I Was Born In The Year Of The Dragon, So Promotional Products Inspire Me

by Leslie

We had playgroup at my house today. And since I like to celebrate things, and Chinese New Year is just around the corner (February 7th for those of you not in the know), we did it up Chinese New Year style. That means, I made a snack with a theme.

It’s a rat pudding cup. Because 2008 is the Year of the Rat, which is pretty much the only reason you might serve children food bearing a resemblance to a rodent.

Then, I showed the kids Chinese numbers from one to ten alongside our numbers, so they could see how cool and different they were. I had found a website with audio pronunciations and I learned them ahead of time so I could count to ten in Chinese correctly for them. And I showed them the Chinese symbols for the days of the week. I had learned how to say those in advance, too. Dave made fun of me for it and called me a dork. So, I said, “Xing qui tian,” which means “Sunday,” but Dave didn’t know that. I could have been telling him to blow it out his ass for all he knew. If you can’t beat him, confuse him, that’s what I like to say.

I also prepared a craft - rat puppets, made from construction paper and small paper bags - but we didn’t assemble them at playgroup. Because of all the playing, which is really the top priority of the playgroup. So, everyone took one home as a remembrance of this fine day where I showed off the cool and colorful calendar I got free from the China Star restaurant last week.

Posted in Mommy's Stuff, Photos, Playgroup |

Comments

20 Cool Kids Came To Play

Karly on January 22, 2008 10:15 pm
“If you can’t beat them, confuse them.” Hilarious.

I can’t believe you learned to count in Chinese for playgroup. You are my favorite mom ever. I totally want to join your playgroup.
Daddy Forever on January 22, 2008 11:01 pm
Good for you, Leslie. I hereby proclaim you honorary Chinese.
mackeydoodle on January 23, 2008 12:21 am
So is your cape washable or dry clean only?
Michelle at Scribbit on January 23, 2008 1:41 am
Okay this is so cute I’m sticking it in the Winter Bazaar. Unless you scream and rant and refuse but that mouse is adorable.
Veronica on January 23, 2008 3:43 am
You were born in the year of the dragon too? You rock even more now.
heathersway on January 23, 2008 10:31 am
I’m with Karly. Where do I sign up? Your playgroup rocks!

Also, telling the husband off in a foreign language is a great idea. Instead of muttering under my breath as he’s leaving the room (like I do now), I am going to dust off the French I learned when I was 16. Va te faire foutre baby! Oh yeah!

No, not you, him. Sorry. We had a fight this morning.
Ice Cream on January 23, 2008 11:43 am
This is great! I always plan to celebrate Chinese New Year but the day just sneaks up on me before I can plan anything. Now I’m ready for it, thanks to you. =)
Jerseygirl89 on January 23, 2008 11:51 am
I want to be in your playgroup so bad. Were you a teacher in another life?

And I love the foreign language confusion for husbands. Must try that.
Mariposa on January 23, 2008 1:07 pm
You deserve a round of applause!

We celebrate Chinese New Year at home…and I can count in chinese…and really enjoyed seeing what you prepared..soooo cute!

And if you can’t beat them, confuse them…hahaha, my new mantra at work! LOL
jenn in holland on January 23, 2008 1:08 pm
Please sign us up for the LESLIE’S PLAYGROUP groupies here. I think I just might be your number one fan.
Jan on January 23, 2008 2:19 pm
That is the most cute thing I have ever seen. I’m going to sign up for playgroup too. You are amazing. (((HUGS)))
Toni on January 23, 2008 3:06 pm
You are by far the most awesome playgroup hostess ever! We had a playdate today and the coolest thing I did was make popcorn in an actual pan instead of the microwave. *sigh* Oh well, it’s a start.
Wholly Burble on January 23, 2008 3:43 pm
I’m sending my grandkids over immediately! What an amazing day you had for the kids. Wish I’d been there.
Pam on January 23, 2008 5:38 pm
Can I be in your playgroup? Not Braden, just me? I’m SO art/craft challenged. You inspire me
Jen in MI on January 23, 2008 6:50 pm
I echo Jenn. You are AWESOME!!!
Laurie on January 23, 2008 7:57 pm
You are so good at that stuff!!
tootise on January 24, 2008 9:20 am
I couldn’t be in your playgroup. You would make me feel inadequate.

Ooh, but I’m totally going to start saving (ahem, stealing) your ideas for later. Then I can pretend to be all creative and crafty. Which I am decidedly not.
Joe on January 24, 2008 2:31 pm
That is cool! I can cuss in Thai, Vietnamese and Cantonese. When I waited tables I had busboys who taught me phrases that were “silly.” More like disgusting when I found out, unfortunately I can rattle them off to this day 12 years later. You are a crafty mama.
Mommy the Maid on January 26, 2008 2:46 pm
I so want to be in your playgroup!
Dawn on January 30, 2008 12:37 pm
I’m a homeschooling mom…thanks for the craft! I love how you tied it all together, we’ll be using it at our next Kindy co-op meeting.

Are you planning on homeschooling? You seem to have great ideas and are full of effort, you’d be great at it!