Gammy's Lunar New Year Picks

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My Sweet Grands,

Before I came to live with you I spent 18 years teaching sixth graders about the eastern ancient civilizations.  I loved teaching.  Learning about how others lived, their customs and traditions, the advancements in science, math, language, religion, writing and art, plus the development of tools and technology is fascinating.

I most enjoyed getting to know the people of each civilization.

At this time of year I enjoyed teaching about the Ancient China civilization, specifically Lunar New Year.  I know you are years away from learning about this unit for your self, but its never to early to start.

Today I gathered up a few of my favorite books and some your parents have purchased for you to specifically read over the next 15 days.  

Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot.  This is a beautifully illustrated board book introducing young children to the customs, traditions and history of Lunar New Year.  It is part of a series called "Celebrate The World".  I love that these books are teaching children about other cultures and customs in such a beautiful way.  

Lunar New Year

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang.  After watching her mother, father and grandmother make bao, Amy is determined to make the "PERFECT" bao.  But, she runs into a few obstacles.  The fun illustrations and engaging story make this a "perfect" read for any age.  Best part, it includes a recipe for bao.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang.  Amy is back for another adventure.  This time she is trying to create a dragon, but she can't seem to get her ideas on paper.  I love that the story identifies the difference between Eastern and Western dragons as Amy allows her creativity to take shape.  

There are several other stories about Amy Wu, I'm excited to collect them all. 

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi.  Even though this story is about a Korean family it is still a wonderful read during Lunar New Year.  I love the strength of the main character as she finds her way living in a new country.

The Name Jar

D is For Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet by Carol Crane.  I have a few of these alphabet books on different topics and LOVE them!  Each letter of the alphabet focuses on a different element of life in China, from ancient times to present day.  Each letter is introduced with a simple sentence or two accompanied by incredible engaging illustrations. What sets this book apart from others are the more detailed explanations of each topic, thus engaging more advance readers and adults.

D is for Dancing Dragon

Lon Po Po by Ed Young.  I was introduced to this story many years ago by our school librarian.  Since I was the only one who checked it out I was gifted the only copy we had.  As you read the story it will feel familiar as it is "A Red-Riding Hood Story From China."  My students loved it.  It was a Caldecott Medal winner in 1990.

Lon Po Po

I save the best for last:

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.  Grace Lin brings the rough farming life of Fruitless Mountain to life as she weaves the adventures Minli takes in hopes to change her families fortune.  The book is filled with lovable characters, colorful Chinese folktales and life lessons we can each learn.  I loved this book so much that I purchased a classroom set and each Lunar New Year we read the book.  

I have my youngest daughter to thank for this book recommendation.  It has been may favorite since my first read.  I rank it among my favorites, right next to  "Charlotte's Web".

I will hold off on sharing this book with you now, but I can't wait for us to read it together.  

Grace Lin has several other books.  I am in the process of reading her other titles.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I get so excited to share part of my teaching life with you and can't wait till we get to learn all about the ancient civilizations together.  For now we get to read wonderful stories with beautiful illustrations together.

Love you,

Gammy

GPa & Paulette Visit

 Well boys, it is time to meet your Great Grandpa and his fiancee Paulette.

Cutie E, you met Great Grandpa and Paulette shortly after you were born, but Cutie O, you have not met them yet.  This is going to be a fun month for both of you.

I haven't seen my dad since May, but the last time I spent a long time with him was just after we left our home Oregon, so this visit is long over due.  Its a good thing we had a month to fit in all that they wanted to explore.

Paulette has never been to the DC area, she wanted to see and do EVERYTHING.  I tried my best to show them all that DC had to offer.  This was a real test of my Tour Guide abilities.

Sightseeing began just after landing at DCA with a short stop at the Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial.  I knew after the long flight they would love to get out and stretch their legs.  This was also a great opportunity for Holly and Dreyton to spend a little time with them as I was in Denver at a family wedding.  Both boys enjoyed getting our of their carseats and stretching their legs.

View of Washington Monument from Air Force Memorial

After a few days of rest we hit the pavement.

My dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He served as a signalman aboard the Davidson.  His love of country and serving in the military is where I get my deep love for our nation.  I knew he would love to connect with the Navy, so off to Annapolis we went.  This is not only the capitol of Maryland, but also the home of the Naval Academy.  I didn't realize how much he would love reconnecting with his navy days.  WOW!  He enjoyed it so much that any time we had free time he wanted to go back.

Annapolis has so much to explore, you can easily spend 3 days visiting historic sites, museums, walking the wonderful shops and eating yummy food.   I always start with the Maryland State House, where George Washington resigned as Commander in Chief, then to  St. Anne's Parish.  The State House was the first capitol. building built and is still used for official business.

Maryland State House

This time I started with the William Paca House, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent man in Annapolis.  Since I wasn't taking my Dad and Paulette to Williamsburg or Monticello I knew they would love this tour.  Getting to see inside the home of a signer or president is quite special.

The three of us took the boys on this tour.  I was really impressed by our tour guides efforts to involved both boys.  They were only 20 and 10 months old.  My favorite was watching  Cutie E reach to hold my Dad's or Paulettes hand as he walked up steps or down the street

View to the Paca House Gardens

Fort McHenry is another special place.  Its historical importance is not overshadowed by its breathtaking views.  The Fort is located on Locust Point overlooking the Patapsco River.  I'm not sure what they enjoyed more the view of the Fort after the shot movie, the cannon's or the view of Fort Baltimore.  I love coming here, because the boys can walk or run around, explore and be outside.  Next time I want to have a picnic on the grass along the river.

My dad's trip was strategically planned, so we could enjoy some of our favorite things together.  He was here for the election, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since we enjoyed election night together.  I made my favorite dinner, fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  To enjoy the evening we had to have a typical American dinner.  

In November of 1984 I remember sitting on the couch with my dad watching the election coverage.  I was amazed as state after state elected President Reagan to his second term.  That is my first memory of the elections and I got to do it with my dad.  This year was special, because we got to watch the coverage together. 

Another special day to plan for was Veteran's Day.  I gave my Dad and Paulette options for this day.   They could join the president or vice president at Arlington National Cemetery while one of them laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and give a speech in the amphitheater, OR visit the monuments and memorials, OR play in a national park OR visit the home of a past president.  Knowing there were going to be large crowds at Arlington they chose to visit Mount Vernon on Veteran's Day.

I wanted to visit Arlington National Cemetery near Veteran's Day, so we planned it for the Saturday before the holiday.  It was a beautiful warm fall day.  Due to the size of Arlington and hills my dad and Paulette chose to take the shuttle.  Arlington offers a wonderful service for a fee to get visitors from one key location to the next.  This is super helpful in the summer when it is hot and humid.  

Arlington Amphitheater 

Sean and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walked from site to site.  We visited the key sites: Kennedy, Civil War Unknown graves, Arlington House, Mast of the U.S.S. Maine, Columbia Memorial, Challenger Memorial, Iran Rescue Memorial, Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard. 

Getting to see the flags blowing in the breeze between the pillars at the Memorial Amphitheater and behind the stage was awesome.  Event Services was getting ready for the Presidents visit and speech.  The emotions my dad felt took him by surprise.

Even with the shuttle I'm pretty sure I wore Paulette out.  It was a full four hours.

Kennedy Gravesites, Arlington House

We decided to spend Veteran's Day at Mount Vernon, I couldn't wait to show Paulette around.  They had a special book for all Veteran's and current military to sign, plus special pricing for them on the holiday.  Holly was awesome, she made sure her Grandpa was able to enjoy all that was available to veterans.

Normally when I'm here I have students and only 3 hours.  This visit I was able to slow down and explore a few more areas.  The upper gardens are so pretty and just behind them are the slave quarters, blacksmith shops, spinning house, salt house and overseer's quarters.  I had not visited these areas before.  We were able to give Paulette a nice taste of what life was like in the late 1700's.

George Washington's Home, Mount Vernon

Our visit didn't allow a full house tour because it was under refurbishment in preparation of 2026's 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We toured the main dining room and kitchen and then explored the grounds.

On Veteran's Day any member of the military, veteran or adult able to lay a red carnation at the tomb of President Washington.   I have done this once before on a student trip.  My family enjoyed being able to pay their respects to our first President.

President & Martha Washington's Tombs

When visiting Washington DC everyone wants to tour the White House.  It takes a little planning, but it can be done.  Three months before their trip I made an official request for tickets through our congressman.  There is no guarantee you will get tickets, especially in an election year and just before the holidays, but one week before their trip I got great news,  WE GOT TICKETS!

White House June 2024

Taking the boys on this tour would have been a bit of a challenge, so they stayed home with Pops.

The White House is stunning and we couldn't wait to see it together.  After walking through security check points and scans we had finally made it to the East Wing.  In October Dr. Jill Biden updated the tour,  making it more accessible to visitors.  Instead of standing at a rope and peering into each room, you can now walk into parts of each room.  There is a guard there who is happy to answer questions.

This visit was so much more!  We got to enter the library and China room.  On my previous tours we could only see part of each room from the rope.  Plus, we were able to see into the Diplomatic Reception Room.  A lady in front of us noticed the foot prints in the carpet and asked if they were the Presidents.  Guess What?  They were.

  

Paulette was amazed by the beauty, detail, age and history of the house.  My Dad couldn't believe he was in the White House.  We took a lot of pictures, spent our time studying all the details.  By the time we left we realized we had spent over two hours in the house.  What is incredible about that, is at no time was anyone rushing us along.  

Presidential Seal is just above our heads

One of the highlights for all three of us was buying our 2025 White House Christmas Tree ornament in the White House.  Usually I get it at the museum shop, but this time I was prepared to buy it at the little stand in the East Wing.  Our entire visit was incredible, one I know we will not forget.

White House Tour Map

As we exited the White House there was a motorcade that came up the street and headed for the White House.  For a time my Dad, Paulette and I got separated while the motorcade came through.  I looked up the Presidents schedule and saw that he was meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.  Super cool!

We grabbed a quick lunch and walked the mile to begin our visit of some of the monuments and memorials.  Of course we did stop to take a look at a few souvenirs along the way.  

Our first stop was the Washington Monument.  I had Paulette do the kid thing.  Lay on the ground with your feet up and look towards the top of the monument.  My Dad and I couldn't stop laughing watching her get down and try to get back up.  She was a great trooper and tried it all.

Each of the monuments and memorials are beautiful.  They tell part of our story and the story of those they honor.  Its hard to leave one and move on to the next.  My Dad's favorite is the Korean Memorial, Paulette loved all of them.  We were able to visit Washington, WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean.

I get asked a lot when the best time to visit the monuments and memorials is.  That is hard to answer.  Each of them have a different look and feel depending on the time of day you visit them.  I love going during the day so you can see all of the details and read the inscriptions easier, but at night they have a beautiful, subtle, reverent glow about them that I love.  Don't even get me started on seeing them at sunset or sunrise.  Oh my!  There isn't a bad time to visit them.

Jefferson at golden hour

A couple of days later we added to our very busy week by touring the Capitol Building and National Archives.  I love the Rotunda in the Capitol, but I know that my Dad and Paulette will always remember being in the crypt as Vice President JD Vance walked right past us.  I have to admit it was pretty cool to see a government official that close.  It was Paulette's number one highlight of the trip.

Paulette spent some time with family that live in the area, which gave my Dad and I some time with the boys.  We played on the floor, read books, took walks in the neighborhood and enjoyed a little slower place.  

The week of Thanksgiving was wonderful, my sister and her family came from Nashville.  It has been eight years since we have spent a holiday together.  I couldn't wait till she got here.  I know my dad couldn't wait till he was with both daughters at the same time.  

In five days we packed in a birthday celebration, date for my nephew, games, walks, lots of yummy food, a trip to the park, and Annapolis.  Our temperatures got quite cold and our California Family is not use to east coast cold, so we had to cancel seeing the monuments and memorials at night.  It was ok, we played more games and watched our first Christmas movie of the season together.  

The boys loved all the extra attention and having everyone to play with especially at the park.  My nephew is proudly known as "Ball".  Cutie E called him "Ball" because he would kick the stuffed soccer ball with him.  It was adorable.  

Great Uncle JP

We didn't make it to everything on our list.  Hopefully they will come visit again so we can see the MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, the inside of the Library of Congress, Great Falls and the Washington Monument in Baltimore. 

I had been looking forward to my Dad's visit for months.  I could not wait to show him where we live and what makes it special, enjoy the election together and spend time with the family.  Showing Paulette all that I  love about DC and our history was so much fun.   

The time together just doing the normal daily things were my favorite parts of their visit.  It doesn't really matter where you are, time together with those you love is the best time.

Father Daughter matching sweatshits

Honoring President Carter

 Honoring President Carter. 

Last night Sean and I took the opportunity to pay our respects to former President Carter. 

Just before entering the Capitol

We shared our time with thousands of others waiting in the bitter cold. You could hear many conversations about the President, his service, his humanitarian work, service, love for family, country, community and the Lord. Many times I heard people say it wasn’t his politics that I liked, but the man he was and his service after. 

As we prepared to enter the Rotunda I noticed how the feeling changed from celebrating a life to reverence. I wasn’t prepared for how it gripped my heart. 

Capitol Visitor Center

We slowly walked into the Rotunda and there in the center of the room was our President Carter. It was quiet, except for a few sniffles. I have been in this place many times and never had if felt so sacred as this moment. 

Photo courtesy of DCReport.org

Sean and I tried to memorize every detail. The way the flag was draped over the casket, the 3 wreaths from the President, Senate and House filled with red and white roses with small blue flowers. We noticed the press grandstands, the 3 video cameras recording the event live, the black drapes over each entrance, the entrances we entered and exited and the military standing at attention. 

Photo courtesy of KVUE

There was so much to remember. We didn’t leave till we had taken it all in and felt we had offered our condolences. 

Photo courtesy of the internet

It was a beautiful evening. We met a lovely couple whom we shared 4 hours with. We captured a subtle sunset and time together honoring a former president. 

Sean signing the condolence book

Tonight was an opportunity for Sean and I to show our gratitude for the office of President, but also the man and family that served. We have always wanted to be part of remembering a President and last night we were able to do it.

Gratitude

 My Sweet Grands,

I know this is a little late, but I think we should talk about gratitude and having a thankful heart everyday.  

My favorite holiday is  Thanksgiving.  I love everything about it.  The beauty of all the colors, the smells, the simple act of showing gratitude to others and for what we have.  I love that family gathers to enjoy traditions and that the center on a heart of gratitude.

Thanksgiving 2024

Since Harrison was in kindergarten (he's now 26) each November we take a few moments after dinner to write down something we are thankful for on a construction paper pumpkin.  We share them with one another and then tape them to our coat closet door.  Throughout the month it is wonderful to see our gratitude grow as the door fills with orange pumpkins.

I have kept these pumpkins safe in ziploc's in a holiday tub.  Just the other day I was reading through some of the first "Thankful Pumpkins".  The simplicity and honesty of the kids gratitude made me smile.  It isn't about the grandness of our gratitude, rather the sincerity of it.   

In 1992 Robert D. Hales said, "Gratitude is a state of appreciation, and act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring for someone else which lifts us and strengthens us."

I have been thinking a lot lately on how I can focus more on gratitude each day and not just at certain times.  It needs to be simple and something I will remember to do.

Here are 3 simple ways I can focus more on gratitude.

1.  Before going to bed at night share with a loved one your blessings of the day.

2.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Record in a journal or on social media what you are grateful for.

3.  Offer a prayer of gratitude.  Nothing else, just what you are grateful for.

For many years Pops (Sean) and I share our blessings of the day with one another before turning off the light.  Even if it has been a difficult day I look for blessings.  Often it is in a beautiful sunset, time with a loved one, hugs from Cutie E or giggles from Cutie O.  Looking for those blessings, acknowledging them instead of the negative aspects of the day invites peace and joy as I fall asleep.  

Ocean City, MD sunrise

Focusing more on gratitude will not eliminate my trials or disappointments of life, but it does help me persevere with hope during those times.  I have been amazed that during difficulties if I focus on gratitude and service my own hardships seem to fade from my mind.  I am able to move forward with more joy.

It is not by chance that our Thanksgiving celebration comes before Christmas.  It gives us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and prepare our hearts for the Birth of Christ.  My goal this year is to show more gratitude and to keep the feelings I have at Christmas with me all year.

JOY!

HaPpY NeW YeAr!

Many years ago I received a Christmas card from a mother and son who attended one of my DC trips as a thank you.  I loved the front of the card and  kept it in my Christmas notebook.  This year I received a Christmas card from a new friend.  While the cards design was different than the previous one, it still communicated the same sentiment, JOY.

I don't know how many people have favorite words, but I have two - HOPE and JOY.  I'm not sure when I identified these as "favorite" words, but I have been drawn to them for a few years now.  They fill my heart with optimism and gladness.

Tonight Marissa shared a song with me that captures what true JOY is.  JOY is who you share your time with.  I have been so blessed in 2024 to spend a lot of time with my sweetheart, our children, family and very dear friends.

As I have thought about 2024 it is the dear faces of my loved ones that I see.  It is the moments together that we shared, the laughs, tears and especially the hugs.  My year was filled with so much JOY.  Here are a few of those times.

Our family rang in 2024 in Disneyland all together.

I was there when our Cutie O came into this world.

Birthdays, blessings, graduations, weddings and holidays together.

Family and friends traveling to visit us in DC.

Visits home to be with friends that our our family.

Daily moments that leave their imprint on your heart.

2024 gave me so many moments with the people I love.  I have HOPE that 2025 will bring its own set of JOYful moments with people to share them with.  HaPpY NeW YeAr!