A wonderful family Christmas...

Today is boxing day.  That is the name we give the day after Christmas because we have so many gift boxes left over from Christmas Day.  As with most holidays, the preparations take up a lot more time than the celebrations.

So much time shopping, decorating, wrapping, visiting.  It's a wonderful time of year for giving and eating lots of treats.  Most of the decorations on our tree are home made.  Some of the decorations were made by our kids when they were younger.  I like to add new ones every year but I think our tree is finally full!

Happy birthday Stephen

Two weeks before Christmas is my husband's birthday.  That is an added celebration for our family.  This year the family was quite amused when I lit the special candles that I brought back from China (thank you Anna for buying it for me).  His favourite cake is chocolate so I made a four layer double chocolate fudge cake for him!

There were many family dinners involving members of our family.  Stephen and I get the most enjoyment watching the kids open their gifts.  Now they are adults and they share their celebrations between our home and their respective boy/girlfriends.

Eldest daughter Kendra

Son Sean & girlfriend Leighann

Daughter Victoria & boyfriend Rob

Eldest son Garrett & girlfriend Cameron

Missing from our Christmas dinner was son Garrett.  He and his girlfriend came earlier in the week from Ottawa because of his work schedule.  We had a special dinner while he was here.

In this picture on the left, we were all tired out after the dinner and Stephen and I took some time to relax.

The next day we were invited to my brother's home for a party of friends and more family members.  There were a number of musicians playing instruments and singing.  My niece plays violin and she let me try it out.  I wasn't very successful at playing any tunes but it was fun trying.  Notice my Chinese jacket?  :-)

My tea corner

Well thank you all for your holiday greetings.  It is wonderful to hear from you.  I hope you are enjoying your shutdown with your family and friends also.  I'm sure January will be very challenging with MRT start up coming on board.  Good luck!  New Years is just around the corner...

Take care,

Jo-Anne

Found some more pics...

Well here it is, Christmas eve and I finally got my computer set up and although we are still in the midst of Christmas celebrations, the shopping is done, the family visits are winding down (although many to come) and I have a moment to write a post.

Gang Wang

I found some more pics and I thought I'd post.  It makes me happy to look back on these photos - you're all on the other side of the globe but you are close to my heart.  I can't help but feel a little sad inside at the same time.

Taking a break.

I remember vividly our volleyball tournament that resulted in our Pulandian team winning the finals.  We had a great team and more importantly, I got to meet people that I would not have met if I hadn't joined the team.  Now bringing our "trophy" (a large cooking pot) home was difficult to manage in my luggage - pretty heavy and I was worried about getting through the x-ray at customs.  But all went fine and I've used it a couple of times already.  Everytime I cook a big family dinner I will be using that pot and it will remind me of that day.

Another sweet memory is our dinner at the BBQ (barbeque).  The food was delicious - the company was wonderful and James - you worked so hard to get that beautiful statue.  I think you were as excited as me!  I love the "hug" picture above and send my hugs to all of you.  I hope all is well with you and thank you for the lovely e-mails and Christmas wishes that I have received from many of you.

xo

Take care!

Still missing you guys....

Reid Tolley

Well I am still am so busy that I haven't felt retired yet. Christmas is getting so close and yesterday was the first day I got to go shopping with my sister-in-law. I have 2 sister-in-laws and both are named Judy. Stephen and I are still busy painting and putting the finishing touches to our house. We will be finished well before Christmas... Then we will be buying all the traditional foods for Christmas dinner.... yummy.

I had to post a picture of Reid because he is the person who originally got in touch with me last year and asked me to consider the possibility of coming to China.  I was so excited at the prospect but I had no idea how fulfilling it would be because of the friends I would make.

Victoria & Richard

James

Of course it was Richard who would make the offer and the HR team was my first group of "friends".

I also met some beautiful children...

I still think about you all every day and wonder how things are going.  Take care and I will talk to you soon....

Love Jo