Fun With The Wii

You may remember that for my birthday Joey got me a Wii. We enjoyed it a bunch while we were in the states and one of the reasons he got it was to bring it to Morocco. So we brought it with us and have had the most fun teaching our Moroccan friends how to use it. They have really liked boxing, tennis and bowling. However their favorite thing has been the balance games on the Wii Fit.

One night Josiah and Elias wanted to play, but they aren't heavy enough for the Wii Fit to recognize them. So we had them do it together. It was the cutest thing ever! They were pretty good and very serious. I loved having them work together!

Finally a few pictures!

We've been in Morocco now for a month. So much has happened and we have been so blessed to return to this great place. Here are a few pictures of our travels & the first few days after we arrived...

In the SeaTac airport they have this big room full of stuff to climb on and cushy places for tired Moms and Dads to rest their buns. I wish that they had such a place at all of our airport stops, but it wasn't a bad way to start out the trip.

When we were in N. Ireland Benson celebrated his 1st birthday. We had done a minor celebration at home and so our gracious hostes Carol simply grabbed a chocolate goodie, stuck a candle in it at away we went.

As soon as we arrived in Morocco Josiah was reunited with his buddy Elias. Elias is just 3 months older than Josiah and they have had the best of times together. Their newest favorite activity is to run through the house yelling as they go. Ya, its great.

Joey isn't one to sit for very long, especially when there are things to do. After getting our vehicles in working order he jumped back into the swing of things digging ditches, moving rocks, delivering truck loads of gravel, and as usual drinking as much mint tea as possible.

One exciting thing about this year is all the kiddos living with us. These are just 4 of the 8. Josiah, Amel, Btisem & Benson. Elias was busy elsewhere and the other three aren't born yet. In March our friend Selewa (Amel's mom) will be having another baby, in May our friend Wassema will be having her first, and in July I will be having our third little blessing!

Yep, thats right we recently confirmed that I am pregnant and we are so excited about it! We aren't sure yet where this little chunk will be born, but we'll keep you posted. Joey is thinking Spain so that our kids can each be born in different countries. Could be fun, we'll see.
Any thoughts on where I should have this little one?

Still Here

Take a moment and thank the Lord for your internet. We are without a handy internet option. Which is why I have not been on here in a while. Give us some time and hopefully I'll get a chance to update you all with pictures and LOADS of details about life. Until then, know that we are good and life is good. We miss home a little , but are LOVING Morocco!

On Our Way...

Well we've headed out to Morocco again. We flew out Thursday morning around9 am and had very nice, uneventful flights. The boys were GREAT and even slept most of the time. We landed in beautiful Dublin and made our way to a bus that took us the 2+ hours to Belfast where we met with some friends and have been enjoying Northern Ireland hospitality ever since.


Tomorrow morning we fly out to the south of Spain where we will catch a ferry and finally make our way to Morocco. We couldn't be more excited!It will be so nice to get home and get settled. Although there is so much more we wish we could have seen here in Northern Ireland. I guess we'll just have to come back!

Our Friend Bear

A few weeks ago I decided to focus all of my energy on potty training Josiah. Someone had suggested using a stuffed animal as an example so he could see what he was suppose to do. So, I grabbed a teddy bear from the toy box, fitted him with under-roos and showed Josiah how "Bear" went potty.

The focus on potty training ended quickly, but not the friendship between Josiah and "Bear". Now they do almost everything together...







Now I just have to figure out how to get "Bear" on the airplane!



**Speaking of airplanes, we'll be getting on ours a week from today! Can you believe it?

Where has the time gone?

Just arrived

6 months and counting

1st birthday

18 months old

Can you believe that today our little man turns 2?!

27 days and counting...

We've bought our tickets. Yep, its official. We are off to Morocco again. We'll be there this time for a year. We leave November 6th, in the morning. We're super blessed with a stop in Ireland on our way to Morocco. Ya, that's right, Ireland. I know you're jealous! Can you believe it, I get to go to Ireland!!! I am pretty stinkin' excited if you can't tell. I'm excited to get back to Morocco again too. We have so many friends there and it is one of my most favorite places to be. Not to mention the boys are going to love it. So, thats the news. Let the countdown begin.

Haircuts

I gave all my boys haircuts the other day. Aren't they handsome?!!!

San Juan Islands

Last weekend for our anniversary Joey and I were blessed with an opportunity to head up to the San Juan Islands for a few days. It was my first time away from the boys ever, and a much needed time away with my hubby. We enjoyed ourselves a ton. The San Juan's are beautiful.


We went on a hike, on a bunch of walks, and we rented kayak's and went out around Friday Harbor. Here I am with the Ferry.

We stayed on Orcas Island, in a little place called Deer Harbor.

We also got to eat lots of yummy ice cream since the kiddos weren't with us to have to share. We don't like to share our ice cream. Joey almost chopped this guys head off!

We would highly recommend heading up to the islands, they really are great. In fact we're thinking of going every year for our anniversary. Maybe doing a little camping, or living it up in another plush resort. Thanks Mom and Dad for making this trip possible. We had way too much fun...

4 years ago today...

Happy Anniversary Love. Thanks for being so wonderful, I'm am amazed at all we've been given and blessed with, and I'm looking forward to each adventure the Lord is sure to bring our way!
I Love You!

The Fair

On Saturday we gathered the family together and headed out to the Puyallup Fair. It is the western Washington State fair. Tons of fun, good food, crazy rides, camels. Ya, they have camels. Anyway, like any good blogger I forgot the camera. So the only picture I have is this one taken when we got home.


They had free face painting there so Josiah went to have his face painted. If you can't tell its a dolphin. I was hoping he'd get something manly like a shark, or maybe a train. Well, the lady doing the face painting wouldn't really listen to me, she was really focused on Josiah and what he wanted. I tried to tell her the kid doesn't really talk yet, but she wouldn't listen. Man, what is up with these people who listen to the kids when its the parents who obviously know what their kids want?!! So anyway, when he saw the dolphin he pointed to it and said "phishey" and that's the thing she went with. He misses his "phishey" still, yesterday when I got him up he was pointing to his face saying "phishey all done?" Pretty stinkin' cute if you ask me!

While we were there Joey convinced me to go on a super crazy ride with him. Its called the slingshot and it looks a little bit like this:


Yes, I really did go on that. I actually enjoyed myself, which I wasn't expecting and I didn't get sick. Praise the Lord! Josiah and Benson stayed down below with Gramps and Grammy. Josiah started to cry when we went and sat down but as soon as we took off he was laughing at his crazy parents. I confess I had to keep my eyes closed and only opened them for just a moment. The quick peak I got was a nice one of the entire fair, but the speed at which the ground was coming toward me was a little too much for my little tummy so I shut those eyes up tight!

All in all it was a great day and we are excited about next year when the fair comes back. You'll have to come up and join us, maybe we can ride the slingshot together! :-)

What?! 13 days?!!!

I can't believe its been so long since I last posted! Time is flying, that must mean we are having fun. We have been enjoying the few sunny days we've had and celebrating birthdays. Yep, auntie Anna celebrated her 14th birthday last Wednesday. It was fun with cake and ice cream followed by a weekend get away to the beautiful Salmon La Sac.


We had so much fun, playing in the dirt


Floating down the rapids,


Getting some much needed rest,

and tossing our cares to the wind...



Really, it was a great time and I am so glad we got a chance to go out again before winter sets in. Benson had a bit of a rough time (its no wonder after we threw him around is it?!) He seems to be getting all of his teeth at once and he has no pain threshold at all, so the poor little guy just cries and cries - mostly at night. So camping wasn't his favorite thing ever, but we survived and the rest of the campsite didn't kick up out! Bonus!

Now we can start getting ready for hunting season. Joey is really excited to get to go out before we head back overseas. I've decided not to go hunting this year, after our camping trip I know the boys would just enjoy being home that much more. We'll sure miss our Daddy though! I hope its worthwhile and he brings home a HUGE buck! We're hoping and praying!!!

Nothing Like Having Too Much Fun.

Dude?!

Just a swingin'

Jumping with Dad and cousin "tomtom"

Caught on film playing in the "off limits" cupboard - naughty boys!

Playin' in the Puddles

That pretty much sums up what the past few days have held. Puddles, piles of wood, dirt, tractors and lots and lots of fun. Here are a few of the other things that have been happening, in no particular order.

-- Joey and I went on a date last night. It was lots of fun. We went and saw an exhibit at the Tacoma Art Museum. The exhibit was called "Illuminating the Word". You can read about it here. I have to tell you it was my most favorite exhibit ever. I was literally moved to tears. If I get a chance I'll write another post all about that sometime.

-- Last Tuesday Joey's parents returned from overseas. It has taken a week but we are finally figuring out how to all live together again in the same house. It is great fun to have a full house and an extra blessing to be able to eat together, pray together and just be together again.

-- I was tagged by my friend Laura for this thing. I am suppose to post 7 things about myself... 1. One of my favorite things to drink is called the "Duke of Earl" - Earl Grey tea steeped in hot milk with a bit of vanilla, just plain good. 2. My right foot is almost a 1/2 size larger than my left. 3. I make homemade pizza for whoever shows up almost every Friday night. 4. I actually cry at Hallmark commercials. 5.I love American Football and I secretly hope my boys are big enough to play. 6. I am so afraid of spiders I can't even vacuum them up without screaming. 7. I am a beer snob - seriously, I'd love a beer, but it better be good :-)

-- Josiah has become Mr. Defiant lately. Every other word is "no" and often it comes with stomping his feet and looking really mad. I was hoping we would never have to go through this. It could be worse though. He could be shouting and spitting and breathing fire I suppose :-) He has also become way too cute to be punished sometimes. I can't resist his cute smile, little squinty eyes and random asian accent! (Does anyone know where that asian accent came from?)

--Benson is sitting up in bed a lot which is great, except he hasn't really learned how to get back to the lying down position. So that involves lots of tears and frustration for both of us :-) In other news I think he is going to have weird messed up teeth, it looks like his big-fatty-meat-eater teeth are coming in before any of the other top teeth - does this mean he'll look like a vampire?

-- With the return of Joey's parents came the discussion of our future plans. Some of you know that we generally switch places with them, while they are overseas we are here and when they come home well,... off we go. So, it looks like we'll be leaving sometime the beginning of November. I am really, really excited to get going, but it will be hard to leave friends and family behind. I'll keep you posted on our plans.

--Well, there are lots of other things I could tell you about, but I figure that kinda gets us back on track. Hopefully better posting from here on out. Have a great rest of the week!

Things I learned without using the internet (shocking I know!)

My week away from the internet was...nice. I struggled at times, proving how deep my addiction, and I confess I even got on really fast on Monday morning. All in all though it was really good. It gave me some time to get some things done around the house and to spend some great time with the boys.

I realized a couple of things as a result of the break. First, I enjoy goofing off on the internet - searching for new recipes, reading the news, facebooking (can you make a verb out of that?) and just seeing what else I can find. However I am easily distracted and suddenly 2 hours has gone past and I've just wasted it. Second I need my rest. The biggest difference in my week was that I actually had time to take a nap. So often I sit down to just check my email "real quick" and then I'll take a nap. As I already mentioned, suddenly 2 hours has gone past and there is no way I'll be able to take a nap without piles of guilt washing over me! That extra rest I was able to get was so good for my attitude. I was a better wife and a better mother. At least I felt like one. Third, spending time with God is a priority and if I get on the internet I usually totally forget my priorities (there are just too many good recipes on allrecipes.com!). I was and am able to have a focused quiet time when I keep the internet out of my life. And that time with the Lord is really what makes me the best wife and mother I can possibly be.

So, what does all that mean? Well, I have decided I will kinda schedule time for the internet. Hopefully time when other people are home, then I am less focused on the darn thing. The plan for now is no computer time until after lunch (uh, except today :-S) and then only on certain days - say Monday, Thursday and the weekends? Its kinda a work in process, but I am really excited to keep myself in check. Its a good thing as Martha Stewart would say :-)

Well that's the deal, the plan, the whole shebang just so you know. If you're thinking there is something in your life that you're a little "addicted" too, I highly recommend taking a break. Its a great way to learn important things, not to mention an excellent topic for blogging!

I'll leave you with a couple pictures of the boys from the last week. They are growing up TOO fast!

Benson loves his Bert.

Josiah helping Daddy mow the lawn. Doesn't he look all grown up?!

And Now It's Time For...

--Something new, what do you think of the new background? Just thought I needed a bit of an update.

--A little break. Lately I've been struggling to get things done, chores, quiet time, life. I realized this morning it has a lot to do with this device I am sitting in front of, and specifically the internet. It is bordering on an obsession for me. So, it is time for a break. Right now I am thinking a week. After that I'll probably have to take some time and be super disciplined, even set a timer so I don't spend too much time on this thing. Then, who knows. We'll see how things go. I'll be sure to let you know how it went when its over.

--Enjoy the new background, see you in a week :-)

The Orchid

On the window sill in the dinning room there sits an orchid. My mother-in-law left if for me to care for while she is overseas for the year. It had a few blooms on it when she left and has bloomed another time since she's been gone. Now as we await their arrival, just a few weeks from now, it is in full bloom yet again. It is absolutely magnificent. I am in awe of a God who has created such a delicate, intricate and beautiful flower. Isn't He good?!

Birthday Catch Up

Joey gave me a Birth-week this year instead of a Birthday. It was so much fun. The first day he watched the boys while I got a pedicure and then he took me to the mall and bought me a two new shirts. Then on Tuesday he took me to the Seattle Art Museum and we got to look at a exibit showcasing some impressionist painters. It was really great. On Wednesday my actual birthday I went out on the town with some close friends and we had a GREAT time laughing, eating good food and enjoying yummy drinks. My favorite drink was a "Jade Martini" I don't know if they have it anywhere else, but it was lovely! Thursday there was a BBQ at our house, it was a lot of fun to have more friends over, play some volleyball and stuff our faces with hamburgers! Friday we left to go camping in eastern/central Washington. All in all it was an EXCELLENT birthday. I am so blessed by my great hubby. I have to tell you though one of my favorite parts was the little notes he left me each morning to tell me what the day held. What can I say I am a sucker for love notes :-) Here are just a few pictures of the week. Better late than never :-)

Here I am opening the Wii that Joey got me for my birthday. It has been a fun addition to the house!

Yep, I'm officially 30!

Sitting with the boys (l-r Thomas, Josiah and James)

Benson on our camping trip, he had loads of fun.

Josiah loved playing in the water where we were camping. It was a great trip.

Out With The Old, In With The New

For Mother's Day Joey got me a new kitchen faucet. I suppose he also got a new kitchen faucet for his Mom for mother's day too, since we live in their house while they are overseas. Anyhoo, the old faucet leaked, was gettin' kinda worn down and really just needed to be replaced. It was a great mother's day idea and I was super excited to have it installed.
Life being what it is, Joey just got an opportunity to install it this weekend, just in time for my birthday! So, now we have a brand new kitchen faucet! YEAH!!!

Old faucet.

Josiah and Joey working on the sink. Too cute!

The New faucet! Ain't it purdy?

You may have noticed that I mentioned above that Joey got it installed just in time for my birthday...yep, thats right its my birthday. Today actually! So far it has been one of my best birthdays ever. Joey has given me a "birth-week" instead of just one day this birthday is lasting all week. I've gotten a pedicure, new clothes, a trip to the art museum and so much more. It is really too much and I am overjoyed. But there is one more thing I would really love for my birthday...I'd love to know who all looks at this thing. So, if you can and would, please leave me a quick note saying Hi or whatever and maybe how I know you, or if I don't how you found my blog. That would top off my birthday just right!

Thanks, you all are way too good to me :-)

It Has Begun...

I knew that having boys would mean "wrestling mania" would eventually be a part of my daily life. I had no idea it would happen so soon.

A quick roll and Benson is down...

Using his amazing strength, Josiah holds him down as he quickly moves to his feet...

Throwing his leg over Benson's head, Josiah maintains his position of power...

Benson moves his arm in desperation trying to stop the inevitable...

Benson is no match for Josiah's raw power. He uses all of his weight to pin Benson's shoulders to the mat...

1...2...3...Its over. Josiah has won the match.

The victor celebrates with a quick kick to his opponent's head. Off camera of course so the judges can't see it in the instant replay...

Oh buddy, what have I gotten myself into?!!! :-)