of my favorite blogs while sipping a steaming cup of coffee and eating a Rocky Road Chocolate Brownie. (all from Chicago Coffee of course!)

I HEART nap time!!

from our hearts to yours... Merry Christmas

2010-12-06T20:58:00.004+08:00

What's Zoe up to?

2010-12-01T19:34:00.003+08:00

On Thanksgiving Day Zoe turned 10 months old! Yesterday she climbed up the stairs for the first time, and today she pulled up for the first time. wow. I can't believe how this first year of her life has flown by. I feel like she was just born, like she should only be a few months old. Where's the pause button????

circle skirt

2010-11-29T09:24:00.002+08:00

Slowly slowly I am learning to sew. I would love to have more time to just plug away and learn stuff, but I have other responsibilities... :)

Anyway, here is a little circle skirt I made for Bailey. After the photo session she wanted to take it off. hmmm... Guess I need to work on the fit a little more.

Thankful reflections

2010-11-25T06:55:00.003+08:00

It's Thanksgiving here in China. That is, it's Thanksgiving according to the date, but you wouldn't know it by looking outside. I think that in a lot of ways, you could describe me in that way too. Which is sad and wrong. So, as I take time to reflect, I'm thankful for this time of year to not only be reminded of what I truly am thankful for, but also that I get to evaluate my attitude and the state of my heart. Do I show thankfulness throughout the entire year? Am I thankful, and do I count it all joy even when I face trials? Honestly I could answer both yes and no. There are situations where I've failed and situations where I've succeeded. So here's a rundown ( mostly for myself and posterity sake) of a few things, some big, some little, that I'm thankful for during this past year.

- Our precious Zoe Mei joined our family. She is such a blessing and joy each and every day.

-Despite a terrible infection from the cesarian I was able to recover in time to catch our flight back home.

My amazing parents were in Thailand with us, and my mamma got to come back to KM with me for a bit.

- I turned 29. Last year to live it up before I turn 30!!!

-We started Yunnan Hope

-We had an incredible team of students from Grace University come work with us.

-Sue, Katie, and Micah were here!

-We got to go to America!

-I got a sewing machine

These may seem silly and trite, but it's been an amazingly difficult year. There have been many trials and tribulations, broken relationships, and difficulties. But we're still here. And as William Bradford said at the first Thanksgiving Feast in the 1600's, "If not but by God's goodness..." we wouldn't be here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. My camera was broken a couple of days ago. Hopefully it will be fixed soon, but there probably won't be pictures posted for a while

a little sewing

2010-11-13T15:02:00.002+08:00

So my new sewing machine arrived about a month ago. I haven't had much time to play with it, but I did manage to make Zoe this little long sleeved t-shirt from one of Chris's old t-shirts. I love the tutorial from here, and it's great because long sleeves are exactly whats missing from Zoe's wardrobe! I'm also teaching myself a little html... ( I know I can't believe it either!!!). Can you guess what I learned?

Videos from Bailey's 3rd birthday

2010-11-10T21:31:00.002+08:00

bailey's 3rd Birthday celebrations...PICTURES!!!

2010-11-07T08:45:00.006+08:00

Bailey and her friends at her party

Bailey and her JieJie Lilly
so much fun on the trampoline!!!

Bailey and her friend Zoe
Pancake breakfast!!
Zoe loved the pancakes too!
birthday fairy princess
decorations in Bailey's room
Pink Lady Cake (recipe from smitten kitchen)
me and my three year old!!

Bailey's 3rd Birthday celebrations...pics to come later

2010-11-06T19:34:00.006+08:00

Here are a few highlights from the week of celebrating Bailey. The night before her birthday, Chris and I went into her room after she was asleep and decorated the ceiling. At one point she opened her eyes and said, "What are you guys doing in here?" Then she went right back to sleep. In the morning she was SO EXCITED about the pretty circles hanging from her ceiling.

We had a banana pancake breakfast followed by presents!!! She got a bike with training wheels from us, and she is already a pro at riding it! For her birthday dinner she chose cheese pizza from Chicago Coffee, and I made her a Pink Lady Cake with raspberries rather than strawberries because that's what I had on hand. It was a great day!

We also celebrated Yun Mei's birthday. She and Bailey are twins!! We bought her a baby tub and filled it with all sorts of goodies for her little one who is due to come almost right on Zoe's b-day. She was so blessed, and it was so much fun to love on her and make her feel special. She truly is a part of our family.

On Saturday we had a party for Bailey with her friends. We played at the local play area then everyone came over for food and presents. Bailey had a blast!

Thanks to all our friends who celebrated with us and helped to make Bailey's third birthday so special!!

To Bailey on your 3rd Birthday

2010-11-04T22:14:00.003+08:00

To my precious Bailey Grace,

You are three years old today. Your'e not a baby anymore. I've been noticing the gradual yet all too quick changes recently. Your legs are getting long and lean, no longer bearing the pudgy fingerprints of babyhood. You're smart. Oh boy you keep me on my toes. You're so thoughtful, so incredibly delightful, and oh so grown up these days. You want to cook and clean and take care of your baby dolls. Today you were able to ride your little bike with training wheels just as soon as you hopped on. You're becoming more and more like me!! You love to run and move and dance. You love beauty and color and snuggles. You love to be held, to be tickled, and payed attention to. You are a precious girl, sweet Bailey. I LOVE being your mother. It's a privilege and a challenge, and though I may get exhausted, I truly do cherish each moment. We are so happy God gave you to us to raise. Happy Birthday my sweet. We love you!

Bailey's view

2010-10-26T22:21:00.003+08:00

don't you just love her outfit?? she picked it out all by herself.

sick days

2010-10-26T21:58:00.003+08:00