Do you know Murphy?

I don't know Murphy personally, but I'm well acquainted with Murphy's law.

After a really wonderful few days in one of our favorite cities with absolutely no issues relating to travel or visas...we set off for home.

In the beginning all was grand...minus a little rain. We had to get back into our home country before catching a direct flight home. However...while we were in transit...that flight was cancelled. The good news was that we were actually in our host country and could use our cell phones. The King, being the wonderful hubby that he is texted and called, almost as soon as our feet passed through customs. We made our way to the airport anyway...which was a dilemma in itself (finding the right bus). We arrived at the airport and took care of money issues. We decided to grab a bite to eat before trying to find the hotel that the King so thoughtfully booked for us while we were in transit.

We grabbed some KFC and headed out to get a taxi. The King texted the info to me and we were set...except that the line of taxis wouldn't take us. Not kidding. The uniformed person who helps with the queue (sp?) told us to take the red taxi. We got it. He drove us to the end of the aiport and told us we needed the green taxi. We got out and walked all the way back. I forgot to mention that the handle to our rolling suitcase broke while we were at the airport. So the Prince lugged it back to the green taxi who refused to take us.

We must have looked like easy prey. Another taxi driver walked up and said he take us for a sky high set fee. No way. We negotiated to get him to use the meter. Great. We walked all the way to the other end of the airport only to have him REnegotiate. No meter.

No way. Okay...confession is good for the soul. I snapped. I have no excuse. Ok...I have excuses like I've been on my feet and didn't eat lunch and was tired...etc. But still, no reason to go off on the taxi driver like I did. In English, no doubt. I'm sure he thought I was a lunatic...he as much as said so...which was the wrong thing...because the Prince heard him and he went off...which made me realize the crazy attitude I was displaying. Ug. So we got our "tudes" together and grabbed our stuff and walked back to the airport where the Lord showed mercy on us by finding us a taxi driver who was not allowed to go where we were wanting to go, but who was willing to help us. He pointed us in the right direction and we found a taxi...negotiated a decent price(having given up on the meter) and dropped into our seats.

I was trying to figure out what had happened when it dawned on me. The King said he had gotten us a nice hotel to stay in because he figured we deserved it after all the nonsense we dealt with today. Little did I know...

The taxi driver pointed to it before we pulled into a gated hotel. We're talking 5 star quality. So much so that we felt like peasants walking into it. No wonder the taxi drivers were trying to get double the amount out of us...they thought we were rich.

We aren't rich, but we are sitting in the lap of luxury for one night. We got here at 8:30PM and we're leaving at 5:00AM. That's long enough to soak in the huge tub!!! Mercy. I think the nonsense was worth it...and I was already truly repentant for my bad attitude. Now...I almost feel guilty.

Date with My Prince

When the Prince was little (well before the Princess came along) we had a once a week date. Just the two of us. I've forgotten all the reasons why we began to do it, but I remember a couple...1)the King was visiting people in the hospital and visitors to our church and 2) Sonic had half price burgers between 5-7. LOL.

Since the Prince was still on an early bedtime, we went about 5:30. I always offered to go to another place, but he almost always chose Sonic. We would pull up and park, roll down our windows, order our food and sit sideways in our seats...and he would talk. Nonstop. About everything. And nothing at all. He had a lateral lisp that he has mostly outgrown. He had white blond hair and big cheeks (you thought I was going to say big blue eyes, well he had those, too). He had a charm and sense of humor that comes with being an imaginative and very bright young man.

He still has all those things except the cheeks and lisp. He's grown into his cheeks (he's pushing 5'10") and outgrown the lisp except when he's really tired...then there's a trace of it. Changes in our life have pushed our dates to whenever we can get them instead of weekly.

We needed to do some travel for his new visa since he will be attending a boarding school in the fall. So...we went...just the two of us. And what a time we've had.

I think the Lord new I needed to be with him without anyone else. Once we took care of the visa...we could play. We are in one of our favorite cities and we go home today. But we've had a fabulous time just being together...we've had Starbucks and gone to the movie. Twice! We watched Toy Story 3 together (his choice) and I cried AGAIN. I listened to him giggle and watched his face as he saw his own life somewhat mirrored on the screen. He's not off to college, yet, but it's a similar feeling. He LOVED the movie and says he understands how his Dad and I feel right now. He saw a pesky blond haired sister who couldn't wait to get his room but hugged him no less than ten times before he left, too (in the movie).

I think he might just understand some. We've had a great time and I'll be anxiously awaiting his return so we can resume our dates. Maybe he'll humor me and we can have them for life!

15 days and counting...

Wishes along the Wire(less) Connection

I like to celebrate people. I like to know them. I ask alot of questions. I'm curious. I read biographies. I wonder what makes people make the choices they do...what makes them tick. I like to know their birthdays and their middle names and why they were named that instead of something else. What their hobbies are and why. It's weird to some folks but to those who know me, I don't think it comes across that way...maybe nosy...but I hope not....more like...interested.

So, every year, I buy a new calendar and write all the birthdays and special days in it I can remember...but the problem is...the older I get...the more people I know...the more I forget. So, together the King and I remember, or try to. We always pray for those people on their special days...whatever that may be, birthday, anniversary, sorrowful anniversaries, etc..

Last year I sent my greetings along the wireless connection, but I didn't get everyone. So this year I decided not to do it that way so feelings wouldn't be hurt...but the thing is...there is no convenient way to do it now.

Like this month, for instance. My father-in-law, twin brothers, Sis-in-law, niece, BFF's hubby, sis and bro-in-law, and many more....have special days. I just can't keep up from over here.

So. I just wanted to tell you...you know who you are...that you've been prayed over. We've asked the Father to give you just what you need in order to press into Him more...to sustain you in your struggles, and pour His blessings out in your work, to give the joy, contentment, and peace only found in Him. Be reminded that the God who spoke the universe(s) into existence knew you before the very foundation of the world had come into being. His plans will far exceed anything you can ever hope or imagine. Trust in Him. Rest in Him. Know that who you are is nothing, but for Him, and He treasures you.

Happy day to you. Rejoice for whose you are. Our love~

Bad timing...

The Prince was just a little tyke when the first Toy Story came out, so his childhood years have been peppered with these movies. As a matter of fact he wore a Buzz Lightyear costume that was handed down to him from the time it was three inches too LONG for him til it was three inches too SHORT. I had to PRY it off of him to wash it. I have pictures of him wearing while doing everything imaginable, including helping his Dad wash the cars. He would run through the house shouting, "Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" even before he could pronounce it all.

We've watched both Toy Story movies countless times and we all can (and do) quote it at totally random times. It's a favorite of mine to put in as background noise when I'm scrapbooking.

So, we have been anxiously awaiting this movie. On the trip the hubby and I took (that I've yet to blog about) we were in a city that has a very nice movie theater. Toy Story 3 and The Karate Kid were both showing and I wanted to see them both, but needed to make a choice. I chose the lighthearted humor of Toy Story 3.

Bad choice...this one has a subtitle that I didn't know about (because it's written in a foreign language and I didn't take the time to try and read it)..."Andy goes to college!"

Bad timing. Although we were in a theater full of asian people, everyone was laughing. When we laughed, at times, we wondered if they truly understood the American humor because we were the only ones laughing. Mostly, I think they got it.

I was enjoying myself and grateful that I'd chosen that movie until...Andy's mom walks into his room...

...for those of you who haven't seen it, I won't spoil it, but for those of you who have...I'm sure you know the EXACT part I'm talking about. From that moment on I was trying to not let my husband know that the tears were leaking out of my eyes...only to find he was struggling, too. I cried off and on to the end of the movie.

I loved the movie as I knew I would, but my Prince has yet to see it. I think he'll understand alot more about where his parents are coming from when he does. Time goes by all too fast when you're growin'up younguns'.

If I were in the states, I'd post a picture of him in that costume...as it is you'll have to use your imagination...I think you can. ;)

While you wait...

Just for fun...

19 years ago...

Some of our asian friends have wanted to see pictures of the King with hair (and when mine was long...which you can't tell from this pic)...and I didn't bring any. This is our engagement picture take 19 summers ago and it's the only one of its kind on my blog (early days). The rest are in photo albums in the states. So, I pulled it up and cropped it some to retry. In less than a month I will be married to my best friend for 19 years. Some times it feels like yesterday and other times I feel like it should be 50 years, but everyday I'm glad I made that choice.

This one is from our anniversary in 2004, I think. We were both a lot skinnier! Just for your viewing pleasure!!!.

This one is from last Christmas (2009). My, how time changes us! I think he is more handsome the older he gets...the more wrinkles he gets......the longer we're together...the longer he loves me...the longer he's mine...and hair is highly overrated! LOL.

Frustration.

A synonym for frustration is "computer." Do you agree?

Living in a foreign country as we do, it's not easy to get the things that we are used to have easy access to in the states. You learn to train your brain to think differently about what you really want and need and how to problem solve if you don't have resources.

But...when it comes to technology...there's no easy answer. So many variables to consider...

My laptop is 5+ years old. We've updated things as needed, but she's probably on her last leg. I should have known that the old girl was the root of most of my internet issues. We're working on the solution...you know, a new one, but in the mean time, I'm going to have to be patient with her as she moves slowly and problem solve differently.

All that to say, that every time I have tried to blog...my internet drops me before I can save what I've actually begun. Enough times with that happening and my frustration level gets very high where I just walk away from it! So, I'm going to work on the problem differently and see if I can't get some more blog posts up. Sorry for the problems. I do have some things I want to share from my heart...

Just for fun...

We bought "The Prince of Persia" and this was the rating.

PG: Some material not suitable for children

For Fantasy Action/Violence Involving Scary Images and Situations, And for a Smoking Caterpillar.

Yep.

You read it right A SMOKING CATERPILLAR.

I watched it twice and never saw the caterpillar.

She CRACKS. ME.UP.

"Whose kid is this?" you ask.

Mine.

Without a doubt.

My mother has some crazy pictures of me, too.

Even if she doesn't have them anymore...I have memories of a huge tree in our front yard that I would climb with intent to sit on the highest branch I could...to read my book.

I've also seen a picture of me sitting in a barrel with barely any clothes...on reading a book.

She comes by it honestly.

Both of my kids are readers. I succeeded in at least one of my goals for them. :)

This one is just hanging out watching a Barbie movie. LOL. She's a hoot.

Freedom

The Decorator (The Princess) is sitting on the floor creating "Flag holders" for the table. Notice the bandannas on the backs of chairs, etc. Please ignore the boxes sitting on top of the fish tank. I didn't know they were there until I posted the picture. They are gone now. :)
My girl and me for a quick self portrait.
Notice the sweet homemade flag holders. She loves any holiday! She's a "Crafty" kind of kid!

After having been away from the kids for 6 days, we arrived home in the early morning hours of July fourth. We tried to skype some family members as was promised and when that didn't work...we went to bed...about 2:30AM. After sleeping in, we woke our sweet urchins and just loved on them. Because life over here is fairly random and we don't go to an organized church we didn't have it that morning. We took the kids out to eat for a late lunch and ice cream and back home to talk about the week.

I made us a Mexican food dinner (which is rare over here) with as many fixings as I could. We had our own patriotic worship service in our home. We sang every patriotic song we know as well as said the pledge of allegiance. We read 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and prayed together for our government leaders. It was a sweet time.

I've wondered if I will cry at the first sports game I attend when I am back in the states...not over the game...but when I hear the national anthem with my feet on the ground in that country. There was something very poignant about being purposeful to celebrate our national heritage while living in another country. We are living here by choice, but we are blessed to be Americans. We are reminded of it every day in life over here...in the eyes of those who are not FREE to choose for themselves.

But as proud as I am to be an American...I am even more proud, yet completely humbled, to be called a follower of Christ. That's the FREEDOM I cherish most. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you FREE."

On the mend...

Whew.

I think I was more tired after this semester than I first thought. IF I get sick, it is usually something I can live through without much rest. But if it isn't, it's usually a 24 hour thing.

This one knocked me out. I lost most of the week. I even argued with my husband that today could NOT be Friday...which is undoubtedly is. Crazy.

I don't know whether it was the flu, a bad cold, or a sinus infection...but it felt like all of the above!

My sweet family catered to my every need and nursed me back to health. Well...I'm almost there. I called my mom today and she didn't know it was me. My voice is so low and gravelly, but I'm feeling 100% better. Thanks for your prayers. Hopefully I'll be getting around to posting some more interesting things soon. I'm now even farther behind on my list of things to do at home!

So goes life... LOL.

Sick. Ug.

Ok. So I had one good day.
I was super busy catching up with a sore throat that I just ignored...until the wee hours of the morning when other symptoms came...isn't that the way it works?

I've been down for the count. I hardly lifted my head yesterday and my sweet family has been pampering me. I am a little better today, but still yucky. Maybe by tomorrow, I'll be functioning again.

Just keepin' you in the know. I do have stuff I want to share...

Whew!

School's out.

Summer has officially landed. No more rainy days with slight breezes to keep things cool.

Tons going on and I want to tell you about it. Thanks for bearing with me while I survived this semester of school.

To backtrack a little...final exam was Monday the 28th in the AM, the King and I flew out Monday afternoon to a city north of us that felt like we were in a different world. I'll tell you about it later. We were gone one week and came home in the wee hours of the morning on July 4th. Having missed our urchins something fierce, we spent all day with them celebrating our nation's birthday and enjoying our time together. That was yesterday.

I downloaded email and opened my blog for the first time in a week. Yikes. I have much to do. Hang in there. I'm coming with a few odds and ends to share.

Let me just say this before I go. When we got on the plane to leave our kids for a week...my cup was not just empty, but bone-dry. I had nothing left to give. The saddest part about it was that I had been there for awhile...operating out of that place, giving with nothing to give. (What do you think the people I was giving to were receiving? Not much.) Well, now, after this week...my cup runneth over...which is what it should be. It's much more pleasant when the overflow of my heart is pouring out onto others than when I'm forcing myself to give. Think on that. I'll share more later.

Missed you. Glad to be back. More soon.