Merry Christmas 2019

Dear Family and Friends,

At the beginning of another Christmas season, our thoughts are drawn to those that we love both near and far.  We think of you often and want only good things for you.  We are pleased to report that we are celebrating our fourth Christmas in Washington.  This is the longest we have lived anywhere, and we are grateful for our time in this beautiful area. 

Henry turned three in the summer.  He has become surprisingly chatty and outgoing while also remaining an observer.  He loves preschool, especially painting.

Joshua spent the summer coloring, cutting, gluing, and writing.  You can imagine everyone’s joy when he started kindergarten.  He loves school and has perfected a happy dance when conquering new words and sentences.

Michelle has enjoyed traveling with the family to Portland, OR, Maine, Vancouver, BC, and Leavenworth, WA.  Local adventures even included a visit to the top of the Space Needle.  She has begun her biggest writing project yet which is still a massive work in progress. 

Jerry continues to work at the Stretch Island Fruit plant, but is now employed by Ferrara Candy Company.  He is enjoying challenges and opportunities that have come with a new company.  The family enjoys the multitude of treats.

We love you all and wish you a wonderful 2020!

Love,

Michelle, Jerry, Joshua, and Henry  

Merry Christmas 2018

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas!  As we reflect on another year, we hope that this note finds you all well and happy.  We are grateful for the influence of our family and friends near and far and think of you often.  The Ding family is pleased to report that we are still living in Washington (marking the longest we have lived anywhere.) 

Jerry is still working hard doing human resources work for Stretch Island Fruit.  Michelle has loved the many family adventures, both local and distant, we have taken.  We’ve had opportunities to travel to Florida, California, British Columbia, and Maine and will be spending Christmas in Edmonton. 

Joshua is almost five and loves life.  He has reached master level at pretend play.  He loves puzzles, races, and building.  In recent months, Henry’s speech has really come together.  It has been so fun to know what’s on his mind especially because he is one of the most observant kids we know. 

We are anxious to discover what 2019 has is store for us, and pray that it is joyful for you as well.

Much love,

Michelle, Jerry, Joshua, and Henry

Wooden Spoons and Color Mixing

I am just really loving spending time with my kids these days.  They are so fun!  The other night we read Joshua the book Color Chaos.  The next morning we tried it out and mixed our own colors.  Earlier he decided our road needed a more interesting topography.

Like most toddlers, Henry likes to play with wooden spoons, but never ever ever try to give him a slotted spoon.  He will shriek his displeasure.  He has also taken to wearing blocks, an activity that Joshua also loved. 

Words and Hugs

Henry and I have been going to the library and the park on Mondays while Joshua is in preschool.  He loves playing and the one on one time.  I love the park with the view of the water.  Henry has been bursting with words this week including bye, balloon, wow, pop, bubble, burp, and most surprisingly duck.  I love hearing each new word.

Yesterday, we were a bit late for preschool.  Joshua was eager to join circle time so I rushed him through the handwashing routine and nudged him toward his carpet square.  As I turned to leave he looked up and shouted, "What about my hug and kiss?"  Of course, I headed right back in to give him a hug and a kiss, but I was surprised he cared.  Usually he is so anxious to be involved in class I kiss him on the hair.  He won't be asking this much longer so I will always comply. 

Literary Tourism - Alaska

I can't believe that I haven't read a book set in Alaska that I can remember.  That vast state seems like a literary goldmine.  There are certainly a lot of choices, but somehow, I managed to avoid them.  I have not yet visited Alaska, but this book has increased my already strong desire. 

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Hitchcock weaves the stories of four teens, Ruth, Dora, Alyse, and Hank, together.  They each narrate their own story and are loosely connected through other minor characters.  While each narrator is very different from each other they are all in search of the same thing, family, even if that family does not mean a blood relation.

I picked up this audiobook at the library because it is the libraries "One Book, One Community" pick, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  It gave an excellent sense of place.  Most of the book takes place in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1970.  It touches on political issues like Alaskan statehood, relationships between the various native groups and those who moved from other parts of the States, and reliance on Alaska's natural resources for survival.   

Hitchcock did a great job of giving each narrator a distinct voice which was enhanced by different voices for each narrator on the audiobook.  Ruth uses beautiful imagery.  Dora sounds tired and angry.  Alyse is perky and hopeful, and Hank holds back.  Hitchcock also sprinkles little bits of magical realism throughout the story.  I don't want to give too much away, but orcas! 

Math Minded

I try not to brag about my kids on other social media platforms, but I figure this blog has a readership of about 2.5 so it is a good venue for posting braggy things I want to remember.  I love watching my kids grow, develop, and discover.  Pretty much, I love their brains.

I came home from a kindergarten readiness workshop with some bears and cups to teach children basic math skills.  Henry grabbed the blue cup and proceeded to add only the blue bears to the cup.  I couldn't believe that he knew to sort them.  He has done it since so I know it wasn't a fluke.

Joshua and I have a lot of conversations like:

Joshua:  Yesterday I had 2 vitamins and today I had 2.  That's 4.  Tomorrow, I will have 2 more and that's six.

or

Joshua:  Mom, I want 5 crackers!
Me:  How many did I give you?
Joshua:  3, I need 2 more.

It is so fun watching these kids grow up. 

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

"They say the Year of the Dog is the year for friends and family.  But there's more to it than that.  The Year of the Dog is also for thinking.  Since dogs are honest and sincere, it's a good year to find yourself."

from The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin

I have been so excited for Chinese New Year this year mostly because the Year of the Dog is my year.  I have checked out a ton of Chinese New Year books to share with the kids.  I am not always sure how to share their Chinese heritage with them, so I do it largely through reading, and Grace LIn is my go to author. 

Pacy celebrates Chinese New Year with her family.  She cleans, helps her mom cook, and keeps a tray of sweets stocked.  But she doesn't get to stay up to welcome the New Year because it is a school night.  At school she is called Grace and has only caucasian friends until another Taiwanese girl shows up and they become fast friends.  Pacy/Grace sets out to find herself and what she wants to be during the Year of the Dog and experiences both successes and setbacks.

This is a simple, fun, and easy book that I find appealing for a lot of reasons.  First, it is a young girl trying to find herself in a way that is relate-able to a large audience, not only Chinese-Americans.  Grace feels Chinese, Taiwanese, and American at different times and in different ways.  She has friends that are both Taiwanese and Caucasian.  She is also searching for her identity in her talents.  She tries acting and art and does her best to be creative and stand out, and she eventually finds herself.

Second, Grace Lin uniquely weaves family stories into her books.  Pacy's parents are constantly using humorous stories from their youth in Taiwan to help her and her sisters navigate the challenges of childhood in America.  I have read a lot by Grace LIn and I am now discovering that these stories are part of her signature style. 

Third, it's a story of a typical girl trying to navigate life.  Many parts of this story seemed to similar to things that happened to me as a child.  The episodes are simple and everyday yet very engaging.  She brings together the cultural elements very well.  Pacy bounces between red egg parties, school plays, Taiwanese conventions and American holiday celebrations.  The book is quick, fun, and really got me excited about celebrating Lunar New Year.