Frog Surprise!

Today I went out to get Kyla's diapers off the clothes rack outside and found this cute tree frog nestled in one of them.  I love living here.  Surprises around every corner!

Goodbye Bananas, Hello Uncertainty

Some of our banana trees fell over two days ago.  Gale-force winds were blowing furiously the night before and we woke up to quite a mess in the front yard.  The rain had water-logged our lawn and everything looked crazy and prophesied of hours of work cutting, raking and burning to clean it up.  I was sad for about two seconds until I realized - hey, we're moving in two weeks!  I wouldn't even be around to miss them!

And, then, I realized that I didn't even know WHAT my next yard would look like.  Or, if my new dwelling would even have a yard.  I wouldn't miss *attempting* to help keep up with yard work, but then again, living in a concrete jungle again would almost certainly drive me bonkers.

Having space.  Green grass.  Fruit trees (10 plus!).  Endless species of wildlife (welcome and unwelcome).  A small garden.  These are things I have gotten used to over the past year.

We're knee-deep in the (online) house hunting process, and hope to decide next week.  Until then, it is a good distraction trying pack up our things, say goodbye to friends and disciples, while still trying my best to manage a household.

But, as we plan a move to the north of Thailand - and look ahead to the next few years, I have no idea what's in store.  Then again, who ever really does?

I was blown away with the space of my first house, filled with peace and rest upon settling into the second house, and I am sure that there are great surprises in store for the third.  

So, goodbye bananas and, hello...something better!

A Guessing Game

Quick!  Guess our big announcement by creating your own caption for this picture!  (comment below!)

The "Start-Over"

photo credit

Every now and then, don't you just wish you could start the day over again?

Usually, this thought runs through my head if I've woken up later than planned, are sick, tired and/or horribly irritable.  Sometimes there is a reason, and sometimes there isn't!  At least...one that I can figure out.

On these mornings, I have a frown permanently fixed on my face and snap at my kids.  Every little thing can bother me.  And, as the morning progresses, I am become more and more painfully aware of my sour attitude. 

Enter the "Start-Over."

When these mornings happen upon us, I like to enforce the "Start-Over" with myself first...and find that my kids (and unsuspecting husband - if he happens to be around that morning) quickly follow suit.  It is so helpful for an instant attitude change.  It goes a little something like this...

"HEY GUYS!  I think we need a "Start-Over" this morning.  Sound good?"

"Yeah!"

(I exit the room...pray quickly...turn my frown into a beaming smile...and re-enter the room.)

"GOOD MORNING! *smiling*  Isn't today such a WONDERFUL day?"

"Yeah!!"

(I go around to each kid and/or unsuspecting husband and hug them, kiss them, *still smiling*, and tell them how much I love them.)

"I LOVE you!  I am SO happy to see you today!"

They usually respond with the same greeting...smiles creep over faces.  The mood lifts. 

As we continue to interact over breakfast, clean up, school time, etc...I try my best to use a sing-songy voice, *still smiling* and actively encourage rather than nag.  Also, I have to choose to forget all that irritated me to begin with, and treat the day as a new one.  It isn't wishful thinking, it is simply not giving into feeling justified in my less-than-loving attitude.  This is the hard part. 

But, if you press through, with kindness, the day goes much more smoothly.  A new start.

If you think about it, your family's attitude sours as you lead...so, the opposite should work as well.  Funny how that works.

Try it out sometime!

A wise woman builds her home,
      but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:1

Orchid in Bloom

Like you and me, this orchid plant looks quite ordinary in it's "pre-blooming" state.  No frills.  Even a little unsightly and ragged-looking.  But, this seemingly ordinary part of creation soon unveils it's quite extra-ordinary purpose with help from the sun, air and water.  In similar ways, we must have the Son to live.  Without Him, we cannot bear fruit in our lives, or display the beautiful destiny we were created for.

"Whoever has the Son has life..." 1 John 5:12 

Go reach for the SON today!

A Fun "Fourth"

Steph, Treav and Nick.  Enjoying the great outdoors.

Here in Thailand, we do things laid back.  Most people aren't in a major rush.  And, neither are we...just kidding.  Life is still crazy!  But, this week, we pushed back the celebration of the Fourth of July till the Fifth of July.  We're cool that way.

Or, we're just more into fitting into our schedule when it works!  Nobody here knows the difference.  ;)

Couple shots...*awww* Treavor and Alina...

...and Nick and Steph.

Treav and Huy.

Run and Elliot - it was so bright outside right then.  I promise he's not sleeping sitting up.

Steph caught a better kid picture I'm sure.  This was one I got after all her's were done.  The kids were done.  And, hilarious, too!  My fav!

Check out this little nugget dressed so patriotically.  Thanks, Meemaw, for the outfit!

With hot dogs and chicken on the grill, we downed chips with sour cream and onion dip (DIY for the first time...I over-salted it a bit, but when you can't buy it at the store, it is still a special treat!).  We had carrot sticks with Cesar dressing, watermelon (what summer b-b-q is complete without it?), and strawberry limeade drinks to wash it all down.  Other than the apple pie and potato salad (sorry, Nick! ;) ...it was completely awesome! 

Engrossed in a movie (about the first Fourth of July) - I cannot tell you how many of these types of pictures I have.  I should showcase them all some day just to prove it.  Over 2.5 years, these kids have watched tons of flicks together.  Good times.

During "color your own American flag time," the adults collaborated together to try and convey to our unsuspecting littles (7 of them, 6 years and under) - about what Independence Day means for Americans.  Let me tell you, this can get a little tricky.  Unless you're a great history buff or do your studying beforehand, it is a little difficult to try and shoot out the "bottom-line" of July the Fourth. 

Patriots. 
Tories? 
The meaning of the Star-Spangled Banner - can anyone remember the whole story?  Bueller?
Declaration of Independence?  A document that was essentially a battle-cry. 
Calling it a "birthday party" for America?  (I thought that would help the pre-schoolers, and they were like, who's birthday is it?  George Washington's?). 
Fighting for land that wasn't "ours" to begin with?  Sorry if I stepped on a few toes there. 

I said it could get tricky.

Really, if you think about it, all the culture of the Fourth begins with barbeque's, swim parties, wearing patriotic-themed clothes, fireworks, staying up past bed-time, and such.  When I was 6, I thought there was nothing beyond celebrating Independence Day if it didn't include homemade brownies and sparklers!

But, as we grow up in America, we learn more about our fight to freedom.  About loyalties.  Taxes.  Having liberty to worship in any way we please. Becoming a "community" and a culture apart from Mother England...so. many. things.  We begin to understand more and think beyond cannon booms and the almost religious pledge of allegiance to our Flag.  We think to Freedom. 

Hopefully today, we attached not just a little patriotism upon our confused, third-culture kids - but, at the least, a happy memory to tag onto their formative years.  One day they will understand it all a little deeper (probably because we'll have to home school them on it!)...especially if we ever live in the States again. 

Pray for us.  Pray for our children to have identity not only here in Thailand - but as Americans - and, ultimately, as citizens of Heaven. 

Pray for our country.  For leaders to lead rightly.  To feel the weight of their responsibility.  And, *gasp*, to hear God's voice to lead them!

Pray for the world.  To be brought to true freedom!  Freedom from sin.  From guilt.  From oppression.  From hopelessness, poverty and the desperation of the world.  To be brought to the beautiful face of Jesus.

A Great Pairing

Last night I consumed two things:

Mangoes with Sticky Rice and Coconut Milk

and...

Treavor was away at a prayer meeting, and I had ordered tucked the children in bed early last night.  What is there left to do with a quiet house than eat a terribly rich dessert and enjoy a chick flick that even my husband won't watch for the second time?

I asked him, after I bought it, why he was disappointed that I chose it instead of some new action flick (like I didn't know why already?).  He replied, "Because it is about two things you really like...blogs and cooking.  Once is enough for me."

OK. OK. Twist my arm. I guess I will just have to forever watch it by myself!  ;)

What do you like to do when you're suddenly faced with a free hour or two?