Happy Chinese New Year!

The Year of the Ox!

Here is a little bit about the ox personality.

Still waters run deep, as anyone who has observed an Ox will tell you.

People born in the Year of the Ox are the supremely self-assured, and as a result are noted for inspiring confidence in others. Generally patient and thoughtful, they measure their words, and will speak clearly and concisely often when it matters most.

Born to lead, Ox people can be quite stubborn — but also stubbornly loyal to those they love. However, when opposed, their fierce tempers are legendary. So always follow this very wise advice : never cross an Ox!

Generally placid and easy-going on the outside, the Ox can be very dogmatic. There are no gray areas evident within their narrow scope of vision, and they often only see things as good or bad. Therefore, they are never easily persuaded by a clever argument. Possessing an excellent memory, the Ox can often recall verbatim a conversation weeks or months after it has occured.

Their physical stamina combined with their mental alertness is a distinct advantage when it comes to completing any task at hand. In fact, Oxen can often be seen patiently working away ... long after everyone else has dropped from sheer exhaustion!

Ox people are also generally good with their hands, and together with sterling leadership abilities are often successful as doctors or surgeons, construction managers, army generals or business leaders.
Years
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Our Holiday

We were able to celebrate Chinese New Year over the weekend. I don't remember too much growing up, but we always had good food and red envelopes with money. We started a few traditions for the new year. The kids still get their red envelopes and they get to pick out whatever they want. Caden decided on a toy that transforms (Bakugon balls) and Lola ended up just picking out a couple of balls to play with because Dozer chewed/popped her other ones. She had a little bit left so I helped her pick out some dress up shoes and jewelry. We woke up the next morning and had a great breakfast and we got all new outfits to start off the new year. We cleaned out the house to wipe away all the bad spirits in our home and then we went to the Asian Buffet, which we love! We relaxed the rest of the day and had a wonderful weekend together.





Here were our fortunes that we got from our cookies after eating.

Lola- An unexpected payment is coming your way!

Caden- you shouldn't overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.

Mala (I got two, lucky me!)- Now is the time to call loved ones at a distance. Share your news.

Your discover treasures where others see nothing unusual.

Greg- Tomorrow your friend or partner will tell you some exciting news.

So, by putting it together... I will find some unexpected treasure and I am going to tell Greg and share the news with friends, but we aren't going to spend any of it.
That sounds pretty accurate. What would be your translation of our fortunes.

Hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year!

Back from Break!

Well it has been a while since my last post and has been crazy with all the holidays. We have gotten plenty of snow storms to keep us stuck in the house. Everybody seems to be getting hit, even my parents in Seattle. In Seattle, no one seems to function in the snow. My dad and brother haven't been able to drive to work or drive to the store for my mom so my brother walks to the store to get a few things or just to do something. It is crazy! I wish Greg didn't have to go to work because he couldn't drive, but by the time we wake up, all the roads are already plowed. Why does Utah have to be prepared for snow? It sometimes stinks! :)

Our break was so much fun. We played in the snow, went to the Festival of Lights, went to the Children's Museum, and hung out with friends and family.

Christmas was wonderful. We always get together with Greg's family for Christmas Eve dinner. It was very low key with ham and turkey sandwiches and appetizers. It was great and so fun for the kids. We had a white elephant exchange, sang songs, and did our secret santa gifts for the family. We didn't get home until really late and the kids were zonked out. They weren't even awake to open their Xmas even jammies, but we put them on them anyway. Christmas day was just the best. Hanging around in pjs all day, having a wonderful breakfast, and just chillin. The kids opened their stockings and we only gave a couple of presents, like books and games. We played in the snow and made snowmen and family came to visit so it was very quiet and relaxing.

Growing up, I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas and so I don't go all out. We buy our kids tons of stuff throughout the year and we have Chinese New Year and their birthdays soon after so there isn't a need to go crazy. That's great if you do, but sometimes it isn't feesable. One tradition with Greg and I that has stayed since we have been together is we never wait to give each other our gifts. We can't help it. We make the kids wait, but we just don't. We like that tradition.

Greg had the rest of the week off so we just hung out and shopped. It was so much fun. I love it when Greg doesn't have to work and we do nothing all day. It is the best!


For New Years, we hung with the Wetzel crew until 230am. We played games and ate party food. At midnight, we lit fireworks and confetti poppers. It was a great New Year and we paid for it the next morning. It wasn't too hard to get up, but Greg and I took turns napping in the morning and we both napped in the afternoon. Now that is New Years. A day full of naps. Way to start the new year.



The past couple of weeks have been crazy and the new year is going to be even crazier!