Tonight we celebrated with our Malaysian friends’ family for her birthday. Being away from extended family can be tough when living abroad. Rachel and I were so happy to help make Sharon’s day more special by baking a 4-layer chocolate cake with buttercream filling and white chocolate espresso drizzle. (Rachel is practicing for her new cake business).  

Rachel’s delicious cake. Wondering about the interesting centerpiece? It’s a Chinese birthday candle that opens up as a flower and shoots sparkles out of the top, singing the Happy Birthday tune (like a singing card you might buy at Hallmark).  

I have enjoyed getting to know a new special friend during this spring semester. She and her family moved from Malaysia late last fall. They have three sweet children, one in Maddie’s class and two younger. Our families often get together on Sunday afternoons. Megan enjoys playing with the two younger children, Maddie hangs out with her friend, and Sean and I share life together with Sharon and her husband. Living in China as expatriates can be both challenging and rewarding. The biggest rewards come with forming new relationships.

Look what Megan has learned to do while big sisters and daddy are away! Thanks to my sweet friend, Tami, for helping to encourage Megan to take off the training wheels. (I think there was some peer pressure involved too, since Naomi — a year younger than Megan — had learned to ride the day before).

Proud Mommy, (see Naomi in the background, ready to ride)

Rachel and Sean are away on our school’s annual spring trip. Here’s a photo I took of them just before getting on the bus.

Loaded on the bus saying goodbye…

Rachel and Sean are away on our school’s annual spring trip. Here’s a photo I took of them just before getting on the bus.

 Loaded on the bus saying goodbye.

Megan is getting some special time with me this week since all the girls and Sean are away. This morning she asked, “Can we have a brunch?” So I made a special egg for her with toast and a fancy lemon water.

Jessie made a run for Student Council Secretary in this year’s student elections. She gave a great speech and won! I am very proud of her sweet heart to serve her fellow classmates in high school.

Friday night our school hosted a pizza and movie night for the younger children. With most secondary students away for their annual spring trips throughout China, this was a good opportunity for me to spend some time with Megan and her little friends. Two of my Chinese coworkers from school also brought their children to enjoy the fun. We ended the evening playing on the school playground until dark, then made our way into our offices for some rest. Here’s Megan with two friends:

Notice the background of this pictures is my desk at school. If you look closely you can see one of Jessie’s campaign posters for Student Council Secretary.

Maddie happened to be in coming in from PE class when she saw Jessie’s 10th grade class about board the bus to leave for spring trip.  She ran over to give Jessie a big hug. They are sure going to miss one another this coming week.

Maddie and her friends have this annual tradition to buy all kinds of snack to take along on their spring trip. Maddie is also famous for making “no-bake” cookies for her class. Here’s a glimpse of the gang after stocking up at E-Mart. In the end she had one side of her suitcase with clothes and one side packed with food!