Kids

A lady in our Sunday School class just said, "I would hate to be raising kids these days."

I don't mind it, and was forced to smile.


-- Post From My iPhone

English

I got an English teaching opportunity! I'd be teaching grad students at Nanjing University. I'm very excited about it for many reasons: I get time away from Jaime (I love the girl, but you all understand), I get to work again, and we will have an income again. Yay!

We have an Announcement!!

We are officially introducing the fantastic six. Coming to the Packard home October 2010. We are excited! Love you all!

Jaime's New Voice

Jaime is quite the talker. The first video is a little outdated, so we taped an updated one. Justin had trouble embedding videos from here, so I'm just posting the links for you to copy and paste.

This was about a month ago in the Shanghai train station:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3991402/DSC_0414.AVI

This was last week in the Ye Family’s home:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3991402/DSC_0093.AVI

She used to have such a cute little voice, and now it is so loud. Sometimes I swear she's just seeing how loud of a noise she can make. She'll just lay there staring at the ceiling belting her little heart out.

Thanks to Joe

Joe made these amazing rendering for me this weekend, and I thought I would share.


Seeing it in 3D is crazy exciting!

Funny Moment

A few days ago Daniel walked up to me in the living room, sticks his finger into my stomach and says "Hmmm...Squishy." Then, he turned around and walked away as if nothing ever happened. Still makes me laugh:)

Food

I think I spoke too soon when I said that food is better here. I've had some really hard experiences lately where I've disappointed everyone - the people treating us to eat and my poor husband who can't understand why I have trouble eating the food here. Well, no matter the trials, I can now add more to my list of new things I've tried.

• Goose. I first saw it whole, cooked with legs, feet, neck, head, beak and eye balls. Then I watched it be chopped up, with goose liquids spraying with each chop.
• Clam pudding. With whole, open clam shells in it.
• Eel. It had eel skin still attached.
• Thousand-year-old Egg. Not sure why it's called that, but I don't want to know.

I gagged on all but the eel.

self explanatory right there

Dear Marquie:

The Admissions Committee is delighted to inform you that you have been admitted to Brigham Young University to begin Fall 2010. Through your preparation and personal achievements you have distinguished yourself from a very strong group of applicants. We believe you will make a positive contribution to our BYU community. It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our campus to pursue your educational goals. To be eligible to continue to future semesters, you must register for and complete this semester or term.

Now that you have been accepted to the university, you will be considered for new freshman scholarships. The review process may take 2-3 weeks. Once a decision has been made regarding your eligibility, you will receive an e-mail message prompting you to check Message Center, accessible from My Financial Center in Route Y.

Once you have determined whether or not you will attend BYU, indicate your decision on the "Accept Decision" tab below. For further information on accepting your decision and other essential information ranging from registration to housing, please click the link below to read Frequently Asked Questions.

Best wishes as you finish this school year. We encourage you to continue to excel in the classroom and to maintain the standards outlined in the University Honor Code. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Warmest regards,

R. Kirk Strong
Director of Admission Services

:) :) :) :) :) :D :D :D :D :D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D

And they're off.....

....with a 2 hour delay (skiff of snow last night). Which means no bored girls at my house today and we didn't have seminary. It is the best of both worlds.

On Your Mark, Get Set.....

ANd, school is canceled again tomorrow. This vacation will never end

Fish Tales

On Chinese New Year's Eve we ate dinner at a member's house and it was an extravagant meal. I tried a few things and was sticking to them, but ventured out to a dish that looked like celery and shredded chicken. It came highly recommended. I took a bite and quickly realized it was celery and fish. It wasn't too bad, so I just added some spicy soy sauce to it and kept eating. I noticed one of the pieces of shredded chicken had a black dot. I thought, what is that? I then noticed there were two black dots, and that all of the pieces of chicken had them. Yeah, not chicken. Each was a skinny little fish. I was glad I only figured that out near the end of my serving.

After the dinner, there were New Year's treats served. I went straight for the brightest, shiniest packaged candy. I was almost positive it contained a sweet hard candy. I opened it to find a small grainy cube that looked like bouillon. I popped it in my mouth and found that it was in fact a spiced fish cube. I didn't try another.

Tonight for dinner there was an assortment of delicious dishes including one plate containing three fish, cooked whole with bones, eyes and all. I explained to Justin that I can usually tell whether I'll like something by the look of it. He asked what on the table I'd like. I said, "Everything but the fish." He asked "Why? Because it has eyeballs?" and continued "You can't judge a fish by its eyeballs." For the record, I did try the fish, and it was good. Okay, so I was wrong. Maybe I shouldn't judge a fish by its eyeballs.

My Birthday

Hi family. I had a great birthday. I got to go to the temple, had a great dinner, and great treats. My favorite part was being with everyone and having a good time, despite the fact I didn't understand hardly anything anyone said the whole night. When there's humor and happiness, you can just feel it and it makes it fun no matter what. My cake was awesome and tasted so good. We had a pastry shop make it for me. It was chocolate with a layer of pudding and a layer of blueberry stuff. But honestly, the ice cream was the most incredible part. I've never seen ice cream like that and the pictures don't do it justice. And my Chinese vest is super cool. These people are so nice, and there's no way to repay them or even thank them for all they've done for us. They love Justin so much, and Jaime and I simply because we're his family. Everyone says that Jaime looks like a cute Western doll that moves. It's hilarious. She smiles at everyone, but loves Sister Ye the best, which is so cute.

Yummy goodness. The frosting was so much better than what's on American store-bought cake. Not the fake stuff and also not the too-heavy creamy stuff.

This stroller thing is AWESOME! Sister Ye is letting us use the stroller she used with all of her kids and the thing is still going strong. Jaime loves to look around, whether in our arms or in this stroller, and this is definitely easier on our backs and keeps us cooler in this warm weather.

This is one reason why China and Taiwan are awesome. There are tons of Chinese women around who love to take care of Jaime.

Michelle,

The Chinese and Taiwanese don't have any fun birthday traditions that I know about. I did get to try a new food that is feared by many: stinky tofu! I actually really liked it. I don't really understand why anyone wouldn't. But, Sister Ye says I'm not a regular Western girl. In terms of food in general, there's been a lot and it's all been very good. Justin warned me that I might want to loose 10 lbs before we come to Taiwan because I'd gain 15 lbs while I was here, and I think I'm pretty much on that track...besides all of the amazing American food that the Ye family gets from Costco, Taiwan food is much better than Chinese food.

Happy Birthday Jodi!!!

I guess technically it is the 12th over there... I hope you luck will bring you good fortune.

(Bryce still wants an invite to Shell's most popular blog!!)

Happy Happy Birthday Jodi!

Just wanted to wish you happy birthday! Wish we could celebrate with you! Are you doing anything fun? Eating anything new? I just realized you are like an entire day ahead of me and may very well be done celebrating....is this true? And I thought I was on top of things. I don't know what ever made me think that, I've never been before. I hope you get or got to enjoy a wonderful cake, as delicious as the one I had. We went to a birthday party at one of our friends house who was at my birthday, and they said, "we should have hired that lady to make another one of those amazing rainbow cakes." I informed them that you would be flattered they loved the cake, but that you were in China. Do the Chinese have any fun birthday traditions? I love you and hope your birthday is or was truly amazing!

Ahhhh

Germade

In our effort to eat healthier, I have decided we should not eat cold cereal during the winter. I have so much hot cereal in my food storage, it seems silly not to use it when it is cold. I personally do not find hot cereals to my liking. However, I am willing to endure for the sake of health and family. I really can't tell my kids to eat it if I won't. We have cracked wheat, creamy wheat, oatmeal, and GERMADE. Still the only hot cereal I like. We had it today with a spoon of homemade jam. (Thanks Michelle) Mmmm. The kids enjoy flavoring their cereals. We have orange, peppermint, raspberry, and of course syrup. It is fun for them. It is fun to tell the kids of when my Mom made me eat this stuff too. We love food storage. Thanks Mom!

Thoughts of a mother of five

• When you find yourself with a moments rest, SHOWER, SHOWER, SHOWER
• Laundry soap is like fuel, never let it fall below 1/4
• Organize, organize, then be content with the mess that will always remain
• Even at Sam's club, five is a lot
• The laundry will never be done
• A regular recipe is too little, a doubled is too much
• Don't stress about exercise, you never stop long enough to do it anyway
  
• You find yourself shopping just for the shock effect on others
• No kitchen is big enough
• Sleep, what is that?
• Quiet is meant for the library
• Keep Tylenol in ready supply
• Make your bed, it may very well be the only thing you do for yourself
• Give it up, you'll never weigh that again
• Free is not only good, it is almost mandatory
• Crazy is your life, enjoy it

Feel free to add to this Mom.

Birthday Fun

We had a fun time celebrating today. I have found I really enjoy strawberry cake with fudge sauce filling.

April playing with Ethan's new drum set. Yes, it is digital and it has a headphone jack.
The first present of the morning is always the most fun. He is opening a hat from G. Petersen. You will see it in the next picture.
Mmmm CAKE!

Winter Storm Watch

So, we have about 2/3 of the top part of the driveway cleaned off. I just checked the weather and we have a Winter Storm Watch. A potential for 5 more inches of snow Tuesday night through Wednesday. Well, at least Dad doesn't have to go to work! No spring break for us...:( Sure is fun snow for little kids. They could get lost in it! They could build a whole snow city!

Ethan's Birthday Cake

- Posted from my iPhone

Clean Up

Well, the snow has tapered off and now is time for clean up. Diana, Mom, Marquie and Leah...Diana and I just spent an hour shoveling. We cleaned about ten feet infront of the garage door. The snow is piled as tall as we are. I don't know where the rest of the snow is going to go!

It's incredible.

Earlier in the day, Marquie took a hike to clean off the satellite dish so Dad could watch TV. We have pictures of that adventure too! The snow was clear to the top of her legs and that was before she fell down. I'm pretty sure Dad is experiencing one of his worst guilt trips ever. But, you can be assured we girls will not let him even get near a shovel! WE ARE NOT DOING THIS SURGERY AGAIN!!!!

It's highly possible we will not get out until either someone has pity on us, or maybe sometime midweek. (I'm hoping for the latter.) YEAH!!!!!

Course 1 complete

Yep, last week Joe finished course 1. All this frosting makes me glad we are giving all the cakes away. This was his final cake. Yes, all of that is frosting. He is very excited to start course 2 next week. We will keep you posted on all the beautiful, yummy goodness.

Aquarium

It is official, I have a really BIG family. Let me explain. We were in a very large elevator at the aquarium yesterday. I was holding David at the time. A man holding a boy about Ethan's age turns to me and says, "Sometimes I wish they were still that young. Sometimes it is just easier to keep track of them." Another lady in the elevator, with one child, was listening in. She turns to me and says, " Are all of these yours?" She then did a quick count. "Five?" I replied with a hardy and happy YES. The first man, who had two boys, said, "Well, we just lost all rights to complain." Thankfully, we had reached our destination and nothing more needed to be said. Yes, it was my first "Are these all yours?". I'm sure there are plenty more in my future.

We loved the aquarium. We timed our driving right going in and out, so as to avoid rush hour. We spent about 5 hours there. I was really glad dinner was in the crockpot when we got home. We will definitely be going again. Except for pooping every 30 minutes or so, David did great. The boys didn't even run off. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

The kids dressed up as penguins and got to run around a penguin habitat.

A perk of our membership is access to the sharks. The kids loved the sawfish one the best. Look it up Michael, you'll love it.

Throughout the day, they bring out various animals for you to observe. They teach you lots of interesting things. This is a Red Footed Tortoise. We learned tortoises only live on land. We also learned they all have 13 bumps on their shells.
These are the seahorses. We wanted to get a picture of the sea dragon, but the tank was to curved. That is a definite must see. It looks like a plant with eyes.
We enjoyed every minute of the aquarium. Here, we are waiting for the water show to start.

And the snow begins...

The State of Virginia has declared a state of emergency...because of snow. And, just now, the snow has begun. Marquie went to Walmart last night to get pain medicine for Dad (which, I'm sure he won't use) and took pictures of the empty shelves. Hopefully, when she gets up, she will post at least one. All flights in and out of Dulles are canceled. We have an gas generator and gas in the tanks. We are snug as bugs in a rug!

One Hole Shy

It was good to talk with everyone yesterday and I thank you for your faith, fasting, prayers and love. This has been a very spiritual week and I would like to share some of it with you. It started Sunday with our fast. Church services and meetings were canceled due to snow so we had a stay at home sabbath. We had a devotional in the afternoon and then closed our fast around 16:30. When we knelt to pray the feeling of the Spirit was very strong and we were all filled with a great peace.

Monday there was the pre-surgery visit where they took blood and did an EKG and then the "gas man" talked with me. it was one of the better experiences I have had with a pre-surgery visit and it brought a great deal of comfort to mom. She worries about me so very much and when the EKG and blood tests are all normal, she has a greater peach. now just have to get the stress out to get the BP in line. Actually have made great progress over the past week and a half.

I had been pondering whom I wanted to administer to me for this procedure. Our home teachers came on Sunday and I openly told them that there was a surgery scheduled for Thursday. Nothing registered or if it did, nothing was offered, blessing, meals, shoveling, transportation, nothing. Because of this there was a high level of discomfort in asking them. As I pondered, my feelings were to ask Brother John Sweeney, our High Priest Group Leader and a good friend. He was honored, I gave a couple of suggestions for companion that I would feel comfortable with and we agreed to meet at our home at 18:00.

When they arrived we had just finished dinner and for me the clock mark of when I had to stop eating. We gathered in the living room and invited Leah Utz, Marquie's friend and Diana to also join us. It was evident from the beginning that the Spirit was strong. Marquie offered a prayer and we chatted for just a moment. Brother Sweeney shared that after I called he was pondering what more he could do to be prepared and decided that while it was only part of the day, he could fast. I was deeply touched and thought of a story that Elder Matthew Cowley shared on being prepared to use our priesthood. Brother Karnes anointed and Brother Sweeney sealed. I was quite amazed that during the blessing, only about 10-15 seconds were given to my surgery and it was a very matter-of-fact "reference". I was told that getting the surgery done was righteous and then he moved on to bless me to be strengthened and prepared to do what the Lord had in store and it was time to be prepared.

Brother Karnes left and we chatted with the Sweeney's (Sister Sweeney also came) for a few minutes and Brother Sweeney shared with us that as he pondered and prayed for guidance he was promoted continually that the Lord had a work for me to do and I need to get my physical in order and doing so yesterday was in keeping with his will.

Well, even through the blessing for the surgery was almost non-existent, it did the job. As you all know they checked me into the hospital due to concerns of pain because the surgeon did so much invasive work. Well, I must say that I am amazed, truly, that the pain is as minimal as it is. Coughing is no fun but I am able to move about and overall, unless I am moving it is only a minor irritation.

Family, this is a testimony. Please listen and please share with your children. The Lord takes care of those who come to him and do all they can do to prepare. I am greatly blessed and know that I will heal quickly.

Oh, "one hole shy"? An executive golf course has nine holes. I have eight in my belly (No pictures!). Yes, there was a great deal of work done. Love you all.

Dropped Class!

So, I just did something super fun this morning that I thought I would share. A week ago I was asked to go from 3 classes at AIU to 4 which is a lot of work but I thought about it as it would really help pay for the kitchen remodel we want to do. But after a long but enjoyable discussion with James last night--I love pillow talk--we decided to go to 2 classes per session max! Yippee! Only 2 chats per week! So, now I'll have more time to spend with the boys--now I need to figure out how to use that time.

SO not fair

I have been with Jaime all day, like I am everyday, and today has been a hard day. She's been fussy, unable to take a nap and very bored with me. Justin came home and she is happier than a clam. She can't contain her smiles and ecstatic squeals. How is this fair?

When we talked to Mom she said we should blog about things. When I told her I worried that everyone was sick of hearing me talk, she informed me that my last post hasn't been for a week and that no one is sick of me blogging.

Here are a few stories. I'll make Justin blog about our Shanghai trip and all that.

When we first went grocery shopping I told Justin I needed some non-scented lotion. We picked out a bottle of Dove that said "moisture milk" with a bunch of characters. He didn't know all of the characters, but we thought it was probably lotion, so we got it. We got home and I rubbed it all over my legs and chapped nose. I noted it had a strange consistency, but thought it was just a weird Chinese kind of lotion. The next morning, Justin looked up more of the characters and found out it's body wash.

One of my favorite foods is the burrito-type thing I had a picture of on our blog. The first time I went to order by myself I couldn't remember for the life of me how to say "No spice" and it was REALLY spicy. I had trouble eating it, but now I always order it with spice.

We can't talk about the church here. At all. If someone inquires about our religion, we are only permitted to say the name of our church and then close the discussion. The other day we were in a store and a man asked us "Are you from Utah?" We said yes and asked how he knew. He saw Justin's BYU hat. He was a convert who had been introduced to the church and baptized in Hong Kong. But, because he holds a Chinese passport, we couldn't talk to him about the church. It was hard for us to walk away and say nothing. It’s a strange situation with the church here. There are Chinese natives who are members, but they’re not allowed to meet with foreign members. China’s thing is that they’ll allow freedom of belief/religion but not outside influences.

Jaime is changing so much. She’s really active and craves new things to look at, and believe me she gets a lot of that here. She’s starting to grab things with her hands and is talking a bunch. Soon I’ll get to start baby foods for her and I’m excited - mostly because this means I won’t be the only one who can feed her. I’ll be making my own because Chinese baby food is questionable. The people here just can’t get enough of her. People stop and say stuff as we walk by and we just have to keep walking, otherwise we’d be stopping all the time. If we do stop and talk, usually a handful of people stop and talk to us and sometimes a big crowd. It’s crazy. They love to hold her and she doesn’t mind it. The other day in the market when everyone was telling us she wasn't dressed warm enough, Justin said in Chinese "Foreigners don't fear the cold!" and they all thought that was very funny.

Love you guys.

A Delightful Morning

What a fun morning I had today. James called on his way to work and talked to me for about 30 minutes about work and musical auditions and spring break. Dad called and sounded very stressed while I was talking to James so didn't get to talk to him long (he always hangs up quickly when I am talking to one of our children)and he has big meetings today--hope he's okay. Justin and Jodi called while they were trying to get little Jaime Lynne to go to sleep (around midnight for them) and we talked for over an hour--heard of fun adventures in Shanghai and they found a store with a good deal on cocoa so needed the no bake cookie recipe which I immediately forwarded to them. (Heather, you could say you started an epidemic). Heather called me immediately after that to update me on Joe's job options and the redecorating of their home (it was her day off). Marquie and Diana both called also during that time, but there was not much chatting there. They just wanted to come home from school early (early release today because we're supposed to have a snow storm). So......Michelle........

Anyway, wouldn't it be fun if they all blogged all this stuff so you could hear all about the details?

I feel so blessed.