September...

Can't believe it is the first  of September today.  Don't know about you but I think this year is just going so quickly.

Well as the calendar turns and we begin a new month I thought it would be great time  to set a few goals for myself  this month.  I've learnt to not only make  broad statements but to put a statement of quantity (how much) and a completion date.  Here are the area's I plan to cover.

• Spiritual goal - attend Encouraging Women every Wednesday.  Make sure bible study homework is completed before Wednesday's class.
• Physical Goal - loose 8 pounds this month.  Attend yoga class twice a week.
• Marriage/family goal - read to my children every week day night and plan a date night with my hubby.
• Social goal - plan a PTG (parent teacher group) coffee morning at my house (this is a scary one for me - because I become such a nervous host!!)
• Mental goal - memorize all 18 provinces of Papua New Guinea and their government representative.

Even as I write these down I'm afraid of failure.  I don't want to fail.  I want to get these done.  I don't just want to be going through the days I want to, need to accomplish something. Before I know it September will be over.

I will have updates for each goal on Sunday.

Why not join me and try this yourself.  Set some goals for this month and share them with us.

Happy September!!

.......Kari

September...

Can't believe it is the first  of September today.  Don't know about you but I think this year is just going so quickly.

Well as the calendar turns and we begin a new month I thought it would be great time  to set a few goals for myself  this month.  I've learnt to not only make  broad statements but to put a statement of quantity (how much) and a completion date.  Here are the area's I plan to cover.

• Spiritual goal - attend Encouraging Women every Wednesday.  Make sure bible study homework is completed before Wednesday's class.
• Physical Goal - loose 8 pounds this month.  Attend yoga class twice a week.
• Marriage/family goal - read to my children every week day night and plan a date night with my hubby.
• Social goal - plan a PTG (parent teacher group) coffee morning at my house (this is a scary one for me - because I become such a nervous host!!)
• Mental goal - memorize all 18 provinces of Papua New Guinea and their government representative.

Even as I write these down I'm afraid of failure.  I don't want to fail.  I want to get these done.  I don't just want to be going through the days I want to, need to accomplish something. Before I know it September will be over.

I will have updates for each goal on Sunday.

Why not join me and try this yourself.  Set some goals for this month and share them with us.

Happy September!!

.......Kari

Weekends Over....

The weekends over - can't believe it.   They go so fast!!

Well it was a lazy one.  Didn't do much except take Renee to her swim class which started on Saturday morning and then in the afternoon I took Tanysha to a pool party - it was a birthday party.  Thankfully the rain held up so we all had fun.  Joshua stayed home with daddy while I was out with the girls.

On Saturday night I wanted to watch South Africa play against Australia in the Tri-Nations but I couldn't stay awake.  I wish I had stayed up though and seen Australia get thrashed!!

Well Sunday was a quiet day for us.  A time for resting and recharging for another week.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

.....Kari

Weekends Over....

The weekends over - can't believe it.   They go so fast!!

Well it was a lazy one.  Didn't do much except take Renee to her swim class which started on Saturday morning and then in the afternoon I took Tanysha to a pool party - it was a birthday party.  Thankfully the rain held up so we all had fun.  Joshua stayed home with daddy while I was out with the girls.

On Saturday night I wanted to watch South Africa play against Australia in the Tri-Nations but I couldn't stay awake.  I wish I had stayed up though and seen Australia get thrashed!!

Well Sunday was a quiet day for us.  A time for resting and recharging for another week.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

.....Kari

Encouraging Women.

Yesterday was the kick off to the Encouraging Women's ministry here in Nichada - the community I live in.  It was great.  Fellowship is such a beautiful thing.  I love meeting people, I love to hear where they are in their journey with God and I love how God will speak to me through these wonderful women's lives.

Encouraging Women is a ministry of Chaengwattana Community Church. It is an international group of women who recognize the need for support and encouragement among our community.

And when they say international that is so true.  Yesterday at my table were women from all corners of the world - ladies to the left of me were from Oklahoma, US and the Netherlands.  Ladies to the right of me were from Singapore, Korea, Thai and Indonesian.  It is just such a beautiful thing that although we are from all parts of this big world our love for Jesus and our thirst for his truth - no matter where we are brings us together. 

Our theme for this Fall semester is "Out of the Pits" (Psalm 40:2).  Although we fall and trip over ourselves, we don't free fall - we have a Rock that we can land on and place our feet firmly.

I am expecting great things. You know when you can smell the rain coming but you don't know exactly when the down pour will happen. Well that's how I'm feeling.   I don't know why but I have this anticipation of witnessing wonders.

We had 5 different bible studies to choose from and I choose the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.  My heart is ready to be lead and my head is ready to be challenged.  Oh I'm so excited!!!

Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25.  The Message)

........Kari

Encouraging Women.

Yesterday was the kick off to the Encouraging Women's ministry here in Nichada - the community I live in.  It was great.  Fellowship is such a beautiful thing.  I love meeting people, I love to hear where they are in their journey with God and I love how God will speak to me through these wonderful women's lives.

Encouraging Women is a ministry of Chaengwattana Community Church. It is an international group of women who recognize the need for support and encouragement among our community.

And when they say international that is so true.  Yesterday at my table were women from all corners of the world - ladies to the left of me were from Oklahoma, US and the Netherlands.  Ladies to the right of me were from Singapore, Korea, Thai and Indonesian.  It is just such a beautiful thing that although we are from all parts of this big world our love for Jesus and our thirst for his truth - no matter where we are brings us together. 

Our theme for this Fall semester is "Out of the Pits" (Psalm 40:2).  Although we fall and trip over ourselves, we don't free fall - we have a Rock that we can land on and place our feet firmly.

I am expecting great things. You know when you can smell the rain coming but you don't know exactly when the down pour will happen. Well that's how I'm feeling.   I don't know why but I have this anticipation of witnessing wonders.

We had 5 different bible studies to choose from and I choose the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.  My heart is ready to be lead and my head is ready to be challenged.  Oh I'm so excited!!!

Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25.  The Message)

........Kari

Guilty !! - I am a Procrastinator!

This is my dirty little secret - I am a procrastinator.  I don't mean to be, but I do it.  It's horrible and I hate it.  But for some unknown reason to me I work better under pressure.  I get stuff done when I am pressed for time.

But I hate it all the same.  I really try not too but I keep on doing it - I always say to myself  "I can do it tomorrow, it can wait till tomorrow." Oh it drives my husband crazy!!

So why an I confessing this?  Well today I got my act together and finally sent my box.  I have been meaning to send this box since back in March and ugh..... it's August - only 5 days out till September.  Oh that is just terrible.  Anyway I finally sent my box and I feel good that I did it.  I don't know why I kept putting it off but hooray I got it done today.

 ..........Kari

Guilty !! - I am a Procrastinator!

This is my dirty little secret - I am a procrastinator.  I don't mean to be, but I do it.  It's horrible and I hate it.  But for some unknown reason to me I work better under pressure.  I get stuff done when I am pressed for time.

But I hate it all the same.  I really try not too but I keep on doing it - I always say to myself  "I can do it tomorrow, it can wait till tomorrow." Oh it drives my husband crazy!!

So why an I confessing this?  Well today I got my act together and finally sent my box.  I have been meaning to send this box since back in March and ugh..... it's August - only 5 days out till September.  Oh that is just terrible.  Anyway I finally sent my box and I feel good that I did it.  I don't know why I kept putting it off but hooray I got it done today.

 ..........Kari

Olympics Over for another 4 Years.

Well the games are over for yet another 4 years.

 Oh no what am I going to watch?? 

I love watching the Olympics.  I love to watch the athletes compete in the spirit of the Olympics Games but even more so I love the stories behind each athlete or each team.  It's so inspiring.  They are truly driven people - just amazing!

Well the next games are in 2012 and I hope to make it those games.  That would just be awesome!!!

 

 

.........Kari

Olympics Over for another 4 Years.

Well the games are over for yet another 4 years.

 Oh no what am I going to watch?? 

I love watching the Olympics.  I love to watch the athletes compete in the spirit of the Olympics Games but even more so I love the stories behind each athlete or each team.  It's so inspiring.  They are truly driven people - just amazing!

Well the next games are in 2012 and I hope to make it those games.  That would just be awesome!!!

 

 

.........Kari

Back To School Night.

So last night my husband and I went to Renee's "Back to School Night" and I'm ready for this school year.  I'm ready to be engaged and ready to work with her teachers because I know Renee best.  I know what makes her tick and how to get her motivated and excited about school.  (Although her teacher this year is great and Renee likes him so she looks forward to school!!)

I'm so thankful that she is able to attend ISB - International School of Bangkok.  It is such a wonderful school and the teachers are great. 

Well Mr Perkins (Renee teacher) gave us a lot of information last night about his style of teaching and what he wants to achieve this school year.  But after all that information I walked away with only one of his buzz phrases -

"You cannot learn from mistakes you have not made"

I have to remember this throughout the year.  I have to allow her to fail and let her push the boundaries a little.  It is a little scary but I think I can learn a lot from this phrase.

Have a great weekend everyone!

....Kari

Back To School Night.

So last night my husband and I went to Renee's "Back to School Night" and I'm ready for this school year.  I'm ready to be engaged and ready to work with her teachers because I know Renee best.  I know what makes her tick and how to get her motivated and excited about school.  (Although her teacher this year is great and Renee likes him so she looks forward to school!!)

I'm so thankful that she is able to attend ISB - International School of Bangkok.  It is such a wonderful school and the teachers are great. 

Well Mr Perkins (Renee teacher) gave us a lot of information last night about his style of teaching and what he wants to achieve this school year.  But after all that information I walked away with only one of his buzz phrases -

"You cannot learn from mistakes you have not made"

I have to remember this throughout the year.  I have to allow her to fail and let her push the boundaries a little.  It is a little scary but I think I can learn a lot from this phrase.

Have a great weekend everyone!

....Kari

Like Father, Like Son !!

These are pictures of the men in my life! 

I love these photo's. 

The first one is of my husband -  The love of my life!  And the second one of course is the new man of our house, Master Joshua!!

Don't you think they just look so alike??

.......Kari

Like Father, Like Son !!

These are pictures of the men in my life! 

I love these photo's. 

The first one is of my husband -  The love of my life!  And the second one of course is the new man of our house, Master Joshua!!

Don't you think they just look so alike??

.......Kari

The Missing Piece

I read this book "The Missing Piece" by Shel Silverstien to Tanysha this morning on our way to school. No fancy colorful pictures but a great story.

It's about how it's missin' a piece and it's not happy, so it sets of in search for it's missin' piece.  During his search it moves slowly and takes in the things surrounding him. It does manage to find some pieces that he thinks are his missing piece. But the pieces are either too small, too large, too short and too sharp.  Although it fills the gap it travels (rolls) too fast to enjoy his surroundings and it also causes discomfort.  Great story - you have to kinda read the book yourself. 

Anyway like I said Tanysha enjoyed it very much. 

And so did I. 

It actually got me reflecting.  I sometimes feel that I am missing pieces in my life and try to go out and search for these pieces - and usually in the wrong places.

But am I really missing a piece or pieces in my life? 

Bible tells me that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (john 10:10).  If I have Christ I should not be missing any pieces because Christ has promised me life in it's fullness.  If I take my eyes off Jesus and look to those around me and try to be like them or want what they have,  then I will always think that I am missing pieces in my life and my joy will be taken away from me.  And  will miss what God is showing me on my journey.

It's amazing how God works.  Who would have known that God would speak to my heart through the home reading book that my daughter brought home.  For Tanysha it was just mommy reading another book.  But for me it was a gentle reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus - because he promises life and life in all it's fullness. 

No missing pieces!!

.........Kari

The Missing Piece

I read this book "The Missing Piece" by Shel Silverstien to Tanysha this morning on our way to school. No fancy colorful pictures but a great story.

It's about how it's missin' a piece and it's not happy, so it sets of in search for it's missin' piece.  During his search it moves slowly and takes in the things surrounding him. It does manage to find some pieces that he thinks are his missing piece. But the pieces are either too small, too large, too short and too sharp.  Although it fills the gap it travels (rolls) too fast to enjoy his surroundings and it also causes discomfort.  Great story - you have to kinda read the book yourself. 

Anyway like I said Tanysha enjoyed it very much. 

And so did I. 

It actually got me reflecting.  I sometimes feel that I am missing pieces in my life and try to go out and search for these pieces - and usually in the wrong places.

But am I really missing a piece or pieces in my life? 

Bible tells me that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (john 10:10).  If I have Christ I should not be missing any pieces because Christ has promised me life in it's fullness.  If I take my eyes off Jesus and look to those around me and try to be like them or want what they have,  then I will always think that I am missing pieces in my life and my joy will be taken away from me.  And  will miss what God is showing me on my journey.

It's amazing how God works.  Who would have known that God would speak to my heart through the home reading book that my daughter brought home.  For Tanysha it was just mommy reading another book.  But for me it was a gentle reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus - because he promises life and life in all it's fullness. 

No missing pieces!!

.........Kari

My Little Baker

So school is in full swing now and after school activities started this week.  Tanysha choose to do cooking and Tae Kwando.  So on Monday my little baker made us some banana muffins.   They were yummy!

Can't wait to see what they cook next week.

Tanysha showing her baked goods.

.....Kari

My Little Baker

So school is in full swing now and after school activities started this week.  Tanysha choose to do cooking and Tae Kwando.  So on Monday my little baker made us some banana muffins.   They were yummy!

Can't wait to see what they cook next week.

Tanysha showing her baked goods.

.....Kari

Power Tools

This past weekend my husband worked hard to put up some swings for the girls.  After surveying all the trees in our yard none of them were going to make for a good place to put up the swings so we had to improvise.

 

As you can see in the picture we had to use 2 trees side by side to add on the bar so the swings can be put up.  My husband was excited at the idea of having to make something.  He went out and bought the timber that he needed and came home to start work.  All was going well until his batteries from his drill died on him.  The work shouldn't  really take that long but it's because of the batteries.

Maybe you're wondering why not just use an electric drill or saw etc?  Well here's the reason - we don't know where our next move will be too so my husband is hesitant to buy more power tools.   Each country we've moved too we've had to change out a lot of the electrical goods because of the voltage difference.  I know there are adapters and transformers that we could use but the thought of doing that each time we needed to use them - well that's just too time consuming.

Anyway after spending 2 afternoons on something that maybe could've been done in one, he finally went out and bought himself a power drill.  I'm glad he did and I know my girls are too.  (But still no swing because it was getting late!).  Maybe this weekend!

......Kari

Power Tools

This past weekend my husband worked hard to put up some swings for the girls.  After surveying all the trees in our yard none of them were going to make for a good place to put up the swings so we had to improvise.

 

As you can see in the picture we had to use 2 trees side by side to add on the bar so the swings can be put up.  My husband was excited at the idea of having to make something.  He went out and bought the timber that he needed and came home to start work.  All was going well until his batteries from his drill died on him.  The work shouldn't  really take that long but it's because of the batteries.

Maybe you're wondering why not just use an electric drill or saw etc?  Well here's the reason - we don't know where our next move will be too so my husband is hesitant to buy more power tools.   Each country we've moved too we've had to change out a lot of the electrical goods because of the voltage difference.  I know there are adapters and transformers that we could use but the thought of doing that each time we needed to use them - well that's just too time consuming.

Anyway after spending 2 afternoons on something that maybe could've been done in one, he finally went out and bought himself a power drill.  I'm glad he did and I know my girls are too.  (But still no swing because it was getting late!).  Maybe this weekend!

......Kari

Tanysha's First Week.....

So a week has gone by and Tanysha has settled so well into school.  I know she was hesitant and a little afraid but she  really overcame her fear of change and has settled in.

Here are some pictures.

All grown up - ready for school

 

 

putting bag in her cubby

shoe racks for the kids.  (the school has a no shoe policy.  No shoes allowed in the classroom - even for parents/visitors)

putting her shoes away before heading into class

 

....Kari

Tanysha's First Week.....

So a week has gone by and Tanysha has settled so well into school.  I know she was hesitant and a little afraid but she  really overcame her fear of change and has settled in.

Here are some pictures.

All grown up - ready for school

 

 

putting bag in her cubby

shoe racks for the kids.  (the school has a no shoe policy.  No shoes allowed in the classroom - even for parents/visitors)

putting her shoes away before heading into class

 

....Kari

Sorry no English here.

For as long as I can remember I've always been able to watch the Olympic Games.  That is why this week has been tough.  I'm not able to find any English speaking channel to watch the games - any sport.  It's driving me crazy.  When I have been able to find a channel they are showing sports that I don't want to watch like the fencing, rowing and shooting.  Com'n man show me like the swimming events or the basketball maybe even volleyball.

For the first couple of days I was able to watch via the streaming on the internet but that has been canceled and now I'm suffering.  Majorly.....  Now I'm like an obsessed women devouring every written article on the internet about the games.  It's crazy!!

Oh well I guess that comes as part of the experience of living in the East!

Sorry no English here.

For as long as I can remember I've always been able to watch the Olympic Games.  That is why this week has been tough.  I'm not able to find any English speaking channel to watch the games - any sport.  It's driving me crazy.  When I have been able to find a channel they are showing sports that I don't want to watch like the fencing, rowing and shooting.  Com'n man show me like the swimming events or the basketball maybe even volleyball.

For the first couple of days I was able to watch via the streaming on the internet but that has been canceled and now I'm suffering.  Majorly.....  Now I'm like an obsessed women devouring every written article on the internet about the games.  It's crazy!!

Oh well I guess that comes as part of the experience of living in the East!

School Holiday In Pictures

The holidays have come to an end for both girls.  Here are some memories.

Memories of childhood may sometimes fade,
but never the special games we played.
Though our tea party days have come to an end,
you're always my sister, always my friend.

.... Kari

School Holiday In Pictures

The holidays have come to an end for both girls.  Here are some memories.

Memories of childhood may sometimes fade,
but never the special games we played.
Though our tea party days have come to an end,
you're always my sister, always my friend.

.... Kari

Too Cute for Words

Too Cute for Words

Firsts....

I remember your first smile.

I remember the night you slept through and I kept on waking to check on you.

I remember your first step and oh how excited I was.

I remember your first birthday party and how ridiculously extravagant it was (maybe it's because you share the same birth date as grandma) and all you wanted to do was get your hands on the cream of your birthday cake.

I remember kindergarten and how you were afraid. And the tears that you shed when I had to say goodbye.

I remember 1st grade and how you wanted to show me how brave you were going to be on your first day of school.

2nd grade came around and I remember a confident & comfortable girl ready to go.

3rd grade was a little different .  You were a little afraid again but you faced that first day bravely - in your new school, with your new teacher and with children not only from Thailand but from all around the world.

After this morning I will remember your first day of 4th grade and how you were sooo ready.  Ready to meet your new teacher, ready to befriend new classmates and catch up with old ones and ready to face 4th grade head on.

Hope you had a  great day Renee.  I love you and I know there are many more firsts ahead for you...... and me.

Pictures from the first day of 4th Grade..............

 

On our way to school

 

walking towards the elementary school

 

on her way to the 4th grade quad

looking ready & confident

Firsts....

I remember your first smile.

I remember the night you slept through and I kept on waking to check on you.

I remember your first step and oh how excited I was.

I remember your first birthday party and how ridiculously extravagant it was (maybe it's because you share the same birth date as grandma) and all you wanted to do was get your hands on the cream of your birthday cake.

I remember kindergarten and how you were afraid. And the tears that you shed when I had to say goodbye.

I remember 1st grade and how you wanted to show me how brave you were going to be on your first day of school.

2nd grade came around and I remember a confident & comfortable girl ready to go.

3rd grade was a little different .  You were a little afraid again but you faced that first day bravely - in your new school, with your new teacher and with children not only from Thailand but from all around the world.

After this morning I will remember your first day of 4th grade and how you were sooo ready.  Ready to meet your new teacher, ready to befriend new classmates and catch up with old ones and ready to face 4th grade head on.

Hope you had a  great day Renee.  I love you and I know there are many more firsts ahead for you...... and me.

Pictures from the first day of 4th Grade..............

 

On our way to school

 

walking towards the elementary school

 

on her way to the 4th grade quad

looking ready & confident