Well, I think 16 mos. is about time for an update! We're vacationing on the coast with Grandma & Grandpa for the holidays and I suddenly have found myself with enough time to make a post! The kids' websites have also not been updated for forever, but that will have to wait for another day . . . A quick update on us is that we have moved into our first home! We purchased a little (4 bedrooms!) townhome in Oregon City and we are loving it! We moved on Aug. 31st and we're still not totally settled, but life has thrown us a few curve balls this year. We were blessed and stressed to have Andy's mother come and visit us for four months this summer. It truly was a blessed time to have the children enjoy their Nai Nai for so long and needless to say, all of our Mandarin improved greatly (even Andy's)! Heather learned more delicious Chinese dishes that have become regulars in our diet and Andy was able to catch up on all things personal between mother and son; a precious time.
Her trip was cut short because of health issues and after two weeks of her return to her home in China, she was in the hospital with a brain tumor. One week after being admitted, she passed away. We were, and still are, in shock by the loss. Andy quickly left for China to arrange the funeral and to say goodbye to both his mother and to his brother who passed away this past year as well. (Liver Cancer) It wasn't the timing we had planned to return to China, but it ended up being a great trip for Andy and another blessed time of being with his remaining family.
On a happier note, Elina started Preschool this year and is thriving! She loves to go to school and wishes it was every day! They just had their Christmas program and you can bet who the sweetest angel on the stage was . . . ! She's always telling me, "Mommy, I love you!" Finally, parenting is getting rewarding!
Andy started teaching Mandarin full-time in two High Schools and two Junior Highs; he also started a full-time Masters in Teaching program at Concordia University and he is still doing translation/interpretation projects "on the side." I say, what side? He's just plain busy with two kids and a wife and a new house! There's nothing boring about his life.
As if I wasn't busy enough with with the kids, the new house, and the translation/interpretation business, I added a new business to the mix. I'm now a Manager for a direct sales company called "Demarle at Home." It's flexible, non-stick bakeware that's been used by professionals for over 30 years (Subway bakes their bread on our product and many other famous restaurants). You can check it out at: http://www.demarleathome.com/
Addison is 19 months old now and he is full of energy! We love his kisses and hugs and listening to his ever-growing English/Mandarin vocabulary. What a joy!
Well, that's it in a nutshell . . . I'll post a picture of our entire family when I find the file . . .
Until then,
We pray that the gift of Jesus' birthday has touched your heart more this year than ever!
Blessings,
The Wangs
