It did SNOW!

kids n snowman, originally uploaded by Armstrongs in Asia.

I haven't been able to post in a bit, so I will try and catch up. It did snow enough last week to provide endless hours of fun for the kids to get nice and soaking wet in the snow and muddy from the wet ground underneath the snow. It really was beautiful! Anthony had to go to work, which was pretty miserable for him. It was the weekend before Chinese New Years and here in China, in order to have days off during the week for the CNY holiday, everyone is required to work the weekend before.

Chinese New Years was on the 6th and we headed off to a hotel on the other side of town for a few nights. The hotel was very nice and the room was plenty big for all of us. We watched fireworks for quite a long time in the middle of the night. I've got some video of it and some pics - will try to post them soon.

Liz and Ryken have come down with a sickness - most likely from being out and about with all the other millions of Shanghainese over CNY. I can only imagine what kind of germs they picked up. We are taking them both to the doctor tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

TV Woes

Something happened to the TV. Yesterday, I went to check the news on CNN and there was no sound, then started flipping channels and many of the foreign channels were snow - the main one being STAR WORLD - which is what American Idol is shown on. Yes, I know I'm gonna get people saying "why in the world do you watch that show?"! But it's a fun, entertaining show and it airs 12 hours after showing in the States, so it's current! They've also been showing the new season of Heroes (so 1/2 a season behind the States) and we have just seen 2 episodes. But now that something is wrong with the satellite, I guess the illegal DVD shop keeper will get some more of our money! Too bad they won't be selling the Democratic debate that was on CNN today. I could watch it - with no sound and that doesn't really help in a debate! I was very disappointed not to be able to watch the debate today and will have to try and find some clips on YouTube.

One very cool thing that has been going on - Expats from all over the world will be allowed to vote in the Democratic primary at Democrats Abroad. The deadline for signing up for the primary has passed, but you can still sign up to get a ballot for the upcoming presidential election! There have been a few OBAMA rallies going on across China - at least in Shanghai and Beijing - and I believe his wife even phoned in to speak to one of the groups live.

It is snowing again here - just started an hour ago - at first, really light snow twirling around - now it's quite heavy and at this rate will start piling up. It seems cold enough out that it will stick to the ground and roads fairly quickly. Lots of people are trying to leave today and tomorrow for holiday - not sure if it will happen for them! We have booked a hotel for a few days next week in Puxi (the other side of Shanghai from where we live) and are looking forward to seeing some fireworks from up high.

Since the TV is out, I spent a large portion of the day reading stuff around the web. For those interested in the EXPAT LIFE - check this out - or this. The first link is to an NPR segment about Alan Paul, a guy I met while living in Beijing. His wife's job is the reason they moved to Beijing and he also writes a column for the Wall Street Journal about being an expat (second link). He writes some good articles and I enjoy reading them.

3rd day of snow

liz n ryken, originally uploaded by Armstrongs in Asia.

Yes, 3 days of snowy weather! Apparently, this is the most amount of snow days they've had in about 20 years (many different reports from 17-25 years). It is causing major havoc for those traveling for Chinese New Years - the only time during the year many people travel to see wives, parents and children. It is quite sad that many people are stranded at airports and train stations. There is one train station that had over 500,000 people stranded - can you imagine that many people at one station?

For us, it's been fun and a welcome change to rain! The kids have been having lots of fun playing in the snow and coming in to have hot chocolate (thank you Aunt S - perfect timing!!!!). Yesterday, it did not snow, even though the kids had a snow day - they cancelled school due to the roads being pretty bad. It was actually sunny for a bit. But, today, it has started snowing again and it is forecasted for more snow this weekend.

2nd day of snow

jan 021, originally uploaded by Armstrongs in Asia.

This was the second day of snow here in Shanghai. It was just a light dusting of heavy, wet snow. The kids had a blast though, making little snowmen and some really hard ice balls for throwing.

More Snow!

We woke up this morning to more snow, that had actually stayed on the ground! The kids all ran outside and made snowmen and snowballs! It was a very wet and sticky snow - that made ice balls. Everyone had fun playing in it though - even getting all wet! It melted quickly and has been raining and snowing off and on all day. I will try to get some pictures up of it soon!

Snow in Shanghai

ryken snow, originally uploaded by Armstrongs in Asia.

It snowed ALL DAY today but none of it stuck. The kids loved it. Ryken and Liz ran around catching snow and trying to eat it. Ashley was staying at a friends house, so we missed out on pictures with her and the snow.

Boogers

I took Liz to the doctor the other day for a skin rash she's had for a while now. While in the waiting room (with several other people) Liz started picking her nose. This is a habit many kids practice and from what I've read, it's best to just ignore it. But when her finger started going into her mouth, I had to say something -

You need a tissue for that, you will get sick if you eat it.

NO I won't. I eat lots and lots and lots of boogers and I'm not sick!

Why? Because this is China.

I went out to lunch with a group of moms - some friends, some new people. We had chosen a Chinese food place over in Puxi, a beautiful old building with a nice grass courtyard. There were 7 of us and we were seated at a round table that really was meant for 4 people. When eating Chinese food, the dishes are shared by everyone, but there really wasn't any room at the table for that many dishes. So we asked to move - when I say "we" I meant "the Chinese speakers" asked to move (in Chinese) and we were told "no" by our waiter. No explanation.

We pointed to some square tables and suggested that we put 2 together to make a table big enough for 7 with room for plates and dishes. Again, "no" was the answer and explanation. After much debate between my friends and the waiter, another waitress came over explaining that manager was not there today and couldn't be consulted as to whether we could move those tables together and so we couldn't move them as it would change the look of the restaurant. (the tables were not reserved and the restaurant was much closer to empty than full) We finally gave up the debate and resolved to just deal with the small table.

After a few minutes though, the staff came with with a bigger round table and proceeded to replace a small table next to us with the bigger table and then reset all the dishes and move us over to the new bigger table. All of us were astonished at this. It was nice to have a bigger table, but wasn't it so much more work to go outside and get a new table and put it up and take away old table and reset table than just letting us switch tables that were already there and available? It just doesn't make sense. And the Chinese speakers who were with us could not understand it either. But at least the staff did something.

We can finally see...

across our complex and more than 1/2 a block away! The fog and pollution cleared out when a cold front blew in this weekend. Last night, while walking home from dinner, it was sleeting outside and around 10 pm we saw SNOWFLAKES from our balcony. It was not enough to even slightly cover the ground and most people wouldn't believe that it snowed if there weren't pictures on the front page of the paper. More icy weather is expected this week.

We had a full weekend getting more things organized in the house. Of course, organizing the house means a trip to IKEA and that's what Ashley, Anthony and I did on Saturday - choosing the leave the younger ones at home. IKEA was packed and when we checked out every checkout lane (I think there are around 25) was full with 5-6 people waiting in line. It was pure craziness. We bought 2 bookcases for the living room and one cubed shelf unit for Ryken's room. The cost for this to be delivered to our house in Pudong (at least a 1 hour ride away) the very next day was 50 RMB (about 7 us dollars!) - what a great deal.

After IKEA, we went to check out BEST BUY. The first Best Buy store in China. And it's MASSIVE. It takes up 4 floors. But it seems to be missing something - it just isn't the same as a Best Buy back home. The most interesting thing I noticed is the lack of games, DVD's and CD's. But then, when you can buy all the copied ones right around the corner for so cheap, why would they sell real ones? I did check out the massive massage chairs they have for sale and that was an amazing 15 minutes! Talk about a comfortable chair!

Anthony and I ended the weekend watching ATONEMENT. It was a good copy (meaning no shaky cam and language was actually in English) except for the parts where some French is spoken. I am assuming that in the real movie, the French is translated with English subtitles - but for some reason our copy was missing that and if we put on English subtitles it would just say "(FRENCH)" - so that was no help. But even without knowing what was said in French - I thought it was a great movie.

Shanghai Pollution

pollution shanghai, originally uploaded by Armstrongs in Asia.

Every morning, I wake up hoping to see clearly across the street, but it is no use. We try to limit our time outdoors and are thinking of getting some more indoor air purifiers. We have 2 really good ones (IQAir) but that may not be enough.

Happy New Year

We had a great Christmas since we took a trip back home and spent about 2 weeks in the States. It was only for visiting family (so don't be offended if you're a friend and didn't hear from us!) and visit family we did! Lots of going back and forth between Austin and Dallas and many Christmas celebrations. The kids enjoyed seeing all the cousins and getting so many presents. Ryken had his first haircut and WOW - does he look different. I definitely miss the curls - but he's still adorable!

We flew back to Shanghai leaving the States on Jan 1st - this was a great time to travel since our plane our about 1/2 full - which left us with 4 extra seats to stretch out in. The kids did great during our travels - and we got within 300 miles of the North Pole. It was dark outside but we let the kids know where we were and that Santa was sleeping after being so busy with Christmas.

Since being back in Shanghai - we've taken the kids to the Aquarium and gone ice skating. Keeping the kids awake and busy during the day helps with the jetlag transition. The girls start back at school tomorrow and I am excited to have some down time!

For 5 seconds...

I forgot I was in China! Why, you ask? Because I hailed a taxi and got in the backseat, only to discover there were SEATBELTS! And they even worked! Now that was amazing, so amazing, I texted Anthony right away remarking on this wonderful discovery. But, alas, all good things must end and rather suddenly they did. The guy started driving and I quickly understood why he had seatbelts. This is China afterall.

Our Newest Adoptee

TITO!!!

He's a 4 month old kitten that was found in someone's garden. He was put up for adoption by a place here called SCAA (second chance animal aid) and we adopted him last weekend. He's cuddly and sweet and loves to play.

Our Little Brit

Daddy, look at the bike, they're rich.

No, they're not rich. [chuckle]

But the bike is posh. It's so posh.

(Ashley on way to school this morning)

You Can Never Have Too Many Towels

especially when 2 of your kids have the stomach virus at the same time! I used to think that having so many towels was a waste...ahhh, but now I know better. Nothing cleans up the puke as well as all those towels along with using 2 or 3 or even 4 to layer the ground around where the child is sitting or sleeping so that maybe, just maybe, you can avoid having to wash sheets, bedding, pillows, couches and rugs. I have also learned that just after you take a shower and clean yourself up, the kids must smell all that cleanliness and think, nows the time...and you are back to square one - standing holding a crying child who has just managed to puke all over your clean self and clean clothes. Who said having children was so much fun?

Watch out Disney!

Here's a story written by Ashley - although a bit confusing, surely Disney would want the rights to this one...

the fariey tale of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Willam
Once upon a time ther was a princess called Elizabeth and a Prince called Willam. they Lived in a castle far away in the Kingdom of olivia. and then Elizabeth did not like willam. She Liked Prince James. but Prince James did not like Princess Elizabeth he Liked Princess Sana. but then Princess Elizabeth Liked Prince willam again and Princess Elizabeth and Prince Willam mareid and Princess Sana and Prince James mareid. the end

A cheap UNO game

Here in China, we have noticed that the Chinese are very good at imitating – they copy anything and everything they can when it comes to consumer goods. For example, Ashley has a set of playing cards she got as a birthday gift this year. Liz and I decided to play a game with them today – they are California Barbie UNO cards – while playing, I noticed there were a large number of blue cards and sure enough, after checking the cards, there are only 3 colors in the deck, instead of 4 – so double the number of blue cards. I then thought I would check the box to see what brand it was – its’ a copy of a Mattel product – even have the red Mattell stamp on it – but upon looking closely – it says MaIIel instead of Mattel. Then on the side of the box, they list the phone number for the company, if you have any comments or questions – the number is 1(800)524-TOYS, which is the real Mattel US phone number. But, the website listed on the box is www.maiier.com. They even have the statement “safety tested. Conforms to astm F963” but do I dare believe that these copy cat cards have actually been safety tested? Not really.

One highlight of my days...

I have discovered something that just makes me giggle and smile – something so utterly adorable – of course, it involves my own child. I have discovered that I can sit for hours (ok, maybe not hours, but mintues for sure) and watch Ryken eat. I just find it fascinating and so cute. He LOVES food. He giggles when food is placed before him and lets us know in an extremely grumpy manner if it has been more than 30 minutes since food has last been in his mouth. He is trying so hard to eat with a fork and spoon and will often hold the spoon or fork in one hand and savor the taste of his other hand with food on it. He smacks and licks his lips and does all the disgusting things that I find so distasteful when an adult does it. A meal is an event for him, one that usually requires a bath or at least a good washing down afterwards. We have only found one thing he will not eat – Eggs. We’ve been able to trick him a few times by hiding the eggs in with ham and cheese and veggies. But if it’s a hard boiled egg or a fried egg – the second it touches his lips the tongue comes out and nothing can go back in. I keep trying though – every few weeks, I’ll give it to him again and so far, same reaction every time. I wonder at what age I will no longer find awful table manners adorable and the need for some real learning at the table to begin?

Taxi Woes

We needed to go to IKEA to look at some storage stuff for the kids toys. Finally decided to go on Sunday. It was raining, so thought taxi would be good way to go rather than subway since we’d have to walk around outside a bit. Maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Ryken got a bit carsick and threw up in the cab – mostly on the floor but a bit on the seat and on Anthony. We cleaned up what we could. The ride took about 1 hour and 20 minutes! Thank goodness I wasn’t holding him when he puked because I think I would have puked too – I was also feeling carsick. When the cab driver dropped us off, he got out to inspect his seat (all seats have these white covers on them here for easy washing and cleaning) – he was not happy at all and started yelling at us. But what we were to do. I handed him the fare plus a little bit extra to cover the cleaning cost – but he was still standing there yelling as we walked away. Of course, all in Chinese, so I have no idea what he was saying…but I can guess!

Once inside IKEA, I took Ryken to the bathroom to clean him up – stuck him the sink to wash him down – while one of the bathroom ayis (I call all cleaning people ayi’s and every bathroom has at least one cleaning lady) was yelling at me to move him – she thought I was letting him pee in the sink! I explained as best I could in broken Chinese and gestures (gagging with finger in mouth) what happened and she finally calmed down. Then I had about 15 women staring at us and talking in Chinese while I cleaned him and changed him – I am pretty sure we caused a huge traffic flow issue out of the bathroom as everyone wanted to see this white mom clean up her white baby boy. When he was completely naked with all his bits hanging lose, there was a lot of commotion as everyone wanted to see.

It is definitely true that we live in a bubble in Jinqiao area – where there are foreigners everywhere and although people like to see what I buy at the local supermarket, we don’t get many looks and our children are usually left alone. But when we step outside that bubble we become a spectacle and everyone wants to watch us, touch our kids, take our pictures and generally just be amazed by the fact we have three children.

We did take the subway home, which is a better mode of transportation when you have kids who may be carsick and aren’t strapped into a car seat or even a seat belt. Although, I still do not understand how any handicapped or wheelchair bound people can go ANYWHERE in this city! The way to get down to the subway when we had to transfer lines was only by stairs. There was an elevator sign and we tried taking it, but it didn’t go to the right floor or right area. It was three flights of stairs. Luckily, we have a WONDERFUL stroller that only weighs 9 lbs, so carrying the stroller and Ryken isn’t that difficult.

It went around...

no worries - the typhoon went right around Shanghai. We stayed home all day, waiting and watching the radar, but it never got very windy. Just a bit of rain and a little wind. Ashley is back at school today and Liz is still home. I'm not sure why her school was cancelled for the day, but it gives her some mommy time, which is good for her. Then I get to hear her say things like "mommy, everytime I keep picking hard boogers out my nose that are black".