Funderstorm--FUN!

Our family journey...and adoption update

2012-02-01T12:46:00.002+08:00

When the Prince was small (3 yrs. old) he began praying every night "God please give us a baby." He wasn't particular most of the time. Most of the time, it was just for a baby. He actually got mad at God because he had "prayed 250 times and He didn't give me a baby."

We talked a great deal about God's ways and his timing, but I was never sure how much my very precocious three year old understood. When he was six, after my husband's battle with cancer, after doctors said we would not be able to have children on our own...we found out we were expecting. We sat him down and talked to him about how he had prayed and prayed for a baby and how God was answering his prayer in God's own timing, not the Prince's. He was beyond excited!

Well, during our family devotions at that time, he began to ask God to give us a "brown baby like Darrell." We knew he meant the skin color of an African-American boy we knew. At first, we let it go, but as he persistently prayed, we began to feel a need to explain some things. Without going into TOO much detail we explained that God uses the Mom and Dad to make the babies...so they usually look like the mom and dad...meaning the same color. As he pondered he said, "Oh. But God could do it if he wanted to," and proceeded to ask for a brown baby.

Well, we took him with us to the sonogram and found out that the Princess was on her way. As we walked out, he said, "Dad! We're having a girl!" His father replied with a smile, "I know, son." But before he could say anything more....the Prince said, "Now we just have to find out if she's black or white."

We have laughed over that for years. So cute. Well, we are in the process to adopt babies that we feel God has led us to. And guess what? They are "Brown like Darrell."

I looked across the dinner table at the Prince when it dawned on me that God was indeed answering his prayer for a brown baby...10 years later.

His ways are not our ways. His timing is not ours, either. Boy am I thankful for that. I never really believed God would give me a brown baby. Now He's giving me two! I'm completely humbled.

We have received a referral for two babies. We cannot give details as of yet because they are not technically ours until the judge says so and that could be months away. So, please wait with us and pray with us. Their situation is unique and yet not so. They are under-nourished, but loved. Please pray God's hand of protection on their little lives as they grow and while we wait to be united as a family. In our hearts...they are already ours.

The Kitten Chronicles

2012-01-26T21:56:00.001+08:00

Sniff! Sniff! What's that smell?

Is it in here? I know it is...I smell it!

Why are you torturing me? I smell BEEF JERKY!

This royal kitty has a GREAT SNIFFER! We tear open the bag and he is in the other room SOUND ASLEEP and within seconds his 'meow-er" goes off triple time. It's pretty hilarious to watch. Beef Jerky and tuna are the biggest winners so far. The Princess hid the BJ in my purse, but it didn't stop HRKitty.

For a smile...

2012-01-15T13:15:00.001+08:00

Thought for the day...

2012-01-12T20:12:00.000+08:00

“A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seek thy Father’s face, and live in thy Father’s love. Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of his love. Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be, ‘Continue in prayer.’” --Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

A book I'm reading...

2012-01-10T20:04:00.003+08:00

I want you to take a few minutes and read this blog post. Jen Hatmaker Then I would love to know your thoughts, especially if you have read the book.

In random order...

2012-01-10T20:02:00.000+08:00

This year instead of gifts...we gave blessings. We compiled a book of blessings, scripture, favorite memories, ways we see Jesus in her and so on in order to BLESS her life. She doesn't need more stuff. She needs more of Christ and to be pointed to Him in all things. So, in no certain order, here are a few of those who blessed her life and then some random pictures of the party where we just hung out with friends and ate homemade chocolate cake with chocolate icing (Thanks for the Hershey's cocoa, Mom.), and blessed each other with our love and friendship.

Princess, you are SO loved!

My Girl...

2012-01-10T11:00:00.001+08:00

10 years ago today we received a gift "of the heavens" and were giddy. We adore this little lady! Happy Birthday, Angel Face.

Odds and ends...

2012-01-04T12:42:00.003+08:00

Where's Waldo...I mean, Tex?

This cat is so quirky. He LOVES sleeping under fleece or fuzzy blankets, but cannot stand to sit or walk on them. He'll take the long way around the bed to get to me just so he won't have to walk on a fuzzy blanket. What a character!
Getting a knitting lesson in order to make Daddy a scarf.
My mom sent me this magazine full of new recipes. I've tried several. This peppermint cake was not as pretty as the picture...but DELISH! Thanks mom.

Joy!

2012-01-02T21:03:00.003+08:00

For Christmas this year, we went south to warmer weather..sort of. We took a few days and stayed in a nice hotel, did some shopping, watched some family tradition movies, had fantastic family devotional times, sang Carols in our room (we finally have four parts!), went ice skating, ate great food...and all of it was together as a family of four. Next year, or rather this year of 2012, we hope to be a family of six.

The place we went was decked out for Christmas although, I think they must think it's "Santa-mas," because I didn't see Jesus anywhere. Anyway, the weather was cool, but not freezing. Not raining. Not "TOO" anything. We were decked out in our SFA purple!

As we were checking out of the hotel to return home, this lady asked us in the elevator if we were the ones singing Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve. Of course, we were. We apologized if we disturbed her and she said she loved it. She's from New Zealand and found it refreshing. I was glad that we didn't sing any pop culture carols, only about the REASON, we only sang about Christ. How were we to know we were witnessing through the walls of a hotel room in song?

Joy, joy to the world! Praise to the King, oh, let it ring!

Jesus has come to bring JOY!

Bowling!

2012-01-02T20:51:00.003+08:00

This is my son...
...acting just like his father!
What can I say?
A friend introduced to this bowling alley that is all Bruns*wick and we were giddy!
My mom is a league bowler and I have tons of childhood memories at the bowling alley.
We didn't know this place existed and we had a great time. The Prince can throw the ball down the lane...he kept hitting the same pin and a few times got others!
We took a national friend who had NO. IDEA. WHAT. BOWLING. WAS. It was a hoot to teach her and watch her have fun.
The Princess got the hang of it after...
...Dad helped her. What a good Daddy!

Tex

2011-12-18T10:37:00.004+08:00

You have to look carefully to see how the kitten is tucked in with his head on the Princess' pillow while she is rolled off in the other direction. It was dark and my phone doesn't have a flash...best I could do.

Hanging out on her hip while she reads....

Too pooped to play with his "Odie" anymore. A nap sounds good. :)

Baking with Buddies...

2011-12-14T20:11:00.005+08:00

A friend of mine with her own baseball team worth of kids' husband was out of town then they started getting sick. So, one afternoon, the Princess and I entertained her two youngest so she could get a little rest while the other three were down for the count.

I had already planned on baking but decided to wait until my buddies came over to help me. You cannot see it, but there are on their knees on the piano bench. Each in an apron. These two are very close in age and want to do whatever the other is doing. So. After we carefully washed our hands, we took turns measuring things and pouring them into the bowls. We took turns stirring and counting. We helped each other hold when it wasn't our turn. It was a team effort. :)
I double checked to make sure it was all mixed.
We ALL three used the mixer at once. One hand on the mixer, one hand on the bowl. I am looking forward to having little ones in my house again. I've forgotten how fun (and exhausting) it can be to "Do school" with them through every day life. (The Princess is so independent these days.) We made Pumpkin Bread and they each got to make their own little heart shaped one.
MMMmmmmm. smells good. The funny thing is that this particular recipe took an hour to bake. As SOON as I put the bread in the oven and closed the door. Little Man asked me, "Iz the bwed wedy, yet?" LOL. That could have been a long hour, but we had a jello snack (and checked the "bwed," and watched a Veggie Tale Christmas video (and checked the "Bwed"). We played with the cat (and checked the "Bwed". We played with the hamsters (and checked the "Bwed").

I took their little loaves out when they were ready to cool, but didn't tell them. Little Man kept walking back to the kitchen and reading the timer. Schlumping (is that a word?) back into the room declaring, "Not yet." Finally, he lit with joy when it said less than 10 minutes!

I enjoyed helping my friend out in this small way and loving on her kids. The Princess loved it, too. She took tons of pictures and giggled at their antics! She's going to be a fabulous big sister!

We took some bread back to the Sick Ones and I had to tell their mom that they already had eaten theirs, because Little Man was asking for more.

By the way, one more funny. After mixing the ingredients with the mixer, both little sets of eyes looked hungrily on at the beaters. I asked if they wanted to lick them and they spoke in unison, "YES!" So, I sat them down at the table with the individual beater and went back to pour the batter into the pan and put it in the oven. When I turned back around the kids were licking the beaters meticulously with the most awful looks on their faces. I asked them, "Don't you like it?" and they both (with tongues still touching the beater) shook their heads and said, "no." SO PRECIOUS. They were being thankful for what they got even if they didn't like it! I didn't make them finish licking and gave them some water. They guzzled! LOL. But...they LOVED the final, COOKED product.

So much...

2011-12-11T11:37:00.004+08:00

So much. So MUCH. SO Much. SO MUCH has happened/occurred in our life these past 3 and half months that I have had some difficulty processing it all.

I am typically a verbal processor and that helps when you have friends around, but when your husband and best friend is traveling and your other peeps live around the world or are consumed with their own family and life issues...well, I find myself talking to myself in the mirror. Don't laugh. Well, okay. Go ahead. It is a funny mental picture. Besides talking to God, who doesn't typically give me immediate feedback, talking to Him and myself in the mirror helps me work through some things. That old adage, "Get it off your chest," was probably meant for people like me. So, I talk out loud to God (and to myself). I'm sure there are people around who think I'm weird, but after all...I am a foreigner to them so who's to say what's normal? Nothing seems normal anymore.

Having said all that, I've been careful not to talk about and/or blog things that probably shouldn't be blogged, but in the process have missed a few opportunities to share where I am in this journey. I have tried and been blocked with internet and/or computer issues. OR I've had internet and no motivation or no words to articulate because I'm still processing. OR it needed to be kept to myself. Am I making any sense?

Whatever the case, I just wanted to say that I appreciate you stopping by to check on me and mine. Because we try to keep this blog relatively anonymous, there are stories that can't be shared. I am considering a change, but just considering at this point.

So, TODAY, we are looking towards the weekend when the Prince is home for the Christmas holiday. Two weeks.

We are homeschooling the Princess and trying to help her stay motivated in her class of one.

We are ever learning and using this language, but it seems never correctly. :)

We are thinking about our loved ones at this time of year and praying for them.

We are trying to share the TRUE meaning of Christmas in a foreign culture that only understands Christmas= Santa and gifts.

We are daily looking for the blessings that God gives and thanking him for them.

We are enjoying some cooler weather and wearing more layers of clothing.

We are entertained by the orphaned kitten that has taken up residency with us. He brings joy and laughter in the most unexpected moments. Thank you God for the feline gift.

We are looking to next year when we will probably add two more children to our home.

We are looking to next year when we will return to the states for a visit longer than a vacation.

We are preparing to have a senior in High School and all that that entails...

We are soaking up this time with just the Princess at home and pouring into her life like never before.

We are LEARNING to be content in all things. Maybe it's a life lesson that keeps cycling around. It seems I've been here before, but the scenery looks a little different. Different season of life.

I discount how difficult it is to live in a foreign context...how difficult even the most mundane things seem to be and then question why I'm frustrated or tired or weary. The truth is, I often try to do things in my own strength. I know I can't, yet, it's my first impulse to try. Only after some frustration do I turn it over to God and find peace. Then I can continue to lay things at his feet and bask in his peace. But at some point, my self-centered-ness thinks I'm the one doing it and I stop placing things at his feet and quickly find myself sinking in the quicksand of self. Ug. A never ending cycle.

The worst part is when I realize it, but am tired of fighting the same battles and in my selfishness decide I don't want to fight anymore. That's when it gets really ugly. We've been given SO MUCH and yet, I find myself grumbling. Yuck. I hate that attitude. I want it to disappear. Is that possible? One moment at a time, it is.

There's been much talk in my circle lately about a book that's been out for a while: Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts." I've read blog posts and heard conversations about this thought provoking book. She is a gifted and poignant writer. She talks about living fully in the moment by giving thanks in the way that Christ gave thanks, following his example of EUCHARISTEO. (Search it out for yourself.) I am usually a fast reader, but I choose to read this book slowly and let God speak to me however He wishes. And He definitely does. He keeps pointing me back to His own word that says to "rejoice always" and "count it all joy" and "in everything, give thanks" and SO MANY others.

Ann says, "...when we give thanks in this moment, we stay in this moment with the God Who Is Here, I AM."

I love that. I KNOW He is here. I've been a Christian for the majority of my life, but I'm daily learning what it means to be a "Christ follower." I don't always FEEL like he is here, but he is. So, I give thanks in this moment that I can sit down at a computer that connects to me my loved ones when I am physically as far away as possible, and say what's on my heart that my FATHER has been teaching me and know that you'll read it and smile. Not for my lessons necessarily, but for the Father who loves me and faithfully teaches me...and you. And in that sharing there is the feeling of crawling up into my "Daddy's" lap as he wraps his arms around me, loves and comforts me, and speaks my love language of time spent with him.

What are you thankful for today?

It's my joy to serve...

2011-12-10T17:08:00.003+08:00

My girl LOVES to cook and bake. We are currently compiling a cookbook for her of various recipes that do not necessarily need adult supervision. This is a new one. Pumpkin Spice cookies.
I love it that Dad is always the one she thinks of first. She thrives on his approval...
...and he LOVES to give it. When we are having attitude problems, we do something to serve someone else. It's amazing the perspective you get from giving of yourself. I have told my kids (and MYSELF!)..."Obedience first, and your attitude will follow." It hasn't failed, yet. Thank God that he gave us an example in Christ of what service really looks like.

Guess who likes the King best?

2011-12-06T21:19:00.002+08:00

Another time...another place...

The King's favorite saying, "Cats don't have people...they have STAFF."

Pics with the Prince...

2011-12-06T09:09:00.001+08:00

Random pictures of faces I love.

2011-11-30T12:01:00.005+08:00

I took all these pictures on our trip this summer and have never gotten around to posting them. But when I look at them...they make me smile. Enjoy.

A thankful heart...

2011-11-25T08:51:00.005+08:00

I wonder if every mom feels as if all is right with the world when all of your children are together under one roof...no matter their age. When the Prince comes home, I feel that way, even though he may be having trouble adjusting from dorm life to family life and seeing his sister as a pest who's annoying him rather than the lil'sis who adores him. Or tuning me out so he can listen to his tunes and FB with his friends. But just being here....at my house...making his boy noises, hugging his mom, laughing, etc...makes my heart smile.

But that's only one reason.

Another one is that we have such wonderful friends. God has truly blessed us through the years to be able to make friends and keep them. Time stretches between us but we still love each other and would do whatever was needed at the moment of need. You know what I mean?

One group of friends, took the time and energy required to mail us the fixin's for a Thanksgiving dinner again this year. We invited over many people, but most are working (and not necessarily willing to take the day off and lose the pay) so we ended up with about 20 people at our house. My camera wasn't working and I was busy being the hostess, but several took pictures and I'll post a few in a few days when I get them. Anyway, half of us were Americans and the other have nationals but ALL enjoyed the food and fellowship. All I did was cook the food, but EVERYONE was so thankful for as close to a traditional Thanksgiving meal as possible. Our national friends love learning more about our culture and we love sharing the good things God has done and is doing in our lives.

We are thankful that our dossier is complete. We had hoped to have it finished in early November, but God's timing is not ours. Now...we wait for a referral on children/babies and will keep you posted on the process.

Grace is the word for me these days.

I've been pondering anew....Amazing Grace...His Grace is sufficient...let your words be full of grace...whose turn to say "Grace?"...and so on.

I see it in places I hadn't noticed before.

I understand a depth I never needed before.

I can offer it in levels I never possessed before.

I need it like I never have before.

What about you?

Blessing to you and yours from me and mine because of Him and His.

Where's Waldo?

2011-11-23T08:47:00.000+08:00

Meet Willy Wonka...

2011-11-21T18:54:00.001+08:00

School Carnival Mascot

"They'll always be walking in our shoes..."

2011-11-17T10:13:00.003+08:00

The Princess stepped into her brother's shoes and I snapped a couple of pictures with my camera. These were taken back in late summer but since we've been visiting the Prince and I've watched my children together, I've been pondering anew.

She can hardly wait to be like him. She can hardly wait to be WITH him. She literally counts down the days until we see him again. I've told him often that SHE is the reason he is a big brother. HE is responsible for his actions towards her and within her sight and knowledge. SHE is watching and listening to everything he says and does. That ought to spur him on to greater things, just knowing that she's imitating everything she can about him.

To HER, he is a hero.

To HER, he is all that she wants to be.

To HER, he can do no wrong.

To HER, he has an obligation to be the best big brother he can be. By doing that, he is not only honoring her, but more importantly, honoring the Lord.

Hmmm...

2011-11-06T11:49:00.003+08:00

Can you do this? It's harder than it looks.

How about a giant fish made of flip flops?
This is made of jade? Why?
Obama Chia pet! Wonder if he would be offended. At lease it's Eco-friendly.
Transformers are FOR REAL! We saw one. Well, it was a mini...but still.
Noodles, anyone?
Huh? What do they sell here?
Barf bag anyone?
A day in the life.

Ode to the cat.

2011-11-05T21:35:00.005+08:00

Just call me Weird Al...only a true Texan will recognize this song!

"Texas," our "Texas," we love you, silly cat.

"Texas," our "Texas," someday you will be fat!

Softest and sweetest, you play hard then you rest,

Oh kitten, who purrs loudly, you took over our Nest!

God bless you "Texas," and keep you growing strong,

That you may grow roots in our heart to last our whole life long.

Second Stanza

...just kidding.

I ADORE my husband!

2011-11-05T21:16:00.003+08:00

What follows should be in the dictionary defining "good sport." Not only does he make me laugh, but he doesn't mind being a toy for the kids.

This event happened after a family game night where we had some college kids join us. The Prince started it...I think!

Notice the sticky tack...
LOVE his face. I wonder what he's thinking with six people crowded around him with game pieces, sticky tack and cameras!

I think he's thinking, "I'm going to see this on my wife's blog soon...no way around it. Wonder if I could bribe her NOT to post..."

...apparently not. :)

Luv ya Babe!

What's not to love?

2011-11-04T14:54:00.004+08:00

There were a few rules associated with our being able to keep the cat.

1. We call him "Tex."

2. A clean litter box.

3. Group ownership.

4. He sleeps with the Princess.

This picture was after the first night of sleeping with the Princess...or not. I was at a Bible Study and when I came home...the King was kitten sitting. Tex apparently doesn't agree with the Princess' bedtime.

We found this boot while out walking and made him a collar. The only thing more perfect would be a small charm of the state of Texas. :)
I was listening to a podcast and he crawled up in my lap and made himself at home. He leaned his head over on my wrist and promptly went to sleep. He is a cuddler. He likes to be with people and even better...in someone's lap. Recently we had some young people over. One of them is not a cat person and whose lap did Tex crawl into to sleep? Yep. Hers. She took it well and even decided she liked THIS cat.
Check out his sweet paws. Yep...I'm smitten.

The Cuddler

2011-11-03T07:22:00.004+08:00

She loves to be hugged. He loves to hug. Perfect for both.

Ready or not here she comes.

Can't leave dad out.

Meet "Tex"

2011-11-02T21:48:00.002+08:00

This is our newest family member. His name is Texas. He was nicknamed Tiger...then Rascal...then we decided that he is the exact colors of the Texas Longhorns (sorry Aggie fans) so we call him Tex. He was found by a friend of ours and we passed him from family to family until the King said we could keep him. The other families all committed to help us care for him when we need to be gone. So, he has group ownership...I guess that makes his name Tiger Rascal Texas.

He gives me FUZZ THERAPY and I love it! He's all kitten. He plays with all he has and then falls asleep...literally...falls over. He makes me laugh and every time I pick him up he purrs...not to mention that he likes to cuddle.

The Princess and I have really missed our cat and are so excited to have this little one that we joyfully scoop poop daily. :)

What? Nov 1st?

2011-11-01T08:00:00.005+08:00

Where has the time gone? Wasn't it just October 1st and still sweltering?

We've hit Fall weather and it is glorious! Yesterday the Princess did home school out on the balcony with a lovely breeze. The only downside to Fall...is the length. SO SHORT! But we will take what we can get.

I think I can say I can be back in the blogging groove soon. So many unexpected changes that take precedence over blogging.

The Prince is back at school and going at full steam ahead. Pray for him...for stamina and endurance to finish the term well. He has a lead part in a play that we will travel to see in about another week. We have a small problem with his visa that we're praying will be worked out quickly and easily, but nothing in that realm is ever easy. :)

The Princess has come through her October funk fairly well. She likes school most days, but is counting down the days until we have more peeps in our house. Being the last one at home stinks. She has had sleepovers with friends and earned extra privileges for random acts of kindness. She loves to read the Bible on the King's iPad. THAT makes my heart smile. She misses her brother constantly and is counting down the days til we see him and she can have a "date" with him alone. When he comes home for visits...she has to share him. He's everyone's big brother around here. She was bummed that we didn't do a Fall Fun Festival this year, but we made a switch...to celebrate Reformation Day and use it as a learning tool as well. Got this great idea from another home schooling mom and jumped in on their time to see what they do.

The King and I have been ships passing in the night it seems. Both busier than we'd like to be without the other, but still able to pull off "dates" with the help of friends that we treasure. Sometimes he's gone and we're at home trucking along with home school and sometimes we go with him and that throws a kink in home school. Anyway. Life does NOT revolve around home school, but we do try to keep a schedule in order to have guaranteed family time as well. Pray for the King. He is doing a ton of things...good things...things God wants him to do...but he doesn't like being away from us for long. He was gone for 7 out of the last 9 days and when he was home he was exhausted but prepping for the next trip. We just pulled in our welcome mat one evening and didn't go anywhere or talk to anyone...we just WERE....together. Nice.

I am okay. This month I tried to pass a major language exam fully confident that my language is at that level consistently, but the test didn't go as well as planned and I didn't pass. I tried not to be bummed about it, because I really feel like my language is at that level, but the interview didn't go like I thought. I was kind of funky afterwards. Working so hard to learn this difficult language, I really wanted to prove that I can do it. I didn't do it, but am still moving towards that goal.

Along the home front, we are on the tail end of our home study paperwork. We are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. We are applying for two and asking Father for wisdom and grace along the way, which he has shown time and again already to confirm this is the correct way to go. He will supply our every need. There are days of life over here when I think, "What? Are we CRAZY? We don't know what tomorrow holds...where we'll be...what we'll be doing or where we'll live..." and in those moments, His grace is completely sufficient. He reminds me He Holds Tomorrow...all of them...mine, yours and the little ones he plans to bring into our family. He reminds me he is in control and that I CAN'T do it without him...that's his plan. When I am weak, then he is strong! Whew! SOOOooo glad for that.

October 14th marked three years of living in this country and studying language and culture. That was pretty unbelievable for me. I remember when we moved here and I was counting how many weeks we had survived life over here. Now we are looking forward to coming home next summer...for a break and then returning in the Fall. It seems a waste to walk away from all we've learned language and culture-wise because there is still so much more to learn!

I'll keep you updated on the adoption process. I hope to be back in the blogging groove. We'll see.

A glimpse into our future. This is the Prince with another little one who has been adopted from the big country of E.

Home, at last!

2011-10-14T09:34:00.003+08:00

My son is home and we are all smiles! Those of you with sons and daughters will probably understand...boys make different noises than girls do. I missed his noises. His laugh, him talking to himself, to his video game, to anyone listening, his piano and guitar playing...hearing him sing. I was cooking dinner and I heard, "SWWWWWWEEET!" and then in the next breath he used a different foreign language than the one we are learning to yell, "What is this?!" But he alters his voice to say it. Very funny and endearing. Obviously about a video game, but just the sounds of my boy. When he is talking 90 miles an hour and at a decibel I am not used to because I don't live with a bunch of teenagers in a dorm...I remind myself...it's only for a short while. He's growing up and changing so much.

Like his hair? He said he wants to enjoy it while he has it since it runs in his blood to NOT have it. LOL. I agree. Go for it Prince! Not to mention that it's a "chick magnet" ...his words. Should I be worried? Well, I would, except in the next breath I fall over from the SMELL of his breath...meaning he hasn't brushed his teeth yet at noon! No worries, yet. I don't know any girl who could get past that bad breath smell. I tell him, "You've got breath only a Mother could love...and no matter the depth of my love for you...I don't love your breath right now!" I'm just teasing. He's on vacation and thinks the rules have slacked. Notice...he "thinks" that. He'll learn soon enough that that is not a rule that one ever slacks on!

He leaves soon and I'll be back "if the crick don't rise and Lawd willin"...trying to soak up this time. You understand, I know.

Oh.My.Word.

2011-10-12T08:48:00.005+08:00

I'm telling you...the enemy is trying to steal my joy!

As soon as my computer is up and running then... our internet dies.

I think we are back on track. Mercy. I may have to do a marathon of posts just to put up all the stuff I've been wanting to.

Hang in there! Gotta get started on home schooling and then...I'll be back!

Here's a picture I've been wanting to post...while you wait.

We miss you Auntie!

Just proving that I'm coming!

2011-10-06T10:44:00.001+08:00

Sleeping Beauty

And life goes on...

2011-10-04T14:46:00.002+08:00

Thanks to my AMAZING, AWESOME, SUPER INTELLIGENT, (shall I go on?) Husband, my computer is alive and kicking. Not back to full glory, yet, since we have to re-download everything...but well on its way.

Thanks for hanging in there and checking on me. I have tons to tell you if I can remember and find the time. HRH, has posts to put up.

We are coming! :)

what a crazy time!

2011-10-02T13:32:00.003+08:00

My brand new computer died. Literally, died. Did you know that international warranty's are not what they seem?

Neither here nor there. My computer died two weeks ago without warning or provocation. I guess it was a hard(ware) attack. LOL.

My husband has been working with a tech guy via skype to repair it, but it is not as easily done as the guy thought.

So...I'm computer-less...which is frustrating to say the least.

HRH, has posts to go up and I don't have access. This is the King's computer and he is using it when I have time to. I guess I'll be up at 4:30 to get some stuff done. We're trying to share, but it's really inconvenient.

Just wanted you to know I'm not dead. Actually, alive and kicking. Crazy busy with home school and a national holiday, not to mention a million and one other things. The Prince comes home for a break this week. WOOHOO! and we've been up to our eyeballs in paperwork (which was all on my computer) regarding the additions to our family that I have yet to give you details about.

SO MUCH TO SAY!!!!

God is good. All the time. We've much to share. Keep checking on me and say a prayer for my computer. Ug. It's awful to be tied to the ones you love via computer and then be computer-less.

Love you.

Praying for you to be marinated in grace and peace! Hmmm...what a thought.

You can see it, can't you?

2011-09-17T10:37:00.001+08:00

Mischief in his eyes...knowledge in hers that something is coming...

Missing these peeps today. :)

Guest Blogger...

2011-09-08T14:55:00.006+08:00

Disclaimer: We are a work in progress. There are errors within that have not been corrected. Please be patient. We want to document the growth. I am not one of those who believes only perfect work is published. :)

Flounder the Shark

There once was a reef shark named Flounder that nobody wanted to be friends with. He was not friends with the harmless sperm whale that ate krill, he was not friends with the other sharks that swam about, and he was not friends with the dolphins or anybody else in the ocean. Then one day Flounder was out swimming when he heard a loud cry coming from behind him. He turned to see what was happening. Then, he saw it. There was a large fishing boat with an enormous net that held all the other fish and creatures in the ocean in it. Some of the smaller ones were trying to wiggle out of its strong grip but it was so strong that it held them in. Then the shark thought to himself even though they were not nice to him he had to do something. So, he darted toward the net, took it in his mouth, swam away and tore a big gap in it so that all the fish, both big and small, escaped. After that everyone gathered to congratulate the new hero and the mayor himself gave Flounder a solid gold medal for risking his life for the life of him and his people.
THAT’S ALL FOR FLOUNDER AND ME. NEXT TIME IT WILL BE SIMILAR.
HRH

Some pics to make you smile...

2011-09-08T11:04:00.004+08:00

Happy Birthday to my BFF.

2011-09-05T14:38:00.005+08:00

40's and Fabulous!

More Girl Stuff!

2011-09-03T14:14:00.009+08:00

My nieces were talking about wanting to try fake eyelashes and we found them on the Clearance rack, so we decided to do it together! :) After all isn't that the kind of thing that wins "The Favorite Aunt" award? Stuff like that! Plus, being with these girls is fun and time was SO SHORT.

I have never worn false eyelashes and wasn't sure about the procedure. I'm thinking that these were on clearance for their lack of directions...but we figured it out and had several laughs along the way. There were two kinds: Dramatic and Natural.

We started out with Dramatic...on one eye. :)

Can you tell which one? wink wink

Check these out!

We bought extras and the younger girls wanted to try them, too.

Honestly, they feel weird on your eyes.

Only one neice didn't need falsies...imagine that. Look at those eyes.

Here's the group. :)

I had a dream...

2011-09-03T13:58:00.003+08:00

I dreamed that my mom and the King's mom were both visiting us over here. They were sitting together on the couch, deep in a discussion and we were going about our lives.

Sidenote: I am a touchy/feely kind of person and I'm always touching people I love, especially the King. I like to touch his bald head...or his cheeks...or his hands...or pat him on the bottom when no one is looking, but he doesn't know it...he turns RED! I love it. Anyway, I like him and I think loving touches can show that more than words sometimes.

So...in my dream our moms caught us being mushy. We thought they weren't paying attention to us. I overheard my mom say to the King's mom, "Doesn't it make your heart smile? Knowing that no one loves him like she does?"

The King's mom smiled and said, "Yes, I'm so grateful for it. AND it makes my heart smile knowing that no one loves her like he does."

I woke up smiling. I told the King my dream. He was in the middle of some computer stuff that had him seriously intent. He stopped. Looked at me... and smiled and said, "Thank you for that dream... for telling me...for loving me and remember that NO ONE does love you like I do."

Awww.

Guest Blogger...

2011-09-02T16:44:00.005+08:00

As part of our home school this next year, I am having the Princess be a guest blogger. She will write, hopefully once a week, about various aspects of homeschool and various subjects. One thing we didn't do well last year was writing...so we're working to improve. So when you see the initials "HRH" you know she has been here.She likes to put funny things at the end. Show her your support and comment. Thanks.

Here she goes:

I am excited that school is starting because I have fun subjects. I have Abeka, Horizons and Switched on Schoolhouse(SOS). SOS is my favorite of them all. SOS is also my favorite because I have to do science experiments that are really fun and I learn alot of stuff! It is also done all on the computer. I used to think that I hated home school because I had no friends, I don't love it either, I just have friends now so therefore I like it.

THATS ALL FOR THIS WEEK FOLKS

HRH

Hamster or turtle?

2011-09-02T15:35:00.001+08:00

Cheap Entertainment...

2011-09-02T15:13:00.003+08:00

Having not grown up with rodents PURPOSEFULLY in my house, this experience with small tail-less ones is quite interesting. I'm definitely a "pet person." I just am not familiar with these kinds of pets. We "adopted" a new one from a friend who felt like hers was being neglected because she was too busy. Her name is Snickers because of the various colors she has and the Princess calls her "Nicky." She still considered a teenager in Hamster years (?) and is quite entertaining. The other one was peach colored when she was little hence the name Peaches, but she has shed her Peach fur and is now only white.

The Princess entertains herself well with these critters. This whiffle ball broke in two and she turned the hamsters into turtles. LOL. I could hear her laughing all the way out on the balcony!

She's considered elderly and she's not even one yaer old.

Nicky decided it was too hot to hang out below...so she crawled up on top of her wheel and just hung out.

Look at that foot! HILARIOUS. When I reached out to tickle it...she jerked it in and changed positions.

Cheap entertainment. She fell off the top of the wheel the other night and squeaked! Then jumped up and acted like she meant to do that. LOL. Who knew rodents could be so entertaining?

My boy...

2011-08-31T20:10:00.004+08:00

When the Prince was young he said he was going to "grow up and baptize people and they'll call me 'Prince' the Baptist." I always thought that was the sweetest thing, but that's not how he's known at school. It's an entirely sweet name.

'Prince' the Hugger.

Say it with me..."AAAwwwww." It fits. The King's mother teases him about his wingspan. When he opens his arms and comes at you...you can't help but want to be hugged. She misses that...so do I, now.

I met many new parents when I took him to school and several, like us, that this was their child's second year. Everywhere we went on campus, people saw him and yelled, "Prince! Glad you're back!" It was a sweet thing to watch.

But at dinner one night I was talking to another mother (the Prince was not sitting with me) and she asked me, "Who is your son?" When I told her his name...she lit up and said, "I know him! He's the Hugger!"

When I was leaving, I was conscious of the fact that his dormmates were all around and that he's a Junior on campus and you never know what might embarrass your kid. So, I whispered in his ear, "Can I have a hug?" and he stepped back and laughed, then to his dorm mom said, "My mom just asked me the stupidest question! She asked if she could have a hug!"

He looked at me and said , "Mom, I'll never outgrow hugging you and I'll never be embarrassed to do it." Melts my heart thinking about it now.

Sleepless surprise...

2011-08-30T02:07:00.005+08:00

How many times have you been thankful for not sleeping? A few, maybe.

Cramming for a test....sitting in the choir loft on sunday morning...long, late drive home, etc.

Well, I got to talk to her (not the little one, the red-haired one!)

and her

because of not sleeping. I was too hot and had too much on my mind and was frustrated that I couldn't sleep... and was rewarded. However, it is now 2:00AM and I'm completely awake...and happy.

When I'm missing my son...

2011-08-29T12:26:00.004+08:00

I just pull up a few favorite, funny pics of him...then it's not so bad. :)

I am behind...

2011-08-25T09:49:00.003+08:00

I know I am behind. I have SO MANY more pictures from our vacation to blog. But I happened upon these this morning and it made my heart smile. The King and his Grandmother. Sweet.

They were taken with my iTouch, so they are not as good as a real camera, but better than nothing!

What big eyes you have...

2011-08-24T10:39:00.006+08:00

Having my eyes checked for reading glasses. Aren't these hilarious?

The outcome.

I'm starting to get a complex being around all these small/squinty eyed asians.

They tell me how big my eyes areand that I am so animated that sometimes I scare them.

Huh?

My tutor tells me when I'm wearing my reading glasses (of course) and look up at her it takes her breath away at how big my eyes are. She literally jumps sometimes...like I yelled at her or something.

Crazy.

I love kids and am always trying to talk to the little ones here, but often they cry. That's hard on my ego and my heart. My friend said my eyes are too big and it scares them. She recommended I try squinting when I smiled at them. I cannot actually believe that it worked...for a while.

I never thought my eyes that big...but I'm starting to wonder.

If I only had one...you could call me Mike Wyzowski (Monsters, Inc.)

Anyway. Laugh while you can, because when I see you I'm turning my big eyes on you!...hmmm..maybe that's why my kids look at me that way when I'm being serious...they're a little bit freaked out...now I'm really wondering.

From our heart to yours...

2011-08-21T13:15:00.002+08:00

If you've already seen this video, remember that we live on the other side of the world and this is new to us.

It speaks to the heart of why we moved to a foreign country to learn a foreign language to live amongst foreigners (oh wait...that make US the foreigners! LOL.) I encourage you to watch it... more than once...and then share it.

http://youtu.be/Wgg2KYdMpqc

Gives a new meaning to the concept of "Launch."

20 years ago today...

2011-08-10T10:12:00.003+08:00

...I married my best friend...and I thought I loved him then.

Recently someone asked me what I liked/loved about him then...what first attracted me to him and what I love about him now.

The first thing that attracted me to him was his voice...he was singing...then I stopped and looked at him and man was he CUTE! But time would tell that there was so much more to him than outward appearances. All the things I loved about him then are still the same now (except for the hair. He had gorgeous hair, but he has a beautiful bald head now...and I love it no less), but there is so much more.

I can hardly believe that we've been married 20 years. We've worked at our marriage, prioritized it and each other, but more than that, we have put the Lord first and He has shown us what real love is. We are a work in progress. I thought when I walked down the aisle to his grinning face that I couldn't love him more, and I couldn't have...on my own. But God has worked in both of us, molding and making us, and teaching us to love one another because God is love.

I can honestly say that I love my husband more now than I ever did and I anticipate that love growing to a depth I can't even fathom at this moment, but only because of the One who is love.

I hope we have many more years together, Love.
Happy Anniversary.

Eye Candy! LOL.

2011-08-09T10:50:00.004+08:00

Big plans...

2011-08-06T13:02:00.003+08:00

For a hint to what the big thing Father is doing in our life is watch this video.

http://youtu.be/V6jO7xhU_Pw

Don't be tempted to cut it short thinking you know the end...watch the whole 5 and half minutes. It'll be worth it. I promise.

A moment in time...

2011-08-04T10:21:00.004+08:00

Just another reason I hate for the Prince to go off to school...less music in my house. :) We have had some great times of family worship together since he came back. The music aspect has been wonderful. We can pull four parts when the Princess can hold her own on the melody, which she usually can! Everyday my kids are practicing piano and guitar with little prompting, but when the Father/Son duo sit down to play...pretty much everything else stops. We all love it.

Something that makes my heart smile is to hear my kids going about their business singing a hymn that they really didn't know until we came over here. This one the Princess was singing at the top of her lungs while helping me clean house, I'm sure you can picture it: "Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace. Streams of mercy, never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above! Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it. Mount of thy redeeming love."

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of music.

A lesson learned...again.

2011-08-03T10:06:00.003+08:00

When we met my parents in January for a vacation, my Dad gave me a special gift. He said that he wanted me to know every time I wore it how much he loved me and how proud of me he is and that I'll always be his little girl. He picked it out just for me.A beautiful necklace with my birthstone and a rose gold chain. I love it. I've hardly taken in off since he gave it to me.

So, recently a friend of mine and I bought matching charms to wear on a chain in order to remember to pray for each other. I took off the necklace my dad gave me and put it in a safe place. I didn't put it with the rest of my jewelry-not wanting it to get tangled up. I thought about where to put it and then carefully placed it there.

I wore my friends' charm the whole time I was with her and then for another week afterward. While getting dressed one day, I reached for the necklace my Dad gave me and panicked! Where was it? What did I do with it? Did I leave it somewhere? No, I wouldn't. I'm careful with my jewelry since having it all stolen a few years back. I stopped and backtracked, but could not remember where I put it.

For another week, I thought and looked. I turned everything inside out looking in every nook and cranny. On Monday, it finally hit me. I have lost this treasure...compounded with the fact that my boy is leaving soon...I had a yucky day. As a last resort, (WHEN will I learn?!) I took it to the Lord in prayer.

I had so much on mind that I had a difficult time falling asleep. It was after 3AM when I was finally falling asleep and I had been talking to God, just as I'm relaxing and about to go...I smile. I had asked God to give me a mental picture of what I did with it...and He did. I carry a pill box in my purse with compartments...and I keep one empty for things like this.

I went right to sleep in peace knowing that my heavenly father had answered my prayer. When I awoke, I went right to my purse, took out the necklace and put it on. All day long as I fingered the necklace, I offered praise to God. I know that His word says he cares about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and yet, I still need to be reminded that He cares about the details of my life and what is important to me.

I don't have that many earthly treasures. I try not to put too much stock in them, and I'll have to deal with my feelings about this particular necklace at some point, but my smile today is from knowing that I have TWO FATHERS who love me and want the best for me.

What a relief...

2011-08-02T16:19:00.003+08:00

Since returning from the states with all my homeschool stuff in tow, it's been on my list to get to planning. I sorted and made sure it was all there as well as made some mental notes regarding schedule and promoting last years's substitute teacher (the King!) to co-teacher this year. :)

My daughter is going to be a 4th grader which is where I spent the majority of my teaching experience. I'm excited about it! But, I haven't been able to get to the plans (because Dad threw a big change to our plans, which I'll write about soon) yet and it's been bothering me that school starts soon and I'm not yet prepared.

Also, the Prince returns to boarding school on the 14th and I haven't wanted to take time away from being with him. So, I've felt somewhat like a pressure cooker with regard to the self-imposed stress relating to a not-yet-fully-planned-and-organized school year that should begin just as he leaves. Did you get that?

So, my co-teacher reminded me that even though it's in my blood to teach in a certain way for a certain number of days, with a certain number of breaks along the way...we ARE homeschooling and living a far different life than when I was teaching at a school. It's okay to change some things up. I have to remind myself of that fairly often. As a public school teacher I had to always have a plan and a backup plan to be flexible with regard to any and all changes that might and WOULD come my way on any given day. Are you following me? Organization has always been the key for me to even pretend to be spontaneous. LOL.

When we were kids, school didn't start until after Labor Day and through the years it slowly moved forward. I always loved knowing exactly when the first day of school was AND that it was a short week because we started on Tuesday. So, I'm giving my daughter (and myself) a gift this year. We are starting AFTER Labor Day...AFTER the Prince returns to school...AFTER I've cried about it and have to move on...AFTER I've had a small chance to regroup...AFTER I've had time to plan and organize...AFTER I've had time to do a big chunk of "this big change to our plans" workload.

AFTER.

Whew! Someone turned off my pressure cooker.

A praise..

2011-07-31T10:24:00.004+08:00

Every time we have to renew visas...we cringe.

It's the biggest headache...ever.

We do all we can to go in prepared with the copies of every tiny thing they want and it never fails that we don't have something because they didn't tell us. It's a 20-30 minute taxi ride one way to get to the place. You take a number, sit down and wait, sometimes all morning before they get to you. You give them your documents and oops...you need this one obscure peice of documentation that could take weeks to get from your school. Oh well, your visas will expire in the mean time. Ug.

One time I was so frustrated with the annoying visa guy for talking down to me when he had forgotten to tell me something I needed and I was on my THIRD trip (my husband had made THREE trips to another office for another document) to their office that I almost went off on him in English (of which he spoke some). I finally did make my point and before I left wrote down the exact LIST of things to bring for the next time and as soon as my feet hit the ground outside their office and I knew he couldn't see me (after all, I do try to remember my witness!)...I went off...to myself...to nobody...just to get it off my chest...to God! I remember saying, let me organize this country!!! LOL. This is life in a foreign country...

Anyway, our kids visas expire at a different time than ours by less than a month. You would think we were asking for an act of Congress. No one wants to help us...especially during the summer when their work load slows down some.

Anyway, it was that dreaded time this week. But ALL PRAISE TO GOD...He made it so smooth. The annoying visa guy who talked down to me last time asked me about my language progress and we were able to converse a bit in his language and he was actually KIND to me. I left there thinking, hmmm...weird...but "thank you Lord!"

It may seem like a small thing to you, but to us, it's huge. The enemy tries to use every little nuance of life in a foreign country to steal our joy. He didn't win this time. Maybe because it was easier, maybe because we had a better attitude, maybe, maybe, maybe... whatever. He lost. We walked away with a smile on our faces and kind words to the usually annoying visa guy. And...annoying visa guy.....actually smiled back. A rarity.

Um, really?

2011-07-26T22:02:00.003+08:00

You've seen this picture with LilBit, but what I didn't post was the close up of the bag attached to the back...

The reality is...SOMEONE must have tried it or they would not feel the need to tell you NOT to do it, don't you think?

I haven't seen signs like this in this country, but I've seen that kind of stuff going on...the one (or two) that gets me most...
...mom riding in the front seat of a CRAZY TAXI holding an infant in her arms.

...OR

...I think this might be WORSE....

...Mom on the back of a motorcyle with an infant in her arms...in the rain...without a helmet...in THIS COUNTRY...she must be desperate to get home to do that.

I'll never understand it.

My poor mother!

2011-07-25T18:14:00.003+08:00

He thinks he is funny. Well, actually, I think he's funny. I have a tone of pictures with him making silly faces. Of course, it didn't take long for me to join in the fun!

Sometimes I wonder how my mom survived our childhood!

Baseball!

2011-07-24T21:26:00.003+08:00

As kids, we ALL played baseball. I've always loved it. As a family, went to watch a game. It was great fun. We got tickets that included a free gift and all you can eat dinner. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, etc. Afterwards, there were fireworks.

Someone is always CRASHING A PICTURE...it's just usually my son. :)

Love these peeps.

Mt SIL and her Dad.

My SIL, three neices, one nephew, my son, and other nephew with me peeking over the top. Even Jesus was there. :)

I was so excited to be there. I didn't even care if they won or lost. Before the game started, we all stood for the national anthem. I literally had chill bumps. That is something that I have wondered about...what will it be like to be in MY country and hear MY national anthem when I've lived in a FOREIGN one for so long? It was sweet to hear. After the game, they had a fireworks display which was awesome, but before they began, they played "God Bless the USA." I cried. My brother knew exactly how I felt.

I never had a CHANCE!

2011-07-24T09:31:00.016+08:00

When scrolling through my pictures to see what I should post next, I realized that 1/3 of my pics are of this little brown-eyed darling or had her in them. She completely captivated me. She was so friendly and amazingly excited to see us. I attribute that to my family, probably my mom mostly, telling her about us. When my mom had her, we would try to skype. She has seen pictures of the "Cousins" and knew we were coming to see her. Of course, we came to see them all, but if you were three...wouldn't you think you were the main attraction too? And by the amount of pictures I took of her...she was. However, all of my neices and nephews are my favorite. If I had to choose one...I couldn't. Each one is a treasure with a unique personality and charm. I enjoyed them all immensely. One thing I noticed about them was that they are well-rounded. They got along well. There was no jealousy amongst them. Just a genuine love for each other. Pretty amazing at their ages. Of course, I'm proud. You would be, too. Now that I've bragged on them, remember how much I love them ALL as you scroll through these pics of LILBIT. I don't have brown-eyed children. So I was helpless against those chocolate eyes! I almost felt sorry for my Baby brother...almost. If she weren't such a doll...I might have.

Snowcones all around! My sister-in-law would give her a tiny one. She amost always wanted something pink!

Everyone's toy!

Such a charmer...she charmed my friends. She didn't know them, but I did. I guess that was enough for her.

She was dictating what MKRH should write.

As I was tucking her in, I first tucked in "your pink Monkey doll, your Little sister doll, and you" But she said, "your Tinkerbell doll." Of course, MY Tinkerbell doll. And make no mistake...she IS A DOLL.

She LOVED my boy! Well, she loved all the cousins, especially the boys. They would carry her around when she wanted..the would play with her. I'm sure she felt safe with them. She bounced from one to the other. :)

One day when Gma was feeling poorly, the King and I took LilBit shopping with us. She saw this cart...and that was it. I was not about to tell her no. Especially when she gives me that smile!

Sacked out!

Too pooped to carry on...unless she's carried by an Uncle!

Freebirds burritos! Yum! She decided to save a little for later.

Cracking up! How did she make her eyes so big!

We entertained ourselves with my ipod touch....ALOT. :)

Cotton Candy!

She was happiest with the cousins or the Big BRO/SIS.

Entertaining ourselves...she was trying to mimic my face! I was LOL!

Notice the dimple high on her cheek. She has TWO!. Mercy.

She stole my heart!

Oh. My. Word. Ha-LARIOUS!

Always willing to pose!

Catching bubbles!

Pony rides!

Striking a pose!

Always willing to give a kiss!

She was entertaining herself and I was too slow with the camera, so Big Sis helped her re-enact the fun. :)

She would turn those chocolate eyes on me and ask to use my "i-pAHHHHd" How could I say no? Why would I? See? You understand.

At the mall, she wanted to jump...but we thought her too tiny. However the man in charge said he helped younger smaller kids to do it. So...we gave it a shot. She LOVED it!

Drive In Movies

2011-07-23T18:18:00.003+08:00

One of the fun things we did as a family was to go to a double feature drive-in movie. I have great memories of this from my childhood. When I was young, you paid by the car...we had a Suburban! My mom would pop a garbage bag full of popcorn and make a cooler full of Kool*Aid. We would take blankets and pillows and PILE IN.

Here's an interesting piece of trivia...My very first job was at the concession stand at the Drive-In Theater in my home town.
The newest addition is a radio station...you don't have to pull a speaker into your car anymore. You just tune in. Cool.
When the sun goes down...the movie starts. This theater has three screens to choose from. We took lawn chairs and snacks.
The Littlest Family member was a trooper. She held on as long as she could and wasn't grumpy as long as she was with the "Cousins".

It was a good time and good memories.

A funny...

2011-07-19T11:08:00.002+08:00

Since we have embarked on this journey, we have had to do TONS of traveling. We have coached our kids on how to behave and what they are allowed to say and not say in an airport. The Prince thought in was funny to call me, "The Bomb!" at the airport. NOT COOL.

Anyway, when we arrived at the airport to go back to the states...the sliding doors opened...we walked in...and my kids said simultaneously, "home" " now this is familiar!" I turned to see them both smiling and I had to grin. My kids are now a part of a group of people called, "third culture kids" and those people feel most at home in airports. Funny.

A few of my favorite faces...

2011-07-15T08:38:00.005+08:00

My BFF drove HOURS to be with me and mine. She and her family pour into mine so sweetly. We are blessed to know them all. Time with BFF's is ALWAYS too short, isn't it?

I admit it. I'm a 40 year old Daddy's girl. My dad only got a few days off while we were there. This is the picture just before he left to go to the airport. I was going with him to see him off, but the sadness was too much and he told me not to go. So we took one last snapshot. There is something amazingly wonderful in being loved so completely by your parents. Dad, you are a treasure.

When we moved away, I was just getting to know this little sweetheart. She's an addition to our family by marriage. I spent several days trying to get a good picture of her. She would not fully cooperate. My blessing was that she spent most of her time wrapped around my waist, hugging me. I don't know what caused the bond to grow between us, but I love it. She is like all kids and can be a pill, but she needs to know she's loved and cherished. A great thing about being an Aunt is that I can do that. Love on them. Even if I'm on the other side of the world. Love you, M.

These girls have hearts as big as the world. They both are servants, givers, loving. With my large family there is always chaos. No matter how hard we try, we cannot move in a straight line...it's more like a giant amoeba! These two (among others) were so flexible and loving. Whatever they could do to make everyone or anyone happy...they did it. Completely selfless and fun.

The Moms in my life. Mine and my husbands. Where would we be without them? This life we're living would be so much more difficult without the ways they help us. I often think about how hard it must be to work so hard to rear your children to be independent, loving, Godly, etc...and then to actually have to step back and let them be those things. At some point, parents step into a "friend" shoe to their kids. They will always be parents, always willing to help, but at some point they have to learn to wait until they are asked for the advice that used to come forth so readily. How do you learn that, I wonder as my oldest is on the brink of adulthood? My thoughts...one step at a time. It must be a journey like all else. Otherwise, we might feel like our children are ripped from our bosoms. Or...it could be that the difficult teenage years prepare us to let go and say (tongue in cheek), "See ya. You have it all figured out! Go for it!" LOL. No matter which way, it can't be easy.

I'm undyingly grateful to these two women. So much so that mere words cannot express it. It's a good thing that God sees my heart. When my words fail to express the depth of thanks and honor that I want to give him for his creation and gifts to me...He knows my heart.

Inseparable...

2011-07-14T10:03:00.003+08:00

Three peas in a pod......no....the Three Musketeers....no....the Three Stooges! More like it. LOL. Whatever the title, the description needs to say, "Joined at the hip."

Girl stuff!

2011-07-13T20:31:00.004+08:00

The fun stuff about my neices (and sister-in-love's) is that they like girl stuff. Don't get me wrong, the only "Girly girl" is the little one (and she is ALL ABOUT the girls' stuff-more later). All the others can hold their own in sports or with brothers and uncles!

This one saw us taking off our shoes to get a pedicure and ASSUMED she as getting one, too! I looked up and she was taking off her socks and shoes, too. LOL.

So...of course, I put her in with me. The Nail people were so sweet to paint hers too.

I smile just looking at these pictures. I am very blessed...as are my brothers.

Cousins!

2011-07-12T09:05:00.002+08:00

What fun we had!

2011-07-11T09:38:00.002+08:00

See no evil!

Hear no evil!

Speak no evil!

Have no FUN!

LOL.

Where do I start?

2011-07-06T05:50:00.005+08:00

Now that I can post, I'm not sure where to start.

We had such a wonderful time on our whirlwind trip! Of course, we would have like more time, but are do thankful for what we got.

Here are a few random pics to make you smile!

Now that was worth the wait, wasn't it?

Hmmm.

2011-06-28T12:29:00.002+08:00

I keep trying to publish a post and it won't work...so this is a trial run. With nothing important to say...just wondering if it will work so I can figure out the problem.

A word or two...

2011-06-27T08:20:00.006+08:00

Before we left on our vacation we were already tired (or more likely exhausted) hence the need for a vacation. :) But we were so excited to see our families that we couldn't sleep on the plane more than to doze here and there.

When we landed, we hit the ground running (on mostly adrenaline!) and did not stop much through the course of two weeks. Some days we were going from 8AM til midnight or after. Some days I fell asleep in the car driving from one place to the next for 10 minutes.

Going going going! What a great time we had. I kept telling myself, "This is all the time I get. I can sleep later." Sometimes it worked and sometimes my body overruled my head/heart.

When we got back home....we slept. Off and on for nearly three days. Crazy. It's a good thing we didn't have to get up and go to a job...which I know many have had to do in the throes of jetlag. Anyway, we are slowly coming around. :)

Many stories to tell and pictures to share!

A word to our families (some friends are included here as well)...thanks. For everything. For the sacrifices you made to make out time together a treasure. It was. Is. We love you and miss you already, but as the saying goes, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" LOL.

Home, safe and sound

2011-06-24T12:56:00.002+08:00

We made the trip to and from the states in a whirlwind! Great times!

So much to say and pics to share, but right now I MUST get my life in order and suitcases put away. I'll be back soon.

Thanks to Pandamom who met us and took family pictures. Great pictures if I say so myself.

Just thought you'd like to know that as I right this I am so thankful to have my son home for the summer. The soundtrack to this post is the King and the Prince both playing the guitar and singing almost at the top of their lungs, "Let my life song sing to you!" Priceless memories. Wish you could hear it.

One more sleep!

2011-06-05T08:28:00.002+08:00

Oh. My. Word.

Can it be?

My son is home.

We are packing.

We leave tomorrow.

By Tuesday night I'll be hugging my family.

It seems surreal.

I'll be taking TONS of pictures!!!!

Hope to see you along the way.

My Mother's Day gift from my son. :)

2011-05-27T11:01:00.000+08:00

Catching up...

2011-05-26T09:14:00.005+08:00

I remember trying to post birthday pictures and having internet issues, but I forgot to come back again. So...from January's sleepover...here are a few of the goodies.

Needless to say there were no cupcakes left over! They were begging for more. This is not a typical birthday celebration in this country. They ATE it up. Literally. :)

I don't like to post pictures of other people's kids without their permission, so I was going to have some of the girls cover their faces....but they beat me to it. Silly girls. The Princess was busy reading a book she got for her b-day.

Carnival prizes...

2011-05-26T09:03:00.002+08:00

With her daddy talking in her ear (see his face?) she was aiming at balloons with a laser sensor gun. If she popped enough of them she would win a prize. She got close.
Look how determined she is. One eye open...one shut...mouth twisted...
Wish I had a better picture of that face!
Didn't get the prize but had fun anyway. It's harder than it looks!

Whose kid is this?

2011-05-26T08:55:00.002+08:00

Our tutor has become a family member! We spend so much time together and she teaches the whole family. We in turn help her with her English. She is so much fun and and has really taken to my kids, especially the Princess. She was showing me some pictures on her camera and I realized she had a TON of my daughter. This was one.
Our tutor is like a big sister to the Princess and they really get along well. She has been the best thing for helping the Princess feel comfortable using this foreign language. We are so thankful for her.

For my husband...

2011-05-24T20:56:00.003+08:00

He likes these pictures. :) I was the designated "hat rack" and one of the medical team snapped my picture. The King loves it. Wonder why? Maybe just because it's ME in HIS hat. He likes me a little, I think. I'm glad for that fact because I like him a little, too. ;)

PTL!

2011-05-24T08:36:00.001+08:00

I just wanted to say that I got word from my helper that she is MUCH improved. Thanks for praying. Please keep it up. :)

2 weeks!

2011-05-23T11:06:00.002+08:00

Two weeks from today we begin our journey. We have to travel to a large city in country and stay the night to catch our flight the next day.

I can hardly believe it. Really. My daughter asked me who I was going to hug first. I told her, "the first person I recognize! I hope it's a family member!" LOL.

I have a million and one things to do before we go, but I wanted to stop by and ask you to pray for my house helper. Her mother recently had a stroke and then she had some issues that sent her into a coma and she nearly died. She had a reaction to medication as well. She has been off of work for nearly a month and is stressed because of the finances of it. We are not the only place she works. The Lord has laid it on our hearts how to help her and her family, but they definitely need prayer. She and her son are believers, but her husband and daughter are not. Please lift them up. I will keep you posted on her situation. There is much more that could be said with regard to the level of health care in this country but suffice it to say, I NEVER WANT to have to use the healthcare system here...emergency or not.

Thanks for caring about the things we care about.

Love~

Blessings.

2011-05-15T20:58:00.004+08:00

I think you probably are like I was when I lived in the states (unless you are just plain weird LOL)....I didn't LOVE laundry. It was necessary...a part of life...never-ending.

But laundry in a foreign culture takes on an entirely different meaning. We've adjusted. We wash the clothes and hang them to dry, iron them, etc. Nothing new there, but the pollution causes the laundry to never smell clean (hence the care package request for Febreeze...thanks MKRH)...or ever be soft. You get used to it. You never LIKE it, but you live. At least your clothes are clean and your not washing them with dirty river water as some people around you have to do. It's all about perspective, right?

Anyway, we have had to buy a new washing machine. No problem. I love my new one. It's in two languages so I actually KNOW what cycles to use...instead of guessing. Adjusted to it. When we first moved here...I wanted a dryer. The thing is they are RARE over here. When we finally found one it was so small that I couldn't imagine paying the high price in order to only dry a few pair of socks and underwear. So, I adjusted to life without one. Occasionally wishing for a soft, good-smelling towel when I get out of the shower, but in the grand scheme of things...it's no big deal.

Well. A new family moved to town. They have LOTS of kids...meaning....LOTS of laundry...daily. On a visit to them, I saw what I thought was TWO washing machines (based on their size) on their balcony. Imagine my shock, when the mom said, "No. That's my dryer."

What? Where did you get that HONKING thing?

It turns out that there is a online store where you can get different things...sort of like e*bay. My friend said to me, "It's not the gospel, but it will change your life!" She was right!

I checked out her dryer...and I admit to COVETING it. I've repented. LOL. I wrote down the brand name and serial number...and went shopping. I found one...it was kind of expensive...so I needed to think. Is this a wise investment of our money? I talked with my husband, we decided that we'd save some money and then get it. Sort of a splurge.

When the purchasing time came...God blessed me big time!!...the dryer was on sale!!!! AND they would deliver it to my 6th floor door for a less than $10 USD delivery fee. WOOHOO!!!!

We don't dry everything. We still hang things up as you can see. But we have soft towels!

This post is full of the things, people, and ways that the Lord has blessed me all because I learned to do without something. I let go of the desire for it and practiced being content. Please don't think I am patting myself on the back. I'm patting God on the back and thanking Him that he cares about the details of my life...even soft towels.

I love to laugh...

2011-05-09T09:28:00.002+08:00

Strawberry picking. You have to look closely to see how much water and mud is all around. My friend took this picture and sent it to me.

The reddest, biggest strawberries were in an aisle of the deepest yuckiest mud. Everyone could see them, but no one wanted to brave the mud. There was so much slipping and sliding as it was that we were all afraid of traveling the long distance home covered in mud on our backsides and having to stand. After a while, I decided to take the risk. I "strategized" for a minute and then jumped in. I slipped and slid and hollered and laughed the whole way...but I got the reward. The best strawberries and no mud on my bottom. :)

When my friend sent me this picture, I noticed something. I'm smiling and laughing.

I remembered this day with fondness and then the Lord pricked my heart about something deeper. Sometimes things in life are just yucky. Muddy. Uncomfortable. No fun at all. But He is faithful. He is my sustainer. He is my reward. There have been many days since moving here when I have felt no reason to smile. No joy. Just muddy. But if I press into him and don't lean on my own knowledge there is always peace. Always security in Him. And sometimes there is a fat, juicy reward in the here and now.

I'm envious (in a good way?) of the people whose every word flowing out of their mouth is pure eloquence. I want to be able to reflect the love of the Lord and his goodness in season and out. I want to be a voice that people want to listen to, but more than that, I want to honor God in all things. Even in strawberry pickin'. :)

Easter Bunny

2011-05-05T11:25:00.002+08:00

A friend gave the Princess this hat that has bunny ears and says, "Happy Easter" and she loves it. She decided to turn herself in to an Easter greeting/bunny.

She stuffed paper in a bag to make a cotton tail. LOL. You use what you have. :) Quite clever, I thought.

A servant heart..

2011-05-01T13:49:00.003+08:00

This lady helps us twice a week around the house. She cooks and cleans and is a wonderful encouragement to us. She works diligently to do things that will enable me to spend more time on my language learning.

Her mother had a stroke and she came to work anyway. We didn't find out until she arrived. She wouldn't leave until her work was done, so the Princess said, "Mom can I help her? I can do my schoolwork later."
No way was I going to say no to that offer. Precious. I adore them both.

For fun...

2011-05-01T13:44:00.000+08:00

I tried to post yesterday...

2011-04-29T08:06:00.001+08:00

40 DAYS!!!!!!!!!

Now, it's 39!!!!!

WHOOP!

CAN'T WAIT!

The latest group pic.

2011-04-22T09:35:00.000+08:00

Strawberry pickin' good!

2011-04-21T09:48:00.004+08:00

A group of homeschooling moms in the area decided to take our kids on a little field trip to pick strawberries. We took a taxi to the fast train, a 35 minute fast train ride, and then a bus for another hour to get to the desired location. It had been raining and we trekked out into the middle of the countryside to get to the strawberries. Rows upon rows of strawberries just waiting to be picked!!!

The owner of this particular plot of land gave the kids who didn't have rainboots plastic bags to tie over their shoes! Clever. We picked and picked and slipped and slid and laughed and talked for a couple of hours! We had a grand time and came home with more strawberries than we could really carry without squashing a few! I washed for a couple of hours at home to get them ready to eat. :)

This is a strawberry plant that a friend gave me 6 months ago. I don't have a green thumb...as a matter of fact...it's black. I kill almost every plant I get. Even the ones they say no one can kill. I either over water or underwater, over-sun or under-sun them. Or a combination of it all. But I try.

This plant should have produced some berries a few weeks ago. I really have babied it trying to take good care of it. It's right beside my kitchen sink so I don't forget to water it. Last week we noticed ONE berry. I don't care who says otherwise...that's VICTORY for me. LOL.

But as I've babied that berry...more have developed. I can count SIX strawberries today. WOOHOO!

Birthday Greetings

2011-04-19T09:06:00.002+08:00

In case you've forgotten, the Princess is a Craft-y kind of kid. She LOVES crafts. Any kind. Well, birthday greeting cards are hard to come by in this culture, so we improvise.

All I did was remind her that we were giving Dad an IOU for his birthday and needed a card. (We thought he would be out of town on his special day.) She did the rest. The picture is not the greatest, but she is a clever kid. Using whatever she could find. A piece of foam, a sharpie, plastic spoons, and scotch tape.

He LOVED it! And we took him to Star*bucks on his birthday and got that new mug.

A bit (bite) of history...

2011-04-19T07:57:00.002+08:00

This is LIKE a bagel in looks, but about half as thick. In reality it is as hard as a rock...almost...to bite into and chew. I was given one for a snack this weekend by a national and when I asked what it was it needed a definition to of circumstances to fully understand.

Apparently, during war time, soldiers would have five or six of these on a red string tied around their neck so that they didn't starve during the battle. They would eat a little, shoot a little, eat a little, shoot a little. It is an interesting piece of history to learn. They are still popular among the mountain people who are working in the fields all day. Imagine that. That will change your perspective on McDonald's or any other fast food.

The Prince and Princess together at last.

2011-04-18T14:31:00.003+08:00

Working toward a common goal...

Watching him play on his ipod...just to be with him.

I love this pic.

Stealing a kiss.

A closer look.

Scratching his back.

See why I didn't want him to have contacts!!!!!?

16 years ago...

2011-04-11T09:45:00.002+08:00

...a large group a people was gathered in waiting room of a small hospital awaiting the birth of the Prince. There were Sunday School teachers, neighbors, friends, Pastors, family members, but all were family to us. All were excited to greet the newcomer.

Prayers were lifted for a safe delivery and for a quick recovery for Queen. Queen, was in a large birthing room with room enough for all the grandparents to wait close at hand. When the time came, though, all were gone except for the Queen's mom. The Queen's mom having birthed five children had never had the honor of actually seeing a child born until the Prince came. Tears of joy came from her eyes.

The Prince was born healthy at 4:03 PM with blonde hair and rosy red lips. His voice was a strong tenor like his father and his father before him. No doubt he belonged in this family.

The Prince was loved and adored by all. He was a loving and fun child full of energy and questions. He was incredibly smart and always learning. He grew in stature and favor with God and man. He loved the Lord. He knew the Bible verses by heart. He asked his father to help him accept Christ as his savior when he was five years old. At six, he told his mother he would baptize people when he grew up. At seven, he was witnessing to his his classmates. Everyone loved the Prince. So much so, that grown men would come to his birthday parties because he personally invited them. Even slumber parties. He asked God to give his family a baby, which God did after doctors said it wouldn't happen. He is an awesome big brother.

As the Prince grew, he developed a love for people and the Word of God. He had an uncanny ability to memorize it, therefore it became written on his heart. He helped his family know that they should move to another country to study language and culture because he spent time with his heavenly Father asking for wisdom. In that context he became a big brother to many young girls who needed one.

The time came for the Prince to leave home to further his studies. It almost broke the King and Queen (and Princess)'s hearts. But it was the right decision. The Prince began to mature and grow into a Godly young man as they watched. He is a servant whom people love. He is GREATLY missed at home in the palace. But the world needs a Prince like him. One who serves the Most High God wholeheartedly.

Today the Prince turns 16, a milestone in the life of many his age. His parents and family want him to know that he is a joy to their heart. He has always been. They are unashamedly proud of him and who he is. They are cheering him on in all he does for they are his BIGGEST fans. They love him UNCONDITIONALLY. When he makes mistakes, which he undoubtedly will do, they are the place to fall...for they will always catch him. They are praying for him today and every day.

You are loved, young Prince.

*gives Prince a hug*

Happy Birthday.

Before you hear it somewhere else...

2011-04-02T11:33:00.002+08:00

We're coming home in June for two weeks.

So much still up in the air...but we are BEYOND excited!

I haven't seen my African family in about 5 years. So...that's the main reason to come, since they are there right now. We hope to see as many friends and family as we can, but please know that we are there first to see them and that you will mostly have to come to us once we land on American soil. We are car-less. Anyway, having said that, we do want to see you and hope you'll be understanding if we can't make it work!

More details to come.

Hmmm...

2011-03-30T04:12:00.004+08:00

Do you ever feel like your mind won't settle down? Too full of stuff? Not necessarily worry, per se, but just thoughts. Things you are trying to understand. Things you need to do. Things you want to do, etc.

Lately, I feel like I can't turn my brain off, and I really hate it. :)

I can be analytical and deep thinking when I want/need to be, but on a normal daily basis, I take things as they come...not pondering too deeply. Until lately. It's exhausting. I want to tell my brain, "Just shut up already!"

Just where I am right now...at 4:00 AM when I can't sleep, because well, my brain won't shut up. But here's the kicker...it's not saying anything all that important to me...just annoying me with things I can't change! LOL.

Such is (our) life...

2011-03-25T10:11:00.002+08:00

Well, the bad news is we didn't get to see the play.

The good news is the King got to see the Prince.

It's a long story, but the gist is that heavier fog than we've ever seen before grounded us for three days. Finally, we were able to get the King out on a different flight from a different city to see the Prince and take care of the logistics of why we were going. Crazy.

The Prince broke his glasses beyond repair and asked for contacts. So...he got them. Check out his FB for pics...until I get them. The King is still not home. Comes home today. We've missed them and were COMPLETELY bummed to miss the play and the Prince. The Prince said the play went well. We're hoping to get a video from someone. I also hope this isn't his last play. The parenting long distance thing stinks. He's involved in so much that I would be front row cheering him on in if I were there. I am his number one fan, after all. :)

If we were stateside, it probably would not have happened, but when you live in a foreign country everything is well...foreign! They do things differently. It's one of the big struggles I have. Sometimes, I think, "Let me organize this country!" I see so many ways to change things for the better, but then I ask myself, "better for whom?" They don't have any problem with the way things work. It's my problem. Anyway, I chased a rabbit.

We missed the play, but Plan B got the King over there to be with the Prince for a few days. They've had a grand 'ole time! The Princess and I have to wait 'til Easter break to see him, but then we have DIBS on him! It's crazy how much we miss him.

We're off to see the wizard!

2011-03-19T07:00:00.002+08:00

Well, we're off to see the Prince. He's in a play at school and we are SO EXCITED to see him. We saw him last on Feb 6. It's hard on us all not having his cheerful (and sometimes grumpy!) self around every day. When I come back, hopefully I'll have pics to post.

Say a prayer for him for nerves and jitters and all that...and for us as we travel.

Love~

I have to say...

2011-03-17T10:22:00.003+08:00

...I really like this rodent!

She has her own little personality and is so entertaining. Every morning when I sit down at my computer to download email she comes out to say "hi." She knows my voice and is the sweetest thing. When I hold her, she knows my smell. She doesn't bite or nibble on me like the others did. But...every time I put her back in her cage..she goes into the corner and goes potty. Every. Time. something about me makes her have to TeeTee. She sleeps like a dog...on her back and sides.

Since the other one (Snowflake) died unexpectedly, our best guess was that she froze to death. So...this one is in a room with a heater and thriving. Can you say "Spoiled"?

Her name is Peaches, but as she gets older she becomes more white. She is really soft. Who would have ever thought that I would allow a rodent into my house much less play with it myself? I guess I am really Ellie May Clampet as I've been teased before!

I can't help it. She's cute as can be!

Random Dorm pics

2011-03-16T10:48:00.005+08:00

The Prince's dorm parents are very good about taking pictures of their activities and posting them on the web. Here are a few random pics. Some are games...some studying...do you think he likes the hammock? LOL.

Smile worthy Vacation pics

2011-03-15T10:57:00.002+08:00

We were thrilled to find this Mexican food restaurant.

Mom was walking along and this HALF of a water bottle ended up on the end of her foot. We got a good laugh out of it.

These monkeys were crying out to be released...but they were NASTY bug covered creatures.

Neek (neck) massage anyone? Aloma (aroma)? Heh Heh.

Wouldn't you know it?

2011-03-15T10:49:00.004+08:00

I've been TRYING to blog for more than a WEEK..with NOTHING BUT TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES!!! AAaaarrrgghhh.

Remember my love/hate relationship with technology? Anyway. On a whim, I tried to get on right now when I have no time and nothing important to say.

So, I'm saying...I'm trying. I do have some things to show and say. Thanks for being patient. And thanks for all the birthday wishes. I did turn 40 and it didn't rock my world too much. LOL.

In the meantime, here's a picture of my lovely daughter at the home schooling conference. She had a grand time and made many new friends. She's my darling.

Celebrate!!!!

2011-03-12T00:50:00.005+08:00

Woohooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 40th Birthday, Friend!!

I hope you have a fabulous birthday! Can you believe we are actually 40?! You know that it hit me hard back in September and I am just now recovering from the reality! LOL!!

So sorry to not have gotten anything wonderful in the mail like you did for me, but you know I'll take care of you!

You are beautiful and I LOVE YOU!!! ~~ PandaMom

(yes, these pics were taken from my girls' weekend, but it's all I had and I know that your birthday is March 11, but I didn't post in time.....sorry!)

A funny...

2011-03-08T12:02:00.002+08:00

Last night we were have a national couple over for dinner. I was busy cooking when I realized I needed a can opened. My can opener broke the last time I used it and I have been gone...forgetting to try and replace it.

Hmmm. I frantically sent the King down to the market hoping they would have a hand held opener. My dinner was practically finished except for one can for the sauce. My company was arriving any minute. Ug.

So, being the good husband that he is...off he went.

No luck at the market, but he called a friend who lives close by and ran by there to borrow theirs.

In the meantime, the company called saying they would be late. Thank the Lord for small favors.

The King gets back with the can opener and I reach into the cabinet and hand him the can to open while I'm stirring my sauce so it doesn't burn.

He looks at me and says, "This is the can you want opened?"

Without looking I say, "Yes."

He starts chuckling....uh oh, what does that mean?

I take a peek. Yep. The can has a FLIP TOP.

I don't need the can opener.

No use trying to defend myself. I just laughed with him.

All was well.

And my chicken spaghetti turned out great! My company ate it up! :)