Dec. 1, 2009 - Advent
I made an advent calendar out of matchboxes and contact paper. The kids love this. I made one for my friend, Patricia too. It was a lot of fun. The first day of advent was decorating, so that is what we did. The boys loved it. When our friend left last year, she gave us all her Christmas stuff and she had a lot!! She could've taken it all with her, but she gave it to our boys instead. It made them so happy. They just kept finding more things. Finding the star for the top of the tree was the best part.
The boys have a lot of energy!! Mom and dad needed a massage break, courtesy of Alex!
Dec. 1, 2009 - Loving the Houses
The houses here are so big and so beautiful. We are always admiring them when we go by. They are popping up everywhere. I was happy to be able to take some pictures of them. I want to always remember Saudi houses.
Dec. 1, 2009 - Playin' in the Rain
We got one day of rain and we were all so excited. The weather did get really bad in parts of the country though. We are praying for all those people. But, we enjoyed playing in it since we haven't had any for two years.
Nov. 28, 2009 - Day of Fun
It's funny how Justin likes to sit on his own! He is not part of that group.
Nov. 27, 2009 - The Nice Thing About Having a Schedule
I have all of the kids' assignments written out for them up until Christmas. This is really nice, especially for Justin because he loves to work ahead. On the weekends, he takes off and reads and does his math as much as he can on his own. When he needs me he asks if I can help him for awhile. All last week, he was free because he had done a whole week on his own. He only needed me to read his read-aloud to him. Then, while I was helping the other kids during school time, he was cleaning and helping me get ready for Thanksgiving. Today, he asked me to help him with his math, so that he can get that done next week. This is great because we want our kids to be independent and they will have to think like this to be successful in college. The only thing that he must participate in every day is catechism which is first thing and then, if he has it all done, he is free. This is very rewarding for him.
Nov. 26, 2009 - Thanksgiving and Firecrackers
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family of friends. It was a great time. We loved having all the kids around. It was really great. Also, it is Eid here in Saudi and it's the only time that we can buy fireworks, so we bought a whole bunch and have had a good time letting the off while all the kids watch.
The moon was beautiful. This picture doesn't do it justice. 
Turkey on the mirror yearly tradition made by Robby. 
Jamilia- She was born last year, Dec. 22. Adorable. It is great seeing the kids grow up here. 
Alicia- My husband calls her the Nepal version of Shirley Temple. She is so cute and my little buddy. 
Alex helping me cook. 
Nov. 24, 2009 - Saudi- A Mysterious Country
I found this article recently. We talk about this all the time here in Saudi. It is like living in a different time. The article says 90 years. I would say even longer than that- like more like 400 years ago. But, a lot about it is good. The values at its core are good. It does take it too far, of course. I have found that the women do not view their rights like we do in the West though. It's hard for us to understand, but most Saudi women don't want things to change as much as we think they would. Most of them are happy to do whatever is best for their community and their family. They don't have the desire to drive for the same reasons that we do. They don't wish to be free and equal, but they desire to drive only because it would make life easier and better for their families.
I found this debate online about the driving issue. It is interesting reading everyone's opinion on the matter. I wouldn't drive here either because it's really crazy on the road. I can barely stand being a passenger. It is really bad!! They're going to have to provide better driving instruction before giving women drivers licenses. The last thing Saudi needs is more drivers because that just means more accidents and more people dying in them every day.
When I first moved here, I would overt my eyes when I would see a woman fully covered, but then I realized that they aren't trying to be invisible. They are still there and want to be seen. They are just being modest. So, I have had to change my habit and look these women in the eyes. And I can tell that they smile back at me. They are good people.
Nov. 24, 2009 - Daddy's Home For the Holidays
Rob has some time off from work because of the Eid Holiday and we are loving it. We talked about what we are all thankful for and they all said daddy. Robby- I am thankful for daddy because he put pressure on my foot when it was bleeding (he cut his foot on glass, lots of blood, but he's ok. Daddy to the rescue!) Justin- I'm thankful for daddy because he's the best. Alex- I'm thankful for Daddy because he buys us stuff. Connor- I'm thankful for daddy because he's nice to me. At least, Rob said he was thankful for me.
And we got to go the Pizza Company and then, to Swensens. Our favorite thing to do here!!
Nov. 24, 2009 - The Way, The Truth, The Life
We made crowns. Jesus is our king.
Love that dimple!!
We sang a song that we got from Sadlier We Believe to the tune of Frere Jacques.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ
is our king;
is our king.
He rules with peace and justice.
He gives life to all people.
We praise him.
Praise our king.
Let us worship,
let us worship,
Christ our king;
Christ our king.
As king he shows the way,
the truth, and the life.
We praise him.
Praise our king.
Then today, we made our own Pledge of Allegiance to Jesus. (By we, I mean Robby.)
Pledge of allegiance to Jesus the son of God and the King of Heaven.
Please forgive our sins on the earth that we stand on.
But take us to Heaven to be with the Son of God.
Nov. 24, 2009 - Faith, Hope, and Love
We've been learning a lot in Catechism. The boys made crosses, anchors, and hearts to remind them to live their life with faith, hope, and love. It's so cute to hear Connor repeat that later. These are really good for Alex and Connor. The discussions are good for me, Robby, and Justin. I learn a lot about what they believe through our talks. It's really good for all of us. Their faith has really grown.
They put a thumb mark in the middle to represent that they will put their thumbprint on the world through faith, hope, and love.
