Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Chinese New Year

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Joy, Luke and I had lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant in town Monday. Luke wore one of his Chinese outfits. Good thing I bought it big…..it still fit him. Joy’s didn’t, however. Everyone that we came across while out and about just loved seeing him dressed up.



Joy made Chinese New Year cards (with a little bit of money inside) to give out to some of the employees at the restaurant, especially one particular sweet man that is dear to us there. He was in the back cooking and we had to send for him. He came out grinning from ear to ear as he always does and was surprised to see this American girl wishing him a Happy New Year complete with Chinese writing on the card. He motioned for us to wait a minute and he went in the back for awhile. He returned with a huge smile and a special dish he created just for us.

Then there was the new host/server. We instantly liked him. He reminded me of my Colt. Although he didn’t look it, he was 29. He was very interested in Luke and asked several questions about him. He told us about his time living here in the states (10 years now) and about his effort to make sure his two children learned Chinese as well as English. He gave us some tips and Joy tried out her Chinese on him from her Chinese class. This is her 2nd semester, so she has improved on her tones. He understood her. He was especially complimentary of her Chinese writing on the card that she gave him though. After a few minutes, he also returned with a red envelope for Joy and Luke. He said it was the first time he had ever been given a Chinese New Year card from a child. He had given them each $5! He even volunteered to be in China if we ever made it there so he could be our guide and help us out with the language.



Through all of this, Luke wasn’t that impressed. He seems to shy away from anything Chinese. He wasn’t even happy to really be wearing his Chinese outfit, but I promised him he could wear whatever he wanted when he came home. (He chose pajamas).

We then spent the next part of the afternoon visiting our friends at the nursing home. We just love our visits there. They especially loved seeing Luke in his outfit and they always love Joy. Luke gives “little hugs” and blows kisses. He’s come a long way with that. In the past, he chose to stay with grandmama while we went to the Nursing Home. There’s one Chinese resident there for whom Joy made a Chinese New Year card as well.

All in all it was a good day. We ended the day with Colt, Amber, and my mom and dad joining us for supper. I’d like to say it was a nice Chinese meal, but the truth is it was as American as ever – breakfast for supper.

Speaking of the Chinese New Year, did you know it’s the year of the dragon? Joy’s teacher says something BIG is supposed to happen in the year of the dragon. She is learning so much from her teacher who is very passionate about her teaching. Not only is she teaching them the language and how to write it, she also teaches about the culture and history of China. Joy is really enjoying it. We’re hoping to get Luke started in classes next fall.

Thank you for making my little corner of blogland part of your day! I appreciate you all!

12 comments:

Blessed Beyond said...

I love it!! You are such an inspiration to all!! And I love how y'all bless the kids with a great life, but want their culture and all to be part of them!! And btw, I am so excited! :)

Lois Christensen said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate! Love that Joy is learning Chinese and made the cards to hand out. That is really sweet. I'm sure when Luke gets older he'll understand more about his heritage. Sounds like a great day! Enjoy!

Debbie said...

What a good mom you are! And how interesting! I know absolutely nothing of the Chinese culture except for loving their food! The language seems very difficult! Luke is very blessed to have such a wonderful family and he will appreciate these things later.We watched you wait for him for the longest time, and now we watch your family grow with him. Amazing!
Deb

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

Mama,

I had so much fun! We need to get back to the restaurant soon and see our buddies again! :) And you know I had fun at the Nursing Home. :D

Thank you for taking us! I love you! 8!

God bless you!
Love,
Joy :D

Sheila said...

I am always so impressed with you and your family and all the love you give to others. What a wonderful day all had. Joy's name fits her well, as she brings "joy" to everyone she meets!
Your certainly are blessed with a wonderful family Tammy and an inspiration to others.
hugz,
Sheila

Hollie said...

Sounds like an absolutely wonderful day! Joy is precious to take the time to make the cards!You guys have a precious family!!!

Patty Sumner said...

What a wonderful day. Yes, I knew it was the year of the dragon. The Martha Stewart show has been about the Chinese New Year. I have learned much from her this week. I think it is so inspirational the way you include your childrens culture into thier lives. You are a blessed woman and a blessing to those around you. Keep it up! Blessings and have a great day! Happy New Year!

Sharon said...

That sounds like a great day. I am so glad to hear that Joy is doing so well and what an inspiration she is.
I also agree that Luke will become more interested as he grows. He is sure cute in that outfit.
Have a wonderful day.

Never So Simple said...

Luke is so cute. Joy is going to be an amazing adult. I can see great things in her future. You have done a great job Mom!

Donna

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

what a wonderful post..and I loved hearing about your day and how you spent it making others smile..I wonder what could be big for us this year..the only thing that popped into my head would be a new president..that would be awesome.;)

Melissa said...

Happy Year of The Dragon!

Nancy M. said...

How fun! My cousin has been celebrating the Chinese New Year with her daughters, who are adopted from China. I will pray for you friend in her travels to adopt!