Our Taiwanese Girls

Our Taiwanese Girls' "Home Stay"

I stress the "Our," as I feel selfishly possessive!  I love these girls!  They are part of our family!  When consenting to do this, I was hoping my daughters' would brush up on their Chinese and learn about another culture.  Was I ever blown over...these girls brought soooo much more to our home and lives.   Evenings, the time we were together, were priceless:  singing, piano, guitar, games, movies, conversation, laughter, relaxing, partying, eating...     

After reading my previous post titled, Hosting International Guests, you may ask,  

"What is it like having a house full of appreciative, polite, respectful, smart, sweet, 

and always ready for fun, 15 year old Taiwanese girls?" 

It is beautiful!                         

                          IMAGINE THIS:

touring America on USA BINGO night,

receiving Chinese lessons,

preparing mud pies,

giggling all the time,  

They put "socks" on the pasta (sauce!)

They request "snakes" (snacks!)

visiting the inside of a whale,

plotting pranks,

late nights, early mornings, busy days,

(One of us got some sleep!)

shopping, 

singing,

playing games like memory,

hot potato,

BINGO, 

musical chairs,

Q-bitz,

racing,

relaxing,

having joy grace your table,

your silver polished,

touring local markets, 

sharing the keyboard,

savoring Pineapple Cakes, a Taiwanese treat,

romping at the beach,

celebrating water game victories,

feeding turtles, ducks, and playing with Dolly,

(Look for Dolly, the parrot, in September on a PBS Parrot Special)  

receiving sweet notes,

Need I say more?!  We love "our" dear girls!

They enjoyed United States of America!

Babyhood Friends

Babyhood Blessings

There is something incredibly special about friends whom have known each other since they were infants!  Distance or time apart can not break this special bond.  We were reminded of this last week when our dear friends came to visit for a few days.  Personalities, looks, interests, bond (even after a two year gap in visits), are the same as they were twelve years ago when they were in diapers!  Their growth is the only apparent change!  

We are so thankful for the richness they add to our lives. 

They are friends whom... 

  are always happy to see each other, 

wear color coordinated clothing without planning,

are sure to watch out for one another,

share snacks,

try to be on their best behavior,

are good sports 
(even the only boy in a gaggle of girls playing dress up!),

remember each other's birthdays,

are always ready for adventures,

love to get wet,

yearn for family trips,

are lovable,

have mothers that love each other,

enjoy dining together,

are a bit silly,

group hug, 

and love to make each other laugh!

FRIENDS FOR LIFE!
We are blessed to have friends to whom it is so difficult to say goodbye,
though we know how incredible it will be the next time we say hello!

Happy Birthday

A very happy birthday for me... 

I woke up to this..

Yum!!!
Cinnamon on my apples, almonds on my fruit, lavender on my tray, and mint on top!!!!

Super moist, blue berryicious pancakes!

Off to the Farmer's Market!  The apricots were perfect!  

Then, to French Press for my favorite treat...Almond Milk Latte, with very little foam, but enough to make that sweet, little
 decoration on top which just makes the drink extra special and pretty!!! 

Surprise!!!  They all took me for a little spin!

Hanging on the back is the place to be!

Bella takes complete control!

Destination...baby giraffe exhibit at the Santa Barbara Zoo!

Now, a bit of relaxation   

and a bit of action!

 Sophia feeds my old bucket addiction!!!

Lastly, citrus cake with coconut milk, whipped cream!!!
A very happy day!