Mrs. Wiebe is Moving Up

. . .to the high school level that is. Much to my chagrin, I was informed that next year I will be teaching Geometry and Algebra 1B at SM West. (1B is the like the 2nd semester of Algebra 1, but stretched into a full year. Not a motivated crowd, I'm guessing.) The thought is growing on me although it would be a much easier transition to do middle school again. Part of me is getting excited about trying something I might eventually love. The other part of me is worried I will be eaten alive.

Easter and the Great Wall

This year Jon and I spent part of Easter on the Great Wall. The whole setting was just beautiful, the mountains, the first signs of spring - it was actually warm and sunny. It was a wonderful place to be. To get to the wall, you can either take a gondola to the top of the ridge or you can climb the 1,000+ steps. (At least I think I heard it was more that 1,000 steps - I suppose I might be imagining that. Nevertheless, it was quite a climb.) No question about what these Wiebe's did. As soon as we got to the top of the wall we did what everyone else does and got out our camera. Unfortunately, our batteries died somewhere on the trip up - too many pictures of me looking tired and out of breath, I guess.

Jon decided he would go back down the mountain, get the spare batteries and come back up - because you don't go to the Great Wall not take pictures! I decided I would stay and enjoy the view. Our poor tour guide, Hiram, decided he would have to go too, so he could explain to the man taking tickets that he would need to get back in, etc. I was a little worried, he would refuse to be our guide the next day. Hiram was a good sport though - I think he thought Jon was really funny (and slightly crazy). Anyway, Jon had the joy of climbing the mountain twice - once, he got to run. I think that is a good day in his book.

Wheeeee!

I love this picture. -Emily

Signs

A few of you may have seen one or two of these before, but we thouroughly enjoyed the signs in China. China seems to want everyone to learn English, but often does not find the right person to create a sign or label something. We were not disappointed.


We liked the backward arrows on this one.















Huh?















The others in the bathroom found it funny that I would take a picture.















Don't you just hate trying to light those urine soaked cigarettes?
















They are excited about yoghurt in China.

China

For those of you who don't belive us, we were actually in China. An amazing adventure and soooo great to get to hang out with Chris, Diane, Jonah and Eliza.

After a meal. So good to be together.














Emily getting on the plane in Beijing.














Jonah enjoying breakfast near market #4.














Eliza, cute as can be on a boat.














The mutton man. (rather two women and a man)














There will be a full account and plenty of pictures soon.

Ugly

As requested by a few folks, here are a couple pictures of the new pad. It definately leaves something to be desired. No where to go but up and nothing to do but dream. Should be a full time job for us over the summer and well into the fall. A partial list of what needs to be done sometime soon...fix foundation, new siding, replace windows, new plumbing and water heater, new roof, refinish the floors, and paint.

We will feed you if you come.


The front of the house.















The great awning. Go pink!















From the back.















The elegant half bath.























Plumbing.














We are pumped and can't wait to get started.
Only two weeks from Thursday.

My Poor Pants

I am having a sad, sad night. My rainbow pajama pants are having a rough time as of 8:32 this evening. As I noticed a slight draft from behind, I remembered a mystery ripping sound just minutes before. Low and behold, I had a foot long rip down the rear seam. I'm somewhat (although not entirely) disappointed Jon was not here to have a good laugh at the view.

The lovely Sarah Shorthill sent these, my favorite pair of pajama pants, to me when I was in Northern Ireland. I understand that to the average human being, they may not be the most beautiful, but they are the most comfortable. They are a perfect weight for warm summer nights, but still good in the winter. They are fantastic. Now is the time I wish I had more confidence in my ability to mend things. Mommy!