'Tis the Season....

I can't believe we are now in the month of December.  The year has gone by so quickly- it's unbelievable. 

But I'm not complaining. 

I love Christmas!!

I love being with my family and friends, the excitement of the presents, the food and oh the memories.  But above all I look forward to the real reason as a believer - Jesus Christ's Birthday.

I know I'm headed for a busy month but I hope in the midst of it all I can quiet my spirit and reflect on Christ's birth and the events that lead up to the birth of Christ and also teach my children about this season again.

.....Kari

'Tis the Season....

I can't believe we are now in the month of December.  The year has gone by so quickly- it's unbelievable. 

But I'm not complaining. 

I love Christmas!!

I love being with my family and friends, the excitement of the presents, the food and oh the memories.  But above all I look forward to the real reason as a believer - Jesus Christ's Birthday.

I know I'm headed for a busy month but I hope in the midst of it all I can quiet my spirit and reflect on Christ's birth and the events that lead up to the birth of Christ and also teach my children about this season again.

.....Kari

Gymnastics!

So Renee had a competition yesterday and well considering that this was her first ever gymnastics meet, she did great!  She's done cheer competitions and tumbling and trampoline but this was her first gymnastics competition.  So for her first time I think she did well.  I know Renee knows she can do better but I am so proud of her.

Well Done Renee!!

.....Kari

Gymnastics!

So Renee had a competition yesterday and well considering that this was her first ever gymnastics meet, she did great!  She's done cheer competitions and tumbling and trampoline but this was her first gymnastics competition.  So for her first time I think she did well.  I know Renee knows she can do better but I am so proud of her.

Well Done Renee!!

.....Kari

And we're out of Sugar!!

So today in Thailand we're celebrating Thanksgiving! (As for the USA it will be tomorrow) but anyway in Thailand - today is Thanksgiving.  The compound I live in has a large American community so it's Turkey Day in a lot of houses here.

Although I lived in the US for a couple of years I never really caught onto the whole day of cooking and family gathering to give thanks together thing.  As a Papua New Guinean/pacific islander we kinda do that kind of thing often - there is no set date!

Anyway so I went to our local grocery shop to buy some stuff to make Panther Pops for Renee's school fundraiser, and there was no sugar!!  In fact a lot of  ingredients required for baking were gone.  Mother's and maids all over Nichada must have been busy baking!!  Thankfully though I have just enough sugar for what I need to do so no biggy!!!

Well hope everyone has a good feeding of Turkey and pumpkin pies today.  And as we feast let's be thankful for so much that we have been blessed with.

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

.......Kari

And we're out of Sugar!!

So today in Thailand we're celebrating Thanksgiving! (As for the USA it will be tomorrow) but anyway in Thailand - today is Thanksgiving.  The compound I live in has a large American community so it's Turkey Day in a lot of houses here.

Although I lived in the US for a couple of years I never really caught onto the whole day of cooking and family gathering to give thanks together thing.  As a Papua New Guinean/pacific islander we kinda do that kind of thing often - there is no set date!

Anyway so I went to our local grocery shop to buy some stuff to make Panther Pops for Renee's school fundraiser, and there was no sugar!!  In fact a lot of  ingredients required for baking were gone.  Mother's and maids all over Nichada must have been busy baking!!  Thankfully though I have just enough sugar for what I need to do so no biggy!!!

Well hope everyone has a good feeding of Turkey and pumpkin pies today.  And as we feast let's be thankful for so much that we have been blessed with.

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

.......Kari

Wordless Wednesday.

 

.....Kari

Wordless Wednesday.

 

.....Kari

I Love to Read.

I Do.  I really do.

I didn't use to - trust me when I say I didn't.  It use to be torture having to read to my parents every night for homework.  Oh how I hated it. 

But now that I love it, it's difficult to find the time.  With kids, responsibilities and commitments.  It's  just hard to lie back and enjoy a good book.  It really is.  I read to my kids (not nearly enough though) but that isn't the same.  I like to get lost in a book!

I read all sorts of books but as you can see on my side bar I really enjoy  Sidney Sheldon novels.  Oh they are so good.  I love the mystery, but I really like it how his female characters are always portrayed as such strong woman.  That's just the coolest!! 

Anyway I'm hoping that my kids will develop a love of books.  As I said I didn't always like it so I'm hoping that as they grow older they will enjoy reading too.

So do you enjoy reading?  And what are you reading today?

.....Kari.

I Love to Read.

I Do.  I really do.

I didn't use to - trust me when I say I didn't.  It use to be torture having to read to my parents every night for homework.  Oh how I hated it. 

But now that I love it, it's difficult to find the time.  With kids, responsibilities and commitments.  It's  just hard to lie back and enjoy a good book.  It really is.  I read to my kids (not nearly enough though) but that isn't the same.  I like to get lost in a book!

I read all sorts of books but as you can see on my side bar I really enjoy  Sidney Sheldon novels.  Oh they are so good.  I love the mystery, but I really like it how his female characters are always portrayed as such strong woman.  That's just the coolest!! 

Anyway I'm hoping that my kids will develop a love of books.  As I said I didn't always like it so I'm hoping that as they grow older they will enjoy reading too.

So do you enjoy reading?  And what are you reading today?

.....Kari.

When Nature Reminds you that God is closer than you think!

So we went away to the mountains in Thailand this weekend and it was beautiful.  There was so much to do as the organizers had jammed the weekend with many activities, but in the busyness of it all I took the time to take in my surroundings and I was in awe of God's beauty!  So perfect - so beautiful.  Truly God is nearer than you think.

The endless green and the picturesque mountains around me - just gorgeous!! 

And although my body was in motion all weekend - doing the activities, or watching my kids and meeting new people I managed to quiet my spirit and take in the wonders of God's creation and beauty.

God is so near to us - very near!! 

.......Kari

When Nature Reminds you that God is closer than you think!

So we went away to the mountains in Thailand this weekend and it was beautiful.  There was so much to do as the organizers had jammed the weekend with many activities, but in the busyness of it all I took the time to take in my surroundings and I was in awe of God's beauty!  So perfect - so beautiful.  Truly God is nearer than you think.

The endless green and the picturesque mountains around me - just gorgeous!! 

And although my body was in motion all weekend - doing the activities, or watching my kids and meeting new people I managed to quiet my spirit and take in the wonders of God's creation and beauty.

God is so near to us - very near!! 

.......Kari

And We're off.....

to  Khao Yai  "The Greenery Resort".

Should be a great weekend.  My husband's work department is hosting a Family Weekend Off-site so it should be fun.  My kids are taking part in the costume competition so their dressing Cow-girls and of course my little JJ will be the lone cowboy.  The theme for the weekend is Western (Cowboy/cowgirl).

Last year was a Pirate theme at a beach location and we entered the "best costume comp" as a family but this year round only the kids are taking part.

I'm looking forward to the games and the activities.  Especially the ATV's (4 wheel motorbikes!!!)  Oh the thrill!  Thankfully my mum is coming so she'll be watching Joshua. Thank you for Gran ma's

I'll have pictures to share after the weekend!.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

Pictures from last year family weekend. We won 2nd prize.

.....Kari

And We're off.....

to  Khao Yai  "The Greenery Resort".

Should be a great weekend.  My husband's work department is hosting a Family Weekend Off-site so it should be fun.  My kids are taking part in the costume competition so their dressing Cow-girls and of course my little JJ will be the lone cowboy.  The theme for the weekend is Western (Cowboy/cowgirl).

Last year was a Pirate theme at a beach location and we entered the "best costume comp" as a family but this year round only the kids are taking part.

I'm looking forward to the games and the activities.  Especially the ATV's (4 wheel motorbikes!!!)  Oh the thrill!  Thankfully my mum is coming so she'll be watching Joshua. Thank you for Gran ma's

I'll have pictures to share after the weekend!.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

Pictures from last year family weekend. We won 2nd prize.

.....Kari

After a Year....

I'm finally able to fit into a pair of my old jeans!!.  WOW - major accomplishment!! I never thought it would happen and to have it happen  just under 6 months since I gave birth - it is a huge thing for me (no pun intended!!)

You see I'm one of those women that when I put on weight it goes straight to my thighs and butt.  I hate it but hey that's just the way it is.

Anyway so to be able to fit into my jeans is a big deal for me.  I do still have that wonderful squish around my mid-section that never really left after my 2nd child, but to get anything past my thighs and hips is cause for me to celebrate!!!

.......Kari

After a Year....

I'm finally able to fit into a pair of my old jeans!!.  WOW - major accomplishment!! I never thought it would happen and to have it happen  just under 6 months since I gave birth - it is a huge thing for me (no pun intended!!)

You see I'm one of those women that when I put on weight it goes straight to my thighs and butt.  I hate it but hey that's just the way it is.

Anyway so to be able to fit into my jeans is a big deal for me.  I do still have that wonderful squish around my mid-section that never really left after my 2nd child, but to get anything past my thighs and hips is cause for me to celebrate!!!

.......Kari

I used to think I was good at math until.....

my daughter asked me to help her with her  homework!!

But then I saw this and well - I figure it is in the eye of the one solving the problem!!

   

 .......Kari

I used to think I was good at math until.....

my daughter asked me to help her with her  homework!!

But then I saw this and well - I figure it is in the eye of the one solving the problem!!

   

 .......Kari

Happy Birthday Renee!

Today you are another year older.  And another year wiser.  It's hard to believe that you are now 9 - your last year in single digits! 

From that first day we met, when you were put into my arms I knew that I was blessed.  Blessed because I know you are my good and perfect gift from God.  The author and finisher of our lives.  From God who created you in the dark and made you perfect!

You have brought me joy, laughter and tears. And I know you will continue to bring me joy, laughter and tears.

Here's to a wonderful day and a wonderful year ahead of you.

I Love you.  Dad loves you.  Tanysha loves you and not forgetting Joshua - I know he'll love having you as a big sister!!

Renee @ 6 months (Australia)

.....Kari

Happy Birthday Renee!

Today you are another year older.  And another year wiser.  It's hard to believe that you are now 9 - your last year in single digits! 

From that first day we met, when you were put into my arms I knew that I was blessed.  Blessed because I know you are my good and perfect gift from God.  The author and finisher of our lives.  From God who created you in the dark and made you perfect!

You have brought me joy, laughter and tears. And I know you will continue to bring me joy, laughter and tears.

Here's to a wonderful day and a wonderful year ahead of you.

I Love you.  Dad loves you.  Tanysha loves you and not forgetting Joshua - I know he'll love having you as a big sister!!

Renee @ 6 months (Australia)

.....Kari

10th of November

This day is always a special day.

Not only is it the day that I became a brand new mamma.  But it is also the day that my own mum remembers her birth date.

Yes my daughter and my mum share the same birth day - 10th of November.  I don't know how I managed to calculate it so well but this day is always special day.  And even more so today because my mum is here with us to celebrate and it's great.

 

Happy Birthday Mum!! 

 

I thank God for your life today and I'm thankful to you and remember all that you did for me.

 

.....Kari

10th of November

This day is always a special day.

Not only is it the day that I became a brand new mamma.  But it is also the day that my own mum remembers her birth date.

Yes my daughter and my mum share the same birth day - 10th of November.  I don't know how I managed to calculate it so well but this day is always special day.  And even more so today because my mum is here with us to celebrate and it's great.

 

Happy Birthday Mum!! 

 

I thank God for your life today and I'm thankful to you and remember all that you did for me.

 

.....Kari

Party Time!!

Today was Renee's birthday party. It was a bowling and Karaoke Party.

Fun, Fun and lots of Fun and Laughs!!

15 kids. Bowling. Singing.  Dancing!

My daughter loves to bowl and loves to sing so this was the perfect kinda party for her.  Her friends also love to sing and dance so all went well.

I'm glad they had a blast!!!

....Kari

Party Time!!

Today was Renee's birthday party. It was a bowling and Karaoke Party.

Fun, Fun and lots of Fun and Laughs!!

15 kids. Bowling. Singing.  Dancing!

My daughter loves to bowl and loves to sing so this was the perfect kinda party for her.  Her friends also love to sing and dance so all went well.

I'm glad they had a blast!!!

....Kari

Truly a Historic Moment - in my lifetime!!

So the US Presidential Elections came and went and overnight so many of us witnessed a historic moment, a wonderful moment.

Like I said in an earlier post I am only a distant observer but today and yesterday as I spoke to my American friends here in Bangkok the one thing I kept on repeating to them is this "America is truly is a great country because no where else in the world could Obama's story happen - NO WHERE.

America is a great country and Obama's rise to be the first African American president goes to show that it doesn't matter who you are or where you came from, in America you have opportunities and it is really up to you - you have the power to either make use of those opportunities or not.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible," declared the President-elect, "who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

(President-elect Barack Obama).

Congratulations America!! 

.....Kari

Truly a Historic Moment - in my lifetime!!

So the US Presidential Elections came and went and overnight so many of us witnessed a historic moment, a wonderful moment.

Like I said in an earlier post I am only a distant observer but today and yesterday as I spoke to my American friends here in Bangkok the one thing I kept on repeating to them is this "America is truly is a great country because no where else in the world could Obama's story happen - NO WHERE.

America is a great country and Obama's rise to be the first African American president goes to show that it doesn't matter who you are or where you came from, in America you have opportunities and it is really up to you - you have the power to either make use of those opportunities or not.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible," declared the President-elect, "who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

(President-elect Barack Obama).

Congratulations America!! 

.....Kari

It's Was a Busy Halloween!

So my mum and brother arrived safely early last Friday morning and then the craziness began!!

We got home from the airport around 2.30am, made it to bed around 4am and then I was up again at 6 to get my older daughter ready for school by 7.

It had rained non-stop the night before and I was worried that we might have to cancel our school carnival that we had worked so hard to organize.  Thankfully it wasn't but we had to downsize. The Bounce House was scaled back drastically and that was a bummer.

I spent most of that day at school finalizing stuff and doing last minute run a rounds.  All the while my mum and brother were back at home by themselves.  I felt so bad but I just had to be at the school being a PTG rep.

Well the carnival went well and the kids really enjoyed themselves.  Except for the couple of downpours during the carnival otherwise it was fun.  When it rains here in Thailand the heavens just open up and it rains hard - not the kind that comes down hard at first and then tapers off.  No this is the same from the beginning till end - hard and heavy rain.

So although the carnival was scaled back it was still so much fun. The games, the food and the prizes were great so the rain didn't damp our spirits.

My daughter dressed in her home made Halloween costume.  It only cost me 50baht (which is about $1.70 us) and she won a prize for best dressed - which was exciting.

Tanysha as "Puss 'n Boots"

After the carnival we got back home and then I had to go Trick-or Treating with my older daughter  and her 6 friends.  Oh it was so crazy but fun all the same.  My feet were so sore afterwards but the kids had so much fun that it was worth it.

Renee with her friends and their bags of candy

I'm thankful that my mum is here and able to watch Joshua while I did what I had to do, and my brother was also a great help.

It was fun.  Surely a crazy Halloween to remember.

......Kari

It's Was a Busy Halloween!

So my mum and brother arrived safely early last Friday morning and then the craziness began!!

We got home from the airport around 2.30am, made it to bed around 4am and then I was up again at 6 to get my older daughter ready for school by 7.

It had rained non-stop the night before and I was worried that we might have to cancel our school carnival that we had worked so hard to organize.  Thankfully it wasn't but we had to downsize. The Bounce House was scaled back drastically and that was a bummer.

I spent most of that day at school finalizing stuff and doing last minute run a rounds.  All the while my mum and brother were back at home by themselves.  I felt so bad but I just had to be at the school being a PTG rep.

Well the carnival went well and the kids really enjoyed themselves.  Except for the couple of downpours during the carnival otherwise it was fun.  When it rains here in Thailand the heavens just open up and it rains hard - not the kind that comes down hard at first and then tapers off.  No this is the same from the beginning till end - hard and heavy rain.

So although the carnival was scaled back it was still so much fun. The games, the food and the prizes were great so the rain didn't damp our spirits.

My daughter dressed in her home made Halloween costume.  It only cost me 50baht (which is about $1.70 us) and she won a prize for best dressed - which was exciting.

Tanysha as "Puss 'n Boots"

After the carnival we got back home and then I had to go Trick-or Treating with my older daughter  and her 6 friends.  Oh it was so crazy but fun all the same.  My feet were so sore afterwards but the kids had so much fun that it was worth it.

Renee with her friends and their bags of candy

I'm thankful that my mum is here and able to watch Joshua while I did what I had to do, and my brother was also a great help.

It was fun.  Surely a crazy Halloween to remember.

......Kari

I'm just a Distant Observer!

With the US Elections in only a couple of days I thought I'd share my thoughts as a distant observer.  I have no vote,  just an opinion.

I am predicting a  Obama-Biden  win. 

I think it's the time of the Democrats.  It would not have mattered much who the Republican candidate was, it's just time for the Democrats.  People are weary of the way of the Republicans so they want a change.  I also believe history is on Obama's side.  People will want to be part of that historical moment. They will want to cast their vote to put  the first Black Man in the White House.  It is a big deal and they'll want to show the world that America has moved forward.

Just my observation from all the way over here in the Land of Smiles.

......Kari

I'm just a Distant Observer!

With the US Elections in only a couple of days I thought I'd share my thoughts as a distant observer.  I have no vote,  just an opinion.

I am predicting a  Obama-Biden  win. 

I think it's the time of the Democrats.  It would not have mattered much who the Republican candidate was, it's just time for the Democrats.  People are weary of the way of the Republicans so they want a change.  I also believe history is on Obama's side.  People will want to be part of that historical moment. They will want to cast their vote to put  the first Black Man in the White House.  It is a big deal and they'll want to show the world that America has moved forward.

Just my observation from all the way over here in the Land of Smiles.

......Kari