Graham can't get enough of...

THIS!

OJ has been putting together our stuff from IKEA. Graham will NOT leave him alone. He is his daddy's boy. He wants to "help" put it together. He wants to know how it all works. He was hilarious. He would scream if you took the screwdriver away from him. Finally OJ would say, "Okay, Graham's turn. Okay, Daddy's turn." He would relinquish it for a moment and then take it back and try to do what OJ had been doing. What a smart cookie!

Sunday. My favorite day of the week.

This is our church building. Its beautiful.

We woke up early on Sunday so that we could make it on time to church...well, we didn't. We were 30 minutes late and I was a soggy mess. Oh well, we made it! It took us longer than we anticipated. We had to switch buses half way and then we got off the 2nd bus not knowing where it would end up and just walked the rest of the way. --Note to self-- Buy COMFORTABLE Sunday shoes!! I don't really have many options right now since the rest of our stuff hasn't arrived yet. Church was lovely- Even if I did spend Sunday School with Graham running around in the back of the chapel and therefore didn't hear a word. It was nice just to be there. OJ took Graham during the 3rd hour so I could listen. Meanwhile I hear him screaming as OJ tries to get him to fall asleep...so much for listening :) After church we met many members of the branch. I was overwhelmed by their kindness. They made me feel loved and welcome in a matter of minutes. I needed that. After church we had lunch at a member's house with several other families. There were plenty of kids, and toys so Graham was in heaven (even if his naps were nonexistent that day). We didn't get home until 5:00 that evening. What a GREAT day. Where would we be without the Church? After meeting these new friends, I thought to myself...

"You can do this Tara! If they can do it, I can do it"

So today I feel optimistic...that one day I will actually get somewhere by myself , one day I will have a list of ideas for meals, one day I won't mind as much how sticky I feel,  one day I'll know some chinese.

Although I know there is lots more hard to come. I feel inspired and I feel just a glimmer of hope.

Silent Saturday? ( I don't want to wait until Wordless Wednesday)

my hero

fifteen minutes tops!

This week I have mastered getting ready in 15 minutes. This includes a shower. There is no need to dry my hair, when I walk outside it is will be wet again anyway. There is no need to apply make-up for it will just melt off my face in seconds. No need to apply lotion, there isn't a lick of dryness to be found. Its kind of nice. Just don't ask to see any pictures of me! :)

I've been reminded this week how aggressive you have to be in China, if you want to get anywhere that is. There is no such thing as waiting in line, or politely waiting for someone to pass. You push, you shove, you clip peoples heels. Its a way of life. I felt really bad at first...until I realized I wasn't getting anywhere.  I'm apologizing now if I come home and start pushing old ladies out of the way so I can get on the elevator first.

Well we went to IKEA and went CRAZY! We bought a mattress and get it tuesday....wahoo! The one we sleep on feels like you are sleeping on the floor....the hardest floor in the WORLD.  We bought a ton of other stuff but I won't bore you with the details.

We walked past the church office building today. Can I just tell you how good it was to see "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints"? I got a little teary eyed just seeing the sign. I'm so excited to go to church on Sunday.

And last but certainly not least...here are some pictures of Graham.  His 12 month pictures we had taken before we left. How can you look at that cute face and not smile? I'm grateful for Graham and what a happy boy he is. Even when I'm crying he will start giggling and I can't stay sad for very long. 

The Teriyaki Burger mixed with Jet Lag= Emotional Breakdown!

Here are the boys after just arriving in Hong Kong. We left our bags at the airport, took a 40 minute train ride to immigration to find out we had to come back another day. We then rode 40 minutes back to the airport to pick up our bags and took a 45 minute bus ride plus a 10 minute taxi to our apartment without a cart of any kind. I'm not quite sure how we did it. It was stressful to say the least.

Graham a little delirious but happy to be off the plane.

This is what Graham wanted to do at 5:00 this morning instead of sleep.
 Good thing he's cute....
Here is the view outside my kitchen window.

Last night I had a little breakdown. 

We don't have any gas in our apartment yet. We don't have a microwave yet. This means we have been eating whatever we can find. So far my meals have consisted of an egg mcmuffin from McDonalds,  pizza from Pizza Hut. It was okay but I was ready for something healthy. Then we had a "hot dog" from IKEA. I had to close my eyes and hurry and eat it so I wouldn't throw up. Cream Soda came with it. It didn't taste anything like cream soda but the carbonation filled me up. Then we had KFC at the mall. Sick and nasty would be a good description of that meal. Last night was the kicker...OJ brought me home a Teriyaki chicken burger. Now this chicken didn't look anything like "chicken" but I took a bite anyway. It tasted like rubber. I spit it out and started crying....alot. Then the ranting and raving began. Who knows what I said. I was exhausted and starving. OJ being the patient husband he is...listened to me and hugged me and put me to bed. Needless to say, I felt much better in the morning besides the cramping in my stomach.

Today we get gas and a microwave and a little toaster oven. Let the culinary masterpieces begin....now if I could just think of what to make. :)

*Thanks for all your comments....keep em' comin'....you have no idea how much i look forward to reading them...its like Christmas*

WE MADE IT!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we made it! I feel like I have enough stories for about 150 posts but I will just give you a general update.

 Traveling with Graham was a nightmarish experience...let's just say I was disgusting by the time we arrived. A nice mixture of poop, pee, throw up, and sweat...yummy.  I have to admit, I did resort to the prescription drugs the doc prescribed. With those he finally SLEPT! 

Poor kid has been exhausted. Yesterday I tried to let him take a little nap when we got to our apartment. After two hours I tried to wake him up, he would NOT wake up. It took about 40 min and then he would just scream and scream. Poor guy. He doesn't know what to think about all this. 

Its all a bit overwhelming right now...alot to take in all at once. I knew it would be hard. I just didn't know what specifically would be hard. Now, I'm starting to get a taste.

Everyone is OBSESSED with Graham. I can't say I blame them :) They just stare and follow and talk to him. Makes it hard to get through the grocery store :)

Today we are going out for some errands. I think we might hit up IKEA. Woohoo!

This morning we met a nice chinese family from the UK. They were so nice. AND spoke english. Their kids had the cutest accents...chinese with english accents...funny.

Alright time to go unpack some more...didn't I just get done packing? :)

Love to you all!

 Dear Friends and Family: 

In an effort to say goodbye to everyone before we leave (which is a week and a half away). We are throwing ourselves a party! :) We would love to see you ALL before we leave but realize that isn't exactly possible...so for those of you who can make it...here is the info.

When: Friday, August 22nd, 5:30pm-8:30 pm

Where: OJ's parents home

What to bring: Just yourselves and a swimsuit.

Leave a comment, email, or call us and let us know if you will be able to come! That way we can know how much food to get and such. Also, if you want directions to OJ's parents house leave your email and I will get them to you. 

Hope you can make it!

OJ, Tara, and Graham