Memory

We loved this game as kids. I will never forget the mother/baby animal memory cards we had. I wish I could find them somewhere.

What a treat that the next generation loves it too! They're getting really good, so I have to keep on my toes.

Michelin Star

I was invited by two chefs to a grand spread a while back.

Delicious! And the chopsticks really worked.

I love when I remember to get out of the way and allow their creativity to take charge.

foot long bean

At least something is growing in that garden of ours!

I had never heard of this kind of bean until I came to Taiwan.

I'm waiting with eager anticipation for these flowers to produce bitter melon.

my kids are jewelry makers

I'm set for the rest of my life. I do not need to spend one NT on expensive jewelry. It is not important that I don't wear jewelry. I do now.

made by Joseph:

made by Anna:

just to get a feeling of the height of this ring:

made by Joseph:

I have proudly worn these out. In the right context, they look like cool rings bought at an expensive boutique.

Loud Silence

Every mom knows that silence.  Those few moments before you locate the kids, and your mind is rushing through all the possible horrific scenarios of what might be happening.
I remember Lydia's silence a few years ago. She was in the crawling, babbling stage. Suddenly, I felt silence. I searched around, and found her lying on her belly, focusing on something right below her nose. Upon closer observation, I discovered she was fiddling with an ailing cockroach. I'm sure she was on the verge of putting it in her mouth. She always put everything in her mouth back then. Ew, ew, eeeewwwww. (I remember telling this story before. It might be somewhere on this blog...)
A few days ago, it happened again. Silence. I got nervous. I went outside, and there they were - Joseph and Lydia standing in sort of a trance, watching Anna as she drew pictures on our big whiteboard. What a perfect moment! What a relief as well! A wonderfully safe silence.
Anna is showing great interest in drawing. Lydia too. It reminds me of my childhood. I loved to draw pretty dresses as well.

fever fun

One morning a few days ago, Lydia woke up with a fever. We usually have breakfast outside in our "dining room", but that day, I decided to let them eat indoors. I delivered the girls' bowls, and then went back to the kitchen to get the rest. I should have known that I would find Anna busy about the work she loves best: caring for the ill. She already had Lydia propped up with pillows and covered with a warm blanket (summer is fully upon us, by the way). She was just situating her own little table when I snapped this picture. Anna was so thoroughly in her element, I wonder if deep down she wishes Lydia got sick more often. Lydia was enjoying the attention as much as one who has a fever can.