It's Ketchup Dad .................

So after our visit to China Town we were feeling kinda hungry and so we decided to grab  lunch at the Impact Arena - where the Furniture Fair was.  Tanysha had pizza, Renee had chicken and chips(french fries) and I had noodles.  Rohan didn't feel like eating so didn't get anything.

Anyway so we're eating and Tanysha gets done with her pizza and Renee offers to share her chicken and chips with her. The girls are eating and chatting away and Rohan suggests to Tanysha to have her fries with some "Tomato Sauce" - Tanysha looks up at him and says" ........ "It's ketchup Dad, not tomato sauce you silly".

Tanysha pointing at the "ketchup" (notice all the fries are gone)

Oh the English language!! 

That was a classic moment for me.  Just the way she was so sure of herself and how she called her Daddy silly for calling it tomato sauce.  The same could be said of the french fries for chips.

I guess it depends where you're from or where you have been.  I remember when we went to a Outback Restaurant in California and I asked for some "Tomato Sauce" - the waitress looked at me funny and walked away.  A couple of minutes later she came back to me with tartar sauce.  Now I looked at her funny and then realized - it's ketchup here in America - not tomato sauce.

I guess when in Rome do as Rome does - or for that matter say as Rome says !!

It's Ketchup Dad .................

So after our visit to China Town we were feeling kinda hungry and so we decided to grab  lunch at the Impact Arena - where the Furniture Fair was.  Tanysha had pizza, Renee had chicken and chips(french fries) and I had noodles.  Rohan didn't feel like eating so didn't get anything.

Anyway so we're eating and Tanysha gets done with her pizza and Renee offers to share her chicken and chips with her. The girls are eating and chatting away and Rohan suggests to Tanysha to have her fries with some "Tomato Sauce" - Tanysha looks up at him and says" ........ "It's ketchup Dad, not tomato sauce you silly".

Tanysha pointing at the "ketchup" (notice all the fries are gone)

Oh the English language!! 

That was a classic moment for me.  Just the way she was so sure of herself and how she called her Daddy silly for calling it tomato sauce.  The same could be said of the french fries for chips.

I guess it depends where you're from or where you have been.  I remember when we went to a Outback Restaurant in California and I asked for some "Tomato Sauce" - the waitress looked at me funny and walked away.  A couple of minutes later she came back to me with tartar sauce.  Now I looked at her funny and then realized - it's ketchup here in America - not tomato sauce.

I guess when in Rome do as Rome does - or for that matter say as Rome says !!

China Town...

This past weekend was busy.  We made a trip to China Town and then went onto a Furniture Fair.  Here are some photo's from China Town. 

Gateway into China Town

 

Rohan carrying Joshua (you can just see his hand - waving out for help!!)

 

Fresh crabs (yum, yum..)

As we walked the busy streets I truly felt like I was in a Jackie Chan movie.  The hustling & bustling of the vendors and the people, the beating of drums and the smell of food.  It was great! So much to see and great, great bargains. I can see myself going there again - maybe without the kids though.

China Town...

This past weekend was busy.  We made a trip to China Town and then went onto a Furniture Fair.  Here are some photo's from China Town. 

Gateway into China Town

 

Rohan carrying Joshua (you can just see his hand - waving out for help!!)

 

Fresh crabs (yum, yum..)

As we walked the busy streets I truly felt like I was in a Jackie Chan movie.  The hustling & bustling of the vendors and the people, the beating of drums and the smell of food.  It was great! So much to see and great, great bargains. I can see myself going there again - maybe without the kids though.

To Tip or not to Tip...

So last night my husband and I went to the local supermarket here in Nichada (the community that we live in).  I went into the store while my hubby stayed in the vehicle with Joshua.

The store was empty. It usually isn't but many families are still away for holidays.  That will all change in a couple of weeks.  Anyway I raced around the store picking up what I needed - milk, cereal, water, diapers and what I also wanted - M& M's and ice cream. (so much for the diet!)

After I got everything I started to make my way to the register to pay.  As I walked over one of the employees came over and quickly summoned me to stand aside while he unload my cart and then proceeded  to pack my stuff and put them back into the cart.  I paid the cashier, said thank you and walked over to push the cart out myself - but again he waved me off and pushed it out for me.  I was thankful and appreciated his help and so said to myself that I would tip him for his trouble and extra service.

So as he was unloading I started to look for a 20 Baht (the local currency) to tip him but I didn't have a 20 Baht on me.  I asked my husband if he had and he didn't.  I didn't even have enough coins to make that amount to tip him.  So I ended up not tipping him at all.  I felt so bad. Really bad. I think he was also expecting me to tip him too.

But here's the thing -  in Thailand they don't tip.  The workers don't get tipped and it is not expected.  In fact it is not practiced.  I've noticed that the locals here don't do it, but the "farangs" (known as tourists/expatriates) practice tipping.

So I came home still thinking about it and still feeling bad, but the more I thought about it it got me thinking - why was I feeling awful & somewhat  guilty about not tipping this Thai man?  I appreciated his help and I did want to tip him although it is not the norm .  I did say thank you.  Isn't that enough?  And then on the other hand his body language told me that he was kind of expecting me to tip him. So did he do what he did just because I'm a farang and the farangs usually tip or did he do what he did out of the kindness of his heart...................... Hard to tell really.

Anyway after thinking about for a while I started to think about me.  Do I offer help or show kindness to people because it is the right thing to do or do I offer help and show kindness expecting something in return?  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

To Tip or not to Tip...

So last night my husband and I went to the local supermarket here in Nichada (the community that we live in).  I went into the store while my hubby stayed in the vehicle with Joshua.

The store was empty. It usually isn't but many families are still away for holidays.  That will all change in a couple of weeks.  Anyway I raced around the store picking up what I needed - milk, cereal, water, diapers and what I also wanted - M& M's and ice cream. (so much for the diet!)

After I got everything I started to make my way to the register to pay.  As I walked over one of the employees came over and quickly summoned me to stand aside while he unload my cart and then proceeded  to pack my stuff and put them back into the cart.  I paid the cashier, said thank you and walked over to push the cart out myself - but again he waved me off and pushed it out for me.  I was thankful and appreciated his help and so said to myself that I would tip him for his trouble and extra service.

So as he was unloading I started to look for a 20 Baht (the local currency) to tip him but I didn't have a 20 Baht on me.  I asked my husband if he had and he didn't.  I didn't even have enough coins to make that amount to tip him.  So I ended up not tipping him at all.  I felt so bad. Really bad. I think he was also expecting me to tip him too.

But here's the thing -  in Thailand they don't tip.  The workers don't get tipped and it is not expected.  In fact it is not practiced.  I've noticed that the locals here don't do it, but the "farangs" (known as tourists/expatriates) practice tipping.

So I came home still thinking about it and still feeling bad, but the more I thought about it it got me thinking - why was I feeling awful & somewhat  guilty about not tipping this Thai man?  I appreciated his help and I did want to tip him although it is not the norm .  I did say thank you.  Isn't that enough?  And then on the other hand his body language told me that he was kind of expecting me to tip him. So did he do what he did just because I'm a farang and the farangs usually tip or did he do what he did out of the kindness of his heart...................... Hard to tell really.

Anyway after thinking about for a while I started to think about me.  Do I offer help or show kindness to people because it is the right thing to do or do I offer help and show kindness expecting something in return?  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

16 More Days till...........

Renee starts 4th grade and I can't believe it!! Where has time gone to?

I remember her first day at school (Early Learning) and how horrible I felt because I left her in tears and I knew she was afraid. She was 3 and I was working and it was one of those things I had to do.

Renee's first school photo from Ela/Murray International School.

Renee in 3rd grade with her friends @ISB - International School of Bangkok.

As I go through her school photo's I realize that my baby has grown up and will only continue to grow.

I'm excited for her and the opportunities that are there for her. I'm thankful that my daughter has that opportunity to grow up in an International environment that is no doubt exposing her to different people, cultures and beliefs.

4th grade should be interesting - not only for her but also for me. New challenges and new journeys but in my heart I know that there is one constant, and that is Jesus Christ. I pray that Renee recognizes that one constant and that through this school year we do not falter or waver or take our eyes of Him.

...Kari

16 More Days till...........

Renee starts 4th grade and I can't believe it!! Where has time gone to?

I remember her first day at school (Early Learning) and how horrible I felt because I left her in tears and I knew she was afraid. She was 3 and I was working and it was one of those things I had to do.

Renee's first school photo from Ela/Murray International School.

Renee in 3rd grade with her friends @ISB - International School of Bangkok.

As I go through her school photo's I realize that my baby has grown up and will only continue to grow.

I'm excited for her and the opportunities that are there for her. I'm thankful that my daughter has that opportunity to grow up in an International environment that is no doubt exposing her to different people, cultures and beliefs.

4th grade should be interesting - not only for her but also for me. New challenges and new journeys but in my heart I know that there is one constant, and that is Jesus Christ. I pray that Renee recognizes that one constant and that through this school year we do not falter or waver or take our eyes of Him.

...Kari

Our Visit to the Zoo

Last Friday we ventured out in the humid heat of Thailand and took the kids to the Dusit Zoo. Although my girls have been to other zoos before they were excited as this was to be their first here in Thailand. And as for Joshua, well all he wanted to do was snooze....

Joshua getting some shuteye.

I'm glad that we went because were afraid to go out in the heat, but it was fun, fun, fun. We all enjoyed it, especially the girls.

Not only were the animals great to see but there were peddle boats and childrens rides. There was also a lake and we joined many other families that were sitting and relaxing on their mats keeping cool and having lunch.

Here are some photo's of our trip:

Rohan and the girls working their legs

For some reason this giraffe looks different.

My gilrs with a zebra and ostrich in the background.

Renee and Tanysha

Tanysha enjoying the ride.

...Kari

Our Visit to the Zoo

Last Friday we ventured out in the humid heat of Thailand and took the kids to the Dusit Zoo. Although my girls have been to other zoos before they were excited as this was to be their first here in Thailand. And as for Joshua, well all he wanted to do was snooze....

Joshua getting some shuteye.

I'm glad that we went because were afraid to go out in the heat, but it was fun, fun, fun. We all enjoyed it, especially the girls.

Not only were the animals great to see but there were peddle boats and childrens rides. There was also a lake and we joined many other families that were sitting and relaxing on their mats keeping cool and having lunch.

Here are some photo's of our trip:

Rohan and the girls working their legs

For some reason this giraffe looks different.

My gilrs with a zebra and ostrich in the background.

Renee and Tanysha

Tanysha enjoying the ride.

...Kari

Gifts.

Everyday is a gift. Each moment to be unwrapped carefully and appreciated.

Today I remember God's gift to me and anyone else who will take that time to unwrap it, accept it and appreciate it. The gift of the Lamb, that precious Lamb.

Your only Son No sin to hide, But You have sent Him, From Your side, To walk upon this guilty sod, And to become the Lamb of God

Your gift of Love They crucified, They laughed and scorned him as he died, The humble King They named a fraud, And sacrificed the Lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God, I love the Holy Lamb of God, Oh wash me in His precious Blood, My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

I was so lost I should have died , But You have brought me to Your side, To be led by Your staff and rod, And to be call a lamb of God

(Lyrics to Twila Paris - Lamb of God)

....Kari

Gifts.

Everyday is a gift. Each moment to be unwrapped carefully and appreciated.

Today I remember God's gift to me and anyone else who will take that time to unwrap it, accept it and appreciate it. The gift of the Lamb, that precious Lamb.

Your only Son No sin to hide, But You have sent Him, From Your side, To walk upon this guilty sod, And to become the Lamb of God

Your gift of Love They crucified, They laughed and scorned him as he died, The humble King They named a fraud, And sacrificed the Lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God, I love the Holy Lamb of God, Oh wash me in His precious Blood, My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

I was so lost I should have died , But You have brought me to Your side, To be led by Your staff and rod, And to be call a lamb of God

(Lyrics to Twila Paris - Lamb of God)

....Kari

6 weeks is up!!

My son is officially 6 weeks old and from today onwards I have no more excuses for not wanting to exercise !!

Last week I went and saw my doctor and thankfully he reported that all is well and back to normal and that I can start exercising. I don't know if I'm excited about that or not. For weeks I've been looking forward to getting the green light from my doctor but now that I do I don't know if I really wanted it or not. Well really I do but I guess I'm used to having an excuse for not getting off my butt and now I won't be able to. Although I am nursing so maybe I can at least find one excuse!!

I have started walking and also riding my bike but I know I'll have to up the pace if I want to see results.

.....Kari

6 weeks is up!!

My son is officially 6 weeks old and from today onwards I have no more excuses for not wanting to exercise !!

Last week I went and saw my doctor and thankfully he reported that all is well and back to normal and that I can start exercising. I don't know if I'm excited about that or not. For weeks I've been looking forward to getting the green light from my doctor but now that I do I don't know if I really wanted it or not. Well really I do but I guess I'm used to having an excuse for not getting off my butt and now I won't be able to. Although I am nursing so maybe I can at least find one excuse!!

I have started walking and also riding my bike but I know I'll have to up the pace if I want to see results.

.....Kari

Did I say thank you for my shower today?

This is a funny title for a blog entry but today I am reminded that in everything to simply give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Many times, actually all the time I look for the big things that God has done and is doing in my life to thank Him for. When really it's the little things, mainly the simple things in life that I take for granted that I should be thankful for.

Those of you who now me and know where I am from will know that my village (Pari Village) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is without running water and has been for nearly 10years now. No one knows what the problem is and no one seems to be able to get it fixed. Showers are non-existent and bath times are almost like another chore because you have to fetch your water for your bath. I know what that is like and so today I am thankful for running water in my house.
Thankful that I do not have to fetch water for something that I know many of us take for granted.

Oh dear Lord, for all the wonderful and awesome things you have done and continue to do in my life for which I am thankful for, let me never overlook the simple things, the things I take for granted. Let me be extra thankful for those things knowing that somewhere else, such things like a shower is a luxury.

...Kari

Did I say thank you for my shower today?

This is a funny title for a blog entry but today I am reminded that in everything to simply give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Many times, actually all the time I look for the big things that God has done and is doing in my life to thank Him for. When really it's the little things, mainly the simple things in life that I take for granted that I should be thankful for.

Those of you who now me and know where I am from will know that my village (Pari Village) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is without running water and has been for nearly 10years now. No one knows what the problem is and no one seems to be able to get it fixed. Showers are non-existent and bath times are almost like another chore because you have to fetch your water for your bath. I know what that is like and so today I am thankful for running water in my house.
Thankful that I do not have to fetch water for something that I know many of us take for granted.

Oh dear Lord, for all the wonderful and awesome things you have done and continue to do in my life for which I am thankful for, let me never overlook the simple things, the things I take for granted. Let me be extra thankful for those things knowing that somewhere else, such things like a shower is a luxury.

...Kari

Friday Funny

Kari

Friday Funny

Kari

Rain

This is the view from our window lately.

It's rainy season in Thailand, so our days are wet and humid. The rain is wonderful but I'm running out of ideas for my girls with those "rainy day activities"!!

...Kari

Rain

This is the view from our window lately.

It's rainy season in Thailand, so our days are wet and humid. The rain is wonderful but I'm running out of ideas for my girls with those "rainy day activities"!!

...Kari

First Month's Stats:

Josh had his 1 month check-up today and I am happy to report that all is well.
Here are his 1 month stats:

Weight: 9 pounds, 6 ounces

Height: 21 inches

...Kari

First Month's Stats:

Josh had his 1 month check-up today and I am happy to report that all is well.
Here are his 1 month stats:

Weight: 9 pounds, 6 ounces

Height: 21 inches

...Kari

Happy Fourth of July America !

Happy Fourth of July America !