Play Ball!

From Brad.

Well, I guess being a single dad for a few days has got me in the blogging mood. Amy's been in Louisville for the past few days attending a retreat, so I've been going solo...and really having a great time with it. I know we haven't blogged for a while, being here in the states can really keep you busy. I guess the main reason I wanted to blog was to share my joyful little league baseball experience with you.

In Asia, it was not uncommon for the boys and me to venture outside with a baseball bat and a few balls in hand. We'd turn the tennis court into a makeshift baseball diamond (a bit lopsided at that). Peter and Alex have always enjoyed taking some swings, and I've always enjoyed helping them understand and like the game I loved as a little guy (and even now although I've dropped the adj 'little'). So when we knew we'd be back in the states for a while, I really wanted to get them involved in little league baseball. I found a Fall league that would allow me to manage my own team (a requirement of mine since I've heard of a few horror stories of overzealous parents/coaches). We've played 8 games so far and I must say it has been a great experience for all. It is a coach pitch league for 6-7 year olds.

When I drafted the team, I requested to be the Rangers (Astros were taken, Rangers are a fun, exciting team with Texas connections). They initially said ok, but then switched us to the Blue Jays b/c of a lack of Ranger uniforms. Uggg, not even an American team! :) We missed the first 2 games b/c of a family business trip to the East coast. Our team tied our first game 3-3, and lost the second 6-0. Games 3 & 4 were the first for the three Morello guys (with Savannah being our ever faithful ball girl). We lost 8-6 in the third game (first for us). I was pleasantly surprised that Peter and Alex both hit quite well and our team scored double the runs from the first two games. However, I was the pitcher the whole game and there's nobody more nervous on the field than me! I'm 40 feet away from the hitter and its overhand pitch with a hard ball. Throw it too soft and its diving straight down as it crosses the plate (hard to hit). Throw it too hard, and its too fast (also hard for these young guys to hit). Throw it inside and risk hitting a kid which at this stage would mean the end of his baseball career (they're already afraid of 'death-by-hit-batsman'). You get the picture...a perfect pitch and the kid has a shot of making contact. Anything else, it's a swing and a miss and disappointment everywhere.

Our 4th game we lost 13-2. I had lots of strikeouts, really lowered my ERA. :) Not what I wanted. We got killed and I started wondering if our team (now 0-3-1) was going to win a game all year long. But to keep things in perspective, Peter and Alex (2 of the better players) missed games 1&2, two other boys (2 of the better players) missed games 3&4. Game 5 rolled around and we Rocked! We won our first game by like 10 runs. Peter and Alex continued to hit well, and even made a couple plays in the field. However, I had never taught them baserunning. So Peter rounds 2nd base as the 2nd baseman is holding the ball right there, and Peter has no clue IT IS NOT GOOD TO STRAY OFF THE BAG. He fortunately got back to the bag because his Dad YELLED, 'get on the bag!!!'. Okay, not mean, but definitely competitive. Yikes, its not as easy as it looks to stay calm out there.

Games 5 & 6 we both won and now are on a 4 game winning streak. Now some of the 'late bloomers' who previously were joyfully watching planes fly by overhead are actually paying attention to the game and swinging in the general vicinity of the pitch :) and every now and then running into one. Peter hit a ball under the second baseman's glove last game which rolled to the fence. Due to an overthrow, he made it all the way home. According to Peter, he hit his first home run. I just couldn't bring myself to give him the facts. "Yes, Peter, you really crushed that ball!"

And were also finding some opportunities to share with some of the parents, which has been exciting. Last week, one of the Moms shared with Amy that she's been under so much stress with work and life, she just went and bought a Bible to see if it could help her. "Do you know anything about the Bible?" she asked Amy. How neat to be in that situation at that moment.

Here are the sluggers:

There's no smiling in baseball!

 Ah, maybe after a HR!

Finally got one in his wheelhouse!

Aging Faster than Expected!

by Amy


When the Goodins were in town for two weeks earlier this summer, we all bought a Houston City Pass.  So, we had tickets to 5 or 6 Houston Attractions that had to be visited in a 9 day time frame - Great for people who vacation in Houston, not so great for Houstonians.  But, since the Goodins were vacationing in Houston, we decided to pretend we were vacationing as well.  So, we did fun things like go to NASA (absolutely amazing!), the Houston Aquarium (quite disappointing), the Children's Museum (AWESOME), the Zoo (way to Hot to visit in June), and the Museum on Natural Science.  One day, I may actually blog about all of those great places, and the fun time we had vacationing with the Goodins, but that day is not today.  Today is about Alex.....


When we were in the Museum of Natural Science, we all entered the Gem Room.  (we all = 4 adults, 3 girls and 3 boys.)  It was a dark area with several rooms and halls.  All along the wall were beautiful, well lit glass cases displaying all sorts of gems (and maybe some rocks?).  The overhead lights were out so as to highlight and magnify the sparkly gems.  Near the entrance was an interactive computer display.  Alex ran right for it.  The rest of us separated and walked through the display.  So, I'm guessing when Alex turned around, he couldn't see anyone he knew.  My kids are trained to just call out for me, if they can't find me.  "Mommy!  Mommy!"  (It works better in Asia when they're the only ones yelling "Mommy!")   But, because Brad and I had entered the VAULT and were admiring the lovely sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, and since some crazy music was BLARING in there, we could not hear the cries of our son.  I'm assuming some other kind person heard those cries and took Alex to the "Lost Kid Headquarters."  And, since we were in the Vault, could we hear my name over the loud speakers as I was being paged....  Thankfully, the girls were not in the vault, so they came running to find us, thinking I was in trouble.  About this time we all realized we hadn't seen Alex in a while....  So, being the bright mama that I am, I concluded I had lost my son -- (Such a bummer...I just about had the Mom of the Year Award in the bag, until this unfortunate event.)  So, I raced downstairs to find my son behind the security desk, waiting to be claimed.  


He hugged me and promised to never leave my side again; I hugged him right back and reassured him of my forever love.  I was a little surprised the security guard let Alex leave with me -- He didn't even ask my name.  Then Alex said, "It's OK. I told them what you looked like, so that's how he knows your my mamma."  "Really? What did you say?"  Alex responded, "I told them you have curly hair and that Daddy looks like a grandpa."  

Oh my!  We laughed so hard!  A. my hair is not curly (see picture above).  And B - well, what do you think?  Does Brad look like a grandpa to you?  Of course not!  You know that security guard was so hoping the "Grandpa-looking Father" would be the one to claim the kid.  Too funny!  


PS -- Alex held my hand the rest of the day!  

First Impressions

So, we've lived in Asia for over four years.  My boys were 2 and Savannah was 4 when we moved there.  We came back to the States for a 3-week vacation about 2 years ago, but that's it.  Needless to say, things have changed since the last time I had a home here.  These are some of the fun/funny things we've noticed:

You can pause your TV.  Yes, you're watching a TV show, (not a DVD) and you can pause it to run and get a drink.  That's crazy!  I've heard of this TEVO thing where you can record your TV shows w/o a recorder (I've never done it), but I didn't know you could pause it.  Crazy!  

Peter was out riding his bike one day and came in to ask me for a towel.  When I asked what he needed a towel for he replied, "I was riding on the sidewalk and those things that are cleaning the bushes outside got my bike wet.  Sprinklers....I guess we don't see sprinklers in Asia! 

Laundry Detergent....Oh my!  In Asia, I don't buy my own laundry detergent.  My helper always did that for me.  So, after not buying detergent for over 4 years, I was overwhelmed.  They have liquid and powder, tons of scents, and lots of sizes!  I literally spent 20 minutes in laundry detergent isle, trying to decide what was the best value, what flavor I liked, and if I wanted energy saving detergent - what in the world?!  

Sidenote:  On our first morning in America, I woke up at 2am.  After laying in bed for an hour, I got up and was out the door by 3:30, on my way to super wal-mart!  By 6:45am the only people I had seen in the store were the stockers.  How strange for the grocery store to be open, but not full of people!  Then, I went to through the checkout, with my 199 items (I had 2 carts!), and they rejected my credit card.  I gave them another one, and it was rejected.  Then, I pulled out a check (I hadn't written a check in 4 years) and they rejected that too.  I borrowed my checker's cell phone to call my dad, but he couldn't come help me.  Finally, I called the number on the back of my credit card, and got it squared away.  I told my checker that if I had to walk away without my groceries (after shopping for 3+ hours) I was going to cry.  Thankfully, no tears were shed that morning!  

The sky is blue and clouds are lovely!  

Finally, I think the most surprising thing is how people drive!  They notice my kids!!  Parking lots and streets, are safe!  People driving cars stop way back to allow us to cross the street.  When my kids are riding their bikes on the sidewalk, drivers slow down to a crawl.  It's amazing!  I really don't think I'll ever get used to that!   

I'm sure I could go on and on....but I won't!  Maybe I'll write about a few more things we've discovered in another post.  

My boys are 7!!

Yep, on June 8, 2011, my little, baby boys turned SEVEN YEARS OLD!!!  Oh, my, how time fly!  Their day was fun!  We started off by meeting their cousins at Shipley Donuts.  Mmmm!  they're the closest thing to Krispy Kreme in Houston.  Then, we piled the girls (Savannah, cousin Emily, almost 5, and cousin Amanda, 6 1/2) in Grandma Sue's car.  They boys, (Peter, Alex, and cousin Travis, 10) hopped in our car, and we all headed downtown to a free production of Camp Rock 2 at an outdoor theater.  It was a warm June day in Houston, but we were sitting in an open-air, covered theater and it was perfect!  (My kids all love Camp Rock 2 and loved singing along with all the fun songs!)

Emily, on the left is my brother's daughter, and Amanda, on the right, is Brad's sister's daughter. Aren't they cuties?!?

Then, my dad met us at a yummy Mexican restaurant for lunch.  (I tried to talk him into attending the play with us, but I just couldn't convince him!)  Mexican food.... you gotta love it!  We had 10 people, and including tax and tip, the whole meal was $60!  Granted, we weren't at Pappasitos, but it was pretty great!  After will filled our bellys, we went down the street to Chuck-E-Cheese.  My boys played and played and played!  They had a blast running around with their cousins and collecting tickets.

After playing for a few hours, we pulled out the birthday cake.  This is the first year in their whole lives that I didn't make their cake.  We had been in America for a week and I just couldn't get my act together. ( Last years cakes took about 8 hours to make and decorate.)  Peter was crushed when I told him I couldn't do it this year.  My husband assured me time and time again that he'd get over it.  He was right.  When Sue took him to Sam's and let them pick out what ever cake they wanted, there were smiles all around!  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the cake they picked!  It was a small Toy Story themed circle cake with cupcakes around it.  

 
So, there you have it!  Alex and Peter are really seven years old!  I praise the Lord for each of them!  They are unique and fun!  What a blessing they are to this mama!  May they have many, MANY more birthdays to come!

I've fallen....

and I'm trying to get up!

Yes, I know it seems as if I've fallen off the face of the earth!  Technically, I just relocated on the face of the earth.  And, even though WiFi and Internet are FAST on this side of the world, so is everything else.  I tell you, we got off the plane on May 30 at 6:30pm and I have hardly stopped running since!  These last two months have been full!  And, I plan on blogging about it and posting fun pics, at some point, but the next 6 weeks are FULL as well.  So, here's a quick recap and preview:

Recap:
June 8, Peter and Alex turned 7!
June 9, we drove to OK to spend a long weekend with dear friends before they moved half way around the world, again.
June 14, precious friends from Colorado came to spend 2 weeks with us!  We did: NASA, Aquarium, VBS, Children's Museum, Dates, Swimming, Boating, Zoo, Cars 2, and much, much more!
July 4, Fun with family!
July 8, 9, and 10, Brad and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, without kids, thanks to my awesome mother-in-law!
July 12 (and 13), Savannah's Brithday ~ Splashtown and circus
July 15, we went to Bryan/College Station to see friends, share about out life in Asia, baptize our boys, and preach.
And, this week, my kids have been at a rockin' VBS each morning.
On top of all that, my mom has been in the hospital twice, Savannah's had an ear infection, I've joined a women's Bible study, kids have been trained in chores, Brad's been writing his dissertation, and we've loved seeing our family as much as possible!

Preview:
Next week, I'm attending a Homeschooling Conference in the Woodlands (north Houston).
Next Saturday we'll spend the day at Lake Conroe with one of Brad's friends from 20+ years ago.
Sunday we'll share about our Asia-life at a local church.
Then, on Aug 4 we'll take off for Louisville where we'll spend almost 3 weeks re-connecting with friends there, while Brad meets with professors and continues working on his dissertation.
At the end of August, we'll travel to South Carolina to participate in a conference, and head back "home" to Houston sometime after Labor Day.

Whew!  Life has been rich!  And, the next month will be full as well!  So, my goal is for you to hear from me again before Sept. 15, but I can't make any promises!

Now, for a few pics....  These are from my boys' first Astros game!  (Savannah was 3 weeks old when she attended her first game!)  

Something's Wrong With This Picture

Last Friday night, we went to some friends' home for dinner.  When we were leaving their home, I was so confused because only one of each of my flip flops were sitting by her door.  How did that happen?  Kevin said he noticed my feet right as I walked in and he figured I was wearing some special orthopedic shoes or something (Thanks, Kevin!  I'm only 6 years older than you!)  No, I was just too scatter brained when I left my house that I didn't notice I had put on two different shoes!  


Yes, things have been a little crazy around here these days!  We are deep in to packing mode.  In one week from tomorrow, movers will come to collect most of our earthly possessions and put them in storage.  Then, on Monday, May 30, we'll hop on a plane (or four) and 26 hours later, Lord willing, we'll land in Houston.  I'll do my best to wear matching shoes from here on out!  

Photo Fun!

Recently, the kids and I have gone on a couple of photo scavenger hunts.  We've been looking for letters.  Can you read this?

Home - part 2

When we moved here, Savannah was four years old, almost five.  Now, she's eight, almost nine.  She's lived almost half her life in this apartment.  She remembers a few things about our apartment in Louisville, but nothing our time in Colorado.  Most of her memories have been made while we lived here.  She knows what to expect when she goes to school, and when she comes home.  She loves her bed and her room full of her favorite things.  She has friends and feels safe here.  The fact that her room currently has 30 packed boxes stacked in the corner has been a bit unnerving to her.  It's a reminder that she's leaving home and going somewhere unfamiliar.  What will her new room look like?  Who will she play with?  Will the kids laugh when she can't remember the right English word?  Will she get their jokes?  Will they get hers?  


We've been talking a lot about "home" in our home these days.  Not only do I want Savannah (and the boys) to understand that they'll never feel completely at home until they're in Heaven, but I want them to hold tightly to the most important truths -- truths that are familiar and not changing.  Our God is our God, here and there (in the US).  Our sins are forgiven, here and there!  I'm their mama, here and there.  Our family will be together, here and there.  


Ever since Savannah was little, she's had a hard time with transitions -- often having a physical response (getting sick, sleeping poorly, etc.)  So, pray that through this transition, we can encourage her to keep her feet firmly planted on the Rock of her salvation, and help her find peace as she trust in her unchanging Lord!  
     

Home - part 1

by Amy


What is home?  Is it the place you sleep every night?  Is it the place where your stuffed animals are (like a hotel room)?  Is it where you feel safe?  Is it somewhere familiar?  Is it where you grew up or where you currently live?  Is it where you passport was issued?  Is it where you understand the people and love the food?  Is it where you feel loved and accepted?  Is it where you've spent the longest amount of time?  Is it where you really belong, where you fit in and don't stand out?  Is it where you need to be, even if you don't want to be there?  Is it defined by a place or a person/people?  Is it all of the above, none of the above or some of the above?  Does everyone have the same answer?  Should everyone have the same answer?  Does the answer change depending on where you are?


These are some of the questions I've been asking myself lately....  You see, as we're packing our belongings, preparing to move everything in storage, so we can go back to the States for a year, I'm excited!  Part of me feels like I'm preparing to go home!  Home to America.  Home to my extended family that knows me so well.  Home to my precious friends that have loved me from a distance so faithfully these past four years.  Home to good Tex-Mex and baseball games!  Home to where I can read every sign on every building.  But, the other part of me feels like I'm leaving home:  The home where I first began homeschooling my kids.  The home where some of my closest friends live.  The home where I have the kitchen table of my dreams.  The home where my baby boys grew into little boys.  The home where I learned to make tortillas and homemade bagels.  The home where I experienced the joy of seeing my daughter baptized and introducing many others to their Creator.  


Can both of these places be home?  I don't really fit in here.  Locals comment on what funny shoes I wear or how how few layers of clothing I put on.  They think my cookies are too sweet and my dinners are too cheesy.  And, yes, my language has come a long way, but sometimes they speak too fast and I can't understand what they're saying.  And, I'm afraid, if I'm totally honest, that I won't really fit in back in America either.  My clothes and shoes are completely out of style.  I haven't listened to the latest music or watched the most recent movies.  And, I've forgotten many basic English words.  Here, it's totally common to sub in a local word or two when speaking English.  All my friends do it, so it's not a big deal.  Meaning is not compromised.  But in America, I'll sound silly as I search for the right word.  


So, if home is defined by being where I fit in, then I guess I'm homeless. 


Homeless... The Word says that I'm a citizen of Heaven.  But, since I'm not in Heaven right now, I'm a stranger and an alien walking around on Earth.  Sometimes I really feel like an alien here.  I have a feeling I'll be quite a stranger in my Homeland as well.  So where does that leave me?  Longing for Home.  A place where I'll completely fit in.  A place where I'll be completely known and understood.  A place where I can understand everyone around me.  A place of peace, rest, and pure joy -- and great food!!  Oh, the day is coming, and not so far off, where I'll be Home!  Until then, I'm going to keep-on persevering, seeking to make the best of this alien-life I have.  I'm going to find fellowship with other strangers and invite those around us to join the alien-life as we keep our eyes fixed on our Home.       

Happy Anniversary!

by Amy


April 17, 2007, will forever be ingrained in my memory!  It's the day we got off the plane and began our life on this side of the world.  In so many ways, it seems like it was just yesterday that Brad and I drug 3 small children (at that times, ages, 4, 2, and 2), a double stroller weighted down with our 10 carry-ons, 11 trunks, and 4 rolling suitcases and 1 over-stuffed duffel bag half way around the world.  Side note:  by the time we got to LAX, we were convinced that my brilliant idea of packing our most heavy items, like books, in our carry-ons that had no weight limit, was a very bad idea! 


But, on the other hand, April 17, 2007, seems like a million years ago!  It's encouraging to think how far we've come in the last 4 years - especially in the area of language.  Oh, how many times did I have to call a friend and have her tell my taxi driver where I wanted to go?  Now, I'm the one getting calls and talking to my friends' taxi drivers!  How many times did I pay way too much for something at the market?  Now, I'm familiar with reasonable prices and enjoy doing a little bargaining.  Oh, and I remember feeling so discouraged about cooking four years ago.  I had a huge stack of recipe cards, and I could find what I needed to make exactly three recipes.  Now....there are probably about 3 recipes I can't make, (thanks to my husband's awesome use of the local ebay!)  When we first got here, I couldn't even express my most basic needs but, now I can, by God's grace, point my friends to the One who can meet all our needs.  


These last four years have not necessarily been easy, but they have been blessed!  We praise the Lord for bringing us here and pray that we have many more years in this place!            

Feelin' the Love -- And...

REJECTIN' IT!

So, the other day I was leaving the grocery store and flagged a taxi to take me home.  This is the conversation I had with my driver:

Driver: Where are you from?
Me: America
Driver: Oh! American women are so beautiful!
Me: No, Americans are big. (People here often comment on weight. =) )
Driver: Oh no, Americans are so much more beautiful than locals.  You are beautiful.  How old are you?
Me: uh... this year I'll be 36.  So, are you a local?
Driver: Yes, I really like Americans.
Me: Really?  Do you know many Americans?
Driver:  No, but I really like them.  Americans seem so friendly.
Me: So...(thinking, that I need to change the subject) are you married?
Driver:  Yes, but before I was married, I wanted to find an American bride.  American women are so beautiful.
Me: I bet that would be difficult since there aren't many foreigners in our city.  How long have you been married?
Driver:  11 years.
Me:  Oh, I've been married almost 12 years.  My husband's great!
Driver:  I was way too young when I got married.
Me: Really?  Do you not like your wife?
Driver:  Not too much....Do you like your husband?
Me:  Oh yes!  I love my husband!  He's a Christian, like me, so he is faithful and kind, quick to serve.  He loves me and is a wonderful father to our 3 kids.
Driver:  I really want to kiss you.
Me:  Ummm Excuse me?
Driver:  I want to kiss you.  You know (smacking sounds)....
Me: Uh NO!!  NO! Impossible!  My husband would not like that!  No.  You. may. not. kiss. ME!!!

Thankfully, we were almost home at that point!  When I tried to pay him, he didn't want to take my money.  I threw the money at him, yelled, "Keep the change!" and ran into the building!

That kind of love, I'm definitely rejecting!!

Anyone Hungry?

So, the other day, I was planning to take Peter on a lunch date.  Brad was out of town, so that left Leigh (my helper) here with Alex and Savannah.  Since it was just the three of them eating at home, she decided not to cook lunch, but let the kids pick some leftovers to eat.  I guess leftovers didn't sound too appealing to Alex because when I walked in the kitchen to say goodbye, Leigh was fixing him a honey and mayo sandwich.  Yes, honey on one side and mayo on the other.... nothing in the middle.  I don't know who came up with that idea, but I promptly overruled it and told Alex he could have a ham and cheese sandwich.  Oh my!  

Feelin' the Love -- Again!

My kids are just precious!  Last week Savannah said she wanted to plan a birthday party for one of her stuffed animals, but she couldn't decide which animal Peter and Alex would be most excited about.  After suggesting one or another, she continually shot down all my ideas.  So, I joking suggested she celebrate my birthday instead. Well, she took that idea and ran with it!  I tried to emphasis that my birthday is in December, not March, and I was only joking.  But, she couldn't be deterred!  


So, this last Saturday, my sweet daughter planned a birthday party for her mama!  The night before she prayed the Lord would help her to be a good hostess.  He definitely answered that prayer!  It was a great party!  We had special snacks consisting on caramel popcorn, marshmallows, strawberries with whipped topping, and (iced) tea served in my real tea set.  Brad was even on hand to participate in the snack portion of the party!  How thoughtful of him!  ;)  

(Aren't their outfits cute?  They all picked special clothes to wear for the party.  Savannah's a bride; Peter's Spiderman; and Alex is Batman!  -  Oh, I love those kids!) 

Then, my kids each agreed to read a story with me.  It has been especially fun for my kids to read to me the picture books I used to love to read to them.  So, after the snacks, Peter read Kiss Good Night to me.  Oh, it was so cute to hear him read it to me with the same intonations I always use reading it to him.   And, of course, he kissed me "once, twice and twice more!"  I had a huge smile on my face the whole time he read!  

After Peter read to me, we played Pin the Tale on the Donkey.  Savannah made a lovely donkey and 5 tails.  Oh, the fun!  And yes, the daddy was recruited once again.  

I love Savannah's expression in the pic!

This is typical in our home...Alex entertaining and Peter cracking up!

Clearly, Brad didn't win! 

Then, it was Alex's turn to read to me.  He read Guess How Much I Love You.  That too was absolutely precious!  He reached up high just as Little Nutbrown Hare reached up high; He yawned as Little Nutbrown Hare got tired; , and he leaned over and kissed me just as Big Nutbrown Hare kissed Little Nutbrown Hare.  So fun!  

Our final game on the agenda was 7up.  Savannah just learned how to play this in Thailand, so she was eager to teach her brothers.  With only five of us playing (yes, Wonder-Dad came back for another game), we decided to have 2 people with heads down and three people walking around to touch thumbs.  It wasn't quite like I remembered from my elementary days, but Savannah was thrilled, and therefore, so was I.  


Next we read Savannah's book, Love You Forever.  She asked me to read to her instead reading it herself.  I love that book!  We have a special way that the we "sing" the song together.  And, once again, I got choked up at the ending.  It's amazing how quickly time flies!  My little girl used to be so tiny, and now she's almost 9 years old!  Thankfully, I don't feel like "selling her to the zoo!" 


(Insert: Pic of Savannah....oops, I forgot to take one!)


Finally, all three kids presented me with fun homemade cards declaring their love for me!  I could not imagine a better birthday party, and I'll gladly volunteer to be the recipient of one of Savannah's fun ideas in the future!  I'm so feelin' the love around here!     

Simon Says

So, sometimes when my boys need to get a little energy out during homeschooling, I have them put down their pencils and get up for some activity.  This tends to especially happen on Tuesdays, since my kids don't go to local school on Tuesday.  At local school they have a 10 min recess every hour.  We're going to have to figure something out when they don't go to local school while we're in America.  Any tips?


Today*, my activity of choice was Simon Says.  Simon says, touch your toes.  Simon says, stand up tall.  Simon says doing jumping jacks.  And, today, Simon said to jump up and down on one foot.  I told Alex that if he had any issues doing this particular activity, he could just ask his brother for help -- since he plans on teaching a whole class on this topic.  Peter promptly replied, while jumping very well, I might add, "I cannot do this for a whole hour!  I will only be able to do that when I'm an adult!  Then, I'll teach classes!"  Well....at least he has a goal....  I guess that's a good thing.  


*Yes, I realize that today is actually Monday, not Tuesday.  My boys' teacher called me early this morning telling me something was going on at the school, so if Peter and Alex arrived for second period (as usual) their class wouldn't be in the room.  I didn't exactly catch what was going on, but I did understand when she recommended they stay home for the day.  Woo-Hoo!  We finished school by 2pm and went to the park to ride bikes!  There were no attack trees this time!           

Movin' Up

Before our trip to Thailand (that I plan on blogging about someday), my kids all finished their homeschool curriculum for the year.  So, when we got home we started a new school year.  (I love the flexibility of homeschooling!)  At the beginning of the month, Savannah started homeschool 3^rd grade and Alex and Peter started 1^st grade.  I can hardly believe how fast my kiddos are growing up!  Savannah’s favorite subject is definitely English!  She still loves to read and is becoming quite a writer.  She does great in math, but does not really like it.  Alex also enjoys reading, but his favorite subjects are math and science.  Peter is my math-stud!  He just figures things out – like how many pieces of candy everyone should get if we have 15 pieces.  He hasn’t learned multiplication, much less division.  It’s fun to see his little mind work.  He claims his favorite subject is science (we’re studying Astronomy), but I think it’s really math!      

So, at this point in their lives, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, these are the answers I get:

Alex 6 ½ years old:

“I have 3 options: 1. Fireman 2. Rock Star 3. Policeman.  I don’t know which is my favorite.  Fireman is my ‘worst favorite.’”

Peter 6 ½ years old:

“Maybe an artist or a teacher.  I want to have a family and be a daddy, and go to school, like my daddy does.  I want to teach people how to jump on one foot for an hour.”  -- is that what he thinks his daddy does?  =) 

Savannah, 8 ½ years old:

“A mom, an artist, a book writer, and an engineer.”  I asked, “all at the same time?”  “No, I’d be a mom, and do the other things one at a time, while being a mom.” 


Wow!  It's a good thing they don't have to choose their college major for a few more years!

Phonics Fun

by Amy

So, I was doing a phonics lesson with the boys the other day....  I asked them to think of a word that has a short 'i' sound in it.  Peter was quick to say the word 'it.'  Then, I asked Alex to tell me one.  "Is it OK if I say a word I'm not allowed to say?" he asked so innocently.  "Uh, no....think of another one."  I quickly respond. So, while he's thinking and thinking, I'm thinking too....  and I can only come up with one word that sounds like 'it' that he's not allowed to say.  Now, I'm wondering where in the world he heard that word!  So, finally, I tell him he can say the word he's thinking of.  Idiot.  (We had just watched Night at the Museum and Larry Daley calls himself an idiot after making a silly mistake.) He was thinking of the word idiot.  Whew!  He's not allowed to say that word either!

My American Girl

by Amy

Some friends of ours are renting a new apartment and needed us to take a few measurements for them.  So, Brad busted out the measuring tape.  Savannah went to help him.  This is the conversation I overheard:

Savannah:  Daddy, it's 39 3/4 inches tall.
Brad: Oh, thanks, sweetie, but I need it in centimeters.
Savannah:  I like inches better.  Why do you need centimeters?
Brad:  Most people all around the world use centimeters; only Americans use inches.  Annoying huh?
Savannah:  Yeah, everyone should change and use inches.  They're better.

I guess you can take the girl our of America, but you can't the American out of the girl!  

Feelin' the Love!

By Amy

On Sunday, our kids (instigated by Savannah) decided to give Brad and me a “Home Date.”  They insisted that we eat dinner alone at the kitchen table while they ate dinner at the school table.  Savannah even wanted to fix dinner for us, but since we had eaten mac’n cheese the night before, (that she made), I decided to whip up some quesadillas with leftovers.  (They were super yummy!!)  Savannah made us a love tea-light candle holder, so we had quite a romantic candlelight dinner! 

But, that’s not all! 

The next day, Brad came home from dropping the kids off at school and gave me over 2 dozen beautiful roses!  The florist said they had just arrived by plane that morning.  They are so full and red and lovely!!   I tell ya…. This mama is definitely feelin’ the love these days!  

What a sweet blessing my precious family is!

Wipe Out!

So, the other day, it was beautiful here. We finished our home school lessons early so we could go ride bikes at the park.  Alex and Peter were riding on some paved paths through the trees and one tree jumped out and grabbed Peter, scraped up his face, and broke his bike! Oh MY!!!  Alex came racing back to get me!  It took us about half an hour to get home, but we made it!  Savannah walked Peter’s broken bike while I put Peter on Savannah’s bike and walked it; Alex rode his bike slowly next to us.  Peter's leg was a little sore, and obviously his face was scraped up, but we praise the Lord it wasn’t worse!  A broken leg would not be fun – especially on this side of the world! 

Next time we go to the park, we’ll be on the lookout for attack trees! 

Special Visitor

Last month we had a dear friend from the States come visit.  It was such a sweet and encouraging time! Not only do I love Rachel, but my kids are crazy about her as well!  We were all so excited about her visit!  (Brad likes her too, but he was out of town when she came to stay me.)  And, she came bearing gifts….  One of our favorite things that she brought was a gingerbread man shaped cookie sheet.  It’s perfect for making cookie cakes!  So, while she was here, we had to test it out!

We baked two cookie cakes and let Savannah make a gingerbread girl and Peter and Alex decorate a gingerbread boy.  But, we didn’t actually use gingerbread.  We made chocolate chip people – they were YUMMY!!!   So, here are some pics…

Savannah did most of this all by herself!  She loves using the icing tips and does a great job! 

In my world, when it comes to a cookie cake, the more icing the better.  (I especially enjoyed eating the dress on Savannah’s girl.)  In my boys’ world, the more candy the better! 

Clearly, they had Aunt Rachel’s creativity on their side.  Just look at that hair!  Isn’t he cute!?!   

Rachel’s trip here was great!  We had such a sweet time of sharing and getting caught up.  (We didn’t get a ton of sleep, but really….sleep is over rated anyway!)  I am so thankful for this precious friend!  

Last, but not Least

So, now it's time for Peter's modeling pics....  He's definitely not as animated as Alex, but we still got some great shots of him.  This is my favorite...

That reminds me of a Calvin Kline ad or something!  

Too funny!  

And of course, put a bat or ball in his hand 

and he's a happy camper!

Just look at this picture for a minute.  I had nothing to do with dressing him or selecting his prop. 

 Clearly the photographer is a little confused about sports...  Peter's wearing a soccer uniform, a baseball hat and holding a basketball! Crazy!

Yep, I think he's a keeper!