Mt Baker

Before we left for Texas we decided to drive up to Mt Baker and see if we could find some places to sled. We didn't do too well on finding a suitable place and we left too late in the day but we did get to play in the snow for a little bit!

Who needs snow?

When it snowed I bought a couple of sleds to use on the hills in front of my parents house and of course we have had no snow since then.

Well, today we had a gorgeous day and so Peyton was outside with my mom while I was finishing up lunch with Graham. When I came out she asked for her sled, I was confused, she explained in greater and louder detail and I found the sled and of we went and we had so much fun! We seriously just went down the wet hills and had a blast. She was soaked but it was worth it!

 

 And of course after awhile just Peyton going by herself was not enough fun and somehow Mommy was convinced to join in the fun. Although I am not as brave as Peyton and was scared and felt like a baby.

 Then we both decided to go which was a bad idea...I was scared by myself and so when I added Peyton I was even more scared because I didn't want anything to happen to her. We ended up falling and I have a bruise on my hip and Peyton thought it was hilarious!

I bought some ski pants for Peyton today at Target for $15 so she won't be soaked when we go out again and also when we head out to Mt Baker eventually. Peyton is already asking to go tomorrow! 

Christmas Tree Farm

On Saturday we headed to a Christmas Tree Farm to find the perfect tree. I was so excited to have the chance to have a real tree this year and also for the fun experience to look around and find that perfect tree. And I can even think of a better setting a view to be looking for Christmas trees in! I loved it! It was such a fun memory and although according to my mom, we got way too big of a tree, I love the tree and it is starting to feel like Christmas!

Mt Baker in the background....I just love being surronded by mountains!

 Graham chilling in the baby Bjorn with mommy!

Peyton hunting for the perfect tree! She wanted a "giant' one!

 Found it...now time to help Papa cut it down!

The tree is home and we are working on putting the lights on! Isn't it a perfect, big, fat tree! I love it!

Thanksgiving Recap

This Thanksgiving might not have had the largest gathering of people, or the most glamorous of locations or gourmet meal but it was full of love, thankfulness and just joy for being around people that I love and have missed so much. I have missed my family more than I knew. Maybe I just turned that off and didn't think about it while I was away but now that I have them around I realize how much I miss them, the loudness, craziness and dynamic that my family has. It really all hit me when I saw my youngest sister walk in the door from flying up from Lubbock and realizing how much I missed her. I don't talk to her on Skype everyday or on the phone because she is in college and busy and has a weird college schedule and so I have missed her. So, this Thanksgiving when we went around and said what we were thankful for...I was thankful for family, and that I was sitting around the table with my family near complete (and at Christmas we will finally be all together for the first time since May). The table was full of love, and an undeniable family bond complete with my parents, sister and Aunt and Uncle and my precious kids and I was full of thankfulness....and turkey!

And true to form...Graham tried everything and LOVED it and Peyton ate nothing besides bread...although she tried the cranberries.

Thankful Thursdays

This is a continuation from my first post of reflecting on our blessings and reasons to give thanks during the month of November...

1. Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" I am thankful in the promise that no matter where I am... that I am loved by an amazing Savior!
2. I am thankful that my husband has a job. Although he is now working 12 hour shifts up until we leave to go home to the states...I am focusing on the positive that he has a well paying job and can provide for us.
3. I am thankful for my two kids and the laughter they provide in my day!
4. I am thankful for my little sister Shannon! Happy Birthday! I am thankful for the time that I had while we were living in Texas to spend with her and the growth that we had in our relationship. I am thankful for the direction her life is going and the positive and great things going on in her life. I am thankful for the love she has for my kids.
5. Thankful for the Texas vs. Texas Tech football game (big family rivalry with one sister a Tech alumni and the other attending) being broadcasted live in Saudi and that I got to watch half of it cuddling with my husband before he had to go back to work! And that the Longhorns won!!! Hook 'Em Horns!
6. I am thankful for the beautiful beach we live right next to (seriously a five minute walk at that) and for a wonderful morning eating breakfast with friends and playing at the beach! Thankful for God's amazing creation!
7. I am thankful that I am able to fly back to the States and spend seven wonderful weeks with family and friends!
8. Thankful for a wonderful day with G and that Peyton and her have picked up right where they left off. Thankful for the relationship they have and how much my mom loves my kids and is such an important and wonderful influence in their lives!
9. Thankful for God's creation and the amazing beauty of it. Love seeing the mountains, lake and gorgeous view every morning when we wake up here in Washington. Amazing!
10. Thankful for technology and how it makes the distance across the world seem smaller!
11. Thankful for those who have served and continue to serve to protect the freedoms we have in the States and in Canada. So many people live without the freedom to vote, drive, have an opinion, freedom of speech and I am forever grateful for those who have served and died for those freedoms for us. I am even more thankful for my Grandpa and his service to Canada during WWII.
12. Thankful that Papa had a safe flight up from Houston and the time that Peyton is spending with her friend. Thankful that he is patient with her and lets her help him with all kinds of projects.
13. Thankful for my parents and their commitment to one another and 30 years of marriage!
14. Thankful for the freedom to drive and go where I please and whenever I please! So thankful!
15. I am thankful that I can drive to Barnes and Noble and buy Christian books! Thankful for the freedom of religion!
16. Thankful for my mom who watched my kids while I enjoyed a 3 mile run through the trails of Whatcom Creek Falls. A great run in beautiful weather and gorgeous surrondings!
17. Thankful for my friends in Texas who have continued to stay in touch with me and are planning time to visit while we are there. I am thankful for their hospitality and excitment to see me and my family! I am so looking forward to seeing them!
18. Thankful for real water and not having to shower in salt water! My hair is very appreciative!   
19. Thankful for the opportunity to freely attend church and sing praises to my Saviour with hundreds of other people.
20. Thankful for my husband who is working hard while we are gone at his job and at finishing up unpacking and things I wanted to get done around the house. 
21. Thankful for rain, the change in seasons and nature!
22. Thankful for two healthy kids who continue to grow and thrive. 
23. Thankful that we have a bountiful feast to enjoy tomorrow and for our blessings.
24. Thankful to be spending Thanksgiving with family!

On the move...

Graham finally figured out how to coordinate all his legs and arms and get moving in a forward direction and he is one happy guy!

Last week (I think around the 16th) he started pushing himself back into a sitting position which is almost better in crawling in my opinion. I have a feeling I will be doing lots of chasing with him! I already forgot he was able to crawl when I was in Barnes and Noble and just sat him down to help Peyton with a book and within a minute he was off and Peyton was telling me that Graham was running away.

He just screams with excitment when he is on the move and I know he is just going to be trouble! Fun times!

Snow, Donuts and Cars

Peyton is living the good life and being spoiled left and right by G and Papa and enjoying Washington as much as her mother!

She went outside to play in the snow the other morning. However she was dissapointed that there wasn't enough to make a snowman.

Then this morning she woke up early and went off with Papa to Rocket Donuts for a special breakfast. She woke up at 5 AM and asked me if it was time and I told her to go to bed, she did and apparently just went down at 6 AM to Papa and G's room in hopes she could get a different answer, they got her to go back to sleeep for another hour and then they were finally off. She had 2 donuts there and then they came home with some for us including the "monster donut."

After our sugar filled morning they surprised her with her very own set of wheels. Seriously, they had her go out and opened the garage door to reveal her very own car. It felt kind of like the Price is Right. What makes this even more fun is that this is something that my sisters and I wanted so badly growing up and of course we never got one! She was so surprised and loved it! I was surprised at how well she did driving and so I spent the morning chasing her around the driveway and she is already asking to go back out but the battery takes awhile to recharge.

 

We are having a good time at G and Papa's and Mommy is being spoiled with extra hands to take care of babies, ability to go and run on bautiful trails and relax with my family!

My little ballerina

Yesterday turned out to be such a fun day. We went to eat lunch at a fun organic food cafe downtown and then Peyton started going on and on about how much she wanted ballet shoes. She talked about it the other day as well. There is a ballet instructor in Saudi on our camp and I just haven't put Peyton in it because I didn't think she would be interested or ready and she also was doing swimming and didn't want to overwhelm her. But with swimming being put on hold and Peyton starting to express an interest in dancing/ballet/princesses, I am hoping to get her started in ballet lessons when we return.

Since I knew that there is no way we would find what she would need in Saudi to start so we found an amazing dance store in downtown Bellingham. It is run by a husband and wife and they were so helpful and sweet. They had this adorable pink couch for Peyton to sit on to try on her shoes and it was such a fun experience buying Peyton's first ballet shoes. I only did ballet for a little bit when I was young but it was still surreal and fun to buy my daughter her first ballet shoes!

After shoes we needed to pick out a leotard and skirt and tights. I would have keep getting more and more and the girly side in me was coming out and surprisngly Peyton was all about it! We stuck with a simple leotard and skirt instead of the relaly cute and over the top outfits and I told myself if she likes ballet and keeps with it then this summer we will have to come back and get some of the more elaborate outfits!

When I did ballet when I was younger there was an instructor who gave me her ballet sweater after a class. My sister was in that class as well and was so jealous that I got the sweater and not her. My mom reminded me about that story while we were there and I was so tempted to buy Peyton a sweater and didn't. I figured I should look around in the various boxes in storage and find the special sweater and pass it onto her!

 Then when we came home it was time for our ballerina to show us her moves! She is so adorable and wouldn't take off her outfit. She was so excited to show Papa over skype and twirl around for us. I can't wait for her to actually be able to do her lessons and see my little girl do ballet! I can't believe she is old enough to have ballet shoes. I think the only thing that I would have a harder time with our have a more surreal moment would be buying her a horse riding helmet/gear. Now that would be very overwhelming!

Not in Saudi anymore...Snow!!!!

Looks like we might have a snow day in the morning...we were expecting possible snow the next couple of days and it already started tonight just after Peyton went to sleep so I am hoping that it is still here in the morning for her...but then melt so we can go out to a Christmas market!

Thankful Thursday

This is a continuation from my first post of reflecting on our blessings and reasons to give thanks during the month of November...

1. Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" I am thankful in the promise that no matter where I am... that I am loved by an amazing Savior!
2. I am thankful that my husband has a job. Although he is now working 12 hour shifts up until we leave to go home to the states...I am focusing on the positive that he has a well paying job and can provide for us.
3. I am thankful for my two kids and the laughter they provide in my day!
4. I am thankful for my little sister Shannon! Happy Birthday! I am thankful for the time that I had while we were living in Texas to spend with her and the growth that we had in our relationship. I am thankful for the direction her life is going and the positive and great things going on in her life. I am thankful for the love she has for my kids.
5. Thankful for the Texas vs. Texas Tech football game (big family rivalry with one sister a Tech alumni and the other attending) being broadcasted live in Saudi and that I got to watch half of it cuddling with my husband before he had to go back to work! And that the Longhorns won!!! Hook 'Em Horns!
6. I am thankful for the beautiful beach we live right next to (seriously a five minute walk at that) and for a wonderful morning eating breakfast with friends and playing at the beach! Thankful for God's amazing creation!
7. I am thankful that I am able to fly back to the States and spend seven wonderful weeks with family and friends!
8. Thankful for a wonderful day with G and that Peyton and her have picked up right where they left off. Thankful for the relationship they have and how much my mom loves my kids and is such an important and wonderful influence in their lives!
9. Thankful for God's creation and the amazing beauty of it. Love seeing the mountains, lake and gorgeous view every morning when we wake up here in Washington. Amazing!
10. Thankful for technology and how it makes the distance across the world seem smaller!
11. Thankful for those who have served and continue to serve to protect the freedoms we have in the States and in Canada. So many people live without the freedom to vote, drive, have an opinion, freedom of speech and I am forever grateful for those who have served and died for those freedoms for us. I am even more thankful for my Grandpa and his service to Canada during WWII.
12. Thankful that Papa had a safe flight up from Houston and the time that Peyton is spending with her friend. Thankful that he is patient with her and lets her help him with all kinds of projects.
13. Thankful for my parents and their commitment to one another and 30 years of marriage!
14. Thankful for the freedom to drive and go where I please and whenever I please! So thankful!
15. I am thankful that I can drive to Barnes and Noble and buy Christian books! Thankful for the freedom of religion!
16. Thankful for my mom who watched my kids while I enjoyed a 3 mile run through the trails of Whatcom Creek Falls. A great run in beautiful weather and gorgeous surrondings! 
17. Thankful for my friends in Texas who have continued to stay in touch with me and are planning time to visit while we are there. I am thankful for their hospitality and excitment to see me and my family! I am so looking forward to seeing them!
    
    

Midweek Ramblings

I am so bad about updating the blog! We have been loving Washington and I have pretty much decided that if I could have it my way we would be moving here right after Saudi. I have been looking at houses as we drive around and already have a stack of ones that I think would be just perfect for us...and they are all within a reasonable price range! I will have to do a post sometime of all my favorite houses.


Here are some ramblings about what we have been up to...

• We have been enjoying the trails a bunch! We have gone several times to feed the ducks and walk around and love the trails here. There are so many that I am sure we will never get bored and there will always be a new one to explore. One day when we went to the park I overheard a couple of moms who were leaving talking about how they were off to run some errands. I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to go for a walk along the trails in the morning with the kids before you started your day. Love!

• I was able to go for a run today! I went down to the trails and ran with Max..my sisters lab that my mom is watching...and we did a 3 mile run through the trails along the Whatcom Creek Falls. It was a wonderful run! 35 degrees and beautiful scenery and just the right amount of hills. Such a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing way to start the day.

• We have been exploring some of the towns around Bellingham and walked through the town of Fairhaven and all the shops. I found some gifts for friends babies back in Texas, some stuff for Peyton for Christmas and also a great Christmas present for her that I think I will need to go back and get...a fairy tree house doll house thing!
• Graham is finally sleeping through the night again and same with Peyton so we are starting to get some rest!
• The other night I drove (so thankful for that freedom here) to Barnes and Noble and bought some travel books and a Beth Moore book (so thankful that I can have the freedom to buy a Christian book) and I spent the evening drinking coffee, writing in my journal and enjoying time away from the kids. It was wonderful!
• John was approved for a couple days off in late January so I am starting to plan where we can all go for a quick family trip before he starts the big turnaround and long days/hours. So far the top choices are Oman or Turkey. I picked up a book on Turkey and they are ordering one on Oman for me so I can read those while I have some time here.
• I am also thinking about taking the kids on a trip somewhere by myself to help break up the time that John is in turnaround. It is currently supposed to last 60-90 days and I know I will need a break and I am planning on visiting my sister and the UAE but I am thinking about a trip to somewhere in Europe. I am starting to look into it and we will see how brave I will be and if I ended up doing it.
• I am looking forward to a week with my dad in Washington and then my youngest sister off for Thanksgiving and spending time up here! So excited about having family around and enjoying the Thanksgiving holidays!

Happy Anniversary G and Papa!

Today is my parents 30th wedding anniversary! Thirty years ago they pledged their love and commitment to each other and to God.

Growing up I never truly appreciated how much work they put into the marriage and their commitment to remain together. Now that I am married I can only imagine the time, effort, and determination to work at their marriage and I am so appreciative and grateful that I had didn't have to experience a divorce and I have an example to follow. Congrats on 30 years of marriage and may God continue to richly bless you guys! Thank you for the wonderful legacy you have and are providing for your kids and grandkids!

I also noticed the severe lack of pictures I have of my parents together. I found the above two on my mom's facebook and then the below from Easter this past year. I need to work on that while I am home!

Some pictures so far..

Here are some pictures of our time here in Washington so far....

Shopping with Peyton's Papa at Home Depot. She has been attached to my dad's side since she saw him. She goes everywhere with him and is all about Papa...I no longer exist!



Thankful Thursday

This is a continuation from my first post of reflecting on our blessings and reasons to give thanks during the month of November...

1. Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"  I am thankful in the promise that no matter where I am... that I am loved by an amazing Savior!
2. I am thankful that my husband has a job. Although he is now working 12 hour shifts up until we leave to go home to the states...I am focusing on the positive that he has a well paying job and can provide for us.
3. I am thankful for my two kids and the laughter they provide in my day! 
4. I am thankful for my little sister Shannon! Happy Birthday! I am thankful for the time that I had while we were living in Texas to spend with her and the growth that we had in our relationship. I am thankful for the direction her life is going and the positive and great things going on in her life. I am thankful for the love she has for my kids. 
5. Thankful for the Texas vs. Texas Tech football game (big family rivalry with one sister a Tech alumni and the other attending) being broadcasted live in Saudi and that I got to watch half of it cuddling with my husband before he had to go back to work! And that the Longhorns won!!! Hook 'Em Horns!
6. I am thankful for the beautiful beach we live right next to (seriously a five minute walk at that) and for a wonderful morning eating breakfast with friends and playing at the beach! Thankful for God's amazing creation!
7. I am thankful that I am able to fly back to the States and spend seven wonderful weeks with family and friends! 
8. Thankful for a wonderful day with G and that Peyton and her have picked up right where they left off. Thankful for the relationship they have and how much my mom loves my kids and is such an important and wonderful influence in their lives!
9. Thankful for God's creation and the amazing beauty of it. Love seeing the mountains, lake and gorgeous view every morning when we wake up here in Washington. Amazing!
10. Thankful for technology and how it makes the distance across the world seem smaller!

Midweek Ramblings

What a busy week this has been...a week ago we were in Saudi and now in the United States...what a crazy life I lead...

• The night we left to fly back to the States we had our first rainstorm in Saudi in the five months we have lived there! John and I both heard the thunder and saw some lighting and looked at each other in disbelief. Thankfully it was nothing big but our dog was a little scared...I guess he has forgotten what thunderstorms are! Also...of course as soon as we leave we have awesome temperatures with highs in the upper 70's...hopefully that wonderful weather will be there when I return....certainly nicer than the 135 we saw in the summer!

• Forgot to post awhile ago that Graham got his first tooth (October 23) and another one is close to appearing. 
• Speaking of Graham...he is so determined to crawl! He is practicing/trying non stop to figure it out. He is so persistent and doesn't get frustrated when he fails, he just keeps going. So cute and he is very close and I am excited to see his look of excitement when he figures it out.
• It was a very long week with John unexpectedly working 12 hour shifts and then some but I am unbelievably thankful that he was able to spend some time with the kids and me on Saturday and Sunday in between shifts before we left.
• Much to our surprise the Texas Longhorns game was being broadcasted live on TV in Saudi on Saturday night! We enjoyed watching the Longhorns beat the Texas Tech Raiders which is huge in our house considering my two younger sisters are Tech fans (one is an alumni and the other currently attends Tech). I had to laugh that my sister who lives in Abu Dhabi called to talk smack at the start of the game when Tech was up but was pretty silent the rest of the game. I am so excited about being in the States for the end of the season and start of bowl season. I have been missing my college football!

• We made it back to the States and are trying to get over jet lag. Night one consisted of Graham waking up every 2 hours and then me giving up at 4:30 AM and taking him in the living room to play. This part is not fun!
• The customs/immigration officer in Seattle asked me if I was returning from during the Haj in Saudi when he found out I was coming from there. I was kind of dumb founded...really...if I was muslim and did the Haj would I be wearing a lower cut shirt and my hair not covered and tight yoga pants. Made me laugh! And how everytime I get my passport checked the question I get is if I can drive. 
• While we were driving up to my parents we stopped for a Starbucks run. It was kind of sad the joy and excitment I felt as I walked up to any door I wanted and ordered my Pumpkin Spice Latte! Delicious!
• The view is BEAUTIFUL from my parents! I have always felt more connected with God when I am in nature and seeing His awesome creation and it is pretty amazing to wake up and look out your window and see mountains and water and the beauty of nature!
• Then yesterday we went to Target and I was in love! I could have spent hours in there! Peyton came home with some new toys and even she was overwhelmed with the toy aisle. I picked up some baby stuff that I needed and then looked around at other stuff and just was in awe of all the choices. We couldn't spend that long because Peyton was falling asleep in the cart but it was a nice trip and I am sure we will be making more trips soon!

We are looking forward to a wonderful week in Washington state and enjoying time with G and Papa and the wonderful scenery and looking for my future house...just kidding John...kind of! We are so happy and feel so blessed to be here!



We made it!

We made it to Washington! And I am so happy that the whole flight experience is behind us for now. All I have is a quick and compared to the last flight, four hour flight down to Texas in December and when I head back to Saudi I will gain another parent which will help tremendously.


Our first flight went amazingly well. Peyton was exicted and very helpful and I got Graham to sleep pretty early on and he slept the majority of the six hours. Peyton had a hard time falling asleep due to the seating arrangement. Graham's car seat is not allowed to occupy an aisle seat and I had a row of only three seats so he was in the middle between me and Peyton. She couldn't put her head on me and couldn't fall asleep. After trying everything she ended up in my lap and fell asleep which worked great.


We landed and the Amsterdam airport is so kid friendly. We found a baby care area where they have a pretty sweet indoor play ground designed like a forest. Peyton found some friends and played tag, hide and seek and ran around. We then went and got her some breakfast/lunch and went to the baby room where they have mini rooms that have a crib, changing area and chairs to rest. I also able to get Graham done for a nap, get Peyton to have some quiet relaxing time, disinfect bottles in the microwave (they had steam sanitizer bags available to use) and repack our bags/organize. It was great! Very nice airport and helped tremendously.


Our next flight was long and a little rougher. We boarded and sat on the plane for just over an hour due to delays with the flight plan. I had gotten Graham asleep so I wasted an hour of him sleeping just on the tarmac and Peyton was starting to get whiny. We finally were airborne and I got everyone asleep but as soon as beverage service started Peyton was up and didn't sleep the rest of the fligh...8 hours until just before landing when I told her she HAD to have a nap.Graham didn't sleep for any long stretch of time since this was essentially during our day time in Saudi and so he was hard to entertain. But we made it through and landed with Peyton finally sleeping. And then the fun began...Peyton started crying because I woke her up and she cried the whole way through off the plane, through customs, through baggage, through a train and finally stopped when she was scooped up into G's arms. I felt so bad for her and nothing would fix it besides her G. Her meltdown did earn me an express lane pass through customs which was a huge praise but the whole airport/arrival experience was tiring!

We made it home with G....while making a stop at Starbucks and Peyton has been glued to her side ever since. She is so happy to see my mom and is constantly wanting G to do it and nothing to do with mommy! The kids slept relatively well last night with Peyton only waking up once and then going straight back to bed and Graham waking up every three hours. Hopefully we can get turned around pretty soon! Overall the whole travel experience went well and I will do it again which is a positive!

We are just happy to be spending time with family and relaxing and enjoying beautiful Washington state....I might start looking for houses while I am here!

Flying Home...Prayer Requests

Tonight I leave for the airport with these two cuties to fly home to the States and get lots of kisses and hugs from their G and Papa! 

Our flight leaves at 1:00 AM Monday morning and we arrive at 12:30 PM Seattle time...I think total travel time from driving to the airport to landing is around 28 hours.


When we came to Saudi I posted a specific prayer request list and so many friends and family prayed over our journey and it went so smoothly so I wanted to go ahead and do the same. 


So, please pray over the following...we would appreciate it so much!

• For safe travels and protection over the planes and the pilots and crew.
• That on each flight my seats are together. Currently I have requested that they be together and I am praying that this doesn't get changed.
• That the kids and I get settled at the airport in Saudi safely and easily and that I don't feel too uncomfortable waiting around by myself without John. 
• That the car seat for Graham is easy to get on and off the plane and down the aisles and I don't encounter any opposition from flight attendants. It is approved by FAA and all the airlines say it is fine to use but I have heard stories from other friends.
• That the transitions onto and off of each flight are smooth. That I can manage all our bags, stroller and car seat and get us into our seat and then off the plane and onto the next easily and without losing anything or anyone. 
• Over the first flight from Saudi to Amsterdam and that the kids sleep. It is six hours long and flying through the night. Please pray they both sleep the majority of the flight so we are well rested.
• Our layover in Amsterdam. That we can find food, a play ground and regroup for our next and final flight. Pray that I handle exiting the plane, security and any other stops with ease and that everything flows. Pray that we have no delays and our next flight leaves on time.
• For our flight from Amsterdam to Seattle. Pray that I can entertain Peyton and care for Graham efficiently and with a cheerful and patient spirit and the time passes quickly.
• That Graham handles flying, sleeping in his car seat and the change in pressure etc with ease and with the normal easy going attitude that he has.
• That Peyton handles leaving John without too much drama and feels comforted that she will see him soon and the excitement of seeing her G takes precedence. Pray that she understands what is expected of her, and is adaptable. Pray that she sleeps as much as she needs to in order to be pleasant.
• Pray for me...that I am patient, don't get overwhelmed, have strength to carry our bags, car seat etc and have energy to last the whole trip. Pray that I am clear in articulating my expectations of Peyton and she hears and receives my direction well. 
• For the people around us and that we come in contact with. Pray that they have compassion and we don't ruin their trip!
• That we are arrive in good spirits and can say the whole experience was better than we could have imagined!

Midweek Ramblings...Weekend Recap

I didn't do a midweek ramblings post because not much went on during the week so I really didn't have much to write about...and not much has gone on during the weekend but here is what has been going on...

• Wednesday Peyton went to play at a friends house. They have been become really close and always look for each other at school. They played well...like the always do...and when we went to leave his mom told him she would be gone for awhile and to give her a "cuddle" (they are British and that is what she calls hugs) and he just broke down sobbing. He was so sad she wouldn't be at school next week and was distraught. I felt awful but am thankful that Peyton has made good friends here.
• Also on Wednesday we found out that John would be working 12 hour shifts until further notice due to a leak at the refinery. Boo! This meant our family weekend trip to Bahrain was canceled and the family time we were hoping to have before we left for the states wouldn't happen.
• Since John was working I decided to take the kids on the shoppers bus to the mall. We all had a good time and the kids were amazingly well behaved. We got some crafts and small games for the plane, a baby gift for a friend back in Texas and I managed to find four shirts at Zara and we I got home to try the on...they all fit and look cute! I am getting pretty good at buying clothes without trying them on. 
• While at the mall Peyton had a funny conversation with some Saudi women sitting waiting for Chili's to open after prayer..

Women: "What is your name?"

Peyton: "My name Peyton, what is your name?

W: "Sawhalya"

P: "Hmmm, please repeat"

W: "Sawhalya"

P: "Oh.. Sawhalya...that a hard name"

W: "Yes...you have very pretty hair."

P: "Thanks...I can't see your hair."

The women laugh and we all talk some more about where we are from and about them and it was a really nice conversation. It was also the first time that I really was able to talk with some Saudi women. I am sure it was because John wasn't with me and they were alone as well. It was nice.

• Yesterday was my sister's 20th birthday! I can't believe she is turning 20! Since she is 8 years younger than me, I remember when she was born and when she was Peyton's age. I wish I could celebrate her birthday with her. Happy Birthday Shannon! We love you so much and I am so thankful for where our relationship is and how much it has grown over the years. Thank you for loving my kids as much as you do. I am so proud of you and where you are right now. You have so many good things in your life right now. I am also so proud of all the work you have done this past year to get where you are from following your dreams and releasing your CD to pursuing your education and starting college life. You are a strong woman and I love that I get to see you pursue your dreams! Love you so much!
• Today starts the second Eid...not sure what it is exactly for but it is another Eid celebration with parties and a holiday for John...well it was supposed to be but he is sill at work and will be for several more days. 

Hope everyone in the western world has a wonderful weekend! I am off to pack...

Thankful Thursdays

I LOVE Thanksgiving! 


Ever since moving to Texas I fell in love with the whole holiday....good food, family, parades, football, feeling of Fall and the kick off of Christmas. Then when I met my husband I enjoyed it even more because he had a large extended family that gathered every year and they welcomed me in from the beginning. I looked forward to Thanksgiving every year! John always thought it was kind of funny that a Canadian would have such a love for an American holiday! But I enjoy having a day to reflect on our blessings to sing praises of thanks and to appreciate what truly matters...our hope and promise we have in Him and family! 


For November and Thanksgiving You might have seen on Facebook various status updates of what everyone is thankful for on that day. I didn't want to be tied to Facebook and feeling like I had to make a status update for everyday this month but I do really like the idea of expressing thankfulness for the blessings in my life. 


And since living here I have understood more than ever the importance on focusing on what is good and recognizing the blessings that I do have. 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Shortly after moving here my sister suggested writing down a gratitude journal to track what I am thankful for that day and although I didn't follow through with writing it down I do reflect every morning what I am thankful for that day. It might be something from the night before or something we are doing that day but I hold onto that and when the day gets rough I give thanks for what is good in my life.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." 

James 1:17 

So I am going to do a Thankful Thursday post every week to capture what I am thankful for each day of the past week!

1. Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"  I am thankful in the promise that no matter where I am... that I am loved by an amazing Savior!
2. I am thankful that my husband has a job. Although he is now working 12 hour shifts up until we leave to go home to the states...I am focusing on the positive that he has a well paying job and can provide for us.
3. I am thankful for my two kids and the laughter they provide in my day! 

Stay tuned for next week and I encourage you to write down what you are thankful this month!