Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...
Uh, ya right! This year for Christmas all of the Easley children will be home to celebrate, and we are not a quiet bunch when we get together. Which isn't surprising considering there are 23 of us all together, 11 of which are 8 yrs old and under! I sure do love the craziness though. There is just something about all of us crammed around the Christmas tree, wrapping paper, gifts, crying children, laughing parents, multiple cups of coffee, and plates of food to keep your heart happy and thankful.
I hope and pray you all have a blessed Christmas full of joy and laughter, but most of all I pray you have a moment to sit and remember the reason for the season, Jesus.
"...Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people! Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you!" Luke 2:10-11
Christmas is just around the corner and we've been spending out mornings learning what Christmas is all about. We've been reading Christmas books, coloring nativity scenes and trying to memorize the above verse.
This morning we made these super cute little angels. Aren't they great. They boys colored in the angel robes and then we taped them all together. They had as much fun making the Angels fly around and crash into one another as they did putting them all together. Boys will be boys!
Wee William turned 6 weeks old yesterday. It is hard to believe how quickly time is flying past. Maybe its the season, or just the business in having three little ones, but things seem to be going quicker than I remember. Then again it could just be because I am getting old :-)
We've been having great fun adjusting back to living in the States. Reading books...
And a gathering with ALL the cousins (11 of them, 8 and under) decorating candy houses!
Alright we confess, we did more eating than decorating, but that is what makes it SO much fun!
Well we've made it. Finally arrived home after being overseas for over a year. It is hard to believe that we are here. Our time in N. Ireland was really great. We enjoyed seeing friends and getting to welcome Wee William into our family. I'm sure there are many moments that we'll carry with us forever.
Now we're back. Settling in and trying to figure out what time zone we're in. All three boys woke up bright and early (early as in 3:30) ready for the day. I'm up with them, but starting to fade. I'm looking forward to being fully adjusted and mentally with it...well as mentally with it as I can be :-)
Born November 3rd, at 3:46 in the afternoon, in Coleraine Northern Ireland. He was 7lbs 2 oz and 56 cm long. He joins older brothers Josiah and Benson, raising the number in our family to 5!
William was named after many different people. Not only is William a family name on both sides (Joey's Dad, my great-great grandfather), but it is also a very N. Irish name coming from William of Orange who ruled Ireland, Britain and Scotland in the 1600's. Patrick is for St. Patrick who is thought to have been a missionary to Ireland back in the day, and pretty well known for being connected with Ireland! Freeman is the last name of our dear friends Evan, Glennis, Dean and Lynn. Dean is one of Joey's greatest friends and the very reason we even tried to have William here. Glennis is a nurse in the hospital where William was born and it was because of her hours of research and phone calling we were able to have William here.
We have been having a great time adjusting to a new little one in the house. So far things have gone relatively smooth. Both boys love their new little brother, although they find him rather boring. Their favorite part seems to be the fact that every time people come to visit Baby William they bring presents. William is growing and changing quickly. It is hard to believe how little he is!
I am doing well, recovering quickly and being taken care of by Joey and the boys. A house full of boys really is TOO much fun!
Today is the day for the arrival of Baby #3. As we "speak" I am eating a bit of toast and tea then headed off to get ready. I'll arrive at the hospital sometime between 9 & 9:30 then they'll spend the morning getting me ready for surgery. Poor Joey get to hang out with me but will probably find himself just sitting around waiting until sometime after 2 pm when the actual surgery is scheduled for.
It is hard to believe that this day has finally come. So many big events have lead up too today and I find myself a bit in shock. I am excited to meet Baby #3, but finding myself a bit nervous about the whole thing. Kinda like when you're about to meet someone one who is extremely important - you feel unprepared and want to make a good first impression :-) Thankfully God has taken care of that first impression business and I will be blessed to hold this tiny piece of heaven without too much worry of being loved.
Isn't it incredible?! I want to write down all that I am feeling right now, but it is just too much for words. I can not stop praising the Lord for the gift of life, the gift of children and the hope of an eternal future because of HIS one and only son who came into the earth as a babe!
Thanks for your prayers. We'll do our best to introduce our little blessing as soon as we can. Here we go...
Its time to tell you about our great adventure traveling up from Morocco to N. Ireland. We had such a great time. While many people thought we were pretty crazy to travel for a week with two toddlers and me being 8+ months pregnant, we were so blessed during our travels. Many memories made and lots of adventures had.
We started off our trip with an overnight ferry from Melilla, Spain across to Malaga, Spain. We had a four bunk room and a great nights sleep. The boys especially liked getting to see the other boats at the port and walking around the ship.
We then had a day to goof off in Malaga and take a train up to Madrid. When we were in Madrid we spent the afternoon napping in a park. That night we took an overnight train from Madrid to Paris. We got to watch the sun rise as we scooted across country. Our room was small, but nice and the food was 5 star quality. It was a great way to travel.
When we got to Paris we stayed at a guest house outside the city. We took a day to catch our breath and then the next day headed into Paris to take in the sights. The first stop was the Louve museum, a place I have ALWAYS wanted to see. The boys (including Joey) weren't too excited about all the art, but they are so good to me and let me roam around taking it all in. It was incredible to see all those famous paintings I studied once upon a time.
The two paintings that were most impressive to see were the Mona Lisa (thats me standing as close as we could get because of all the people) and then an absolutely huge painting done by a guy named David. It is the coronation of Napoleon and shows him crowning Josephine. Seriously the largest painting I have EVER seen. Both were incredible. The Mona Lisa more because of all the people. It is crazy to think how well known that painting is and its just a little thing. Nothing overly exciting, but incredible just the same.
We left the Louve and headed to Notre Dame. It was pretty cool too.
The boys thought all the birds outside of Notre Dame were more exciting than the building itself. In fact they may have thought the birds were the highlight of Paris.
We made the customary stop at the Eiffel Tower. Joey tried to convince me to take the stairs up to the second or third level. I confess 1000+ stairs just didn't sound like my idea of a good time. Although being born on top of the Eiffel Tower would have been a pretty cool claim to fame for Baby #3!
The next day we took a small walking tour of part of the city. It was nice to window shop and see a little piece of the city that isn't overrun with tourists. We started out in front of this statue of a huge Rhino. The boys were pretty impressed.
We also stopped for some world famous homemade ice cream. It was great even though the temperature outside was around 10 degrees Celsius. (50 degrees F)
After our two days in Paris we hoped on a train from Paris to London via the Chunnel. It was a fast and nice train. Then we caught a bus to see our good friend Tom in Leicester. We spent two nights there hanging out, eating yummy Indian take out and getting to catch up on life. Finally on Tuesday the 20th we set out on our final leg of the journey. It ended up being the longest, full of the most adventure. Unfortunately no pictures, but a few great videos I might one day figure out how to put on here. We left Leicester at 10 am and arrived in Belfast at 10 pm.
We were so glad to arrive and have had such a great time here. We are looking forward to the arrival of family sometime today and then on Tuesday, November 3rd I'll head in to hospital for the delivery of Baby #3! Can't hardly wait!
Before we left Morocco we decided to celebrate both Josiah's and Benson's birthdays. We knew we'd be traveling and a bit unstable for both of the boys big days, and we wanted them to get to celebrate with their friends in Morocco.
So on our last day in Morocco we had homemade pizza and two yummy cakes. It was so much fun to gather together with all our friends and eat yummy food. The boys got loads of candy and some fun trucks. I'd say it was a birthday success and a great way to spend our last night!
Everyone gathered around the table for pizza.
Josiah's "cool" bus cake. We were hoping for a Semi-truck but it came out looking more like a bus so we went for it :-)
Benson's monkey cake. He was a bit scared of the cake at first. We finally convinced him to touch it and then all was better after that.
All the "big" kids, except one. Birthdays are TOO much fun!
We've made it. Safely arrived on the shores of Northern Ireland last night. It was a great trip full of adventures, loads of train rides, buses and a Ferry or two. We saw good friends, incredible sights and had lots of laughs with our little men. I really want to show you all photos of the trip, but I still need to get them on the computer. So, hopefully knowing we've arrived is enough and as soon as the details of our trip are arranged beautifully on the computer I'll send them your way!
Having tried everyday for the last 2 months to get on blogger, I was shocked when this afternoon the internet finally let me connect! I've been quickly scanning all the blogs I so love to read and now I am taking a quick moment to tell you about life. I honestly don't know if anyone even reads this anymore, but here goes just the same :-)
On Tuesday, yes this Tuesday, We begin a slightly crazy, super exciting trip up to Northern Ireland. We are finishing up our year here in Morocco, spending a month or so in N. Ireland to have Baby #3 and then hopefully arriving back in the states in time for Turkey day!!!
Since I am 36 weeks prego this week (wow, I can hardly believe that!) I am too prego to fly. So we'll be hopping on a ferry up to Spain, taking two trains up to Paris. Spending a few nights in Paris to catch our breath and to see a city I have always wanted to see. Then a train across to London via the Chunnel! A bus up to a city north of London to see a good friend, and finally another train and ferry combo until we arrive in Belfast! Whew. But wait that's not all! We'll be met by friends who will then drive us to the house we've rented for our time in Ireland! Can you believe it?! All with two toddlers and a very pregnant me!
Needless to say the boys are EXCITED. Everyday I am reminded that we'll be going on a boat and then two trains in just a few days. Josiah is often telling me that I should save some yummy food item for our trip on the train, or maybe I should make some PB and J so we'll be ready. He is too cute! Benson isn't really sure what its all about, but his brother is excited so he is too.
After we arrive in N. Ireland we'll meet with the Doctor and set up a date for a c-section so we can finally meet Baby #3. Its all pretty exciting, but kinda weird too. This trip is so big, I don't think it will really hit me until after we arrive that we're about to have another little kiddo! It will be fun to have a little "Irish" boy or girl and we've been trying to come up with some good "Irish" names. Haven't fully decided yet, but hopefully once we meet #3 we'll have one all picked out :-)
I hope to keep you better posted from here on out. Not sure what our internet connection will be like until we arrive in the States, but I will do my best :-) Anything will be better than here in Morocco! So, come on back and start reading about our crazy adventures!
We have two cameras around our place. One for more "professional" shots and the other for quick gotta catch this moment shots. I just recently uploaded pictures from our catch this moment camera and thought I'd share them with you!
They boys got new sunglasses. At first they weren't so sure, but now they really seem to like them. Don't they look cool?!
We've really been enjoying the beach this summer as I have already said. I'm not really sure how but every time we go Benson ends up looking like this. To make matters more interesting I find sand in his diaper for days to come after we're at the beach...Does the sand taste good buddy?!
I always cut the boys' hair the same way, but this time I thought I'd try something different. Well it didn't work, so the only option was to shave them down as low as I could. Other than making Benson's ears look EVEN bigger, I think they look pretty handsome.
Joey went into the Spanish city of Melilla the other day and "smuggled" us back some hot dogs. Hard to believe I am sure but these kiddos have never had hot dogs before. They weren't really sure what to think about the dogs themselves, but the enjoyed the hot dog buns with ketchup!
Just another Saturday morning, watching Daddy shave.
Ever since we decided we'll be taking the train up to Northern Ireland to have baby #3 the boys have been playing train with pillows, laundry baskets, and the normal chairs. Here they are eating breakfast (pancakes) and chugging along.
Living in a Muslim country means that they celebrate a month of fasting called Ramadan. During this month of fasting you can't eat anything (obviously) but you're not supposed to drink either so nobody risks swimming because you might accidentally swallow some water and then violate the fast...which means, wide open, empty beautiful beaches for us. We have been enjoying it, almost daily!!!
September is just around the corner, hope you all have a great last few days of summer!
So somehow an entire month passed without a single blog from yours truly. How did that happen you might ask well lets see what sort of things happened with us this past month?
*Multiple trips to the beach. Some of you are experiencing super high heat, heat well over 100 degrees. We on the other hand have been experiencing that heat, well since June. Its hot and it seems to be getting hotter. A few weeks ago we were in a city where the temperature was pushing 125 degrees. What do you do in that kind of heat?! Right, you head to the beach!
*We've also had lots of volunteers here this past month. They keep me busy on my toes buying food, arranging meals and keeping the house running. It is such a blessing to have them here helping us out.
*Trip to the capitol city to see the Baby Doctor. Yep, for those who don't know (For those of you who even still read this silly thing!) we are expecting baby number 3 in November. Everything is looking good and the baby is growing well. Probably close to 2 pounds these days!
*The biggest thing that has happened in the past month is a decision to have baby #3 in Northern Ireland! A dear friend has been working hard on finding out all the details and figuring out if it is possible for us to have the baby there. And low and behold it is! So, sometime in mid-October we'll be trekking our way across Europe to see all our friends and meet our newest bundle up in N.Ireland. We are so excited!
*All in all July was a great month full of lots of adventures and loads of joy. Here's hoping August is great too!
Another great way to cool off? Fountains in the middle of town!
Its been a full month, and the next month looks even fuller. Here is a few pictures of what we've been up to.
Trying out the new "Moby wrap" thingy that I put together with fabric from my mom. It still needs a little work, but as it is it works great!
Josiah is obsessed with the Mechanic. He loves going and helping them work on cars, or having them give him old pieces of cars to work on. They think its great having this little kid around helping them. He's even found a few settings on tools they didn't know existed!
One of the boys' favorite pass times is to watch out the window to see who or what is coming by. They get most excited about all the sheep, donkeys and goats!
It is super hot these days, so we take every opportunity to enjoy the beach. The boys LOVE it!
Growing up there was only one thing we watched on T.V., Sports. And not just the big ones, you know Basketball, Football and Baseball. Nope we watched them all. Golf, tennis, soccer, etc. And on top of watching them we listened to them on talk radio. In fact to this day if I am feeling stressed out by driving I turn on talk radio to listen to somebody give a play by play about something just to calm down. My Dad also happens to have an incredible memory that is overflowing with facts about various sports teams, individual athletes, records and championship games. Needless to say a love for sporting events of all sorts runs through my veins.
However I must confess a deep love for the game of football. Seriously, I love it. Something about the tackles, passes, rushing and 12th man I just can't pass up. I also must confess there is a lot I don't know about the game, and a lot I am learning, but for a girl, I'm doing ok.
For Joey's birthday my mom sent him a book called "The Best Game Ever" by Mark Bowden. It is about the 1958 Championship NFL game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts. Now originally I was purely a college football girl. Loved the passion, the fact that they don't play for money and the mascots. Since getting married to more of an NFL man I have come to appreciate the pros and even find myself looking forward to Sunday afternoon. So as soon as Joey finished the book (which he did pretty quickly) I grabbed a hold of it and jumped in.
What a great book. I loved reading about all the action, the characters involved and the way the game has changed since 1958. It is amazing to read the stats and find out what made these guys tick. Not to mention the game itself. It was an intense game, one that kept you on your toes, even reading it 50+ years later I couldn't put it down I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next. Mr. Bowden did an excellent job writing about what happened, so good in fact I am writing about it in my blog!
So, if you find yourself wondering what to get your hubby for Fathers day, I recommend this book. Not only will he enjoy it but so will you! After he's done of course! :-)
I am not always a big fan of surprises. There is already so much in my life that is unknown, I like a little bit of warning before anything real big happens. My husband however LOVES surprises. Loves to give them and if it weren't so hard to surprise him I am guessing he would love to get them too. So when my little sister Kate emailed a while back saying she'd like to come and visit us here, and she'd like it to be a surprise, Joey got excited.
They planned and schemed and worked out every last lie until it was finally time and she arrived on May 5th. Since we were having a cinco de mayo party it was fiting that everyone would gather at our house and hang out for a while which is pretty traditional for Moroccan parties. Joey kept calling to say he was on his way the "mechanic" was running late but should be finished anytime. So I thought nothing of it and just went along, business as usual. Then, she walked through the door. My little sister Kate, came all the way to Morocco to surprise me! I couldn't believe it! It was the very, very, very best kind of surprise. I was speachless.
It was so great to have Kate here. She got to see what life looks like for us, what we're up to and she got to travel with us on our vacation down south. That was an adventure in itself. Here are a few pictures of our trip. She got all the good ones. I hope she'll post them soon. Thanks for coming Kate, I loved the surprise and I LOVED getting to see you!
Josiah standing by the pool of a Kasbah we stayed at as we traveled towards the Sahara.
Josiah & Benson playing outside the house of some people we stayed with. Dirt & trucks make little boys very happy!
This photo sums up our stay with some people in the Sahara. It was before 6am, we hadn't slept much, there were 500 billion flies swarming around us already and for some reason Kati grabbed the camera and took my picture. nice.
Kati & I riding camels. Alice the camel (that would be Kati's) has 2 humps.
A boy, A camel, and a rebuilt city from the movie Laurence of Arabia. Oh yeah.
I had a lovely cup of tea, some yummy granola bar thingy left by the last group of volunteers and some free time while the boys napped so I thought I might update my blog. Well the internet was working, but it is so stinkin' slow I'll I've been able to do is change the color and a few little things. So that's all I'll do for now, more to change some day when I don't have 10 million other things calling my name. Until then, a bit about life:
* Josiah keeps talking about Jesus and how he likes coffee. I wonder if that means there will be coffee in heaven? If you ask Josiah, he would say yes. Sounds good to me.
* Benson is really into bothering his brother. Today he laid down on the train tracks Josiah was setting up and pretended to go to sleep. He is definitely a professional second born.
* Someone gave us a turtle. He lives outside in the "garden" also known as an area with dirt and a tree. Each morning we look for him and usually find him standing right in front of us wondering what we are looking for.
* We have no more volunteers until the end of May. So we're going on vacation. We don't know where we don't know when. But we're ready. Maybe we'll go tomorrow, then again maybe tonight. You never know with us. Anything may happen :-)
* I have a total of 6 bags of gummy type candies left by the last group of volunteers. Is God good or what?!
Watching the movie "Cars" and cheering Lightning on, Go Lightning, Go!
Josiah is really into drawing lately, and will draw any where there is space. Even in the back of the truck with all the whitewash gear. At least its shady there!
He's also learning how to be helpful on the job site. Here he is helping to sift the sand in order to make concrete.
I tried to find some pictures of the wild flowers, but with all the Joey has on his plate, I'm afraid he doesn't get much opportunity to take pictures of flowers. So I hope these beautiful peas will satisfy those who want to know. Isn't it just lovely?!
And most exciting of all, our new van! Josiah is so in love with this van he wakes up each morning to make sure the "nice" van is outside. Then he has to tell us all about it :-) It is too cute to see him so excited. And he should be, this is a very nice addition to our vehicle situation. We are so blessed that God has provided this!
