tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37508641637466006342024-02-20T17:45:28.732-08:00Our Chinese LifeHeather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-44904266798511485442013-12-01T00:33:00.000-08:002013-12-01T00:33:01.434-08:00Day 29 of Thankfulness - Good ServiceOur trip to Xiamen this week reminded me how thankful I am to get good service from people around China. Most of the time the service you get is not very good (in my crazy opinion). <div>
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We flew to and from Xiamen on Shenzhen Airlines and they were amazing! The food on the plane was some of the best airline food I've ever had and the attendants were so helpful and polite. On our return trip the main attendant saw that Aiden had fallen asleep and immediately went to get a few blankets to cover him and use as a pillow. They kept coming back to check on him and us to see if they could assist any further. </div>
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At the hotel we stayed at, Swiss International Hotel, the concierge was fabulous as well. Quick to answer questions and look for how best to help out. They were always calling cabs for us and went above and beyond in helping us find restaurants, directions and then telling the cab driver exactly where to go. The lady that helped us find the Mexican Restaurant sought us out on our return that evening to inquire how the food was. </div>
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I know these are small details in the grand scheme are not much, but it meant so much to us. If anyone is ever traveling with in China, I would HIGHLY recommend Shenzhen Airlines and if you are going to Xiamen, the staff at the Swiss International Hotel is wonderful. </div>
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Thank you to all of you who on a daily basis provide good, helpful, quick and wonderful service to all who need it. From the bottom of my heart, I say THANK YOU!!!!! </div>
Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-55126357508003314742013-11-30T23:53:00.001-08:002013-11-30T23:53:22.863-08:00Day 28 of Thankfulness - Burgers and Chick-fil-a! The food here in China has been a surprising fare. Most of it we really like and have gotten the chance to enjoy food from all over the world. But at times some of the stuff we see or are served makes me very thankful to have a good Cheeseburger and Chick-fil-a waiting on us upon our return to the states.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our meal at the airport before leaving...it was wonderful! I had sweet and sour pork with rice. It used the Wuxi style BBQ and let me just say....YUM! </td></tr>
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This week in Xiamen was no exception. While Aiden and I were exploring Wal-mart, we found some stuff that I haven't not seen yet in Wuxi. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole pile of dried jelly fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up view. Anyone want me to bring some home for them???</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As for this....I have no idea. I even asked some of the dealers and their wives we were with this week and they had no idea what this was. Doesn't look very appetizing to me though. </td></tr>
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While on the tour with the AGCO dealers we all had lunch. One of the items they brought out to us was "some sort of worm from the sea". This was the best description anyone could give us. And I knew that when most of them wouldn't eat it that I wasn't going to either.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks great doesn't it? </td></tr>
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<br />One of the gifts that everyone in our group was buying was dried seafood. It was weird to see but apparently it is super popular and was everywhere. Definitely was not very appealing to me, but I guess it is just like beef jerky, but with fish and the like. <div>
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So, for all of these strange new foods that I don't want to try there are many that I do. Take me to eat dumplings any day! But I look forward with all my being to getting to eat a good burger anytime I want. If anyone wants to meet us at the airport on our return trip next year with either Chick-fil-a or a Royal Red Robin burger I would forever be in your debt. Ha!!!!<br /><br /></div>
Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-23836833226588663932013-11-30T23:28:00.002-08:002013-11-30T23:30:04.815-08:00Day 27 of Thankfulness - Travel Aiden and I got the chance this week to tag along on one of Jeffrey's work trips to Xiamen. This city was beautiful! I'm very thankful to have the chance and the ability to join him when we can.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room over looked Gu Lang Yu island and the bay...it was beautiful!!!! </td></tr>
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Jeffrey had to work one whole day while we were there so Aiden and I did our own thing. The day started out with...you guessed it....a trip to Starbucks! Aiden has learned to enjoy this as much as me, and if you even mention it to him he gets excited. His "treat" is a blueberry muffin and orange juice. Mine of course is either a Vanilla Latte or Toffee Nut Latte.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our morning at Starbucks. </td></tr>
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Later that morning we went to the hotel's "heated" indoor pool. We learned it wasn't so heated, but we enjoyed it anyway. Aiden loves to swim. The swim wore him out, so we headed back to the room for lunch and to let Aiden nap. The kid slept for 4 hours. Whew! While he napped I was able to enjoy the beautiful view from our room overlooking the bay.<br />
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That night after Jeffrey headed back to his dinner meeting Aiden and I went exploring around the town and found a fun night market next to a nice shopping mall. We explored Wal-mart (which I have yet to do while in Wuxi), found a nice semi import store and then wandered around the local market. I love getting to see all the new and different things to see in China.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden found the Lightening McQueen body washes and shampoos...it was hard to pull him away. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a "Service Library" that I thought was a cool idea...just like RedBox, but for books! </td></tr>
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On Friday, we all went on a city tour with some of the dealers from the conference Jeffrey was attending. This was one of the best experiences touring with locals that I have ever been a part of. This group was wonderful. We explored Gu Lang Yu island and went out on a boat to view an island belonging to Taiwan. It was wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Taiwan...a cool experience to see. </td></tr>
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Saturday, Jeffrey, Aiden and I went on our own to check out NanPutuo Temple and walk around Xiamen University. It was a beautiful morning and one we really enjoyed.<br />
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We don't get to do these kind of trips very often so I'm super thankful to have gotten this chance to go!Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-24076803196787430772013-11-30T22:47:00.001-08:002013-11-30T22:47:16.904-08:00Day 26 of Thankfulness - Toilet Paper & Soap<br />
Back in the states I don't think I would have ever realized or even said how thankful I am for toilet paper and soap. There is it just common place. If you go to a public restroom (for the most part...) and they are out of either, you just notify someone and usually the problem gets solved right away. But here, more often than not you don't have either. If you do have toilet paper then it is most of the time in one roll outside of all of the stalls so you have to take what you need in with you before entering. Most of the time, I just plan ahead and take some in with me. So thankful <div>
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Soap on the other hand is even less common. I started carrying around with me a small container of hand soap with me everywhere I go so that I can always wash my hands. I confess this notion of no soap in the bathrooms grosses me out more than I care to say. Ha! </div>
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So today I am thankful to have soap and toilet paper in bathrooms around the world! </div>
Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-15787252205039487092013-11-30T22:26:00.001-08:002013-11-30T22:26:54.550-08:00Day 25 of Thankfulness - Chen, our DriverThough at times he drives me crazy, I am very thankful for our driver Chen. Living in China it is not as easy to get around as it is back in the states. Taxis are great and we use them quite often when we don't have Chen, but it is not as easy to run errands using taxis.<br />
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I noticed this more last Friday when Aiden and I had quite a few things we needed to do around town that day and Jeffrey needed to use Chen. I was very thankful that we were able to quickly get taxis every place we went, but instead of being able to leave our bags in the van we carted them around in all of the stores with us. Yes, I realize this is a first world type problem and I shouldn't complain, but it just made me more thankful than ever to have a driver.<br />
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Aiden loves Chen and for that I am even more thankful. At times Aiden has a hard time with some of the locals as they tend to hover and touch him more than what he is comfortable with, but Chen has apparently learned this and has given Aiden space while still playing with him. More often than not he asks me "Chen help Didi (this is what he calls himself)" to get out of the van. Its cute.<br />
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Chen will help me carry my bags into the apartment and helps me practice my Mandarin. If I don't know the name of something or a place, he tells me to get it figured out.<br />
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I still really look forward to the day I have my own vehicle and freedom to drive myself, but for today, I am very thankful for our driver.<br />
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-10712208636461511082013-11-30T22:26:00.000-08:002013-11-30T22:26:19.056-08:00Day 24 of Thankfulness - Our Veggie MarketWe have an amazing fruit and vegetable market close to our apartment. I'm very thankful for this market for many reasons. First, its within walking distance so its super easy to get what I need. Second, because of this we are actually eating more veggies.<br />
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If you know me well you know I'm not a veggie eater...I prefer meat and carbs...ha! But having so many fresh options readily available has caused me to try and change my eating habits. Jeffrey takes a carrot and apple each day with him to work, and I have an apple for lunch more often than not when we are home. We love sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, mushrooms and green peppers. The lady that I buy my veggies from knows what I get and typically asks me if I need those specific items as soon as she sees me. Its wonderful to have her know what I want and then to help me find the freshest items there that day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPtCY7jONjkzaquw0ahAvG5i5VFTNB0VfuGNaUQHGhpOmxwVPrMFFtauvl1YPrAcQ_NwDd77eKh-B-AJtgIIrpRxmOQ1vsqcPVhcr7_ZAmEgey0cIYvaGf3P8RtgQa_NjPwlEYhqpRjk/s1600/IMG_3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPtCY7jONjkzaquw0ahAvG5i5VFTNB0VfuGNaUQHGhpOmxwVPrMFFtauvl1YPrAcQ_NwDd77eKh-B-AJtgIIrpRxmOQ1vsqcPVhcr7_ZAmEgey0cIYvaGf3P8RtgQa_NjPwlEYhqpRjk/s320/IMG_3036.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My veggie lady. </td></tr>
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My fruit lady and her husband are wonderful as well. They will deliver my purchases to my apartment at no extra charge. Fabulous! This saves me from either having to carry all those apples home or to save space in the bottom of my stroller. I realize how spoiled I am to be able to have most everything delivered to me and this is something I will have to adjust to when I get back to the states.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCZ8RLFUaXsnwgpVqGKXqZV8YJUEk9mbyB4vvf1Awm1ObJOoy6EcpKqWEIgf2kKpEg2y22mYIOqXOX_ATL_UjVyG2EY31vTLtAUm-fFPBWbOzCnQUMl8Dl_4Lq7ocA91daiMR7X1IF7Y/s1600/IMG_5806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCZ8RLFUaXsnwgpVqGKXqZV8YJUEk9mbyB4vvf1Awm1ObJOoy6EcpKqWEIgf2kKpEg2y22mYIOqXOX_ATL_UjVyG2EY31vTLtAUm-fFPBWbOzCnQUMl8Dl_4Lq7ocA91daiMR7X1IF7Y/s320/IMG_5806.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fruit portion of the market. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBeYfAQuOC0rycQTOsPC-SeITwcEuIyFSIAeAtHy5iwGYZwKQIP0hoGd7voM6LUPSJHW-9fMSTlFZQxq9vkb0cDltICUmRGjzzRIb-j-mRxdUXFjSbIjQl7QJ26ilnhSHcobDmygN8HY/s1600/IMG_5808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBeYfAQuOC0rycQTOsPC-SeITwcEuIyFSIAeAtHy5iwGYZwKQIP0hoGd7voM6LUPSJHW-9fMSTlFZQxq9vkb0cDltICUmRGjzzRIb-j-mRxdUXFjSbIjQl7QJ26ilnhSHcobDmygN8HY/s320/IMG_5808.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my fruit stand. </td></tr>
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Another fun part of going to the veggie market is getting to see all sorts of crazy things. My dear friend Brie has been there when they were selling snakes. I guess they had some sort of "healing" property they way she was explaining what she saw. Aiden loves getting to see live chickens. He always wants one (especially the one that roams freely around our apartment complex).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoadmOWShZZeFybxZCIXV44wcTTIZHolisVsny0gRKa_XsT3w_-sBCQkiy-yWYLx-mSY178ndoyuEopf6MKAyeIDdscHuDHQj2D8MLd1bxWAcgPkTIDxUrfod5ofqnOgCaOhYI6MsCiw/s1600/IMG_5810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoadmOWShZZeFybxZCIXV44wcTTIZHolisVsny0gRKa_XsT3w_-sBCQkiy-yWYLx-mSY178ndoyuEopf6MKAyeIDdscHuDHQj2D8MLd1bxWAcgPkTIDxUrfod5ofqnOgCaOhYI6MsCiw/s320/IMG_5810.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens and vegetables for sale together at the exit of the market. </td></tr>
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Each day at the veggie market is an adventure. So thankful to have it close by!<br />
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-47163548114532718142013-11-27T22:22:00.003-08:002013-11-27T22:22:54.325-08:00Day 23 of Thankfulness - My Family <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can I just saw how awesome my family is? I am so thankful to have amazing people in my life on both my side and Jeffrey's side of our family. </div>
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We got to spend a wonderful month in the states back in Sept/Oct. Though it was a crazy whirlwind trip that took us from North Carolina to Missouri to Georgia to Alabama and then back to Georgia and North Caroling, it was wonderful. It just felt right getting to be back with family and getting to see everyone no matter where they live. We are so excited to move home next year and get to be back in a normal environment where we can see our families more often (and not all at the same time...whew! Ha!). </div>
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To my family all over...we love you guys and are so thankful for you!!!!!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nE7STTGHMUBR4zDsFwS28kZsD0s4YYVeYbTcqGauvc8MkU3pRVHCwyvZcQ49U895Q0lq-CylMKS-UtgCx5F3BpIvr2iYlYMJr3uKuiLaJIdzDw_wCP3cJmfGzdHwCIFZ_QAkZEbI3Y/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nE7STTGHMUBR4zDsFwS28kZsD0s4YYVeYbTcqGauvc8MkU3pRVHCwyvZcQ49U895Q0lq-CylMKS-UtgCx5F3BpIvr2iYlYMJr3uKuiLaJIdzDw_wCP3cJmfGzdHwCIFZ_QAkZEbI3Y/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear cousin Jennifer and her youngest son Holden. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7pM3ZDd9MS18dlRPcTR2aoU04YH-WQkRkr6Ak9p5WAq2e6FmOxrr75IHrb8ayN7MOgd8waen3MYYlkQd-yF3Rr2pOZs1L-zqZpjZWJJpMcHPVNchXEIfJ_sWB4KgCdSadMWeHFbdLek/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7pM3ZDd9MS18dlRPcTR2aoU04YH-WQkRkr6Ak9p5WAq2e6FmOxrr75IHrb8ayN7MOgd8waen3MYYlkQd-yF3Rr2pOZs1L-zqZpjZWJJpMcHPVNchXEIfJ_sWB4KgCdSadMWeHFbdLek/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother Matt and Aiden driving tractors (don't tell anyone he was driving a green tractor!!! ha!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaRsgD9oYigMp_iUbTH0BPLGEDjT3yF0LOAI15-tuY2dCWy1m1mrEgxnnUOLvXtQS8WS0cUUUVvhIZGTiYNJSgKhCrACwSbrnuFwoSFN1416jPysMvSMWn3wJbkwVhFc0Knvl7LIaomQ/s1600/DSC_0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaRsgD9oYigMp_iUbTH0BPLGEDjT3yF0LOAI15-tuY2dCWy1m1mrEgxnnUOLvXtQS8WS0cUUUVvhIZGTiYNJSgKhCrACwSbrnuFwoSFN1416jPysMvSMWn3wJbkwVhFc0Knvl7LIaomQ/s320/DSC_0435.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad (Ta) and Aiden checking out animals at the Pumpkin Patch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TJv9plB763FzavK7O399mU8_Ayc8wc97FFF1MpbzxecsxQVsSXiZoRIlPILr92Wsr-qrPCut1IqGCzy0ZNBIr7XgGI227xvyIMQcCyxBVzo3bTC_oA9gPSDQMj3ZVd9usOZCVGuGSz8/s1600/DSC_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TJv9plB763FzavK7O399mU8_Ayc8wc97FFF1MpbzxecsxQVsSXiZoRIlPILr92Wsr-qrPCut1IqGCzy0ZNBIr7XgGI227xvyIMQcCyxBVzo3bTC_oA9gPSDQMj3ZVd9usOZCVGuGSz8/s320/DSC_0486.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome parents! Words can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for these two and all they have done for me. They are some of our greatest supporters over here. I get to Skype with them at least 3 times a week...I don't know what I would do without that time to talk to them. Aiden gets super excited when "Mimi & Ta" call. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfFXEL8OE_fYI5Uo6IQeRTa2-KUoobYZZtElErUqRq-dzyTnm_T64B8SLqC-MrW8yAEs4dUM0SQipF1DH835vlSY4Ll2j4pG-VMmrmT9R0lA1sdLgrtodyJB1aO0S6ZAUAryR-DBQb3w/s1600/DSC_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfFXEL8OE_fYI5Uo6IQeRTa2-KUoobYZZtElErUqRq-dzyTnm_T64B8SLqC-MrW8yAEs4dUM0SQipF1DH835vlSY4Ll2j4pG-VMmrmT9R0lA1sdLgrtodyJB1aO0S6ZAUAryR-DBQb3w/s320/DSC_0496.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome brother Matt and his precious wife Jenn. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwS5cWNYr8OlSazSLRyDFYRRvF8i6O8PnvLBuNe32gPxuCMmNU_IsBx8OYNxH4dVAMCQTr15njMwE1cHcXIIFhI8r-RnX4UdfCPpbrIBGmSFId7MbLkeof_rfHhOVw3QuWDpS8glczC0/s1600/DSC_9624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwS5cWNYr8OlSazSLRyDFYRRvF8i6O8PnvLBuNe32gPxuCMmNU_IsBx8OYNxH4dVAMCQTr15njMwE1cHcXIIFhI8r-RnX4UdfCPpbrIBGmSFId7MbLkeof_rfHhOVw3QuWDpS8glczC0/s320/DSC_9624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our nephew (on Jeffrey's side) Ethan. I can't believe he is already in kindergarden! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hioBtVeRfqv7Co7kGjsUXtd_OH0hOPhZvNqxKBC0v4HCKBOCvSZywVf9IQt-KyQ7Y4-RDuK-LSJggAXLS4qNJzL3l56CUP7B-gw-OF_UCaCc3isoGnbHgHQu82Fa3rj0AgJVWSwPVE8/s1600/DSC_9669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hioBtVeRfqv7Co7kGjsUXtd_OH0hOPhZvNqxKBC0v4HCKBOCvSZywVf9IQt-KyQ7Y4-RDuK-LSJggAXLS4qNJzL3l56CUP7B-gw-OF_UCaCc3isoGnbHgHQu82Fa3rj0AgJVWSwPVE8/s320/DSC_9669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey's dad and grandparents (from his mom's side of the family). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNliakDeTTCn6PdJ0YdIe2QzEPNOinOnJH9xlloKQobE2YjS08U-kfwJ9WuYcWBrDvbZjmN9a3n06RMf-9qKejS2tO-QFLTpA3jhmmVaKTB-yt5l4banJH8nzAJLANwDjzi2zWFrsn0aA/s1600/DSC_9749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNliakDeTTCn6PdJ0YdIe2QzEPNOinOnJH9xlloKQobE2YjS08U-kfwJ9WuYcWBrDvbZjmN9a3n06RMf-9qKejS2tO-QFLTpA3jhmmVaKTB-yt5l4banJH8nzAJLANwDjzi2zWFrsn0aA/s320/DSC_9749.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey's brother Brent with Aiden and Elliot (our other nephew on Jeffrey's side). They loved watching horse videos with Uncle Brent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jo5zIznzJWByMogrlQWBJCRjhmmI7qBTZTiBmDemCJKQp52XflAfTydQ3uTBNu6PqhzvosqJxkcPQe_dwQEck6kyS43M0XpEu_ZNd8B5kuUFlstFehnrifedFJcek1Ct_q0FH_W062Q/s1600/DSC_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jo5zIznzJWByMogrlQWBJCRjhmmI7qBTZTiBmDemCJKQp52XflAfTydQ3uTBNu6PqhzvosqJxkcPQe_dwQEck6kyS43M0XpEu_ZNd8B5kuUFlstFehnrifedFJcek1Ct_q0FH_W062Q/s320/DSC_9766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fun sister in law's Natalie and Kristen. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTy5oL9HXLhCGN1VTc4HuzWyN3EcF5FhT5mCt6L4V_LPFEuJJq-XuHwOVE2C7udfAJ1KXyUVlybrKvOuGVNsI6jBw_kOpjMBWiZe0K7-h_7lVt2JWuOWfAL4xDReZz01Yj-95B9QjzAk/s1600/DSC_9796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTy5oL9HXLhCGN1VTc4HuzWyN3EcF5FhT5mCt6L4V_LPFEuJJq-XuHwOVE2C7udfAJ1KXyUVlybrKvOuGVNsI6jBw_kOpjMBWiZe0K7-h_7lVt2JWuOWfAL4xDReZz01Yj-95B9QjzAk/s320/DSC_9796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey's brother Scott and is wife Natalie. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvEpb7-v9WmhI80BwYTPeMq3YlbWOlBdiFoSMgHEsbZWKfk9PD0BfqYmr-JyXIxlEbHr9vqxtaz_ZiewXNr5e0iWrineeQ9hMFNDtl5eYP9G5dqCxSJbg-gDA7wvBGKjH9kr8TcMDz5I/s1600/IMG_5392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvEpb7-v9WmhI80BwYTPeMq3YlbWOlBdiFoSMgHEsbZWKfk9PD0BfqYmr-JyXIxlEbHr9vqxtaz_ZiewXNr5e0iWrineeQ9hMFNDtl5eYP9G5dqCxSJbg-gDA7wvBGKjH9kr8TcMDz5I/s320/IMG_5392.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My precious grandmother. She is my rock in God's Word. Whenever I have a question or need someone to pray with me, this is who I call. She knows scripture inside and out and I love hearing her wisdom. We were so excited that we got to spend time time at her house during this trip home. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBivIdBisNGJaxVS5pBoDuhWaT8zIFc5YJvLy1v49igXALQD6YqPwgQVPY9KfffTpEaC-hYWzWC2wmp28KX2X7FmUVuxywL_eTD_vaOA3ZA0oindn7wxJOKoapAVyQf3o7HLdb0FtwXSQ/s1600/IMG_5506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBivIdBisNGJaxVS5pBoDuhWaT8zIFc5YJvLy1v49igXALQD6YqPwgQVPY9KfffTpEaC-hYWzWC2wmp28KX2X7FmUVuxywL_eTD_vaOA3ZA0oindn7wxJOKoapAVyQf3o7HLdb0FtwXSQ/s320/IMG_5506.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad's mother, my Mamaw. Aiden took to her right away and I teared up seeing these moments together. I love my sweet Mamaw. </td></tr>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-79200822339935922202013-11-27T21:59:00.000-08:002013-11-27T21:59:04.352-08:00Day 22 of Thankfulness - Playgrounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I am thankful for playgrounds. All kids of playgrounds...indoor and out! Aiden loves going to play, especially when his friends go along. </div>
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Right after we came back from the states a new mall opened in town and they have a great indoor playground. This made my day since our last favorite indoor playground has closed. </div>
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Welcome to our new indoor playground....this is probably where we will live for cold winter months that are quickly approaching! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun and different kinda slide...it was hard to get him to do anything else. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place is great. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neil having fun in the ball pit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the ball shooter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden's buddy Neil...cutie pie huh? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he doesn't even mind when the Chinese ladies want to talk and play with him. </td></tr>
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I am also super excited and thankful that there are great playgrounds like this in the states as well! My best friend and I went to a new place near Mall of Georgia and it was GREAT. This is something I will look forward to for many days playing there with Aiden and making new friends. </div>
<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-37197381817099695672013-11-24T22:53:00.002-08:002013-11-24T22:53:50.447-08:00Day 21 of Thankfulness - Chenglish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have so much fun with Chenglish over here. I love finding it and laughing at the craziness of it all. Makes me really want to go back to the states and see our version of Chinese to see how bad it is. </div>
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These below are signs from a school here in Wuxi that we went and toured a few weeks ago. There was another sign (I thought I had a picture of, but can't find it now...boo!) that said "Hold your hands and watch your feet." Ha! Most of these are all talking about not stepping on the grass. </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-85680060607658552652013-11-24T22:19:00.000-08:002013-11-24T22:19:38.981-08:00Day 20 of Thankfulness - Soku<br />
Today I am thankful for Soku! <div>
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This is another online site here in China that has been wonderful! This is one where they have lots of American TV shows posted. Its fabulous!!! </div>
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Before we moved over here I wasn't sure how we were going to keep up with our favorite shows back home, but that shouldn't have been a worry at all. First we used iTunes to purchase some of them and then a friend introduced me to Soku. Wow! So amazing to be able to get most of our favorite shows from home and to keep up with them as you guys are able to back in the States. </div>
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Some of our favorite shows to watch on this site are:</div>
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Person of Interest, White Collar, Revenge, Criminal Minds and The Big Bang Theory. </div>
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So thankful to be able to watch American television over here, makes us feel like we are right at home. </div>
Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-20143142492915454162013-11-24T22:01:00.001-08:002013-11-24T22:01:59.195-08:00Day 19 of Thankfulness - TaobaoToday I am thankful for Taobao!<br />
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www.taobao.com<br />
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This is an online website here in China that has EVERYTHING....and I do mean everything! And the best part, they deliver to my door.<br />
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Awesome. The best part for me with this site is that I can get most of the import products I love but at a much lesser price. <br />
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The one catch is that it is all in Mandarin. Thanks to Google Chrome, I'm able to translate it to English to better be able to search for the products I want. But you do get a much better deal most of the time if you can search in Mandarin and not English. This is another wonderful benefit from my weekly lessons and my English/Mandarin dictionary.<br />
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Some of my favorite things to order here are:<br />
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Cheetos, Cheerios, Cake Mix, North Face coats, Vera Bradley bags, toys for Aiden and coffee syrup.<br />
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Its wonderful!!! I may miss this shopping experience more than any other when we move home.Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-4029744547881214122013-11-22T20:56:00.002-08:002013-11-22T20:56:55.560-08:00Day 18 of Thankfulness - 35 months of Aiden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How can it be that in just one month my little boy will be 3??? I just can't believe it. I am so thankful that Our Father has given Jeffrey and I this gift of raising him. </div>
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This past year has brought so many changes in Aiden's life. He has started talking more and speaking in sentences. We have "started" potty training (though he isn't really interested yet). He can last much longer walking and we no longer have to take the stroller everywhere we go. </div>
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Some of his favorites right now are Lighting McQueen and The King from the movie Cars, his trampoline and coloring. He loves to Skype with Mimi & Ta and everyone else who we talk to. The only things he will really eat at the moment is peanut butter and chicken nuggets. At times we can get him to eat other things, but many a night he goes to bed without dinner at his own choosing. Crazy kid! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out the different kids of tea. I think he likes it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking in all the sights and sounds of Beijing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flirting with the little mannequin girl. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little blurry, but he was having a blast playing with a Chinese boy while Donna and I shopped in Suzhou. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Today we celebrated Aiden's best buddy's 3rd birthday. It has been so much fun to watch these two grow together. They love to drive their trucks together and share a love of cars. Such fun friends. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden and Noah! I hope these two stay buddies forever.</td></tr>
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We love you Aiden! Thank you Father for this special blessing! </div>
Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-55442596679771076542013-11-22T20:13:00.002-08:002013-11-22T20:13:39.786-08:00Day 16 of Thankfulness - Nap Time <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I am thankful for Aiden's nap time. Ha! </div>
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This is a glorious time that I can get a few things done around the house, have a conversation with a friend, or even at times, host parties. Most days he still sleeps about 3 hours...I'll take it! </div>
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He is definitely a lover of his sleep and for that alone I am thankful. Rarely does he not want a nap or fuss going down for his nap. But in all of this if we are not at home, he used to not nap at all no matter how hard we tried. Finally, we have over come most of that. Still there are days when does not sleep well outside of our house (mainly in the stroller), but we are getting there. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOICsoc0zgbQXX478puChwuBmZI4PQSBfIj7v3UmNKUbaBhh2UXa5qINtMFfsMr0cM81OK_M8a3tps2BR-pwRp0ugDGDG2-34qeSkKPL4c79HJgHDIde3SLEbJjxVnq0v7g9eW6-xINk/s1600/DSC_1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOICsoc0zgbQXX478puChwuBmZI4PQSBfIj7v3UmNKUbaBhh2UXa5qINtMFfsMr0cM81OK_M8a3tps2BR-pwRp0ugDGDG2-34qeSkKPL4c79HJgHDIde3SLEbJjxVnq0v7g9eW6-xINk/s320/DSC_1064.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping in the stroller while we explored Tian'anmen Square.</td></tr>
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While we were in Beijing this weekend, he did fabulous at sleeping. We were so thankful for those times as it allowed us all to keep going and see more of all that Beijing had to offer! </div>
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Thank you Aiden for taking good naps! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxZtJ5C9402aHOBRoritY3xI9Nl_QgqOb2XKExxzxYVeK6Uh8nMOFQoXvr-iNy6b9BsZV1n1tKNgNyhf_ISSm8zVhUs4mUpcH-EyyHHiyvR8M72OaCxKyUi-GYHltV0U5qSR2m_MKB9M/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxZtJ5C9402aHOBRoritY3xI9Nl_QgqOb2XKExxzxYVeK6Uh8nMOFQoXvr-iNy6b9BsZV1n1tKNgNyhf_ISSm8zVhUs4mUpcH-EyyHHiyvR8M72OaCxKyUi-GYHltV0U5qSR2m_MKB9M/s320/IMG_5715.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he is laying down in the car....yes he is not in a car seat, but this is China...you don't have to here. And he slept great. This was right after we left the Great Wall, he climbed in on his own and asked to take a nap. Ha! I guess we wore him out. </td></tr>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-28797278762756366902013-11-21T23:05:00.001-08:002013-11-21T23:05:58.367-08:00Day 17 of Thankfulness - Escalators <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I am thankful for escalators and elevators. </div>
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Back in the USA I completely took these for granted. Never before (well I guess I didn't have a kid very long in the states either...ha!) did I need to carry the stroller up stairs or lift it over a barrier, or even carry my luggage up/down the stairs. Now that this is a part of our daily life and travels I realize how thankful I am for these modern inventions. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SlnnHU5R84DQZJSrHS0eoTAXwqIYfP5P009PektvKH3FwSzMiSJ-UIljHqSnyvYr6zZnCVqho7uNRLg4p0S5f14w1O8-KKebTHq8Ou3rlDMFRBq55KbRp9kDffEGZ2VIJ1UhLoI20KE/s1600/DSC_0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SlnnHU5R84DQZJSrHS0eoTAXwqIYfP5P009PektvKH3FwSzMiSJ-UIljHqSnyvYr6zZnCVqho7uNRLg4p0S5f14w1O8-KKebTHq8Ou3rlDMFRBq55KbRp9kDffEGZ2VIJ1UhLoI20KE/s320/DSC_0887.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are super thankful for you little stroller in these moments, and even more thankful that Aiden walks most of the time so we don't have to carry the stroller much any more. </td></tr>
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At the subway stations around China, some of the older ones do not have escalators so we are forced to carry everything we have up and down the stairs. One good thing about this though is it teaches you (hahahaha!) to pack lightly....something we haven't fully mastered yet. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieujWYGwUZRyjDT2u5aa8E7Ztiyn9XCn_3MAdeZr2aLzCcAX2Y4fxp_wD0HTa0XiNWKlJFcV7cSzaTMCTbXuCWQAXCf5h5pfq-9fIZVQlxixPRrOoAxv2rg4i-Mj6TjMpDkq2_Jgu7Ik/s1600/IMG_5738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieujWYGwUZRyjDT2u5aa8E7Ztiyn9XCn_3MAdeZr2aLzCcAX2Y4fxp_wD0HTa0XiNWKlJFcV7cSzaTMCTbXuCWQAXCf5h5pfq-9fIZVQlxixPRrOoAxv2rg4i-Mj6TjMpDkq2_Jgu7Ik/s320/IMG_5738.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whew! Tired already from carrying all that luggage...but they aren't finished yet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHYkZWlf-bNmI4OZIy2eGvT5f2wwM9plA1JCOHJFtp2gAM1vGm67WE80l6ca_CggEh-YUEA1zhOMhT9MD7olzZOHakLi9yJWi852SRJ2S4cq24U80zfJh46XSbcs4eaT58Pw-zh4HeZg/s1600/IMG_5740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHYkZWlf-bNmI4OZIy2eGvT5f2wwM9plA1JCOHJFtp2gAM1vGm67WE80l6ca_CggEh-YUEA1zhOMhT9MD7olzZOHakLi9yJWi852SRJ2S4cq24U80zfJh46XSbcs4eaT58Pw-zh4HeZg/s320/IMG_5740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd we had to get through to get to the stairs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y2-pr_BOeZy4YBSY0fHBa58GdWhlbPLY4-40TSsz6yxTC2OnLWc-3FYm0wuoTAEwWbhpj1QErr4QjX0VIrppThO7faTmlZwqOEh8Ael3gWNn3Tp5kqgXCi7BY9jDn2IaSIywn3AgqZI/s1600/IMG_5742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y2-pr_BOeZy4YBSY0fHBa58GdWhlbPLY4-40TSsz6yxTC2OnLWc-3FYm0wuoTAEwWbhpj1QErr4QjX0VIrppThO7faTmlZwqOEh8Ael3gWNn3Tp5kqgXCi7BY9jDn2IaSIywn3AgqZI/s320/IMG_5742.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There they go, picking up their luggage to carry down the stairs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i5XaJ7Gw1h3g7vnjJNTtaKei1fj5h5mZTSHNhSdH2UYLEAOrHWyyTS8V2KXSU3ItcHxcms48AEMJzYabAb8xPtaMM9PGfeq63wPp1P2LIirk4Mf5V-UnRkrvuWLU1TBTMijY11kpo14/s1600/IMG_5743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i5XaJ7Gw1h3g7vnjJNTtaKei1fj5h5mZTSHNhSdH2UYLEAOrHWyyTS8V2KXSU3ItcHxcms48AEMJzYabAb8xPtaMM9PGfeq63wPp1P2LIirk4Mf5V-UnRkrvuWLU1TBTMijY11kpo14/s320/IMG_5743.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at my man go! </td></tr>
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It definitely makes me thankful and extremely happy anytime I can find an escalator or elevator. Or maybe this just makes me lazy, but either way I'll take it! </div>
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To the inventors of these wonderful inventions I say....THANK YOU! </div>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-7565877699310687582013-11-21T22:32:00.000-08:002013-11-21T22:32:56.325-08:00Day 15 of Thankfulness - Blue Skies <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I am thankful for Blue Skies. </div>
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This may not make sense to those of you living in areas where you see the blue sky quite often, but here in China we don't have many days with clear skies. So when we see a beautiful blue sky we all tend to get a little giddy in our happiness. </div>
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After knowing this, you can imagine how absolutely beautiful we found the skies in Beijing. Its rare to find blue skies, even more so in Beijing with all of the pollution, but God gave us some amazingly clear days. </div>
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Thank you Father for your beautiful creation!!! </div>
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Below are pictures from the different places we went in Beijing. Enjoy the beautiful blue skies with me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHxQxa90nnYYA8fcoGtLAzl6ix4pX-wwB8JaF4t6YDZEvkHzk24Fk8WXSJOqf1RLKNRaFyupDTY3NXgtaw9M67weOtz8STzwz-triRD9JUfothiOqFokCWbIoDIv07Z8CYKRCJZI-5uo/s1600/DSC_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHxQxa90nnYYA8fcoGtLAzl6ix4pX-wwB8JaF4t6YDZEvkHzk24Fk8WXSJOqf1RLKNRaFyupDTY3NXgtaw9M67weOtz8STzwz-triRD9JUfothiOqFokCWbIoDIv07Z8CYKRCJZI-5uo/s320/DSC_0747.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Wall </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTFRSI0Tb9GaXK9y8zAs351-x8jwzmx77dyiaPBfKm6Su4_siLI9ac3D2S0JuCVT8NuUeTSoa284TGkUrxXON-44f8fDaHJaGRzTYviAsvr3MM6ByG2MTNGapqF8jTolenC25POCNJ8U/s1600/DSC_0956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTFRSI0Tb9GaXK9y8zAs351-x8jwzmx77dyiaPBfKm6Su4_siLI9ac3D2S0JuCVT8NuUeTSoa284TGkUrxXON-44f8fDaHJaGRzTYviAsvr3MM6ByG2MTNGapqF8jTolenC25POCNJ8U/s320/DSC_0956.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Palace</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm8tQcIgSKvkHNXlqA3VsFNQ9YvBT9FQygnYOoIFOh_9vZLzPEiwLekoVF8xvExCDK73rntsEKPbPOum4WiUJruvqeeSof204-SNrgVCirB942Trh6VPUubDYcVMp1-qKAlGSxkzBYe0/s1600/DSC_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm8tQcIgSKvkHNXlqA3VsFNQ9YvBT9FQygnYOoIFOh_9vZLzPEiwLekoVF8xvExCDK73rntsEKPbPOum4WiUJruvqeeSof204-SNrgVCirB942Trh6VPUubDYcVMp1-qKAlGSxkzBYe0/s320/DSC_1020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm9BpZ9dmoL43C6JjTIa9S09mrNFjBLYQWHuwRtAJj0pJp8Yo5B26s3AnX7hPdV5im0SwzS1eRtVAPKM7Qtr9Hh8m4gFGIFYY9pDLqBsvE2wCfHRf-bIBPX1Jzio85jZE6ph6UQyjq5w/s1600/DSC_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm9BpZ9dmoL43C6JjTIa9S09mrNFjBLYQWHuwRtAJj0pJp8Yo5B26s3AnX7hPdV5im0SwzS1eRtVAPKM7Qtr9Hh8m4gFGIFYY9pDLqBsvE2wCfHRf-bIBPX1Jzio85jZE6ph6UQyjq5w/s320/DSC_1066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qianman gate at Tian'anmen Square</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTvNgx1f8rFEz_4kxsTBXX21bmpu1xkhKaioT809Nj0mmXyP7hxXFMbFt1Ie_Zy5_ZJuHxyyUZwQdh7R7jSdbE5ycTZS4WlItClI3xy2OYr5WqASHY3FPOWJrM_-jH3zDAfZuvXccb3s/s1600/DSC_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTvNgx1f8rFEz_4kxsTBXX21bmpu1xkhKaioT809Nj0mmXyP7hxXFMbFt1Ie_Zy5_ZJuHxyyUZwQdh7R7jSdbE5ycTZS4WlItClI3xy2OYr5WqASHY3FPOWJrM_-jH3zDAfZuvXccb3s/s320/DSC_1107.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lama Temple</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgure_OCWy4M9VJQ0BqZgTVdHxvy_-y22pz7-NcHhEiB9oJb6idubxdaGzC34dLgpWN1cyDWouE8_tyK90JZoQZp4TA0HhlOP8UL_NtLfjqFRKe8HnIaJ3u8Hs31GmS0dQ4F1-LBdEi2gI/s1600/DSC_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgure_OCWy4M9VJQ0BqZgTVdHxvy_-y22pz7-NcHhEiB9oJb6idubxdaGzC34dLgpWN1cyDWouE8_tyK90JZoQZp4TA0HhlOP8UL_NtLfjqFRKe8HnIaJ3u8Hs31GmS0dQ4F1-LBdEi2gI/s320/DSC_1120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lama Temple</td></tr>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-45424631160926040152013-11-21T21:59:00.000-08:002013-11-21T21:59:15.238-08:00Day 14 - High Speed Trains <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last Thursday we headed to Beijing with Donna on the high speed train. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE the trains here in China. This is the way to travel. </div>
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The trains are fast, always on time and I think the seats are pretty comfy. </div>
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To get to Shanghai it only take aprox. 45 min and to Beijing only about 5 hours. It makes seeing China much easier. </div>
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Maybe one day we will get a good train system in America. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1LhoCcJwakYh4HYWbt48FJgnK3oI0jme2w37RxjXNGEcmyZHJ38yOxDA6rtqFC_FGin65kFYSPQ5UINihy7ZhawMFB6P0WWhqMk50P3JL5TsR28jKYxNKxKrcK5oqQw59m8w7J37HpA/s1600/IMG_5713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1LhoCcJwakYh4HYWbt48FJgnK3oI0jme2w37RxjXNGEcmyZHJ38yOxDA6rtqFC_FGin65kFYSPQ5UINihy7ZhawMFB6P0WWhqMk50P3JL5TsR28jKYxNKxKrcK5oqQw59m8w7J37HpA/s320/IMG_5713.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden loves looking out the window. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoid728gRql-G7hipSEs3QGFg34H5vX361YyFC46gDka-I7V2NmE3aXrOS2u5H2SspCKMvVo7438wAA5MqaTDrDfzALQL0P2K9rdnuhKjQiDWbhHubSsh6-DHRwSz1yrnQO3uTRPh2l4/s1600/IMG_5745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoid728gRql-G7hipSEs3QGFg34H5vX361YyFC46gDka-I7V2NmE3aXrOS2u5H2SspCKMvVo7438wAA5MqaTDrDfzALQL0P2K9rdnuhKjQiDWbhHubSsh6-DHRwSz1yrnQO3uTRPh2l4/s320/IMG_5745.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping is good on the train too. </td></tr>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-23830871028559291172013-11-20T04:23:00.002-08:002013-11-20T04:23:20.470-08:00Day 13 of Thankfulness - Ladies Study<br />
Words can not even begin to express how thankful I am to have my Ladies Bible Study over here. We have been meeting now for the last two and a half years and our group just keeps growing and changing. Its the nature of expat life that people come and go, but it is so wonderful to have any amount of time with these ladies as I can. <div>
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Over the last few years we have done all types of studies, but the main theme that keeps coming around is not to be anxious and to trust God no matter what. To not be anxious is very difficult here in China, ha!! We have all had our ups and downs through our time together and it has been a wonderful to be able to pray for and with each other as we walk through China Life together. </div>
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So very very thankful for these ladies and our time digging deep into God's Word! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAinXkO5fTCqk3uj5Ig_SaFG3Mh9abMMg8_1ibUi37Um0HIrnnxrMeo5a-Mln8FRPyuOWyNOueJ-hyfyY-CqUeH1le-8AtKFRIxMQ_gR02uhP0LhhlSeJZq-k5ws7Ub-VZucOtsUCJaU/s1600/IMG_3088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAinXkO5fTCqk3uj5Ig_SaFG3Mh9abMMg8_1ibUi37Um0HIrnnxrMeo5a-Mln8FRPyuOWyNOueJ-hyfyY-CqUeH1le-8AtKFRIxMQ_gR02uhP0LhhlSeJZq-k5ws7Ub-VZucOtsUCJaU/s320/IMG_3088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We haven't taken a more recent picture of our group, so here is one from last year. </td></tr>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-21679389033906150802013-11-20T04:06:00.001-08:002013-11-20T04:06:46.881-08:00Day 12 of Thankfulness - Fun Experiences I have a lot of catching up to do don't I? Its already November 20th and I'm only on day 12. Ha!<br />
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But the reason for this delay is that we had a wonderful friend in town from America and my time was spent shopping, drinking coffee, eating out and having fun with her! So now I'll play catch up, slowly but surely.<br />
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Last Tuesday we had a Breakfast pot luck with a large group of my international friends. What a fun experience! We had two tables filled with food and by the end of the day we were all stuffed! I'm thankful that people are willing to do fun things like this with me and enjoy the themes. Each person makes something from their country and its so much fun to try different foods from around the world. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoSUgRO3F4hVu1nXHX8xZ0WsuMiFqh2qOgGye1hFex5MkIRL_YC24asyfuyKaJ25bxJ7jVQWNQdgJiekhwQ8KYZ0JQkSTCej2jRfB-KncJx6maIJ2ruqru6CnAIX_lPQdZpbT8CcvQ5Y/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoSUgRO3F4hVu1nXHX8xZ0WsuMiFqh2qOgGye1hFex5MkIRL_YC24asyfuyKaJ25bxJ7jVQWNQdgJiekhwQ8KYZ0JQkSTCej2jRfB-KncJx6maIJ2ruqru6CnAIX_lPQdZpbT8CcvQ5Y/s320/DSC_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had everyone describe what they made. </td></tr>
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<br />This "theme" came about after talking with a friend of mine from the UK. I love all the differences in the English language between our two countries. On this particular day she was giving her daughter a "biscuit" (aka...cookie) and I told her how much that made me miss a good American biscuit. She had no idea what I was talking about. After taking a poll from the rest of the ladies around Starbucks that day I learned that no one knew what an American biscuit was, so we made the plan for a breakfast potluck. Awesome!<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDwRm_CmTYACCEL0CuijJ2a7BemX2lZOLuDtLWNdoAgLw9zW72cLQ3cJ2c-xuFgCzdUAC6vOGb37mT5rt4vf2TgL26u-fQDNWvpnNmPzgqRTVdHfGiRVTXhkQY64em7bZpdWLYXsEDs/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDwRm_CmTYACCEL0CuijJ2a7BemX2lZOLuDtLWNdoAgLw9zW72cLQ3cJ2c-xuFgCzdUAC6vOGb37mT5rt4vf2TgL26u-fQDNWvpnNmPzgqRTVdHfGiRVTXhkQY64em7bZpdWLYXsEDs/s320/DSC_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna telling the group about biscuits, gravy and grits! Yum!!! </td></tr>
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<br />So very thankful for friends willing to have some fun and eat yummy food! Each day is a new experience.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukbZNqMamxNnlgahzAp_DI9dViq4eFpNCZnSOaGTQLxAfS-KbJqGyQ1vQ_LIkqa7rtb9gVqaWjeIqHZfekNpPeJbo9uQG4Abiir9NtyOtTjMTqQKmdQOobjiePToRBz8SyCrUc6J7T6E/s1600/DSC_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukbZNqMamxNnlgahzAp_DI9dViq4eFpNCZnSOaGTQLxAfS-KbJqGyQ1vQ_LIkqa7rtb9gVqaWjeIqHZfekNpPeJbo9uQG4Abiir9NtyOtTjMTqQKmdQOobjiePToRBz8SyCrUc6J7T6E/s320/DSC_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many different choices. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious! </td></tr>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-86823227253861224832013-11-12T05:12:00.001-08:002013-11-12T05:12:16.551-08:00Day 11 of thankfulness - Playdates! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today is Veteran's Day. Just thinking of this makes me so thankful and proud to live in a free nation and I pray that America stays that way. THANK YOU to all our men and women who have served in our military to help protect our nation and our freedoms. We are forever grateful. </div>
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Today I am also thankful for playdates. This makes my life here in China so wonderful! I love having other moms around to share stories with and to let our kids play. In our international group here there are kids of all ages and from so many different countries. Its wonderful! We meet twice a month, once at another expat neighborhood and once at my house. </div>
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Aiden has so much fun and gets so excited when I tell him we are going to go to a play date or his friends are coming to our house. </div>
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Since my dear friend Donna is in town right now, she got to come and join in the international fun! We had a blast. I'm so thankful to have her here and to have the chance to let Aiden play with other kids in our area. </div>
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Thank you ladies and kids for fun playdates. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends from Japan and Spain playing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna and Aiden playing on the trampoline. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Germany, England, Spain and America playing together. Wonderful! </td></tr>
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<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-90006073595758253982013-11-10T05:41:00.002-08:002013-11-11T05:31:02.748-08:00Day 10 of Thankfulness - Mandarin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every new adventure that each day brings makes me more thankful for the chance to learn Mandarin. I think I am still kicking myself for not starting earlier in my journey here, but it all worked out and I'm learning exactly what I need for each day. </div>
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I'm extremely thankful for June and Leo, my teachers. They are so patient with me and are always willing to teach me the things I want to know (above and beyond the normal lesson) and then answer all of my (way to many) cultural questions. I don't know what I would do without them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BqlWTUUshFpc5561Ib6qxBBZ71MXcY52qPdXPo7DYMja7eN8QuVJMZGkYpgKbrg6gpOx8UAItqXvp9EuMZ6PB0sf9MrSZTBXuY1rHrtx-_ZMH5Dzzbpj616yCX32DymhjQGYzAp9ab4/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BqlWTUUshFpc5561Ib6qxBBZ71MXcY52qPdXPo7DYMja7eN8QuVJMZGkYpgKbrg6gpOx8UAItqXvp9EuMZ6PB0sf9MrSZTBXuY1rHrtx-_ZMH5Dzzbpj616yCX32DymhjQGYzAp9ab4/s320/IMG_5643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This past week we started working on calligraphy and learning to properly write characters. Wow. I didn't fully realize how intensive it is to do calligraphy. My wrist is still a little sore. I'm extremely impressed with people who can do this with ease. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwa905KZhOJNzKQrRHC9Q4-hxEX6E7JPo0OxFRk6Mk0ROY6zllyUlxp7Xauimj7RsBK2oTvm-XY0HclADum61tn7cFnlNgOpEDSwP2Uw2-HLSjQfgNInj0MD0BzKw8MLKqAvD9oXKwUw/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwa905KZhOJNzKQrRHC9Q4-hxEX6E7JPo0OxFRk6Mk0ROY6zllyUlxp7Xauimj7RsBK2oTvm-XY0HclADum61tn7cFnlNgOpEDSwP2Uw2-HLSjQfgNInj0MD0BzKw8MLKqAvD9oXKwUw/s320/IMG_5644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still have a LOOOOOOOONNNNGG way to go in learning the language, but each day is better than before. </div>
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So for today I say 谢谢 (thank you) and 再见 (good bye). </div>
<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-54365016389205101952013-11-09T04:48:00.002-08:002013-11-09T04:48:53.189-08:00Day 9 of Thankfulness - Visitors! Today I am thankful for Donna Wheeler! She is our second visitor to come see us in China and we are super excited!<br />
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We love getting to show off our city to friends and family. Its such a new and wild experience and we love getting to see it through someone else's eyes.<br />
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Donna arrived today around 3:30 and we headed back to Wuxi. She loved looking around at all of the different building, especially the apartments. We had to make a stop by the grocery store on our way home, so she got to experience Auchon on a Saturday night. The first thing she really noticed is that people stare at us a lot.<br />
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This is going to be a fun 12 days! Thank you Donna for coming to see us! We love you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing the crazy carts around. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hum….what do we have here? </td></tr>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-91531958001236202912013-11-08T03:50:00.001-08:002013-11-08T03:50:33.890-08:00Day 8 of Thankfulness - Expat LivingWe had a fabulous day here out and about visiting a really cool cultural sight, the Dongling Academy. While we were there it dawned on my how thankful I really I for Expat Living.<br />
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What do I mean by this? Let me explain.<br />
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First of all the definition of expatriate is "to leave one's native country to live elsewhere." So, we are Expats. And all of the other people here that are not native to China are expats as well. Because of this we all share at least one thing in common. This is not our home. But I love it and here are my top 10 reasons why I am thankful to be an expat in China, specifically Wuxi.<br />
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1. Your friends become your family and you are always doing things together.<br />
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2. Grocery shopping is 99% of the time done with a friend, or you call around to see if you can pick things up for someone else. Or if someone else is going they are very willing to pick things up for you.<br />
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3. You are willing to loan things out or ask to borrow something much easier than back in the states.<br />
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4. You pile as many people as you can into the car so you can all ride together.<br />
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5. You can sympathize and empathize when someone is going through a "This is China" kinda day.<br />
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6. If you find cheese in town, you automatically let everyone know and buy it in bulk.<br />
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7. If you need to go out for a walk or to play, most of the time someone will join.<br />
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8. You make most of your friends by stalking them and then approaching them on the street to introduce yourself.<br />
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9. Life is not done alone. There are always people around to lend a helping hand or to just provide company.<br />
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10. Each new day is an adventure. You never know that you will find, see or get grossed out by. You have to be willing to accept the unknown and roll with the punches.<br />
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I'm thankful for the fact that being an expat has opened so many doors and this time The Lord has used to stretch me in ways I never would have thoughts. And so many of these things above will I miss when we move home. But for today, I will just be thankful for the day I am given.Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-45300543742911440632013-11-06T16:58:00.000-08:002013-11-06T16:58:37.847-08:00Day 7 of Thankfulness - My AMAZING husbandToday is my fabulous husband's 36th birthday and in a few weeks we will be celebrating 6 years of a wonderful marriage. I couldn't possibly be more thankful for this amazing man that God has given me.<br />
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He works so hard to provide for us and still has energy when he comes home to play with Aiden. Aiden loves his daddy to distraction and they are inseparable when Jeffrey is home. He works hard around the house to keep things in working order, is always supportive of most of my crazy ideas. He is super smart and is a great problem solver. And can I just say that he is HANDSOME? Whew! So good looking. I love this man with all of my heart and I look forward to many more years and crazy adventures together.<br />
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Happy Birthday Jeffrey! I love you so much and thank God every day that He put you in my life! </div>
<br />Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-42837064423424652962013-11-06T16:36:00.002-08:002013-11-06T16:36:47.450-08:00Day 6 of Thankfulness - Zhao! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As if I wasn't already spoiled enough, today I am thankful for Zhao, my coffee delivery man. </div>
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Last year we had a company here in town called Folok that would deliver lots of different things, but you know me, I mainly ordered Starbucks. Then one day their website said it was down for maintainence and it never came back online. I was super bummed. I mean, come on….what was I going to do now that I couldn't have Starbucks during Aiden's nap time? NOOOO!!!!! </div>
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Then one day my door bell rang and it was a Chinese guy there. I figured he had the wrong apartment so I told him what my building number and apartment number was and he was he was in the right place. He said "Hai de" which is my Chinese name and then Xing Ba Ke 星巴克 the greatest three words in all of Mandarin….Starbucks. Yes please! </div>
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Between the little English he speaks and the little Mandarin I speak, I figured out he was starting a business (he had worked at Folok before they closed) and wanted to continue bringing me coffee. I was ecstatic! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zhao</td></tr>
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So in honor of my complete coffee addiction, today I am thankful Zhao and the fact that I can now have Starbucks anytime I want. Whoo hooo!!! </div>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3750864163746600634.post-64243856271065927712013-11-05T06:38:00.001-08:002013-11-05T06:38:12.167-08:00Day 5 of Thankfulness - New Adventures & Cookie Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its so much fun to have the chance to learn new things from other cultures. </div>
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Today I am thankful for two dear friends from Spain who taught us how to make Panellets. </div>
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This is a traditional Catalan dessert made with sweet potatoes and marzipan. Aiden joined me today and had a blast helping make them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden ready to get started. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lovely teachers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have my dough divided and ready to start. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden loved helping roll the cookies in the egg and toppings. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiObdawN-LJA8ra8tY5DuwlldDjv2IaKkoYLgEkDIRLdPdANAaa6zaUf_MKa_-4GWRqiOIl-JrC7l2DXzlq0WdiJgFkONTiDGS3M1fG7qq27DpJRdnR9vkSOtjm2m565QS2o3OuX8nbDg/s1600/IMG_5629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiObdawN-LJA8ra8tY5DuwlldDjv2IaKkoYLgEkDIRLdPdANAaa6zaUf_MKa_-4GWRqiOIl-JrC7l2DXzlq0WdiJgFkONTiDGS3M1fG7qq27DpJRdnR9vkSOtjm2m565QS2o3OuX8nbDg/s320/IMG_5629.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling my cookies with jam! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go! Ready for the oven. </td></tr>
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Thanks Ladies for a great day and good cookies! </div>
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Heather Ratliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00355753333393162558noreply@blogger.com0