Oops, he did it again...

There is just not a graceful bone in little Nick's body. Poor guy.

As he & his brother & sister were running around the living room tonight, Nick slipped on the hardwood floor & landed smack dab on his chin. And, like it always seems to do, his skin just split open in the shape of an "L". Why doesn't he just get a bruise or a raised knot like most kids? Maybe he just has super thin skin. Is there a name for a condition like this - where skin splits open so easily? I just don't get it. Sydney & Samuel were never injured this much.

Anyway, after cleaning up his wound, I realized he might need stitches again. Unfortunately, Sam was not home from work yet & I wasn't quite sure where the closest clinic was. So, I texted a few friends & the twins' teacher was the first to respond. She informed me that a school nurse was always at the school until 7 pm. So, the kids & I quickly drove to the school to allow Nurse Gladys to assess Nick's chin. She informed me that since the cut wasn't deep, stitches were not required, but that it would leave a nasty scar on his face. I informed her it would match all the other scars poor Nick already has. So, instead, she put on a couple of steri strips & a butterfly bandage. We have to get it changed every day & he can't get it wet, but atleast it's not another set of stitches.

The twins' Kindergarten teacher is in charge of the school yearbook. She asked each student a set of questions to include in this year's book & one of the questions she asked Nicholas was, "What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?" Nick's reply:

"I like to go to the hospital and get stitches."

Nice.

Starting early...

We attended a going away party for a friend on Monday & this is how Nick ended his evening...

Passed out cold!!

Seriously, his belly could totally pass for a beer belly already at the age of 3! Poor little guy. And check out his half-open eyes. Sound asleep! It's just eerie.

(Alright, before you get all judgmental on me, you know this is all in good fun. He only drank a little beer... not the whole can.)

Times like these...

I may not at the moment, but I know one day I will look back fondly on these days:

* Tonight Samuel & I were cuddling in my bed, when all of a sudden he quickly pulls away from me, yells "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" & proceeds to let out the longest, most disgusting toot. Sydney thought it was hilarious!
(I just want to clarify that when I say "Samuel" I am talking about my son, NOT my husband! Although, I wouldn't put it past him to do the same thing, but I sure wouldn't post it on here! In fact, I'm wondering if that's where Samuel learned it in the first place...)

* Friday night we went out for dinner, drinks & dancing with some friends. (Although I abstained from dancing, which is a good thing considering...) So, since I have lost some Nicholas baby weight (finally!), I decided to treat myself to a new dress for the fun evening. Well, as I was walking out of the bathroom at one point, my right ankle completely gave out on me & down I went in front of several wide-eyed Filipinos! With as much grace & dignity as I could, I picked myself up, brushed off my new dress & quickly walked far, far away. Twisted my right ankle... skinned my left knee... bruised my fragile ego... but it still makes me laugh (and cringe) every time I think about it three days later! Laughter is the best medicine, right?

* The kids get their feelings terribly hurt when one of their siblings says they are "bad". I am constantly hearing, "Mom, Sydney said I was bad! I'm not bad!" Or Samuel. Or Nick. Unfortunately, Nick picks up on every negative thing the twins do & say & mimics them. So, I'm sure his pre-k teacher appreciates all the comments he repeats at school to the other younger students. It's just the beginning...

* Nick has become fiercely independent dressing himself. He does not want any help at all. Which is great, except that it takes so much extra time getting ready for school each morning. It doesn't help that we are pretty much usually running late anyway. (Story of my life!) And, in addition, he doesn't care if he has his shirt/shorts/underwear, etc. on backwards. He says, "It's okay if it's backwards." Doesn't bother him one bit! He did it by himself & that's all that matters. Boys!

Happy Monday!

Baby Fever

Congratulations to my wonderful friend, Christy, who delivered her baby boy, Cooper, on April 17.

(The same day as my nephew's birthday! Happy late birthday, Jared!)

Here is handsome Cooper Michael Corr:

I think he looks just like his beautiful older sister, Isabella. Such a sweet, chubby face!

Lots of lots of babies either have arrived or are arriving this spring/summer. I am missing out of so many beautiful, precious newborns. But, I am praying for all of you!

(And, just to clarify, no, I DO NOT have baby fever!)

Catching up...

I haven't been on the computer much lately, but dedicated this evening to playing catch up. Surprisingly, I haven't missed it as much as I thought. It's good to have a computer break for a few days. Makes me realize there is so much else that can and should be done with my time. (I just used the word "much" way too much!!)

So, since I have been catching up with my Texas friends online, I will also catch all of you up on our life...

Life is good here! We have been thoroughly enjoying our new home. It's spacious, which is a blessing & a curse. The kids are scared to go in one part of the house by themselves and yet, it's nice to have all the extra room. But, I'm sure it will all become familiar to them eventually.

Most days after Nick gets out of school, this is the scene here:
And I love it!

Typically, 3 out of the 5 school days, we have atleast 3-4 additional kids come spend the afternoon here. It's great! The kids have a blast together & they completely wear themselves out. Sam & I have always desired for our home to be fun for our kids & their friends. It's so easy at this young stage in their life, but as the kiddos get older, I pray their friends continue to want to come to our home to hang out. One of my favorite quotes is a line from Yours, Mine and Ours: "Homes are for free expression, not for good impression." Amen!

And, speaking of homes... we had a small housewarming party last weekend. We invited a few friends over for a cookout. The kids had a blast playing & swimming in the backyard. We are truly blessed with wonderful friends here in Subic!

Three Superhero Friends

Karaoke Time

Nick & Cade - Best Buds

ABC Song Concert

We have also been taking advantage of the great beach weather! Nothing like spending a lazy Sunday afternoon chilling out at the beach only 15 minutes away!!

Espinosa Family - Sunset at Camayan Beach, Subic Bay

Kids Dancing on Stage

Beach Bums at Sunset

There are so many national holidays in the Philippines, and we just recently took advantage of another one by taking the kiddos to a nearby water park. This is our second visit to this park & it is so worth the very cheap admission fee. I foresee many more trips this summer!

Nick & Cade

Rebekah & Sydney - Waiting for Samuel to come shooting out of the water slide

Cade & Samuel

And, of course, we couldn't go too long without another lovely mishap from my most graceful child, Nicholas! You know it can't be good when the school nurse hunts you down & finally calls your cell phone... after calling home & after calling Sam at work. Unfortunately, I was playing tennis & left my phone in the car. Lesson learned. So, when I arrived to get Nick at school that afternoon, this is what he proudly showed me:

Apparently, he fell off some climbing apparatus in the playground & took a nasty fall to the head. What else is new? His teacher was so worried that I would be upset about it. I assured her that this is just par for the course... 2 sets of stitches; a black, possibly dead tooth; countless black eyes; numerous raised knots on his head; a gazillion cuts, bruises, scrapes, etc. As I have always said from the moment Nick started walking, the child will trip on air! People think I'm just being silly or exaggerating. I promise, I am NOT!

The kids have all had school presentations lately, which have been so cute! As soon as I can get some video downloaded, I will post them on here. Nicholas played the part of the "Jealous Advisor" in the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. And, he was adorable! The twins just put on a play today called, "Neighbors in Space". It was all about the Solar System. Sydney was cast as planet Saturn & Samuel was cast as planet Uranus. (Poor guy. His parents are so immature & kept giggling every time he practiced his lines.) They all did great & impressed me by even getting up on stage in the first place. They are all coming out of their shells beautifully!

One last priceless picture of Nicholas...

He is the absolute cutest cowboy I know!

Ordering Pizza

I just called the local pizza delivery company in an attempt to order a plain, cheese pizza. This is how our conversation went:

Me: I'd like to order one large cheese pizza.
Pizza Girl: Cheese only?
Me: Yes
Pizza Girl: Just one?
Me: Yes
Pizza Girl: Your name please?
Me: Amberly
Pizza Girl: Excuse me?
Me (knowing better that I should always shorten my name to "Amber" for situations such as these): A-M-B-E-R-L-Y
Pizza Girl: A?
Me: Yes. A-M-B...
Pizza Girl: A-M-B?
Me: Yes. E-R...
Pizza Girl: A-M-B?
Me: Yes. E-R...
Pizza Girl: A-M-B? Is that it?
Me: No. Please let me finish.

At that point I should have just said, "Yes, that's it."

We'll see what's written on the ticket when it arrives... if it arrives!

Church Visit

We visited a new church on Sunday. It was small, as I'm pretty sure all Christian churches are in this area. The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic region, so the non-Catholic churches are few & relatively small in size. (Atleast in this area of the country.) But, we went with a FedEx lady (I wonder if they call us TI ladies?) and I think her invite was just the push we needed to get us off our lazy rears on Sunday morning!

As I said, it was small. Their auditorium was about the size of a large classroom at our church in Richardson. And, they had a band on the stage with large speakers set up on each side. So, it was LOUD! Sydney covered her ears during most of the praise & worship portion. She said it was "too loud". I couldn't blame her.

I had a hard time focusing on the singing during this time because there were about 4 little boys standing 2 rows ahead of us who kept turning their heads to watch us & would laugh uncontrollably. Then, I would look at my own kids, who were standing in a daze with their mouths hanging open. They had never seen such movin' and groovin' in a church service! And, the little boys ahead of us had never seen so many white people in their church. It was pretty comical.

When the music ended, it was time for the kiddos to leave for Bible class. Luckily, all 3 of mine are taught in the same room (ages 3-6 are all together... small church!), but only Nick & Samuel were willing to go. So, the boys attended Bible class together, while Sydney stayed in the auditorium with us & colored. Near the end of class time, Sydney whispered that she wanted to go with Bub & Nick. So, her Daddy took her to their class and she stayed until it was over.

Afterwards, they all came back out to the auditorium to join us for a couple more praise & worship songs. This time, both boys felt the spirit moving and started groovin' right along. It was quite a sight to watch two little white boys dancing out of rhythm! Adorable!

After the service ended, so many sweet & friendly strangers came to welcome us to their church. They invited Sam to a men's Bible study the following day. They invited me to a ladies' fellowship event. And, they invited our entire family to an upcoming sports day. They were so hospitable & loving.

The best part of it all is that Sydney announced that evening that she wanted to go back to church in the morning. She said she liked her Bible class. When shy, timid Sydney declares that she enjoyed a new environment, you know that it was good!

As I told my mom on the phone last night, if we continue to attend this church, my kids are going to think our church services back home in Texas are completely boring! No band... no dancing... boring!! Maybe on our return, we can shake it up a bit at RE!

Tennis

I love playing tennis. I would have never known had I not given it a chance, though. Actually, I took lessons in middle school, I think it was. (Or elementary. Not exactly sure, but maybe my mom remembers.) But, I didn't like it much back then. In fact, I don't remember anything about the game, except that I went to the high school tennis courts each day. That's it. However, I really enjoy playing now.

Thankfully, it is a popular sport here in the Philippines. Many expat women take lessons because it is so incredibly cheap here. Therefore, it has become an activity that binds us all together. When I lived in Manila, 4 of us ladies met atleast 2, sometimes 3 times a week to play doubles tennis. We would play for atleast 2 hours & had so much fun together. Here in Subic, I've been very blessed to be included in the FedEx ladies tennis games. They meet every Wednesday morning & play for 2.5 hours. It has been so neat to get together with these extraordinary women, play an exciting sport & learn a little more about life in the Philippines through their eyes.

I hope that I will be able to continue playing when I move back to the states. I hope that I can find friends that enjoy the activity as much as I do. And, I hope I make the time to continue doing what I love.

For now, I'm off to bed to rest up for another game of singles tennis tomorrow morning.

Got Skype?

If not, GET IT!!

I finally used my Skype account to talk to my sister & nephews last night. It was so neat! I could see them & talk as if we were face to face. And, the best part is, it's completely free! Completely! No hidden costs whatsoever. Unless you want to upgrade to more features & services, then you have to pay. Otherwise, it's a free & easy service that allows you to talk over the Internet.

So...

Mom & Dad - First of all, you need a faster Internet speed. But, if not, maybe you can go somewhere else to use Skype. Like the...
Rice Family - Come on! The kids & I miss you guys! I'd like to see my handsome nephews & beautiful niece soon! And, of course, the kiddos are dying to talk to their cousins.
Aunt Cindy - We could wish you a happy birthday to your face tomorrow! :)
Uncle Jake - You & Sam could catch up in person & of course, the kids would talk your ear off, as usual.
GNO Girls - Download this so I can join you every once in a while on your girls' evenings. I miss you all terribly!
BAD Girls - I can "be" at the next book club meeting! And, all the following meetings.
Christy - We can talk face to face again & I can see baby Cooper when he's born.
Jennifer - I can join you for your early morning coffee time again!

I could go on & on. I am so thankful for amazing technology that helps me stay connected to my family & friends back in Texas. This overseas assignment would be so much more difficult without the conveniences of the Internet!

I miss you all!

Random Late Night Thoughts

* Someone recently found my blog by googling the phrase "european boys in speedos". I bet they were utterly disappointed!

* Nicholas sleeps with his eyes open. Always has. It's a bit unnerving at times.

* This very well might be the first Easter that we have not bought into the commercialism of it all. I think I like it better this way.

* I played tennis with Sam yesterday morning & kicked his butt! He is used to playing racquetball, so he had a hard time keeping the tennis ball inside the lines.

* We just found out that Sam's brother, Uncle Jake, may be getting married soon. We are trying to convince him to get married in the Philippines so we can attend, but I don't think he's going for it.

* Sydney is currently addicted to her High School Musical 2 DVD that she got for her birthday. I think she & Nicholas can sing almost all of the songs on it.

* Even after 6 years, every time I look at my handsome Samuel, I am amazed at his beautiful blue eyes.

* It's time to go stick my traditional Easter pot roast & veggies in the crock-pot. YUMMM... I can't wait for lunch!

* I am really glad we had this opportunity to move overseas. It has been a fun ride!

Good Friday

I have encountered quite a bit of culture shock while living in the Philippines, but this recent experience had to take the cake. On our way to the beach, we passed several groups celebrating Holy Thursday by publicly flogging themselves. It was very unsettling to see these men walking the streets, whipping their own backs that were already completely bloody & raw. I found a video that accurately portrays this disturbing ritual we witnessed:



As if that weren't bad enough, it is a Filipino custom to re-enact Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday. So, this is what happened throughout the Philippines yesterday:



I understand that these rituals are steeped in tradition, but I still cannot fathom anyone voluntarily injuring themselves as penitence. I have not read in my Bible where Christ has commanded or even asked that we do that. It seems to have turned into quite an Easter production that draws thousands of tourists to the provinces to watch the spectacle. So senseless!

Noisy Lizards!

Remember this post? The last part described a funny bird sound I was constantly hearing, but could not locate.

I finally discovered what creature was making this peculiar sound... and it's not a bird.

It is a lizard!!

While I still have a hard time believing it, every Filipino I ask gives me the same answer. They call it a "toko", because it makes the sound "to-ko, to-ko". This is the same sound I described as "eh ah". So, I was a little off the mark, but I had the general idea.

I also found this newspaper article about a Frenchman named Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste Le Gentil de la Galasiere (whew... what a name!) attempting to describe the lizard sound in a book he authored titled, A Voyage to the Indian Seas. Towards the end, the news article states:

"Reading Le Gentil, however, often results in amusement, because you see him trying his best to convey to his French readers what he saw and experienced in the Philippines, like the "tuko" [gecko] that he had not seen but heard. He cited a Spanish source who described it as a peculiar lizard with nails so sharp it could actually run on the face of a mirror. He wrote:

“I have never seen these animals, but I have often heard them in Manila. They ordinarily live in houses. One first hears them utter two or three cries in a trembling voice -- something like the cry of an owl, but stronger and quite loud enough to make their presence known throughout the whole house, however big it might be. Then it says quite distinctly, ‘Toco, toco,’ and repeats this sound ordinarily seven times in succession, but sometimes as often as 11, allowing the tones of the voice to drop toward the end of each sound; so that the last cry the creature gives is not so loud as the first, and in a much lower key.

“I have not seen this animal, as I have said, although I have frequently heard it; and I have been given a picture of the creature that looks like the picture of a lizard. Notwithstanding this, however, I have always found it difficult to believe that the creature I heard was a lizard, for I could not believe that there are any lizards that could sing.”

Unlike Le Gentil, all Filipinos know the tuko. Reading about our country and people from a foreigner’s eyes can be very delightful and informative."

So, there you have it! My mystery has been solved. I would have never in a million years guessed that this very loud, distinct call would have come from a lizard. But, I am learning all sorts of interesting and creepy facts about living in the jungle. And, for the most part, I am enjoying it!

Nicholas Riley

I'm convinced this name means trouble! If trouble is around, this kid will definitely find it!

Here is a recap of 4 days last week:

Day 1 - Samuel accidentally shut the car door on 2 of Nick's fingers. I was already in the driver's seat, so I had to get out & run around to the other side of the car before I realized what had happened. He screamed for a LONG time! I had neighbors all around me asking what was wrong.

Day 2 - On one of those same 2 fingers, Nick gets stung by some sort of wasp looking insect.

Day 3 - Nick, Sydney & Samuel are chasing each other through a circular path in our house. Somehow Nick runs straight into the metal doorplate. Immediately, I could tell this cry was different. I ran right to him only to watch the bump on his forehead develop into a huge goose egg. It was evident where he hit because he had a dark, bruised line right on his forehead in the middle of the swollen area. However, he did not break the skin. It was bleeding under the skin, but thank goodness, there was no open cut.

Day 4 - Nick hits the very same spot on his forehead on the corner of the metal slide at the park! The skin, which is already very taut from the swelling, immediately splits open & blood comes gushing down his face. So, now he has a huge scab on his forehead that several people have told us should have probably required stitches. I think his poor forehead will eventually just be one big scar!

I am praying that he will develop a little more grace & balance before attempting any sports. If not, we will be setting up a medical fund in his name & accepting all donations.

Mid-Week Thoughts

My friend, Kristi, just recently posted about some frustrations she is experiencing. I can relate. It made me think of the conversation Sam & I had just this evening. I tried to explain to him that I was just feeling down & cannot figure out why. There are certain times of the month when my mood & temper & attitude can easily be explained with hormones. This week, however, cannot be attributed to hormones. I don't understand why meaningless, unimportant events seem to set me off & frustrate me. Yesterday, I got mad because Sam asked me to cut the chicken breast a certain way so that it will cook more evenly. Well, I didn't know how to do it properly & I got angry. Not at him. (His cooking skills are far superior to mine & I will happily admit that.) At the chicken! So, I figured while I had the big knife in my hand, I would take it out on this raw chicken breast. And, I did. But, it didn't make me feel any better. However, it did make Sam realize he better take over the dinner preparations before I ruined anymore food. Tonight, I got angry because we don't have any clean beach towels to pack for the beach tomorrow. And, to make a long story short, I cannot get into my laundry room until about 9 am tomorrow morning, when our housekeeper arrives. We are supposed to be leaving for the beach at 10 am, so I have to see if I can quickly wash & dry a load of towels in about 1 hour. I don't think our dryer can do it, but we'll see.

Maybe it's stress. Maybe I need more sleep. Maybe I need to pop a happy pill. But, in hindsight, I realize how silly & petty my frustrations are. I just wish I would realize this as it's happening. As Samuel likes to say, I need to chill out!

Cons of Jungle Living:

UNRELIABLE INTERNET SERVICE!!!!

I am sorry to my friends & family that have checked this site for almost a month now anxiously awaiting an update. Here is the update I've been promising...

Don't get me wrong, I love living in a quiet, remote, mountainous, jungle area, but I sure wish the Internet service was reliable. I went almost 2 solid weeks without any internet at all!! That was HARD! But, I did get all caught up on my book club reading. So, it wasn't all a waste. And, I did discover how beautiful this area is when explored on foot. And, I also found out that I need to get out & hike more often to use these muscles that have been dormant for a while. Maybe I need to take an Internet break more often...

The kids have been enjoying school. The twins studied Dr. Seuss last week in school & had so much fun! They had a "Wacky Wednesday" where they got to dress up in crazy, mismatched clothes. They were quite a spectacle amongst all their uniformed classmates in chapel that morning! Their teachers also turned their classroom upside down. They loved it! On Thursday, they wore crazy, mismatched socks with their uniforms. Sydney had some fun colored socks, but poor Samuel only had white socks. So, I dug through my box of winter clothes that somehow got shipped to the Philippines where we do not have a winter. I pulled out several of my long, striped winter socks & a couple of warm, fuzzy patterned socks. He put a few of those together & thought it was great fun! My camera battery died, so I don't have pictures of either, but I will get some from their teacher. On Friday, they made green eggs & spam. Their teacher mentioned that some of the kids gobbled it up, some ate only a little & some didn't touch their plates at all. I'm willing to bet my kids were grouped in that last category! I can't even get them to eat "normal" food at home! They had a fun & full week at school.

On Tuesday, I made a special presentation for Nick's class all about America. His class is studying different cultures & apparently, I was the only American (out of 3 in his class) willing to do a special presentation. The Koreans did a fun project, one Canadian put together a nice morning for the kids & the Filipinos went all out with yummy food & stories. I think I represented the Americans well, but it sure would have been nice to have help. The kids had a great time & learned about the American flag, so my job was successful!

Sam & I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on Thursday, 2/28. TEN years?! Seriously?! Come on... we're still just kids ourselves! Time is sure catching up with me. I turned 31 on Valentine's Day, we've been married for 10 years & the twins will be 6 on March 12!! Some days I feel like we've been married forever & some days I think back to our dating years & long for the simplicity of those days. But, never have I ever regretted my life with Sam. I can't imagine my life being any better than it is now! I love all the adventures he has taken me on & I love growing & learning new things with him every day. What a ride these last 10 years have been & I sure hope to have just as much fun the next 10+ years!

If all goes well, we will be moving into our Subic home about the middle to end of this month. I cannot wait! I'm a pretty carefree, happy go lucky, easygoing girl, but it has been a bit hectic not having all our belongings unpacked & within reach. Of course, living in temp housing for 2 months has also taught me how much "junk" we actually have that we do not need to survive. Why do I have SIX mixing bowls?! Why do I need TEN purses when I just use the same one over & over?! I always hope to downsize when I unpack boxes from a move. We'll see how good I do in a few weeks.

I have made so many new friends here in Subic, for which I am so grateful! There are about 70 FedEx pilots & their families stationed here. I have met several of them & they have taken me under their wings. (Not literally... although I wish! Only free flights for immediate family members.) We play tennis every Wednesday morning & meet for lunch every Friday afternoon. They are a fun bunch of ladies & I would literally be lost without them! They have helped me navigate the streets of Subic & it's outlying town, Olongapo. They have helped me locate the best markets, the best spas (ahhhhh...), the best restaurants & so many other great hidden places that I'm sure I would have never found otherwise. I am blessed to have met so many wonderful ladies & their families!

We are attending the International Food Festival tonight at the kids' school. This is their big fundraiser for the year & is a pretty huge deal for the school. Each nationality is responsible for setting up a booth. I am providing chocolate chip cookies & cornbread for the American booth. I volunteered to make chili, but a few other northerners beat me to it. I'm scared. If it tastes like a can of Wolf brand, I will be so mad! I have heard that the Japanese booth has the best food, so I need to get there early to taste it before it's all gone. We'll see...

Have a great weekend! Hopefully, it won't be so long before my next post!

I'll leave you with a few of the latest cute photos:

Each of the kids got to hold a white mouse at the start of the Aeta trail we hiked a couple of weekends ago

The kids loved learning about jungle living, so they came home & pretended to be Indians. Don't know how they made that connection, but it was cute!

It's snowing...

in Boston.

And, how do I know this?

Because, my husband, who happens to be in Boston, just sent me the following text:

"Don't mean to make you sad, mad or jealous but it's snowing here."

And, of course, I am sad, mad AND jealous!! UGH!

Nick's Pics or Nick Picks

Either title could be appropriate.

I downloaded the photos on my camera this evening to find LOTS & LOTS of pictures taken by my budding photographer, Nicholas. The kid LOVES taking pictures!

Out of the hundred plus that I deleted, I saved my two absolute favorites:



Who else would take a picture of themselves diggin' for gold?!

Gotta love it!

iPod Fun

I saw this on another blog & thought it looked fun. So, of course, I'm stealing...

The Rules
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.
4. NO CHEATING.

Q: What does next year have in store for you?
A: Our Town by James Taylor

(Maybe that means we'll be moving back home!!)

Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz

Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: Born on Christmas Day by Brad Paisley

(Yes, I still have my Christmas music on my iPod!)

Q: Song that reminds you of good times?
A: A New Anointing by ZOE Group

Q: What do you think when you get up in the morning?
A: Thank God I'm a Country Boy by John Denver

(Well, not exactly...)

Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
A: Don't Stand So Close by The Police

(Ha! Perfect!)

Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
A: Silent Night by Third Day

Q: Your favorite saying?
A: Little Wonders by Rob Thomas

Q: Favorite place?
A: Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

Q: Most Missed Memory?
A: Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad by Def Leppard

Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: The Hand That Feeds by Nine Inch Nails

Q: What song describes your ex?
A: Everything by Buckcherry

Q: Where would you go on a first date?
A: I Burn For You by Danny Peck (Secret of My Success Soundtrack)

Q: Drug of choice?
A: Armageddon It by Def Leppard

Q: What song describes yourself?
A: Anytime by Journey

Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
A: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Countdown Kids

(Kids' Christmas music downloaded for school parties)

Q: The song that best describes the president?
A: My Grown-Up Christmas List by Kelly Clarkson

Q: Where will you be in 10 years?
A: Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode

(Deep...)

Q: Your love life right now?
A: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor

(How appropriate!)

Q: What is your state of mind like at the moment?
A: You Picked Me by A Fine Frenzy

Q: How will you die?
A: Animal by Def Leppard

(YIKES!)

First Day of School at Brent

Aren't they cute?!

Nick is quite the clown!

Nicholas with his awesome teacher, Mrs. Reyes. She is so wonderful!

Playing with Sydney

After school today, Sydney & I went into her room to play with her baby dolls. She had set them all up & announced it was feeding time. I asked her if I could feed her newest baby doll that moves her mouth & makes drinking sounds. This was our conversation:

ME: "Can I feed that baby doll, Sydney?"
SYD: "No."
ME: "Please. I like to watch her mouth move."
SYD: "I am the mom. You are the ya-ya. I will feed her."

How quickly they learn!