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!

Wisdom

We are alive! (although our lack of blogging my have you thinking otherwise.) Our trip to China was great. There will be more on that later - coordinating pictures and what we both want to say will take some time. Jet lag has not impeded our days too much, (having a cold and taking Nyquil as definitely aided in the falling asleep process) but resisting a nap when I get home from school is hard work.

Jon and I just got back from getting his wisdom teeth pulled. The doctor said, "he had really big teeth." The roots must have been deep and hard to get out because it took a while. People would come and go in the waiting room and say, "done already?" when the nurses came to get them. I was expecting that, but not so. Apparently, Jon's got sturdy teeth. I thought we may never get to leave because he was so tired and then nauseous and then sick. Finally, the nurse and I walked him out to the car. After some sleep and a milkshake, he is looking better. I get to play nurse today although I'll admit, I'd pretty much rather take care of any other ailment as even being around mouth pain makes me feel a little queasy. . .memories of dry sockets. Here's hoping he'll be able to avoid that.

More later when we're both feeling more ambitious.

It's Ours (or will be soon)

We signed papers today to buy a new house! The negotiations are over and we have agreed on a price. We are very excited. Closing will be May 1st.

Em's Got a New Job!

Because I resigned on Wednesday, I was extra pleased to get hired by Shawnee Mission on Friday. I knew I wouldn't be commuting an hour in one direction, so I resigned although I didn't have a job yet. I must say I am relieved to know I will be employed next year. Whew. I don't know where exactly, but I requested 7th grade (because I already know the material well) or Geometry (because I love it.) I am sad to leave my current school, but I am excited to do less of a commute and be part of the community I work in. Yea!