My Note

After asking Ana to do something (I honestly can't even remember what it was), the flat was very quiet for a few moments. I make it a policy to only ask once, so I went about my business. Suddenly Ana appeared bearing the above note. It was hard not to laugh! Then we had a little chat about how writing "no" wasn't any better than saying it!

Crazy!

Well, we've been CRAZY busy. The kids have been driving us CRAZY (see above-a snorkeling ballerina???). I've spent a CRAZY amount of time on Mitike's hair (I should take pictures to document my craziness). And we've spent a ridiculous amount of time on homework/schoolwork. If only I had a fenced in back yard I'd be sending them outside!!

Birthday

China didn't want to sit with us!! It was supposed to be a family thing, but I just ate with Ana :(

Thanks for all the birthday cards and well wishes! I had a good time. On Sunday we went out to eat at my favorite Chinese hawker--we ate WAY TOO MUCH!! On Monday I went out for lunch with Puah Meng and Ivy. On Tuesday I went in to school to help with an elementary ice cream party and got to hear Happy Birthday at the staff breakfast! I also had fun watching Ana hand out her Valentines and candy and then consume candy, chocolate cake, more candy, and then ice cream--YIKES!!! Matt got me a new Swatch too :)

Cleaning Out

Ana and I have been going through everything trying to drastically downsize. We've sent big loads of books, kitchen things, and craft items to school. Next we'll be hitting the fabric and scrapbooking STUFF! I'm really putting off the kids stuff. That will be challenging! I can already hear Ana protesting every item!

On a side note in the future, I'm going to do this EVERY YEAR. Working for a school there is always someone who can use/wants things you no longer use.

I Will NOT Miss:

living next to a Hindu temple that holds all night festivals/firewalks! I have never heard people that can whistle/yell that loudly! You could hear them OVER the extremely strong drumming!
So Matt announced to the high schoolers yesterday that he was leaving. It's official!

Issues

I had heard before that adopted kids often convince people that aren't around them much that they are sweet, nice, well adjusted kids. But, then give a lot of grief at home. Such is the case at school (with one of ours). I've heard countless times how well they are doing, etc. I just smile, nod, and think, "Got you fooled!" The hard part for me is the lack of morality, care for others, and general sucking up. That's the part I hate most. If you haven't caught on I vehemently dislike people that act one way with some and another with others. Also part of it is I'm sure our high expectations that others don't have. People have suggested rewards to change behavior. Like if I said, "Today if you don't lie, you get candy," would work! I'm trying to keep things in perspective, not compare, forgive, and PRAY often. I never thought it would be easy, but I guess I didn't expect it to be this frustrating.

International Night

Sorry for the completely unedited pictures. International night is always one of my favorite events. Any time I see caucasians, Indians, Koreans, and Chinese all dancing a Bollywood dance
I think this is just what heaven will be like! We rushed to get second row seats. It was worth it. Ana set and watched the whole time. We're so thankful to have our kids growing up with friends from all over the world!

Practice

I often try what I'm going to do on Mitike's hair on Ana's hair first. This past week and a half it has been in tiny braids. I've been missing the curls, but thinks it's great that her hair isn't sticking out everywhere! So, we'll try something half/half! I'll show you Mitike's picture next week.