Chinese Children's Music

Several years ago, I found this site with 27 Chinese children's songs that you could download. Al made a CD of them, and the girls have enjoyed them so much! Some of the titles crack me up: "Communist Young Pioneers", "Heroic Little Sisters", and "I Love Beijing TianAnMen". A few of our favorites are "Little Swallow", "Jasmine", "Mama Is the Best", and "Mud Doll". The arrangements can sound pretty cheezy, but our family just loves listening to the very "typical" sound of the contemporary Chinese recordings! Enjoy!

Because You Just Might Be Looking For A New Recipe To Use Up All That Turkey!

I have this heating up in the oven right now. The fam loves it!

Turkey Tetrazzini

2 cups broken uncooked spaghetti (2-inch pieces)
1 chicken bouillon cube
3/4 cup boiling water
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons diced pimientos, drained
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a bowl, dissolve bouillon in water. Add soup, celery salt and pepper. Drain spaghetti; add to soup mixture. Stir in turkey, onion, pimientos and 1/2 cup of cheese. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 35-40 minutes, until heated through.

Notes: I have also made this with leftover cooked chicken with yummy results. I usually skip the celery salt, pepper, onion and pimientos to appeal to the discerning palates of my younger diners. It's still good!

They've Got Art In Their Hearts!

Hannah and Rachel have been taking an after-school drawing class, and are both showing a real gift for art. Al and I are both "artistically challenged", so we're glad they have this opportunity to learn from their talented teacher.

They learned about symmetry at their first class. This is Rachel's drawing of a Native American pot...




...and Hannah's drawing...
Keeping in mind that they are in first and third grade. Pretty good!

Their second class focused on three-dimensional drawing. Here's Rachel's teepee...

...and Hannah's...

Both girls have had a work of art published in the school calendar. Hannah had a work submitted for an Illinois teachers' art show. Hannah also scored a free tee shirt and open gym pass by winning her gymnastics school's coloring contest. And her drawing will be featured on this year's first and third grade holiday concert program.

The best part is that they find so much enjoyment in the creative process. And their confidence and self esteem get a real boost, too!

Happy Four-Year Gotcha Day, Abbie!

The first moment I held you...

With your Daddy at the Civil Affairs office in Guangzhou, just minutes after meeting you...

Sleeping soundly on your first night with us...

Visiting the Yangxi SWI, your first home...

Enjoying the Yun Tai Gardens in Guangzhou...

At the White Swan hotel...

Such a sweet, happy baby...

Our precious girl, four years later...