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!  

It's OUT!

Alex Finally lost his tooth!  He's so excited!  The funny thing is that he swallowed his tooth at breakfast as well!  I guess we need to teach our kids to chew better, then maybe they'd notice when there's a tooth in their mouth!

My Alex is a crazy guy!  There’s not a shy bone in his body!  He loves to dance and entertain those around him.  He has a sensitive heart and is always aware if someone is sad.  He loves babies and generally makes everyone smile.  I’m so thankful that this little guy is in our family! 

Here are a few more recent pics of Alex lately.  He's always quick to pose for a pic.  

Savannah Lea

My Angel

(yes, they put mascara on her -- why, I don't know! She clearly doesn't need it!)