Pieces

weekend getaway

2012-02-08T23:32:00.002+04:00

John and I are taking the baby and heading out of town for a few days.

There is a lot of talk and photos of the crazy winter weather that Europe is experiencing and we're headed to one of the worst hit countries- Kiev (or Kyiv) Ukraine!

I was a little nervous following through on our trip once I heard and read the reports last week, but the weather forecasts aren't showing anything drastic, so we're going. It'll just be really, really, really, cold- especially for desert dwellers like ourselves. We haven't been in cold weather for over 4 years!

John is looking forward to feeling cold (I just better double check his bags to make sure he's not packing naively). We're going on a trip to the temple and aren't going to worry or stress about trying to fit in much else. I'm thinking that with the peace of being in the temple and the break from taking care of all 3 kids, it may just feel like a vacation or getaway is supposed to feel. Rejuvenating!

I'll let you know.

I found this video a couple months ago when we began organizing this trip. I love it! I am so impressed with these youth- love them!

P.S.- I'd love a few prayers for safe travels and safe return (and wonderful temple experiences). Because, when I said that "I was nervous..." I really meant, "I am {a bit} nervous..."

I think it's just part of being a mom (and that I've never boarded an airplane without them since they've been born- oh wait, there was that one time we left Asher on our first visit to Dubai.). Just part of being a parent, right? Right.

Canyon is THREE!!!

2012-02-08T10:04:00.005+04:00

Canyon turned THREE on February 1st.

We almost let the celebration get away from us and I'm so glad we didn't.

We kept it low-key and simple, and I'm learning all the time that the little things make a big impact.

Saturday evening I made a cake and just after haircuts and bathtime we ate a quick dinner and invited our neighbors (and favorite baby-sitters) "the twins" over for cake (and singing of course!)

It was perfect. He also got a few new cars to add to his collection and a Cars drawing pad from one of his best little buddies who just happened to move away from Dubai ON his birthday (so sad).

We love our little three year old and his enthusiasm for life. He is mostly fun, easy going, happy, and helpful with a side of stubborn, jealous, defiant and even stinky (still not potty trained. i know, I know, it's grossing me out). He is a special kid and we all just LOVE him (I think most people do, he's easy to love).

Happy Birthday C-dogg, little C, Canyon!!!

**more pics to include, but I'm having problems uploading (this is my reminder to self)**

backyard camp- Asher's 7th birthday

2012-01-24T21:21:00.011+04:00

Asher's birthday is December 20th.

We've always celebrated on or before his birthday.

This time around, I asked if he was ok waiting to have his party until after Christmas.

Asher said "ok" (quickly followed with, "can we have the party on the 26th? 27th?)

on New Years day as I thought about the new calendar and the additional week off school, I realized, "it's now or never".

In about 30 minutes, we had a guest list, party theme and a text message sent to all the moms.

Thursday, January 5th, it is!

We decided to have a Camping party-minus the sleeping over and leaving our own home and backyard part.

Here's a run down.

who: 12 kids (which turned into 20+ once I included siblings who wanted to come and some friends visiting from out of town). John and I plus a few other adults who offered to help or just wanted to stay and enjoy the fun.

time: 5-8 pm

decor: camping gear set up in the backyard. Tent, chairs, a few sleeping bags strewn about along with a couple bare christmas trees.

menu: for snack: trail mix, chips and salsa, apples and dip

for dinner: hot dogs, homemade chicken nuggets and oven fries and more apples

dessert: smores, blueberry muffins, and rice krispie treat birthday cake.

activities: As the kids arrived they ran around the park adjacent to the backyard. This was planned. Asher specifically suggested that as friends arrived, the time would be for "free play" . That was easy enough. They loved their free play time. It made me wonder why I even worried about how to keep them busy and what to do. They just ran around 6/7 year olds.

granted there was a little bit of drama too, like when Ivy came to me crying saying "I'm the youngest one and they need to learn to take it easy on me." I think she was tired and hyped up for the party, she got over it quickly.

we attempted a potato sack style race using three sleeping bags. (this didn't draw a lot of interest or take a lot of time- bummer)

Once John got the coals nice and toasty, we gathered all the kids for snacks, hot dog roasting and making their orange muffin. Roasting hot dogs with that many kids was obviously kinda dangerous and also a bit hilarious. Nobody got hurt, I think ALL of the kids wanted a hot dog, probably only half ate one. It was cute. Some came to me ready for a bun and condiments but their dog was still kinda cold. John later told me that anytime a kid asked if their dog looked done enough, he said "yes" and sent them to start fixing and eating it.

in addition to roasting things over the fire, our wild animal hunt was also a big hit.

I purchased flashlights for all the kids as part of their party favors. Ahead of time I gathered about 30 stuffed animals (most were from a friend who was moving and didn't want to take them back to America- some were cute, nice big toys and others were small arcade quality stuffed animals.) While the kids were roasting hot dogs we hid the animals all over the park. We pretty much just scattered them around, since it was dark, we didn't actually "hide" them under or behind things. Then, we gave each kid their flashlight and they went "hunting". They loved it and were finding and hiding amongst themselves for quite a while.

At one point Asher was in tears because he didn't find any stuffed animals and some kids took more than 2 (he's a big fan of enforcing rules). I felt bad, mostly because I knew he didn't want to be crying at his own party. We quickly tried to remedy the situation by hiding a few more, but the few more I hid were quickly found by kids who brought them to Asher to "make him feel better". He then cried worse because, of course, he wanted to find it himself. This lead to lots of re-hiding and re-finding by different kids and Asher being slow and tearful. It was pretty ridiculous. After trying too many times to re-hide animals and console Asher, I just gave up and went to take care of the food. Asher soon returned with flashlight and friends and an armful of 2 or 3 animals. I'm not sure how it was all resolved, I'm just glad it was.

Smore's, muffins cooked in orange peel, and a mound of rice krispie treats topped with birthday candles, served as the dessert.

goodie bags contained their new flashlight, gummy worms and frogs, a bag of trail mix, a glow stick and the stuffed animal (or 2) that {they couldn't believe} they got to keep.

my take away thoughts:

birthday parties are work (and fun) no matter when they happen, so in the future I will try not to fool myself into thinking that procrastinating is helpful.

text messages are very efficient and effective invitations.

Colored marshmallows don't roast, they melt.

it's ok to put time and effort into the details, if just for the satisfaction of a job tastefully done. Even if nobody (especially 6 year olds) notice, but I should really watch the time thing.

Dubai rarely fails at turning what should be a quick trip to Target into multiple hours, a trip to the mall, 2 or 3 different grocery stores and lots of driving. Oh, and more money spent. BUT- as stated above, I'm ok putting effort into the details, even if it is just for me AND I'm kinda banking on the idea that these obstacles and resistance that we accept as part of living here, are making me that much stronger and more efficient once I return to the good old USA!

Coral's blessing

2012-01-23T21:30:00.001+04:00

We blessed Coral at church on the first Friday of the new year.

She wore the same white blessing dress that we blessed Ivy in AND that my parents blessed me in. I like that. I'll try to post some side by side photos of the 3 of us soon.

Ivy wore a white flower headband that I kept in a special place so that she could wear it again for other special occasions or so her sister could wear it. The headband made it from Utah (where she was blessed) to Oregon and on to Dubai and I've known where it was/is for almost 5 years, and then...I lost it. I got it out in November and took some photos of Coral in it. Sometime between that day and the blessing, I lost it. So frustrating. I made Coral a new headband and tried not to worry too much about it. I'm still hoping the other one turns up. Then maybe it's all for the best. Each girl has her own accessory.

Anyway, on to the blessing.

We didn't have any extended family in town this time which was a bit of a bummer, but the blessing was still special and our Dubai branch has so many close friends, it often feels like family.

Coral was blessed with many things like a strong body and a strong relationship with her siblings. Also, a desire to follow the gospel and listen to and love her parents. She was blessed with a love of learning and that she will take advantage of every chance for education. She will explore the world. She will also have a strong desire to go to the temple and marry a man who will love and protect her and want to take her there.

I know already that she has a sweet and unique spirit inside of her tiny body. She has beautiful big curious eyes. I find her seeking eye contact and once she makes it, gives a big grin. I love this little girl and we are so blessed to have her in our family and watch her grow.

welcoming 2012

2012-01-10T21:04:00.007+04:00

Last year we rang in 2011 by driving to the empty parking lot of the little league fields and watching the burj Khalifa's fireworks from the back of our car.

It wasn't as good of a show as their grand opening 2 years ago. Thankfully- we didn't lose much sleep or fight any crowds that night and the kids have great memories of "staying up late"

John likes to refer to New Years Eve as a "let down" sort of holiday.

Lots of hype but never really that much fun, and not really worth staying up til 12.

I sort of agree.

But, I'm also a night owl, who loves any excuse for a celebration.

So- we made this year a low key night as well.

We watched a movie in the back of our car with just our little family and some popcorn and parked amongst the hundreds of cars at our favorite (cuz it's usually mostly empty) beach.

at 12:00 we saw fireworks in every direction- we were sandwiched between two popular shows- the Burj al Arab and the Atlantis hotel. In the distance we saw the burj Khalifa's show as well as some others coming from a beach further south.

We made it off the beach and home by 12:30 due to our strategic parking spot (and our irresponsible decision to leave the seats down and kids laying comfortable asleep).

The kids enjoyed it- and also reached their breaking point mid show when they all started pushing and blocking each others view etc etc.

We were home by 12:35 with all the kids sound asleep in the back.

and me agreeing that maybe next year, we'll watch the fireworks on tv and get to bed a little earlier.

Maybe next year I'll agree to going to bed and watching the show on tv- that is of course, unless we're in a new city with new celebrations.

Here's to all the possibilities in 2012.

as for my resolutions- I'm still writing/ refining them. I suppose preparing a talk for church on Friday about "making weak things become strong" might force me to sit down and really define a few.

Are you feeling like me? Not ready to start the new year until a week in?

what this picture is really saying...

2012-01-09T23:04:00.007+04:00

Yes, it's 2 weeks after Christmas and 8 months since I've updated my blog. That's a long time, and it makes me a little sad

but

I'm hoping that this picture is helpful in sharing it's worth in words,

because,

from me to you,

it's the thousand words that I want to say.

Yes, this picture clearly says: Merry Christmas, but it also says:

* I had every intention of sending Christmas cards but dropped the ball. Instead I posted it on my "wall", shared it with a few friends and neighbors who live locally, and now with you here on the blog. I'm sorry it wasn't on your fridge or bulletin board with the mass of other photos you received in December.

* We had a baby!!! Coral Anne Clason joined our family on October 9th. She's the cute little one looking up at the sky instead of the camera.

* We're still in Dubai and live in a housing development called "the Green Community" (hence the winter wardrobe of a few long sleeves or pants and flip flops and the green background)

* I discovered pinterest (if you discovered it too- you'll probably understand why this picture announces my discovery of it.)

* my kids are growing up- Asher, if you look closely, is toothless on top and bottom. Ivy is wearing a bracelet she made herself and super excited to decorate and hang the banner once the photos are finished (she's non stop crafting these days) and Canyon is as unique as his hair color- white almost albino blonde with a red tint around the border.

* this cute little baby may have had something to do with my blogging absence over the past year. Of course, it wasn't all her fault- but between the first trimester sickness, the 2nd trimester travel, the 3 trimester tiredness and the brand-new-baby busy-ness, blogging didn't happen.

* I didn't have a clue where else to start or how to start after such a long absence so

this picture also says- that although the timing is off, the intention is there, it really is.

AND

I'm committed to start somewhere.

like here:

with a Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

and a Happy New Year!!!

here's hoping and planning to share more thoughts, photos, feelings and stories in a more timely manner for the coming year

because one of my favorite things about this blog of mine is the feeling of staying connected while being so far away from most of you.

after the rain....RAINBOWS!!! (long post)

2011-04-19T22:13:00.000+04:00

As you all know- we live in a big sandy desert (with a sandy beach on one side).

it doesn't rain much.

and birthdays only happen once a year.... odds are in our favor for dry, outdoor festivities, but would you believe that the first party Ivy had in Dubai (age 2) and the first party Asher had in Dubai (age 5) both had to be resourcefully moved indoors due to RAIN!

this winter has been nice and long, but also dry. I had a suspicion that we'd get rain before summer heat set in so I decided to thwart the skies and only think about having a party on Ivy's actual birthday. Then at the last minute, decide to wait 5 days and have a party for Ivy on the first morning of spring break the following week.

---ok, actually, I just wasn't feeling well and got a bit lazy and we had a busy week/ weekend ahead, plus an afternoon party on a school day with a bunch of 3-5 yr made me tired just thinking about it--

BUT

Would you believe it- my plan worked!

On April 10th and 11th, it rained all night. Awesome loud thunderstorms. On all accounts it was a good excuse to wait to have a swim party (even if the weather was warm and sticky and made everyone want to jump in the pool as we got our first taste of the summer heat that is setting in!)

So, although we tossed around many birthday themes, RAINBOWS proved to be quite timely and a hit with the birthday girl.

Because Ivy had been counting the days til her birthday, I wanted to do something on the actual day- since we were delaying the party. Birthday treats at school are a no-no (I'm assuming this is becoming the norm for our children?) but I asked if I could bring something healthy and the teachers were all for it.

I surprised Ivy with a birthday fruit rainbow and she thought she was the stuff- and referred to the fruit platter as her birthday cake!

I should also note she was upset the day before her birthday thinking that the teachers forgot to celebrate and make her a crown, so after school she pre-empted their tradition and made one herself (with help from Asher). First thing in the morning it was on her head! AND she couldn't wait to get to school.

After dinner that night- I took the kids for a quick bike ride to Baskin Robbins for some birthday ice cream! (read: again I was lazy/ caught without a plan and decided we needed to celebrate a little more since the festivities were still 5 days off)!

AND...

the party! It was a sad evening when I uploaded pictures of the birthday party. For one reason or another all but a few photos from the party became corrupted files- unable to read. I was disappointed, but we still have some cute ones. I made the party pretty low key (which just meant that I scrambled and stayed up late the night before getting everything together- it's amazing how sometimes things just fall into place- so I guess losing the photos

invitations: casual mentioning in conversation and an official text message to friends with the details the day before

location: neighborhood pool/ pool house 10:30 am til whenever

guests: 15-20 kids plus moms

food: 2 rainbow fruit trays, 1 rainbow veggie tray, pasta salad, popcorn, cute clown cones (made by my friend Joey as a surprise treat), juice and CAKE!

games/ activities: swimming and last minute water balloons. with not much need for the 2 other party games I planned. We did have a little dancing- mostly by Asher and Ivy and their friend Elise.

thank yous/ favors: homemade play dough, small box crayons, pkg skittles, a few chocolate coins and a cookie cutter, all packages cute and tied with string.

low stress, low cost, lots of great friends, fun gifts and one happy birthday girl (plus 2 siblings of the birthday girl). I should add that Asher was super helpful and concerned with making Ivy's party great too. (that's not to say he didn't whine about wanting presents too, or wanting to jump into the goodie bags before the party was over- but he was just being a 6 year old).

Happy birthday Ivy- we're so glad you're finally FOUR!!!

(and I can't believe you've celebrated your first, second, third and fourth birthdays ALL in Dubai!)

T-ball season (in one post, if you're lucky)

2011-04-05T22:56:00.001+04:00

(Thanksgiving weekend 2010- John was eager to get out on the ball field and teach his kids America's past time)

as t-ball season is just getting rolling in the U.S., over here, it's come and gone. (Started in December, finished in April)

It was our first year in the Dubai little league. John volunteered to coach and I think it's safe to say that at the beginning of the season, he was easily more excited than Asher about baseball season.

(first game, team pics- notest Burj Khalifa in the background and a post game cheer- Go Royals!)

I first thought we might be in for some trouble when we attended opening day at the ball park.

Every kid was introduced by the coaches and ran out on the field. Our team was last (youngest and alphabetically) and wouldn't you know it? Asher refused to go out on the field. Here we are watching dad and every other kid in uniform from above- (trying to keep the 3 kids from messing with the electronic cords and cables as they sat under all the sound equipment! Couldn't at least one of them go join Dad?)

(hanging out with the kids watching every other kid in uniform sit on the ball field- insert eye roll)

Asher has had issues from time to time with new situations and being in the spotlight.

I was beginning to wonder if he'd even play.

Thankfully, that wasn't a problem.

His siblings however? I started to second guess whether we really wanted to make t-ball a family affair every Saturday. I wanted to enjoy it, have fun, and let the kids have fun, but I struggled to manage keeping Canyon entertained, safe and in my sight, and Ivy entertained, safe and not in tears or interrupting the games with her drama.

(poor Ivy!)

All Ivy wanted to do was be a part of the action. She practiced with the team, wore the team jersey shirt (there was an extra) and of course was always in line for the post game snacks/ treats, but that wasn't enough. She wanted to bat! The coach (John) was sweet and let her be last batter of the game, but she's no dummy. She wanted the real thing.

then around the 4th game or so of the season, it all worked out.

(the little sisters rescue the team from cancellation or forfeit and Ivy makes her mark)

It was a windy cold day and for whatever reason only 3 of the 9 players on the team showed up. All three players had little 3 yr old sisters, so we put all of them in the line-up and had a great time.

After that, Ivy played every game. Just like she was part of the team (the other sisters couldn't have cared less). We should have done it from the beginning, but I worried about other parents getting upset (she's too young, she didn't pay, etc etc). Nobody seemed to have a problem and Ivy loved every minute (except when she got called out at first base- then she walked back to the dug out, head hung low, and cried. somewhat heartbreaking but also a bit ridiculous. She learned as the season progressed, and she ran faster!).

and then there's Asher. It was his t-ball season after all! He did great! He looked forward to each game, made new friends, and really developed an understanding of the game, along with some basic skills. He was fun to watch and really got excited when he could make a play and get someone out (that usually is more of a challenge than getting a hit or getting on base in t-ball).

The season ended with trophies! We missed closing ceremonies because we were at church and so did the rest of our team so we decided to hand out trophies the next day after the game. I had to do some scrambling because we didn't have enough trophies to give Ivy one. Thankfully, after searching for someone with connections (ie extras in his trunk) we lucked out finding one in the lost and found (don't judge, it was for the greater good). I justified it pretty well and everyone was happy!

We'll definitely be back next year, although I'm hoping they'll let us keep Asher down a year because his birthday misses the cut-off by less than 2 weeks. Then John can coach again and Ivy and Asher can play on the same team. I had fun this year- but not fun enough to want to stay for 2 games and 2 practices every Saturday. (and maybe next year I'll even try to get myself in a photo or two).

oh wait- here's one!

Ivy rides a [peddle] bike!!

2011-03-01T22:17:00.007+04:00

Ivy has been extra tired the last couple days. (recovering from family in town and a whirlwind vacation I guess)

Today she whined about going to soccer (not to play, just to watch Asher) because she was too tired. I took her in the bike trailer with a blanket telling her to nap.

While there she walked all over the park finding her friends (and the potato chips in their mom's basket).

When we rode home she said she wanted her bike to go ride with the other kids, instead of going inside to grab her bike (I thought she was just being lazy) she grabbed her "new" bike (the peddle bike without training wheels- Asher's oldbike) and said she wanted to "practice a little."

I got off my bike, grabbed hold of her shirt so she could balance and walked with her about ten yards as she peddled and then got a little wobbly.

Next go I gave her a little push, grabbed her shirt for a few steps and then let go and watched her go and... she rode!

We started and stopped a few more times along with me trying to keep Canyon out of the way and try to take a video on the phone to document. (it was pretty tricky and I was glad when John showed up)

It was so cute and exciting for her to realize that she could really do it!

She's so proud of herself and I'm so proud of her!

Hopefully she'll do it again tomorrow. (post edit: she did and hasn't looked back)

She told me she needed to "practice" until she was 4 so she could ride a peddle bike when she's 5.

but she did it all while she's still 3!

(now if we can just get her swimming!)

wobbly teeth

2011-02-23T20:43:00.001+04:00

after the dentist visited Asher's school and did a quick check of all the kids' teeth Asher came home and said "guess what? The dentist told me I have a wobbly tooth"

I felt it

and then thought "wow- that dentist is being pretty generous calling that wobbly as it barely moved"

but I congratulated him, told him about the excitement of losing teeth and figured we were at least a month away from anything happening.

So.

I was quite surprised while eating shwarmas with Nanna, Aunt Lizzie and the kids at Global Village that Asher came to me with his eyes wide after his first bite and tooth in hand.

(love Global Village, love cheap schwarmas, and love having Nanna and Lizzie with us)

He reacted with a bit of confusion and apprehension, not sure whether something bad happened or if this is what losing a tooth really feels like! It was exciting. He was excited and even I was excited and feeling kinda proud- not that he did anything- I guess just the mom excitement of watching kids grow up and get big!

The tooth fairy was rather generous giving him 6 dirhams (a coin for every year of his age) in a cute little matchbox hidden beneath his pillow. (about $1.50 USD)

AND........

about 3 weeks later. We were all sitting in the Amman Jordan airport- eating another dinner of schwarmas and Asher came up to me with a mouthful of chewed up food, telling me he just lost another tooth. We sifted through the food and found the tooth- excitement all around again! And this time Grandpa and Dad (John) were also there for the excitement. Nanna pre-empted the tooth fairy and gave him a dollar.

who knew schwarmas were the secret to wiggling out teeth!

a funny side note: one of Asher's best friends also lost his 1st tooth the same day. When Asher brought his money to school his friend was apparently excited to find out about the whole tooth under the pillow-fairy-money thing. His parents weren't aware of what he was doing until the following morning when he was upset and frustrated, looking all over for money that was not under his pillow, or his brothers or anywhere for that matter. He even questioned his teacher at school about it. His parents are from Iraq and apparently the tooth fairy doesn't visit there. When I told the mother (who is one of my good friends) about the tooth fairy- she just laughed and said "he'll get over it- we don't do that." I had to laugh but also felt kinda bad- maybe next time he loses a tooth I'll have him give it to Asher to put under the pillow for him at our house- since the tooth fairy visits here :))

Canyon at 2 years

2011-02-05T21:43:00.003+04:00

A little about this sunshine birthday boy for record keeping sake.

He's pretty easy going and independent. For the most part he just goes with the flow.

People often comment on how independent and just chill and even keel he is. I admit that he's he's like that about 95% of the time and the other 5% is the total opposite- to the extreme! He's screaming and wailing and not to be reasoned with and very strong willed.

Ever since the first of the year with the switch to morning church- his 5% has been the getting dressing part (why only on Fridays, I have no idea, other days he's fine). So, I my strategy has been to get all the kids fed and then I wrestle Canyon into his clothes and take him outside kicking and screaming where I buckle him into his car seat and have him wait for another 10 minutes while I finish rounding up our things and getting Ivy and Asher dressed. Usually by the time we pull out of the driveway he's calmed down and after our 30 minute drive to church, he's definitely in better spirits.

onto more positive things...

Canyon is coordinated. He can hold his own on the trampoline with the big kids, he jumps off curbs and steps and he throws a ball pretty hard.

He doesn't talk much, but he understands everything which is kind of fun when he silently responds to what I ask him to do.

He discovered the fun of trains and tracks under the Christmas tree and still enjoys playing (and destroying) the tracks his brother and sister make.

He enjoys nursery at church and is very enthusiastic when it comes to cleaning up, singing time and snacks.

He hums the Star Wars theme song and darth vader theme song (I find it kind of hilarious!)

He loves nutella. "tella"

He loves animals and isn't afraid like my other two. He'll pet any dog, and size and often seeks them out while in the park. He loves to let them lick his fingers and play with him. (definitely does NOT take after me)

He loves his siblings and is pretty good at making them laugh. He seems to know just what to do and keeps it going til the laughter stops and the joke gets old.

He's my little side-kick while the other two are at school in the mornings. He's a good little shopper. He picks out what he wants (and starts eating immediately), helps me get what I need, and lots of what I don't need (and don't buy- don't worry).

He loves throwing rocks in the fountain outside our backyard, and he enjoys playing on the playground at the preschool and the park.

I love this little guy- 5% crazy and all!

the boy who played with fire!

2011-02-04T21:23:00.001+04:00

Canyon turned 2 on Feb 1st. I knew we would have Nanna and Aunt Liz with us here and I knew it would be fun to celebrate so I brainstormed different themes and party ideas during the month of January.

Unfortunately I never settled on anything. I got busy, and lacked enthusaism, and even got a little sick. Any plans of having a bunch of guests and other 2 year olds were quickly fading. I reluctantly decided against having a group over for a party, but still wanted to celebrate for Canyon (and for Asher and Ivy who were equally excited about his birthday). We couldn't quite settle on a theme, Canyon loves dogs so we considered a puppy party, or a ball themed party, or just make a cake and let him blow out the candles because that's really what will give him the most excitement. The kid LOVES to blow out candles and LOVES fire.

and then it hit me/us. A FIRE PARTY! We decided in the morning and by dinnertime we had a pretty sweet FIRE party thrown together.

A candlelit dinner of lasagna and salad.

Birthday banner and balloons (red, orange and yellow of course).

All the candles and tea lights we could find around the house. (scented candles, floating candles, tea lights, emergency candles and menorah candles)

A red velvet cake made by Liz and creatively carved and frosted by Nanna

And just when I was feeling bad that I didn't have any presents for him (poor 3rd child), I remembered that I bought a cute wood vehicle from Pottery Barn's after Christmas sale and it just so happened, it was a fire truck!

We played a few games:

Fire extinguisher (using squirt bottles and candles each participant used water to extinguish their candle's flame from a distance)

hot potato (with a football)

and I spy (always a hit)

It was such a fun night and amazing to me how a little extra effort and prep work made Canyon's birthday just as fun and special as if we planned and prepped for weeks and invited lots of guests.

Canyon was especially cute. He really loved blowing out the candles (multiple times and places) which didn't surprise us. He was especially cute that he knew to wait til the end of the birthday song and he loved every second of being sang to. He really recognized it was his birthday. The birthday was made especially fun with far away family here to play. Hopefully it's not the only birthday he gets to share with far away relatives.

super hero party

2011-01-17T20:30:00.001+04:00

Asher and one of his school buddies teamed up and had a joint birthday party this year.

(Well actually the moms teamed up as she is one of my closest neighborhood friends).

Asher turning 6 and Lucas turning 5. When we first arrived in Dubai Asher and Lucas hit it off immediately. Because they haven't been in class together these past 2 years, they're not as close as the used to be, but I think they still enjoyed sharing their day together.

We had superheros everywhere. (I made almost 50 capes in preparation- yes crazy!)

we had lots of food (with thanks to my friends as well)

a super hero obstacle course

mask decorating station (that turned out to be a hit)

and a special visit from a GI Joe*/ superhero trainer/ magician!!! (what a combo)

It was a great party! of course there were things I would change or do differently, but then I tell my brain to stop thinking about it- it's just a six year olds birthday and the cake and presents and all the attention were perfection!!!

*side note about our celebrity guest. The week before Asher's party was our church Christmas party that included dinner and a casual talent show. One of the Filipino guys in the ward is great with kids and he did a few simple magic tricks that wowed the kids. Asher asked if he could come to his birthday party and sure enough, he not only came, he called a few hours before and asked if he could come in a costume. Since he didn't have any comic book superhero stuff, he pulled out the army gear and had all the kids mesmerized, especially the boys (and one girl asking if he was an astronaut- and Ivy was terrified- go figure). So sweet of him to take time to come to Asher's party especially since we hardly knew him up until then (he and his wife have been in the other ward for a long time, but are new to ours)

** sidenote #2: Ivy had "pajama day" at school and fell asleep after school while helping me decorate the park for the party. She stayed asleep as the party started and ended up as a pajama super hero for the rest of the day.

Winter best...

2011-01-16T12:43:00.009+04:00

day: Friday morning, mid December

time: about 30 minutes before church

plan: wear a little "Christmas best" to church in the few remaining weeks before Christmas because that's what you do in December.

BUT last years Christmas shirt and pants no longer fit Canyon.

PLUS I hadn't purchased any new Christmas best for this year.

BUT maybe the sweater vest would fit? (since they were never worn- the shirts and ties and corduroy pants were winter enough for our 80 degrees. and I think the appliqued scarf-wearing polar bear was sent with a bit of humor for the irony)

suggestion: "hey Asher- wanna wear these vests that Grandma sent us last year and be twins with Canyon?"

reaction:

A)turned up nose, hesitant look in response.

--simultaneously--

I) a defensive whine declaring "heeeey, what about me, I wanna be twins with someone."

result: we hung her cute dress back in the closet, found a matching cute skirt and everyone was ready with time to spare for some quick photos before hoping in the car(something I often wish I did weekly but am excited to get a few times yearly).

Ivy, she continues to impress with her femininity with a touch of "brother" in her wardrobe choices. I'd say she's pulling it off quite well (if I do say so myself). Humor and irony.

because the series of photos just made me happy I decided to let you see the entire collection.

SIX?!?

2011-01-16T10:49:00.005+04:00

Asher turned six, SIX years old on December 20th!

This was a milestone birthday, end of an era for our family.

It's like our family just transitioned into a new stage and his birthday turned the page.

We're not a family of 3 kids under 5 (which sounds young) anymore.

He'll be transitioning our family into "real" school this year instead of nursery school/ preschool.

and 6 is so close to 8 which is so close to 12 and then 16 and then 19.

It's just seems like the birthdays get closer together after 6.

and I've always had trouble guessing the ages of kids over 6.

when you're 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, it's pretty easy to tell-- give or take 6 months.

any age over 6 and I'm happy and lucky to guess within a year or 2.

and a year or two is a long time!!!

maybe I over- thought it all and am being a bit dramatic.

whatever the case. It happened.

We're growing up. HE'S growing up!

our baby turned SIX

and he's a great 6-year-old!

He's reading, and spelling, and adding and subtracting and riding a big(ger) bike and doing flips on the trampoline.

He's asking for friends to stay the night

and diving and swimming across the whole pool.

he throws the ball from 1st base to home with good aim and confidence.

He builds complicated lego ships without help following the instructions

and re-builds complicated lego ships without help by following his filed away instruction books and deciding how to improvise because of missing parts and pieces.

he loves his brother and sister and is (for the most part) good about telling his friends to be nice or how to include them.

He loves his carbs and sugar (not sure where he gets that ;)

He is shy in the spotlight of strangers, but confident among peers or with practice.

He has a perfect German accent (so they say)

He pretends he doesn't want kisses and snuggles, but I know it's just a front and he secretly loves them.

He's stubborn and determined.

He doesn't forget a reward, bribe or promise.

He's a careful and quite impressive artist.

He likes things neat and clean and is usually willing to help get them that way.

He loves surprises

and dancing to "cool" music

and making his parents proud.

He has a tender heart, he loves his friends and family, and misses everyone he loves that's far away (in America).

From Christmas 2004 until now, his birth continues to make the Christmas season even more special.

If I'm making him sound like the perfect child- I'm sorry because he's not.

he's a picky eater takes forever to eat dinner if it's not what he likes and complains quite a bit

he still whines or pouts more often than not when being told "no" about playdates and such

he's sneaky about getting the treats and snacks he wants when he wants it. (good thing I've figured out his secret spot in the corner of the living room behind the couch).

he forgets to flush the toilet

and he wants to have the privileges of the oldest AND the youngest.

he argues with and teases his sister

and he's still learning to share and be fair.

but I'll stop there and without a doubt say that I'll take the bad and then some for all the good and the blessings he brings into our lives.

Whoever said having a Christmas baby was a bad idea?

Happy birthday Asher!!! We love you to pieces.

working on it

2011-01-13T00:10:00.004+04:00

in an effort to satisfy distant relatives (namely grandparents- sorry)

I'm playing catch up on the blog.

(sorry I've been such a slacker)

Although I won't ever really get all caught up, I'll at least do the last month or so

then I can start fresh this year.

and be better.

and now's a good time to do it's only a handful of days into the new year and not a lot has really happened this year

well,

except for...

a couple days of vomitting kids

the kick off of Dubai little league (Asher's first year of t-ball and John's first year of coaching)

Ivy's new ballet class

Ivy entering Primary as a Sunbeam!

my new calling in the church nursery kickin' it with Canyon

oh and I've reorganized/ decorated the kids rooms and playroom

and done a few art projects for the wall

and Canyon seems to have revved up his personality and vocabulary these last couple weeks

and I cheered on a friend running a marathon this morning and cried as I was cheering

plus I tried a delicious recipe for homemade soft pretzels that my friend Darcy recommended

and we're planning activities for our visitors (Nana, Grandpa and Aunt Lizzie!) next month.

and, well,

other than that, not much has happened

this new year has been pretty quiet.

ha!

but, as I was saying/ writing. I'll be catching up and eventually backdating events from the last few months until this year gets away from me and I decide to just move forward. that's all for tonight.

more tomorrow.

camping in the dunes

2011-01-12T23:13:00.004+04:00

in mid November we enjoyed a break from school and work for the Eid holiday.

one night we enjoyed camping with about 6 other families from church.

We enjoyed lots of great food (isn't everything always yummy cooked on the campfire?) add to that, a gourmet chef and we were eating all evening.

Canyon didn't sleep well so John and I didn't sleep well either. It got a bit windy at night and we were all covered with a nice film of sand/ dust.

John was nice and got up with Canyon in the morning just as the sun was rising. He had a beautiful hike with the little guy up and down the freshly groomed sand dunes enjoying the magic of morning. We both wish he would have taken a few photos.

I got my best sleep in those early morning hours with Canyon out of the tent.

Asher and Ivy slept cozy together in their lightening McQueen tent.

We played around for a couple more hours on the quad bikes and dunes before packing it up and heading home.

Nothing like camping within an hours drive of home. Next time maybe I'll pack it up at bedtime :)

(kidding)

(sort of)

39 years!

2011-01-12T22:49:00.003+04:00

no not us silly!

we still have a few good years in our thirties still.

It's the UAE (United Arab Emirates-the country where we live- in case you were wondering. Dubai is not a country, just a city and an Emirate) celebrated it's 39th year on December 2nd.

It's been fun to get into the festivities the past few years.

The kids were asked to wear UAE colors or traditional dress (dish dash or abaya) to school as part of the celebration. We went with the UAE colors but I gave Asher the option. When I got out his dishdash he quickly refused and went for what was "cooler".

I bought the sweatband set for Asher and quickly made a no sew tulle skirt for Ivy the night before. Everything else was strategically put together with items already in their wardrobe and a couple stickers.

(nevermind Ivy's pink shoes- she just broke her neutral colored sandals and we were in a rush to get out the door. I didn't want her to wear her black soccer cleats- as she's done numerous times previously- so I didn't address the mis-matched issue)

The came home from school looking just as sharp with henna tattoos and bellies full of fresh juices, date cookies and flavored camel milk.

Unfortunately John was working in Saudi Arabia again on the actual National Day holiday (while everyone else was enjoying fun family days off). We used the day to set up the Christmas tree and play in the park with friends. I would have loved to drive to Abu Dhabi and enjoy their firework/ crazy street party like we did 3 years ago. Maybe next year? (If we're still here?)

that's what families do...

2011-01-06T20:21:00.000+04:00

We had a great time at our church Christmas party.

We had a beautiful dinner outside in the driveway- the weather and decorations were perfect.

Santa visited which terrified Ivy, even when Asher talked to him and recognized his South African accent as not being from the north pole, but belonging to "Sister Joey's dad (aka husband)"- she still wouldn't go near the "fake" Santa.

Canyon wasn't too sure either.

Ivy did melt my heart in our talent show that evening though.

Our family agreed to perform something in the talent show, we just weren't sure what (and to be honest, John and I knew that we'd most likely do something with the kids standing by as support instead of the other way around.

We decided to sing a cute song the kids love- we call it "Hot Cocoa" but I'm not sure what the official name is. We all (minus Canyon) had all the words memorized and we rounded up all the props we could find in our house to show along with the words. John played the guitar.

the song goes a little something like this:

You are hot cocoa when I'm freezing

a band-aid when I fall

a washcloth when I'm stinky

a hankie when I ball

a slicker when it rains

the sunblock on my nose

chapstick in the wind

and mittens when it snows!"

chorus:

that's what families do

they will stick by you

they'll be there to see you through

cuz that's what families do

you are my nightlight in the hallway

a padlock on my bike

snorkel in my ocean

the trail-mix on my hike

the plunger in my bathroom

a blanket when i snooze

the batteries in my flashlight

the velcro on my shoes.

chorus 2 times:

that's what families do

they will stick my you

they'll be there to see you through

cuz that's what families do.

it's seriously a cute song.

even cuter was thinking that just john and I were singing with the kids looking cute and holding up a prop (mitten or chapstick etc) when appropriate, but when the chorus came cute little Ivy just belted it out with all her energy. She had been singing the words here and there trying to keep up, but she had the chorus part down pat and she rocked it!

in fact, I almost had her singing solo cuz I got teary mid chorus and had to hold it together to finish. Canyon was adorably dancing/ bouncing to the beat, and Asher had all the props up on cue.

I love this little family and the song that may be our theme for years to come!

Unfortunately we didn't even think to get it on video, but maybe next year.

song is called "That's what Families Do" by Melanie Hoffman from the album Scripture Scouts you can even listen to a sample of the song here- (it's number 6)

Ich bin die Sonne

2010-12-06T19:54:00.000+04:00

Asher's preschool has a series of topics they study throughout the year and at the end of each topic, the parents are invited for a mini program where they share/ perform.

"Out of this World" was the topic for November ending early December.

Asher learned all about the planets in our solar system and the kids performed a few songs in English and German and also did a little skit.

Each kid also was given a speaking part as they represented different planets and things in the milky way.

Asher got to be the SUN. (or die Son

ne)

He spoke first and was so cute- he spoke loud and clear and had

his whole part memorized.

We were proud of him even though neither of us understood

a thing!

It's always fun to hear other parents say how his accent is just like a little German boy. We're pretty amazed at the whole thing too- and we definitely can't take any credit for any of it.

he said:

"Ich bin die sonne und ich bin ein stern

ochne mich gibt es kein leben auf der erde

Ich gebe licht und waerm

alle planeten kreisen um mich herum"

our son is quite the star! (every pun intended- wink wink)

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-01T21:39:00.000+04:00

Thanksgiving this year was again, different than any other.

a little looked over being that it's not a holiday over here but I think the extra efforts to make it feel different from just another pot luck dinner seem to work.

it was a beautiful (and surprisingly relaxing* evening)

*this may or may not be due to the fact that there were 3 housemaids all available to help with prep and cleanup.

John worked, kids went to school (maybe this was an upside as far as prep was concerned) and with all guests having normal work/school days, Thanksgiving dinner was served at "dinner time" (maybe even later- about 7). John was in Saudi Arabia all week and arrived home just minutes before our first guests arrived (5:30).

The turkey cooked all day at my house but I didn't buy or prep it, so I was a little uneasy about that. I also prepared, mashed potatoes, carrot souffle and a yummy spinach salad along with 3 pumpkin pies, some mini berry/ apple tarts and a new to me recipe for Becky's cranberry walnut torte (it was delish by the way).

our guests included 14 adults 14 kids (and 1 baby in high chair)

12 Americans

10* Australians

6* Canadians

*numbers vary when spousal nationalities differ. Offspring nationality is based upon country of prior residence :)

We sat at 3 different tables: Adults (14+ high chair), 7 big* kids, 7 little kids.

* 'big' is relative considering Asher (our 5 yr old) qualified as a "big" kid and he wasn't even the youngest.

We ate outside with candle light, tiki torches and fresh cut flowers and branches from our yard to decorate our table. I was so happy with how things turned out. (kids table got plastic vases, no candles and paper table cloth with lots of crayons- it was a hit)

Kids ate off paper with plastic. Adults got real dishes (paper napkins)

We had a great night with some great friends old and new. (I just didn't take a lot of pics unfortunately- next time I need to delegate that responsibility.)

We missed our families and "traditional" Thanksgivings of the past, but we're enjoying these unique opportunities with our Dubai extended family and the weather!!! (it's pretty unbeatable right now)

Star Wars Halloween

2010-11-19T19:00:00.002+04:00

I have a Star Wars loving crew in my house so my desire to have coordinating costume was fulfilled in suggesting a theme that all could get excited about (well, I guess Canyon could care less as long as it was comfortable). With limited resources for costumes and my love of homemade Halloween (thanks to my mom)- we went for it and tried not think too much about how/what/if we would have done differently (better) if we were in the U.S.

In Dubai- you make do.

and I think we did a pretty good job (if I do say so myself)

Canyon- C3Po. being the nickname I told Asher he could use when Canyon was a newborn (his initials are C.C.C.) and his copper colored hair, it seemed the perfect fit. I enjoyed the challenge of making the costume even though I think most people had no idea what/ who he was supposed to be. I intended to make shoes but ran out of time. The exposed wires at the waste and his bum were my favorite part!

Ivy's- Princess Leia a seemingly obvious choice but this is a girl who dressed as Princess Vader to go to the airplane museum, a girl who agreed with her cousin to be the Jengo to his Bobo or vice versa and who told me that "Leia doesn't use light sabers, she has a gun!"

Ivy was all on board to be princess Leia, but I had my worries that she wouldn't love the costume, wouldn't wear the wig (a modified mid-century princess wig), and would be disappointed it wasn't the fancy gold bikini Leia she suggested (a hilarious conversation I might add), but Ivy didn't disappoint. She loved her wig and her costume and loved being the Star Wars loving girl that none of her friends quite understand.

Asher had the rest of the Star Wars cast to choose from but we quickly discovered the cool costumes all required masks (Vader, Storm Troopers etc) and we didn't want to cover that cute boys face with a mask!? Plus, he wasn't all that excited about the classic Jedi attire.

at his suggestion we came up with R2 since Canyon was C3Po. The trio was complete, who is Leia without her droids anyway right?!

We were so happy with his choice- John and Asher worked hard at turning a cardboard box, duct tape and a kitchen bowl into R2D2. (we hoped to find a bigger kitchen bowl, but had to settle on that one- don't mind the pink bike helmet either)

all in all a great Halloween-(no time for costumes for John and I).

Sorry for the delay in posting- I misplaced my card-reader and just uploaded a whole bunch of photos last night!

just like lemonade....

2010-11-19T18:30:00.001+04:00

the week before Halloween Asher and Ivy hosted a pumpkin sale in our garage and out of the back of my car.

(you will notice the pumpkins are not as bright orange, not as jack-lantern round as American halloween pumpkins. There are a few for sale here in the grocery stores at 10 times the price of these rustic looking, gourd/ pear shaped things AND keep in mind, I hand picked all of these :))

We thought it would be fun, a chance to share the jack-o-lantern tradition with all of our non-American neighbors, an opportunity for the kids to earn a little money and buy/save/give a little here and there, and just a chance to bring a little October fun to our neighborhood.

I went to a large fruit and vegetable market one morning with Canyon and we picked out pumpkins and negotiated a wholesale price. They said NO to delivering such a "small" amount (approx 100 pumpkins) and assured me they could fit all in the back of my car. They were right.

I had to laugh as I drove away with over 250kgs of pumpkins surrounding my little Canyon in his carseat (with all of the other seats laying flat.)!

Once home we washed and sorted them.

Then we put up a few signs and told our friends

and set up shop one Saturday morning and sold the remainder out of the tailgate of our car the following Monday afternoon.

Asher had a calculator and collected the money (we preassigned prices roughly based upon size- small med, large). Ivy had a cauldron full of tea lights and little Halloween bags that she filled with a candle per pumpkin.

If we do it again next year:

I'll find a scale and let Asher improve his math/calculator skills and charge based upon weight.
We'll have printed tutorial/ how to pages for carving a jack-o-lantern. (I answered LOTS of questions and explained as best I could)
We'll have printed recipes on hand for pumpkin pie, soup, cookies etc. (I've emailed and promised to email recipes to multiple people as well)
maybe we'll even pre-order and sell a lot more :)

we just planted some seeds in our garden- who knows, maybe we'll have a homegrown pumpkin sale again in March!!!

No-ha to Doha.

2010-10-20T22:42:00.003+04:00

(random photo of me looking in mirror at top of Burj al Arab with the Palm Island reflected from window behind me)

It's been a whirlwind of a week- lots of tossing and turning and anxiety.

and with this week behind us, I realize that the past MANY months have sort of been a whirlwind of uncertainty.

but now- peace!

As I mentioned last week,

John was prepared to start work in Doha on Monday and begin our transition over there.

Plane tickets were booked, housing arranged, current job notified etc etc

but he didn't go

Things became more clear, decisions became more final and we decided NOT to move to Doha.

We're not moving.

We're staying in Dubai (not forever, but for now)

and it feels great.

It's such a blessing to feel confidence and reassurance in our decision

(and to know that John feels confident in that decision too).

Yahoo!!!

this also means, don't cancel those plane tickets, or plans or thoughts of visiting just yet. We would love visitors- and the weather is just about perfect for it.

Come! We'd love it!

Thanks for all the support and kind words. It's so great to hear confidence and reassurance from people who know me and love me and who I love in return!

Thanks.

now, on to Halloween. We've got costumes to make and a pumpkin patch to host. (more on both soon!)

where....

2010-10-10T22:19:00.010+04:00

I am still alive

here in Dubai.

I know I never finished posting about our vacation that took place in June- and there has been a camel's paradise as the face of my blog page for 2 months!!!

I didn't write about all the fun things we did to stay busy this summer and survive the heat.

or our 3 week vacation to the U.S.

in fact I never finished writing about last year's vacation to the U.S.

lots of things that I wanted and needed and planned to write about but...

I've missed this little blog.

a lot.

I have lots of excuses- although mostly it was just a classic case of getting behind and not knowing where to start- or wanting to start, but not having the photos (I have an issue with always wanting to post photos).

I do have some more valid excuses like

jet lag

and traveling

and a husband traveling (so I spend my nightly computer time on the phone with him)

or an August full of night time fitness classes

oh and I just finished collecting and compiling, formatting and editing our RS cookbook (which I'm taking to the printer Thursday!)- that was lots of September.

plus I had a Relief Society party to plan.

kids.

establishing a new post-summer routine.

and

dealing with an uncertain living situation.

knowing I needed to post something about our upcoming move but

I think, I thought ,that if I avoided talking about it (or writing about it)

then it wouldn't happen.

but it looks like it will.

We're preparing to pack up and leave Dubai.

and

We're moving to Doha Qatar.

(if you don't know where that is- it's basically just a 45 minute plane ride from here)

I've been sad and not ready and more sad. But I've also been in denial, feeling at peace and confident that there are good things to come.

I still haven't fully wrapped my head around everything (and I've known this since July!!!)

I'll share more details as they come along with lots of other things that need some blog attention (lots of back posts)

good to be back.

back in school

2010-10-10T21:46:00.004+04:00

Summer is definitely not over according to the weather- but our summer vacation is over, friends are back from their home countries and Asher and Ivy are both in school 5 days/ week. School started when we were still in the US, but they only missed the first 2 days. Our flight landed on a Tuesday night and Ivy went to school the next morning, she was so excited (and picked her outfit- "rainbow shirt and twirly pink skirt" from Grandma)

They go to a preschool in our neighborhood that has 4 age levels up to KG2 (kindergarten).

Asher is in KG2 and it's his 3rd year at the school so he's kinda like a Senior, the big man on campus. Ivy is in Nursery level (a sophomore)- she went a couple mornings for part of the year last year.

I really like their school- lots of great teachers, beautiful projects and activities and art and some wonderful families. Plus it's a short bike ride from home- big bonus!!!

Ivy was thrilled to be in Indigo class (the same classroom Asher went to when he started-2 years ago) and 6 of the kids in her class have a sibling in Asher's class which is also fun.

Asher has new teachers (who he met last year) and 15 kids in the class- ALL of whom were in his class last year. He was excited to see everyone after a long summer apart, but also kept asking to go back to America because "it's too hot here". He wants the best of both worlds.

Ivy's biggest adjustment will be learning German, but so far that doesn't seem to phase her.

at least, she hasn't complained about it.

She's heard it from Asher. She already knows her numbers 1-10, and when I ask her if she knows anything else in German she replies:

"No, but I can say 'delicioso'- that's Spanish".

(her Aunt Annie taught her that while in Utah and she hasn't forgotten- I kid you not she's told me that line at least half a dozen times)

caves and blow holes

2010-08-18T20:52:00.000+04:00

one of our favorite stops on our Salalah trip was to a giant tidal cave (al Marnif cave in Mughsayl bay). We loved watching the waves smash onto the rocks and shoot spray up through the dozens of blow holes.

It was mesmerizing

like watching a campfire.

and crazy

the waves we're powerful and the rocks were rugged.

it felt refreshing to feel a cool sea mist and watch a turbulent and wild ocean (due to the Khareef/ monsoon/ rainy season).

in Dubai the waves are small and calm

the beaches flat

and not much of a cool sea breeze (at least not in months).

Canyon loved it too(please excuse the clothes- he was drenched from our visit to the beach the previous stop and John grabbed a onesie and Asher's swim trunks to dress him in- whatev!)

Camel's paradise

2010-08-17T08:59:00.007+04:00

While we see camels on a regular basis anytime we take roads that run along open desert here in Dubai, we had never seen so many camels like we did on our trip. They seemed to be everywhere! With the cool temperatures, lush vegetation, and open ocean/ sea air- we determined Salalah to be a camel's paradise.

Salalah is home to some ancient ports (and a pretty big modern day port). I'm thinking that Lehi and his family weren't the only ones who trekked across the Arabian desert pre- automobiles and airplanes, and set sail from Salalah (or nearby) leaving their camels behind. Because who wants a camel on a boat? And so they've just stayed there and multiplied and probably been loving it!

Anyway- it was fun to see all the camels. A little nerve wracking at night, until we realized that unlike deer, there wasn't a huge risk of them suddenly jumping in front of our car. They just slowly walked across the road without a care in the world, like they owned the place. The locals had a system of turning on the cars hazard lights until they passed the camel in the road. We liked this system.

As I hinted at in my previous post (thanks for all the caption suggestions). Canyon LOVED the camels. He ran straight toward them on the beach, babbled to me and to them (about who knows what- he seems to have his own language and it's so cute), and would have probably stayed for hours in fascination had I not dragged him away (note his screaming in the picture below is because he is facing away from the camels- he wanted back in the action).

Escape to Salalah- part 1

2010-08-15T21:54:00.008+04:00

As soon as school ended in late June, many of our friends left town for the summer (or for good).
I knew we were waiting until late summer for our trip to the US, but I was itching for a little escape.
John got some time off work and we enjoyed a minivacation to Salalah, Oman- also known as "the Land Bountiful" for you Book of Mormon readers. We were excited to explore a part of our religious history as well as escape the heat of Dubai (since Salalah was posting temperatures in the 70's and 80's and Dubai and the rest of the Arabian peninsula was posting over 100)
Our friend Tiffani came along with her two kids (her husband had towork) and we had a great time. We were all so glad they came.

Day 1:

we spent most of the day in the Muscat Oman airport. we missed our connecting flight and our tight one hour lay-over turned into a lengthy 7+ hour lay-over. We had to deal with a lot of unhelpful airport workers trying to weasel our way on the next flight. It felt a little like the amazing race, except things didn't seem to be going our way.

Thankfully the camera, a few toys, papa johns pizza, a Wiggles video, and alternating naps for all the kids, got us through the day and we finally got to our hotel around midnight.

even though we still had a long day of travel/ sitting in airports. I think we made the right decision in flying as opposed to driving the 16+ hours across the empty quarter.

this picture needs a caption.

2010-07-26T23:48:00.006+04:00

"a picture is worth a thousand words" and this one needs a few.

any ideas?

post edit: I've included the suggestions- Thanks! I owe you all a little Arabic treat for humoring me.

"no camel, you look at the camera."- Toria
"check out that jugular vein"- John
Pin the tail on the camel- Alecia*
Downed camel seeks help from local villager- Alecia
Canyon has the magic touch- Alecia
"Ahmed told me there would be days like this"- Grandpa Clason
"Sit camel, good boy"- Jacque
"Mom look, the camel has a big booty"- Britt
"Taxi"- Aunt Paula
"Now don't you get up again until I tell you too"- Karen

*I liked this one and was thinking it would be a great picture to blow up this picture poster size for future birthday parties.

the must have accessory.

2010-07-20T21:16:00.008+04:00

while organizing our photos I stumbled across a few that triggered a memory:

About a year ago, Ivy was in tears as I was getting her dressed for church, sobbing that she wanted a "tattoo".

well, actually, it sounded more like:

"I {sob, sob} wan-nuh taaah-tooo"

and progressively turned more demanding to:

"I WAN- UH- TAI- TOO {sob sob sob}!!!"

I was a bit confused, but not alarmed because she was familiar with tattoos.

One of their favorite sweeties is a piece of chewy candy wrapped like a tootsie roll with a stick on tattoo inside the wrapper.

She'd also seen and experienced henna a time or two.

but my answer was a definite "no"

It's not that I have a problem with the fake stuff (I know many parents who disagree with this stance and tell me I better be careful 10-20 years from now)

my "No" stemmed from not having any fake tattoos on hand

and even if I did, not allowing it because I like my kids to appear clean and well groomed for church.

and then Ivy continued crying, and pointing.

and questioning and pointing

and it hit me.

she wasn't saying "taah-too" she was saying "TIE-TOO" as in:

"I want a tie too!" (please mommy "just like Asher")

if only she would have calmed down and given me all the information (how many times will I think that in the next 15 years?)- oh the drama of little girls.

Here's a handful of Ivy's tie- donning Fridays.

(after going through photos of the past year, I realized I may need to start a regular feature of Ivy's eclectic wardrobe choices)

and here's a shot of my boys in ties, just because (I think they look so grown up- especially C)

if only Asher were as insistent and excited about wearing a tie as Ivy.

Father's Day

2010-07-19T23:07:00.013+04:00

Because Father's day (and Mother's day) are Sunday holidays, celebrating them while living over here is different.

we're faced with feeling like we should celebrate on Friday because it's church and we always go to church on Father's day,

but then not every nationality celebrates Father's Day in June

and

it's technically 2 days early.

but if we wait til Sunday, John is back at work and it doesn't feel like a regular day holiday.

so we sort-of celebrate it.

Needless to say, our Mother's and Father's day celebrations are really low key or have even been a bit brushed over and forgotten.

This year we got together with some close friends for a farewell dinner after church (some of our closest friends were moving back to the US that night)

I was asked to bring dessert so I decided to surprise the all 4 dad's (in recognizing Father's day) and make these brownie burgers, on cupcake buns with sugar cookie fries. I have been wanting to make them every since I saw them here last summer. I made dessert for all, but only did the cute packaging for the dads.

I thought they turned out pretty cute and they seemed to enjoy them. (note Asher lovingly waiting for the 2nd bite.)

It was perfect for our fathers/ husbands as they enjoyed their Friday afternoon together (watching the U.S. in it's exciting world cup match against Slovenia)

why hello!

2010-06-15T20:38:00.004+04:00

sorry it's been a while and I've left your mouth watering (or not) with that mango sticky rice for weeks. Anyone try it?

because there are too many places to start (and too many things I continually leave out of my blogging archives) I thought I'd start with:

a list

a rundown of some fortunate and unfortunates in our lives these days:

fortunately: husband is in town this week (after 3 weeks M-Th in the Kingdom of Saudi

unfortunately: I think he'll be back there again next week.

fortunately: summer is here with vacations and play dates

unfortunately: the heat of summer in these parts means finding most of our fun indoors (or out of town)

fortunately- Canyon is walking confidently

unfortunately- he's so confident his body often moves faster than his little legs. bumps and bruises daily.

fortunately- we have many friends who have become family to us out here

unfortunately- some of those friends have moved or are moving this week and we're in the midst of the dreaded summer moving season.

fortunately: So You Think You Can Dance is back and so is Neil! (and Alison!)- I loved them the first time around.

unfortunately:so is Comfort. Unless they're street dancing, I fear for her partner. All-star? really? Where is Sara? I also would have liked to see Gev as an All-Star. loved him!

fortunately- Asher is finishing up his last week of preschool and is speaking German! (according to his teachers and many of the German speaking parents)

unfortunately- John and I don't speak a bit of German.

fortunately- Asher teaches me things here and there

unfortunately- I don't know how to make the words sound "bumpy" (his term, not mine)

fortunately- my dad is starting a new business (something he's wanted to do for years)

unfortunately- that means my parents are leaving our Phoenix home and moving to Texas! (tears for the change and saying goodbye to my childhood home, not necessarily Texas although the Big Sky has to still win me over.)

fortunately: I ended the 3 week break in my blog with this post.

unfortunately: it's past my bedtime so I'm not uploading any pictures or using any links.

good night.

I've missed you- so say hi if it's been a while.

sweet sticky rice with mango

2010-05-24T08:39:00.004+04:00

last weekend we went to a nice Thai restaurant at the Westin on the beach (birthday/ Mother's day dinner)

The weather was perfect.

The food was great

{and the best part was}

the dinner was all inclusive and the bill was taken care of. A friend of ours gifted it to us after staying at our house for 3 weeks last month (thanks Meredith).

As much as I enjoyed my thai favorites: chicken satay with peanut sauce, spring rolls, and panang curry, I was excited and saving room for the sweet sticky rice with mango on the dessert menu. It's one of my favorites and did not disappoint.

when we went to Thailand last fall, I took a cooking class one day and learned how to make it- among other things.

while normally, I'm a chocolate/ baked dessert girl.

This is delish- I made it twice last week and ate it for breakfast.

So....

I'm sharing the recipe with you.

I hope you like it as much as we do.

ingredients:

2 cups glutenious rice (it will actually say glutenous rice or sweet rice on the packaging- don't use basmati or jasmine or something and expect it to taste the same)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup coconut cream (note cream, not coconut milk)
1/2 cup sugar

1 mango peeled and cut into bite size pieces (or smaller)

equipment:

steamer (I use the steaming basket on our rice cooker)
cheesecloth (I think a coffee filter will work too)
dish with lid (bowl, casserole dish, rubbermaid container :))

Directions/ instructions:

soak rice in water for a few hours, all day, or over night. Room temp. (I'm not really sure how long exactly- maybe 4-6 hours)
line your steamer with cheesecloth (or whatever other innovation to prevent the rice from falling through the steamer).
drain rice and spread evenly in steaming basket
steam rice for 15-20 minutes.
while rice is steaming combine coconut cream, salt and sugar over med heat until sugar is dissolved. set aside.
once rice is cooked, remove from steamer (and cheesecloth) and dump into separate dish with lid. Pour prepared sauce over rice. Cover. Let sit for 20 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the sauce.
garnish with mangos.
Enjoy (and tell me what you think).

If you love the sweet/salty combo I think you'll like this.

Add in the tangy fruity touch of mango! Mmmmm.

(these are photos from the cooking school I attended in Phuket. right on the beach! they are among the few pictures I have of our amazing trip- others lost with the other camera :( I thought they were kinda fun and alarming at the same time.)

and sometimes occasions call for non-baked desserts such as summer (which seems to be upon us now) OR the birthday of an incredible baker whom I may opt not to bake for.

Today is one such day!

the best baker in the world- my older brother- is having a birthday TODAY!!!

Happy birthday Dustin- we love and miss you!

and if we were closer I'd make you a batch of this sweet sticky rice for your very own!

being a mom

2010-05-19T16:14:00.008+04:00

sometimes I get a complex about my talents, my goals, my ambitions.

I feel capable of so much, and clueless of how to do so many things.

I recognize my talents

as well as my weaknesses

and sometimes I get what John so appropriately calls the "jack of all trades, master of none" complex

and it makes me kinda down

so to perk me up, I think about all the things I am good at, kinda good at, interested in, or proficient at and wonder which one I want to become really good at.

which one I should focus my energy on.

and

can't.

decide.

so I start thinking about how to focus on multiple things.

what job would allow me to do this, with the freedom and flexibility to do that?

and then I wonder:

should I be diagnosed with A.D.D?

or maybe I should take one of those career placement test things so I can have someone (or thing) who doesn't know me tell me where to focus my energy?

and why didn't I do that in college?

why didn't I really feel like I had something mastered when I graduated?

maybe I should go back to school?

but what will I study?

I like this.

I'm pretty good at that.

I wonder if there's a program for....?

what job would allow me to do a little of everything?

and all of the sudden a light bulb turned on.

I thought, "I bet if I put in my talents, and interests and aspirations..."

"...the job that would fit me best would be being a mom"

(if it's possible to think/feel "duh" and "wow" at the same time, that's what happened)

I mean, I've heard all the poems and stories about how moms do it all.

and it's not that I was just seeing it fit together in that way for the first time.

it was just the first time that I realized that

I am meant for motherhood AND motherhood is meant for me

being a mom and doing the "mommy" things is fun to me.

it fits.

I enjoy it.

I mean, not that I don't have bad moments or not so exciting moments,

but I really

motherhood.

and I think by liking it, I'm pretty good at it.

and can become better at it.

I like exploring different talents and interests (often in the name of doing it for the kids)

I like that I can be a party planner/ cake decorator and a nurse/ health educator or a designer/ seamstress.

I can dabble in this and that and the other thing

and embrace my ADD.

I will learn to be ok with the idea that to everyone else, I may be a "jack of all {or some} trades, master of none."

and I will strive to be the master of one.

the one job I already have and that fits my skill set.

being their Mom.

which is no easy task and not something I can attain overnight

but it's do-able

and exciting.

and I did enjoy a happy, low key, Mother's day!

6th of May- leftover burrito day

2010-05-15T00:14:00.013+04:00

**I know this is a late post- but I really did write it on his birthday, I just had some problems with the photos and got distracted and busy with other things last week. I'm back to blogging- I think**

I realize most of this blog is about the 3 kids, me, and rarely John.

so I thought it's about time I changed things up.

35 for the birthday boy, a tribute:

1. he loves pumpkin pie and believes pies should be served at weddings/ birthdays instead of cake. I usually oblige.

2. loves left overs for lunch. I can usually count on him to eat most left overs but he does draw the line at burgers and eggs.

3. loves the movie Rudy and has an uncanny resemblance to the character, actor and story.

4. while in high school he traveled to Japan with his football team to play a biannual rivalry game against a Japanese all star team

5. it was his first time on a big airplane and half of the pictures from his trip are of the airplane itself.

6. is always up for a good Halloween costume.

7. dreams of owning a cabin on a mountain lake.

8. is the oldest of 6 kids and often regrets when he wasn't a nice older brother

9. is hopeful and determined that Asher will be different

10. he is a root beer snob. loves it chilled in a glass bottle- Henry Weinhardt's is his favorite

11. went on his mission to Zimbabwe Africa

12. he's not fake. mostly an admirable quality, not so great when he's not having a good time, annoyed, or isn't interested.

13. thinks unloading (and loading) the dishwasher is the worst. chore. ever.

14. folding clothes is a close 2nd (if not tie)

15. he is a hard worker and disciplined

16. he paid for all of his post high school education (including grad school) minus once semester.

17. he was on the Price is Right with Bob Barker! He made it to the showcase showdown by spinning .95, then he lost by way underbidding a lame showcase.

18. he has a fascination with aerospace and aeronautics and sometimes wishes he was an astronaut.

19. he was so excited to plan a road trip for us as newly weds down to Southern California to watch the first private aircraft launch into space.

20. his loves the history channel

21. he still wears his MLB t-shirt and despite jokes from friends (about how often he wears it) or my asking when we can retire it. He still thinks it's "a great shirt" (Anna- are you reading this?)

22. he has one stubby thumb and one normal thumb. he was born that way.

23. he plays the guitar and is trying to change up his repertoire by learning a new song every month. Please leave and suggestions in the comment section.

24. he spent several weeks in the summer (during high school) digging a ditch in the field by his house to pay for a week of EFY- ( a church summer camp). He didn't love EFY and later realized that a few hours with a ditchdigger would have done the job in a day or two instead of the weeks he spent digging with his own brute strength.

25. he drove a brown Honda Civic in high school which he and his friends/ siblings nicknamed "the turd" (this appalled his mother)

26. his mother is a saint (and a dream mother-in-law)

27. he dreams of and plans to drive/own a pick up truck.

28. he loves playing and watching sports.

29. he played football in high school and his coach once told him he would be "all-state if he was just bigger, stronger, and faster"

30. he was "Sewing student of the year" in high school. (which pretty much made up for not being named All-State)

31. he ruptured his achilles tendon playing intramural football at MIT and spent half of Boston winter on crutches, the doctor told him he wasn't the first "weekend warrior" injury he'd seen that day.

32. he figured out a way to level the sloping floors in our first home by using his fancy engineering skills, some heavy duty jacks, pressure treated shims, a lots of time in the dusty dirty crawl space. (plus help from a good friend and good brother)

33. he wouldn't be where he is today without my wise advice and lofty aspirations

34. he is amazed that his birthday falls the day after Cinco de Mayo every. single. year.

35. He's an amazing husband (even thought he snores) and father (even though he loves to munch on snack food and juice meant for the kids)

Happy Birthday John!!! You're smack dab in the middle of 30 and 40 and don't look a day older than you did yesterday!

We love you!

books and boxes

2010-05-02T22:39:00.011+04:00

one of our favorite books around here is:

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis (gift from Grandma- thank you!)

so with book character dress up day at preschool- we thought creating some sort of "NOT-A-BOX" costume was in order.

John and Asher did most of the work one night .

Asher was thrilled to stay up late but for whatever reason he kept clarifying that he wanted to build a car for "art" and not "wear it".

once it was built- there was no question he was going to proudly show it off.

we considered painting it, but I kinda like it in it's au naturel/ eco-friendly glory (plus it matches the book)

we may have to gather a few more boxes because Canyon and Ivy both want one too.

At school they had a parade.

Asher also read his book for his teachers and some of his friends.

and again today for the whole class.

(he has it memorized- so technically he's not reading it, just telling the story- it's pretty cute. Ivy knows how to read it too)

Ivy's party

2010-04-25T16:09:00.000+04:00

you know that Journey song- "Don't Stop Believing" that's enjoying a second life because of GLEE?

It's called "justa small town grill" around our house (and car)

and it's a sing-along/ karaoke/ dance favorite for all.

Ivy just about cried when she asked me to play

"small town gourl {grill/ girl}" over and over and her birthday party until I finally figured out what song she was requesting.

Unfortunately I didn't have it on the i-pod we were using that night.

Fortunately, the i-pod has been properly synced and the dance playlist updated.

She is hilarious this girl.

She had a great, low-key birthday party with a handful of families from church and the neighborhood, that we love.

We ate dinner by the pool,

swam,

squirted water-cannons (the party favor),

pretended to take lots of pictures (I didn't have a memory card in my camera and didn't realize it until after most of the party was over and she had blown out the candles. I was just snapping away for nothing- so sad),

sang

and danced.

and she was spoiled with all sorts of girly things.

I came home and updated her dance playlist (fixed the i-pod glitches)

and to thank everyone for the gifts and the fun- I burned a CD of our kids' dance playlist that she will give to her friends when she sees them this week (if you're local and reading this- act surprised)

in case you're wondering what makes my kids get their groove on

here are the some of the songs on the kids playlist- these are the ones I put on the CD (in alphabetical order- although I didn't put them on the CDs that way):

Bop til you Drop -random kids mix

the Boys are Back- HSM3

Don't Stop Believing- GLEE

Dancing Queen- ABBA

Finger in the Air- random kid mix

Forever- Chris Brown

Freeze- again from the random kid mix

Funkytown- Alvin and Chipmunks

Honey, Honey- ABBA

I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas

Knock on Wood- Studio Group

Kung Fu Fighting- Cee-Lo & Jack Black

Life is a Highway- Rascal Flatts

Love it when you Call- the Feeling

Night to Remember- HSM3

Party in the U.S.A.- Miley Cyrus

Sweet Caroline- GLEE

You Belong with Me- Taylor Swift

some aren't necessarily dance songs, but they are highly requested in the car so I included them.

any dance favorites around your house or in your car, that I should add?

Ivy savoring the last moments of her party before we cleaned out of the pool house and walked home.

oh, one more sidenote: I finally had to carry a screaming Ivy away and up to bed. It was late and she was getting irrational with her new toys and her brothers. She kept crying that she didn't feel good, her head hurt, he's not sharing, it's mine, etc.

I told her she must be tired from such a long birthday and to just lay down and rest and I would lay with her.

she just cried and cried and said "but i don't want my birthday to be over!"

it was sad.

and there was a part of me that was ready to plan one more party just so she could celebrate one more day.

green chili egg casserole

2010-04-14T20:47:00.002+04:00

I think I referred to this recipe as a quiche- but since it doesn't have a crust and I baked it in a casserole dish, maybe it's a casserole?

whatever it is- it's delish.

not so low in fat- but who's counting?

It was a great way to use a whole bunch of blown eggs at once.

My friend Andrea (who is a great cook AND hosts lots of parties/ meals.) gave me this recipe. We love it.

10 eggs
8oz. diced green chilis (2 small cans)
4 cups grated cheese
1 16 oz. tub cottage cheese
1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. butter (melted)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper.

Beat eggs. Combine with remaining ingredients. Mix together and pour into a 9x 13 casserole pan. (I sprayed with PAM). Bake 45 min- 1 hr. Start baking at 400 for 15 minutes. Turn heat down to 350 for remainder of time (30-45 minutes).

Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Enjoy!

easter eggs

2010-04-11T16:19:00.012+04:00

While looking up a recipe for sloppy joes, the week before Easter, I saw this post.

Dying Easter eggs with old silk ties?

Looked cool and sounded right up my alley.

except, we don't have too many old ties lying around

and no Goodwill to hit up.

plus my kids won't even eat hard-boiled eggs

but-

I'm really good at not following recipes (substituting here and there)

and I thought I'd give it a try- my way.

I'm converted. No mess, great results. No more PAAS for me.

First, we blew out a bunch of eggs so we could decorate and keep empty, intact egg shells.

Asher loved this part and helped with my little novice photo tutorial.

1.2.3.4.

(before you begin, I recommend washing all the eggs)

carefully poke hole in top of egg (we used a push pin from our bulletin board)
poke wooden ka-bob skewer through hole in top and carefully out the bottom. (poke around a little inside to try to break up the yolk)
place mouth over hole and blow egg contents into a bowl.
once egg is out, clean egg again and set to dry. Whip up something yummy with all those eggs. We made a yummy green chili quiche recipe to come.

then we grabbed some silk, cut it up, and wrapped the eggs.

My friend lives among lots of the fabric/ textile stores, so I asked her to see what she could find on her way to my house. She wasn't able to get any scraps, but she spent about $5 on a yard of bright, detailed floral silk. It ended up being perfect! I love it.

(sidenote: they do sell PAAS egg dying kits at our grocery store, for more money than the silk)

All the eggs are dyed from the same piece of fabric. We probably used 1/2 yard to dye 15 eggs.

1.2.3.4.

wrap each egg with the printed (shiny) side of silk facing touching surface of the egg. wrap again with a layer of plain cotton sheeting (don't know why, I just followed directions) don't use rubber bands- we tried that and they broke upon hitting hot water. We used string.
place eggs in pot of hot water mixed with vinegar (I didn't measure) place something (like a smaller sized pot lid) on top of floating eggs to keep them under the water- leave 20 minutes (again- don't know how long is really necessary, but it worked)
remove eggs with tongs. carefully (it's hot) unwrap to reveal the magic!
TA- DA!! Can you believe it?!? I was maybe even more giddy than the kids when I saw such beautiful results.

I think I might dye our eggs this way every year.

I loved the results and the kids really enjoyed the reveal of each egg.

oh and no mess

spring break's over

2010-04-10T20:46:00.007+04:00

I only have one kid in school.

and it's only preschool.

but it still felt different to have spring break and spend time vacationing in town.

We had a great time- and we need a break from the break (John specifically asked that we not go anywhere Saturday because he was worn out. Me too.)

It's was a great 2 weeks full of parties, and egg hunts, and date nights, and swimming, the beach and even a few lazy days mixed in.

and

tomorrow is Ivy's birthday- we'll have dinner by the pool with some friends and some dancing.

the fun continues.

rough life huh?

this time..

2010-03-30T00:24:00.002+04:00

this time...

... yesterday

we played on the beach, took impromptu family photos, and reminisced about the last time the two of us were posing for cameras (was it really 7 years ago? we probably need to take more photos of us- right after we lose a few lbs).

we ate dinner out- but planned our "fancy night" for this weekend.

I think we also need to plan a fancy vacation.

... last year

an afternoon phone call from the Stake President asking us to meet with him that night, led to a change in our dinner plans. Fortunately we already had the babysitter arranged and having the kids taken care of, gave us time to wrap our heads around the new responsibilities John (and our family) would soon assume as he agreed to be president of our church unit (branch). No fancy dinner. Plenty of fancy emotions.

...2 years ago

new to Dubai (in town less than 2 wks). no babysitter so we went out to dinner out with the kids- Asian noodles. Afterwards John dropped me at the church for a party with all the women (aka enrichment) because I desperately needed to make friends. or even just a friend.

the next weekend we hired a babysitter and went out to Lebanese food in the Dubai Marina. It was probably our first date in 3 months and my first time away from both kids in about the same length of time. We needed it just as much as I needed a friend (in town).

...3 years ago

high heeled and VERY pregnant (Ivy came 2 weeks later), we headed to the Boston temple and the not-so-fancy-but-yummy-Cheesecake factory for dinner. Sometimes when you're hungry, and craving- predictability is in order, not fancy or unique. Asher was in the loving care of our favorite Brooks family- and although they told us to take our time, for some reason I worried about over-burdening them (boy- I think I've come a long way since then.)

...4 years ago

He got in!!! John's scramble to study, test, essay and apply to grad school paid off and he was in! Wish I remembered which room we were "finishing up" in the house that week. Our plans to go biking down in Monterrey were cancelled due to rain, and never re-scheduled due to the discovery (in prepping for the trip) that my bike was stolen. Our friends the Voydats let us borrow (and then keep) their bike trailer for the ride and our kids (and groceries) are still enjoying the very same trailer today.

...5 years ago

left 3 month old Asher with his first babysitters, our good friends Teri and Ben. I gave Asher his 7pm feeding and then left, hoping that he wouldn't need the 10pm feeding as I had been working on dropping it. Hope prevailed!! Fondue for dinner and a baby that slept 11 hrs all the way thru- for the first time- Mmmmm!

...6 years ago

spring break trip to Utah, hotel get-away, wedding of close friends, visits with sisters and brothers. Sleeping in!!! It was a refreshing and much needed escape from work, early morning seminary teaching, and our construction-around-every-corner-house. In fact, so refreshing and relaxing that 9 months later- Asher was born. (uhh... is that too much info?)

...7 years ago

friends and family spring-breaking with us in Phoenix.

loving, supporting, advising, photographing, dancing, reminding and making our wedding and marriage what it was and is.

this is our life.

and I love it.

and him!

John was embarrassed that I might re-cap years and years of failed fancy anniversary celebrations.

but I quite like the ways in which our celebrations give way to the other happenings in our lives because the other happenings in our lives are why {I think} we are worth celebrating.

don't get me wrong, I also enjoy a little fancy planning/gifting/ dining every now and then too. Who doesn't?

spiders

2010-03-27T11:11:00.000+04:00

our mornings last week were really foggy.

It felt like a movie- as we would ride our bikes to school Asher and I would talk about how we were riding through the clouds.

it was fun to see our neighborhood in a different light.

AND

we discovered these ginormous spider webs. we were already running late to school cuz I was taking pictures in the fog, but we stopped anyway to check out all the webs. Normally spiders AND their webs gross me out- so to see them as cool and beautiful was a new thing for me. Maybe I should read Charlotte's Web again.

I'm glad we explored them when we did because they weren't visible in the afternoon when the fog burned off and the foggy mornings only lasted a week. I'm afraid it's spring around here- which is an (uncomfortably) warm welcome to summer.

Asher loves all the spider web photos and asks dozens of questions about webs and spiders.

so I shared my photo with BLOOM and it's a finalist in their spring photo competition. (the assignment: send in every day photos that captured 'Spring" - this one did for me-).

Go vote (preferably for ME)

Thanks friends!!!

If I win, I may just do a double giveaway by re-gift the prizes by sending them to one of you (since mail seems to have a hard time getting to me over here).

church in the afternoon

2010-03-21T23:18:00.004+04:00

cuts right into nap time.

my birthday.

2010-03-16T21:47:00.007+04:00

chocolate chip waffles.

birthday wishes from friends and family far way (thank you internet and friends and family who sent them).

text messages from my local friends too (love that txt msg beep)

lunch with a small group of girlfriends

beach facing, beautiful weather

sat inside cuz tables were full outside and people were smoking.

waited a while for the kitchen to switch from breakfast menu to lunch menu (12:30)

didn't even notice the wait cuz there's never a shortage of conversation when you're with girlfriends right?

love my "church friends"

(Dawn, Marilee, Tiffani, Andrea, Jennie, me, Caitlin and baby Olivia- all {coincidentally} Americans. we do have some non-American "church friends" we just wouldn't let them be in the picture. Just kidding. Unfortunately, they just missed lunch.)

Dinner at Souk Madinat.

great atmosphere. Lots of great restaurants.

Unfortunately the one we picked was not good (at least not that night)

both a bit disappointed.

forgot my camera.

but still a great night with my favorite date!

(didn't take this photo- this is a pic. of the restaurant we ate at. Pretty huh?)

Looking forward to our anniversary at the end of the month.

Planning to pick a better restaurant that will make up for that one.

waited a day to open presents so the kids could participate.

an alarm clock/ i-pod dock

and a basket for my bike- I love them both!

(note to self and to all of you: stand don't sit when taking a pic with bike. It might make the booty look smaller)

still waiting to enjoy birthday pizookie.

(something John would rather make and eat than making and eating a cake)

we keep putting it off for a less busy night (is there such a thing?)

may be my St. Patricks/ belated birthday treat.

you say it's your birthday...

2010-03-15T23:47:00.007+04:00

...well it's my birthday too!

seems like I continually find really cool people who share my birthday or birth week.

I like it.

I think it's great.

Seriously.

I like the friends I have met who share my birthday

or who celebrate it near my day.

I've yet to share my birthday with someone I didn't like

and I'd like to think I'm part of some cool astrological club and I get to some of the traits and talents that I admire in my fellow pisces.

(happy birthday to you too!)

(Hafsa, Violetta, Malak w/Hannah, Me w/Ivy, and Alyssa at brunch)

this year celebrated with some of my "school friends" (aka moms of Asher's classmates).

4 of us had consecutive March birthdays (the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th).

and collectively we turned 145.

whoa.

we kicked off our shared birthdays with a brunch on the 9th and ended with a 5 year old's birthday party on the 12th. The mom of the 5 year (also a "school friend") had a special cake just for us.

So sweet.

(Malak, Me, Hafsa and Alyssa at the birthday party)

Malak is from Egypt,

Hafsa is from Iraq, and

Alyssa is from the U.S. (although her husband is Belgian and she was born in Mexico- I tell you this because I think it sounds cooler than if I just told you she was American like me. right?) me, also the U.S.

oh and Violetta. She is from Lithuania and also has a March birthday, just later in the month.

it was fun to share a bit of my birthday celebrations with this group.

Funny how we're friends

because of our kids

and because of where we live

and because we share birthdays!

what's a haboob?- a riddle

2010-03-10T23:28:00.013+04:00

(this is after the haboob)

a riddle:

you're outside

you see faces and heads wrapped in scarves, but it's not cold.

it's so bright you need sunglasses, but you can't even see the sun.

you're neither sad nor quiet, but you regret smiling and even opening your mouth.

you need a shower but you just took one. and your not smelly or sweaty.

why?

because you live in a desert and it's a dust storm or sand storm or {in Arabic} haboob.

Thick air- can't see the sun, bright as can be with fine dust everywhere.

smiling leaves a thin film on your teeth

and your skin feels dirty all the time.

if you wear contacts, forgeddaboutit!

thankfully I don't (but my mom does and she was hear for dust storm season last year)

actually, I don't really know if it's a season

but it came and went and these are the only pics I have to document.

(these were taken from the car during the haboob- it looks milder than it felt)

Dubai Zoo.

2010-03-09T22:45:00.009+04:00

We've done and seen many things in Dubai. (many of which haven't made it to the blog- I'm working on being better)

Dubai Zoo is not high on the list of "must-see/ must-do"

but with the nice weather

and a bunch of moms and kids looking for an excuse to get together

we went for it.

It was small, smelly in parts, and not particularly humane (by U.S. standards).

but

it was fun, beautiful weather, great company, surprising number and variety of animals and only 2 dirhams to get in (about 50 cents).

and kids under 3 were free.

the kids loved:

the giraffe's, lots of monkeys, a tiger (in a tiny cage), a lion (in an equally small cage) a peacock with it's tail feathers spread wide (is this a sign of aggression or some pre-mating flaunting?), an ostrich and ram sharing space and food (random?), alligators (or were they crocodiles?), a stork, turtles and tortoises, and having the space and lack of crowds to run around and yell to their friends:

"hey look it's a ____"

Asher was was a great big brother and boyfriend (holding hands with Ivy and Ella {younger girls} running around with Lauren and Kelly-Jo and the other girls {his age}.)

Canyon napped in the stroller for most of it

and Ivy insisted on those pink socks when she got dressed that morning.

just so you know.

Great day!

May go back sometime.

but

probably won't take you there when you come to visit.

"Sana helwa ya Gameel!

2010-03-08T20:35:00.002+04:00

That's Arabic for:

"Zum Geburstag viel Glück!"

which is German for:

"Happy Birthday to you!!!"

and I'm still a day late in a birthday post for my mom.

Asher and Ivy now proudly sing the birthday song in 3 languages and did it on skype for my mom . I think it's hilarious.

Asher learned at school.

Ivy of course just picks up whatever Asher does.

I tried to teach them a 4th (Spanish) but I don't think they trust that I really know what I'm talking about.

Random thoughts/ facts/ tidbits and trivia about my mom.

She is usually full of them* (*them as in random facts, tidbits and trivia)
my kids call her "Grandma" or "Grandma Cutler". John's mom is "Nana" and the whole great grandparent thing just confuses them.
brown fizzy beverages (Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper) are called "Grandma's juice". The kids can share if it's caffeine free (which her 'juice' usually is).
she's sewed 2 out of my 3 prom dresses. (the two cute ones. the third was just an embarrassment- wish I had a photo to share)
my mom and I share birthday weeks (along with 2 of my 3 sisters-in-law)
she lived over in this part of the world when she was my age (but she had FOUR kids. and it was Saudi Arabia not Dubai, and she didn't have a blog or skype or even a telephone for that matter)
she's rarely in photos cuz she's always the one taking them. Same with me.
if there's a seafood option on the menu- she'll most likely be ordering it.
Costco is her "corner market" equivalent
she's not afraid to drive long distances by herself and she's gladly done it many, many, many times to help me out.
she is thoughtful and creative in gifting things that someone collects and if you don't have a collection she'll come up with one for you.
she still reads the newspaper every morning.
she loves a good road trip/ vacation every summer and spring break.
she's one year closer to 60 but not there yet!

Happy Birthday- we love you!

a postcard for your mailbox

2010-02-14T23:11:00.004+04:00

Happy Valentines Day!

valentines

2010-02-14T22:16:00.008+04:00

Asher passed out his Valentines at school today.

Ivy passed her valentines out to the teachers and some of her favorite moms.

Miss Carey, Miss Sana, Miss Emma and Lauren.

(She's not in school- but since she went for a few months in the fall- she still knows and loves some of the teachers)

I thought they turned out pretty cute.

I got the idea here.

(and saw through the miracle of blogging, that a handful of us bookmarked the same idea. great minds [copy] alike?)

I didn't do lollipops because the preschool is pretty strict with 'sweeties' (and pork and nuts)

Asher gave glow sticks ('Valentine: you make me glow'(?) )

Ivy gave balloons on a stick ('Valentine: you make me light headed'(?))

(I didn't actually add any clever puns to their Valentines either. It might have been nice- but we didn't get around to it, plus, I was thinking a lot of puns and phrases get lost in translation to all the non-native-English speakers and that's at least half the class. However, when one of the moms asked me if the glowstick 'was a sweetie?' and 'how does it work?', I thought I should have written some sort of explanation- oops)

to Grandma with love:

2010-02-14T09:27:00.002+04:00

Last year you were here with us on Valentines Day.

Remember the skirt you made for me?

It still fits and I love the way it twirls when I spin

and bounces when I jump.

thank you- I love it!

(oh I should also thank you for the white shirt I'm wearing with the skirt.)

love,

Ivy

p.s. when are you coming to visit again?

taste of California

2010-02-08T23:15:00.004+04:00

In the two years we've been living over here, I've been to the U.S. three different times for a total of around 10 weeks, plus I moved here 6 weeks after John did.

on the other hand

John has only been home to the U.S. once (and it was to Arizona where I grew up and not to his homes) for a total of 2 weeks.

poor guy.

you can bet when I saw that Baja Fresh was coming to Dubai, I knew we needed to go.

It's one of John's all-time favorites.

It opened last week and we went Thursday night.

Baja Fresh tasted like California.

I've had songs do that to me before

and even smells.

but this may have been a first.

It tasted like our "hanging out" and dating days in Palo Alto- I'm not sure how many times we frequented the Baja on El Camino next to Jamba juice and Blockbuster (what a great combo).

they even had root beer to drink.

John had a large can of IBC root beer to go with it and I'm sure he was trying to imagine it was a Henry W's.

it was delish!!!

and so was the walk down memory lane (we miss you- California peeps)!

(Alecia, I had to include this picture because I love it and it makes John and I smile. I hope you're laughing too.)

Dubanniversary!

2010-02-08T13:13:00.010+04:00

2 years ago John flew to Dubai to start his job.

We had been in job-hunting/ searching/ post graduation limbo for a few months.

Living with family

but needing to move on and out.

But to Dubai?

It didn't feel wrong.

but it didn't necessarily feel right.

It felt... okay.

but it was an exciting adventure so we went for it.

When he accepted the job the plan was to move to Dubai (company hq), but probably only be here a a month or two before he would be assigned to another country (Saudi? Russia? India?). We (me and kids) would join him when we knew where it was we were moving to.

I was hoping to at least spend a few weeks in Dubai.

Once he arrived, got settled at work, we were told he may be in Dubai as long as 6 months, "so just go ahead and bring the family over".

So.

I packed as best I could wondering what I would need for

the immediate future (the few weeks in the US before flying to Dubai),

the near future (the few months in Dubai without our sea freight/ bulk of our stuff)

and the future future (wherever after Dubai- where our sea freight would go).

Sometime

in that time.

John was told to just have our sea freight shipped to Dubai as well and if we had to pack it up and move again or re-route it, so be it. At least it would be on its way.

I found it difficult to pack for an unknown location and length of time.

So I did my best.

and we left a good amount of storage in my in-laws garage (I'm still sorry about that, I still find myself wishing I would have brought this or that, and I still find myself feeling like my house is full enough how could I possible have or need more?)

I arrived in Dubai about 6 weeks after John.

and that 6 months turned into 2 years and counting.

At one point a move to Moscow was looking very likely. We even flew out for a visit, to check out the housing options and things.

I had mixed feelings about moving to Moscow.

but it all became somewhat irrelevant when the world economy started turning south and the project in Russia got put on hold.

The plans to move there were canned.

John scrambled and found a position on one of his company's projects here in Dubai.

Trying to sustain the life of his employment and us.

lay-offs have hit, time and again and all around

but not us-

yet?

I'm grateful for that- of course.

Happy Dubanniversary!

John still has the same job (at a lower salary than he started with due to company pay cuts)

we're still in Dubai

and have no idea if we'll be hear 6 more weeks or years. (I'm hoping somewhere in between)

but

for now, here feels good.

and sometime in that two years (I can't remember when, it was so gradual)

I made real friendships

I stopped comparing our ex-pat package to the "better one next door" (because they all seemed to be better)

I found ways to watch my favorite tv shows

and eat my favorite foods

I made it through the rocky times Asher and I had when we first moved here

and hope that if he remembers, that he forgives me.

I like being here.

I feel how I wanted to feel 2 years ago

but didn't feel.

in honor of John's two years here, I thought I should link back to this post with my conspiracy theory about John's profession. I think it's long overdue for some more recent findings and clues. I'm on to you John (tee hee).

12 months

2010-02-03T22:07:00.004+04:00

months 1-12 in order:

a little more about our birthday boy:

he crawls really fast,
I have no clue how much he weighs or how tall he is (haven't been to Dr. in months- oops),
has 2 bottom teeth and his two top teeth are half way in (they seem huge and spread apart, time will tell)
loves to talk/ babble/ make noise. Its like he's speaking a foreign language- maybe arabic?
eats sand at the playground and beach- he's getting better, but I still have to watch closely
sleeps like a champ at night- 12+ hours
drinks out of a straw really well
gave Ivy a round of applause for the first time the other day because she sang Happy Birthday to him.
enjoys crawling with an electronic device (preferably cell phone or remote control) in hand
enjoys playing on the trampoline while the kids are jumping (he loves getting bounced around!)
is almost always content when we're outside (on bike rides, walks, picnic blankets, beach. This may change when the weather changes, but for now it's our easiest remedy for restlessness)
is a pretty good eater.
Gave up a binky at 10 months (right around when teeth came in)
weened from nursing at 9 months (when I got shingles- did I forget to tell that story?)
can crawl up stairs and heads straight for them if they are available (like at church)
probably won't walk for another 2-3 months. I don't mind.
goes by "C", "lil' C","C- dog", "C- money" or "Canyon"
has red hair thats growing in blonde (almost white) giving him hair that is light at the roots with orangy tips. (hmmm?)
will probably/ hopefully recognize his grandparents from their pixelated computer faces on skype (if not visually- I'm sure he'll recognize the voices)
is just plain cool. We love him and have been so blessed by his energetic personality yet easy going nature. I love his kisses and nuzzles and I'm so happy he's mine for a while.

A whole YEAR!

2010-02-01T22:30:00.005+04:00

We took treats* to the park this afternoon to share with friends

and strangers.

cuz

who doesn't love sugar?

and balloons?

and birthdays?

and our little C?

to meet him is to LOVE him.

at least that's what I said a year ago and people have been saying ever since.

Happy Birthday Canyon!!!

*{this was my first attempt at making bakerella's cake pops that I've seen a few times via blogs. I was nervous about making them, but it really was pretty easy. I think they look cute and I'm excited to try making the cupcake pops. Those look adorable, but way too time consuming for an impromptu party like today. I used boxed cake mix and frosting and the results were REALLY sugary sweet. Next time I may try making a cream cheese frosting to tone down the sugary part. Have you ever seen/ made these? Thoughts? Tips?}

Soccer, I mean football, I mean...

2010-01-28T23:12:00.023+04:00

Soccer (because we're American!!!)

I signed Asher up for soccer last week.

It's not a league, there are no real games, it's just a coach teaching a bunch of kids how to play soccer.

Asher's coach is hilarious to me. He's got a thick Scottish accent and plays some great kid friendly drills.

I loved hearing his whistle followed by a "PUT YOUR [FOREHEAD] ON THE BALL" and seeing 20 boys laying or kneeling on the ground with their foreheads touching the soccer ball. (he interchanged the body part yelling things like elbow, belly, chin and even tongue.

And the boys obeyed.)

He called them "Stinky Sausages" when they were slow.

Asher thought that was hilarious.

as excited as Asher is to play and learn to play soccer.

Ivy is equally if not MORE excited.

Unfortunately she is too young (according to the football company rules)

but I couldn't bear to tell her that.

So she thinks she's on the team too.

When she knew it was time for soccer

I helped her get dressed (in Asher's old clothes)

she made sure she had her water bottle and her ball

she'd hear the coach gather everyone or give instructions and she'd pop her head up with an "Oh, my coach wants me to..."

and she followed that coach around as much as she could (while I wasn't trying to distract her with other things so that the coaches wouldn't reprimand her or me for letting her on the field).

This girl has some serious spunk and I love it!

rub-a-dub-dub

2010-01-27T21:05:00.005+04:00

always a good ending to the day

even when they "don't wanna take a bath"

had to take a picture

because this was the day

after the day

that Ivy pooped in the bath.

and I wasn't sure Asher would ever get in with her again.

but he did.

all clean.

"A" party... pt 2

2010-01-06T21:15:00.012+04:00

picking a letter for a party theme turned out to be a lot of fun.

In the weeks before the party we kept thinking up, lots of things that started with A.

We planned on hosting everything outside

because

the weather would be perfect

and we invited lots of people

but

(as luck would have it)

We woke up to pouring rain (probably one of 5 all year) so we moved everything inside and partied anyway.

We had to skip the Army obstacle course.

ran out of time and room for the Alphabet beaded necklaces each guest would make and take home. (and they were cute beads- maybe part of the thank-yous?)

We threw in some dAncing

and a (cakewalk inspired) musical Alphabet walk (improvisation at it's finest)

upon arrival we did Art and saw some very colorful Anteaters, Antelopes, and Allosaurus'. (thanks to my husband for taking my instructions to print Animal coloring pages one step further by printing A Animal pages)

and

as luck would have it

the weather cleared up enough that we still enjoyed the Astronaut jump (trampoline) and the Airplane toss

We Ate- Apples and dips, Animal crackers, Alphabet tater tots,

grilled cheese or pb&j sandwiches (I briefly thought about using my A cookie cutter to really drive home the party theme, but then I came back to my senses).

Apple juice or water

cupcakes and cake.

We sent each guest home with their Airplane, Artwork, a cellophane wrapped 'A' sugar cookie and some 'Auto' shaped chocolates.

Can't rain on this parade.

We had a great time. Asher LOVED every minute of his party. (except for the 2 minutes he discovered someone had been in the play room and found his secret lego hiding shelf, the one where he puts all his finished ships, and had destroyed all his ships.) He quickly got over it when I showed him the huge pile of presents of which I was SURE there would be a gift or two of legos. He danced and thanked and smiled all day.

I loved having friends in our home, having John help host, having the food last the whole party, but still be enjoyed and devoured, having help from friends, and help to clean up the mess, and having one very very happy 5 year old and some great memories (although I'm still gathering pictures from friends since I was too busy to take very many myself).

grand opening- Burj Dubai

2010-01-06T20:57:00.003+04:00

As a nice post holiday surprise, we enjoyed the excitement of the official grand opening of the worlds tallest building- the Burj Dubai.

We contemplated joining a few families who met at Dubai mall and found seating around the fountains, but with the 3 small kids we opted to avoid the chaos and we watched a fantastic show from down the street. Granted, we missed the full firework and fountain dancing as well as the music, but we had a good time with 2 of our favorite families, the Martins and the Warnicks.

We met at the Martins for pizza and then walked about a block away to watch the firework show from an island in the street. I mostly took video and a few photos. My pictures don't do it justice. It was pretty spectacular.

When we came home and I googled the news of the nights events- to see the news coverage, I discovered the announced name change- Burj Khalifa. I had to laugh a little wondering if this was a kind gesture on behalf of Dubai in acknowledging Abu Dhabi's ruler and the financial bail out, OR if this was a condition of the bail out being offered. Guess I'll never know. Maybe I shouldn't speculate.

Christmas- in town

2009-12-27T22:49:00.010+04:00

This Christmas we stayed put and enjoyed celebrating at home.

meaning here, in Dubai.

while we missed many things

like our families

and the traditions we grew up with

(ok and John misses the cold, I miss a few more things too)

we enjoyed so many things as well.

and it was fun to see our family start and continue traditions on our own.

(and it was nice not to fly for 30 hours or pay for 4 plane tickets or struggle through a weeks worth of days and nights adjusting to jet lag).

It was a Christmas morning of Legos, play kitchen and cookware, tennis rackets, Glee music, new bike, chocolate, root beer, cameras and skype conversations with both families.

and gorgeous weather

then it was off to church (remember, our Sabbath is Friday).

It was a really special meeting that became a highlight of this Christmas season for both John and myself. The meeting was filled with musical numbers, worshiping with friends from all over the world, visitors from both US and British military ships in port and the realization that I really am living a unique experience.

It was a reminder of what Christmas is about and of the things that make Christmas particularly special to me.

Becoming a mother at Christmastime 5 years ago magnified the Spirit I feel reading, hearing and reflecting on the first Christmas so many years ago.

Experiencing home far away from home and feeling family far away from family will be things that will make Christmas 2009 a special one to reflect on and remember many years from now. I just know it.

I love Christmas- and this year was another good one.

'A' party...

2009-12-20T15:53:00.002+04:00

Among All the December festivities we also had Asher's 5th birthdAy pArty!

He chose a the theme, invited lots of friends (his whole preschool class and friends from church) and we had a great time planning his "A pArty"

the invitations (of which there were 30):

Attention All Amigos

you Are invited to

Attend

Asher's Amazing

5th birthdAy pArty

sAturday December 19th

10 Am

etc. etc. etc.

more to come....

10 years!!!

2009-11-24T22:06:00.005+04:00

Little known tid-bit of John-and-Toria-trivia.

John and I just celebrated 10 years since the day we met!!!

1999- UT mutual friend Anne-Marie (the one who just came to visit) hosted a pre-Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinner at her parents house in Utah. Both John and I were in attendance (along with a couple dozen others). Neither of us remember meeting. However, I remember who I was sitting across from, and next to.

AND

He remembers who he was sitting next to, and across from.

AND

they are the SAME people (in reverse if you followed that?). So that means we were sitting diagonally from each other!?!

Who would have thought?

2000- CA "Dear John: Thank you for being such a good friend. Have fun in Oregon with your family, while I'm in AZ with mine. Thank you for helping me get settled in this new city. It's fun that we share common friends from college. I can tell we're going to be great friends here in Palo Alto."

(not really what I wrote- but I did leave a note in his car and I'm sure it was much cuter and much more confusing and misleading in real life)

2001- CA Again, we both went to our respective parents homes in AZ and OR. This time with a kiss good-bye and possibly a note thanking him for the concert and football game he just took me to and looking forward to the holiday festivities and more dating when we returned.

2002- CA John took me, his girlfriend, home to his parents house in Oregon. We were getting engaged(!) and what a way to celebrate the engagement(!) then having me come and officially be welcomed into the family?

except

the engagement ring was forthcoming, and neither of us wanted to talk marriage until we could officially (ie permission from Dad, down on knee, ring on finger) talk marriage.

Everything became "official" just 2 weeks later on Friday Dec 13th in New York City-sigh!

2003- CA Newlyweds of 8 months. Headed home to OR in style- a private jet (thanks to our friend Dusty the pilot)!

Made an offer on our first house and it was accepted!

2004- CA We enjoyed our first "on our own" Thanksgiving with 5 other couples at Jessica's parents house in Danville. It was a new experience to be the ones cooking the turkey and making the pies and not enjoying our respective parents' cooking and traditions. We were well on our way to becoming full-fledged parents ourselves. Asher was born just 4 weeks later.

2005- CA We hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner at our house with family and friends. We roasted one turkey and John BBQ'd the other. We ate outside on our back patio. More friends joined later for Thanksgiving desserts and we played pictionary on our soon-to-be-torn-down living room walls.

2006- MA to NY Just found out that we'd be welcoming a daughter into our home in a few months. Drove to NY to be with family at my brother's house. Explored church history, learned the ins and outs of normal rolls in my brother's newly opened bakery, and enjoyed one of the greatest BYU/ UTAH rivalry games EVER!

2007- OR We were homeless, jobless, living with two kids at the in-laws! (I wrote that in an attempt to be funny haha). We attempted to show our love and appreciation by tearing down a few walls, ripping out carpet, expanding the living room and laying down beautiful wood floors. Thanksgiving was prepared in a construction zone and enjoyed in the refuge next door which was Alan and Michelle's empty (for Thanksgiving) home.

2008- UAE Marriott hotel's Thanksgiving buffet dinner. Thanksgiving was a regular work/ school day, but we gathered with a HUGE group of friends and enjoyed not lifting a finger to cook or clean up. Being pregnant, I uncharacteristically woke up dreaming about food, wishing I ate more turkey, sad that we didn't have any left-overs, and looking forward to an American Christmas.

2009- UAE. I just made the pie crusts (click here if you need a quick, easy recipe, it works). I have a few other recipes I'm be working on tomorrow.

and

since this Thursday just happens to be Arafat day we'll spend the holiday enjoying traditional home cooked Thanksgiving meal with our friends.

Happy Anniversary of the day/we met and didn't know it!

someday I'll tell the story of how we really met or why we remember the people we were sitting next to and across from and not each other.

same but different-treats

2009-11-16T22:16:00.003+04:00

Trick-or-Treating:

We hosted a bunch of friends at our house on Halloween for pre-trick-or-treating dinner and socializing.

Then we headed out in the neighborhood.

Some houses had their halloween decor, bowl full of treats and porch light on.

others

had their porch light on, and scrambled to find whatever goodies were in their cupboard because they really wanted to participate (jelly do-nut? fruit? handful of mini marshmallows?)

However, many in our neighborhood had candy, went all out on decor, and were prepared.

it was a lot of fun

and the candy bags were full

but

the pickings were slim for us parents

not a lot of the chocolate stuff

and absolutely none of the chocolate peanut, as in Reese's, mini-snickers, good stuff.

dang.

same but different- pumpkin patch

2009-11-16T22:15:00.004+04:00

Trip to the pumpkin patch:

Ivy. Fall 2007 Ashland. cute little chunk-aroo

No pumpkin patches in this dust bowl/desert/ beach front city.

next best thing: getting Dad home from work early to drive to the Dubai wholesale fruit and vegetable market about 30-40 minutes away.

Kind of like hay market.

Kind of not.

Lots of fruit and veggies and non-English speaking men offering to fill our cart, touch my kids and give us samples.

We found the guy in the back who would sell them to us for 1 dirham/ kilo (all the others wanted more, but our friend went earlier in the week and did the dirty work for us). Pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself. We bought over a dozen.

above photo is some of our pumpkins, not the best picture, but you get the idea.

never mind that the pumpkins were dirty

and still looked dirty even when they were clean

and they were more of a salmony, rustic, peachy color

than brilliant orange.

but we like them.

the bright side:

they were easier to clean out before carving

less juicy gunk (probably due to being grown in a desert!)

(image found via gulf news)

(wasn't comfortable pulling out the big fancy camera that night- wish I would have though- next time)

same, but different- apples.

2009-11-16T20:47:00.011+04:00

Sometimes things here in Dubai are the same,

but different.

for example:

Apple picking:

Asher. fall 2006 -Massachusetts - isn't he so cute?

We stocked up on apples though.

When Anne Marie came to visit, she brough a suitcase full of Halloween goodies from my mom, and some treats from her as well- candy corns, red vines and fresh home grown apples.

the rest of our harvest consisted of finding jars of organic applesauce on clearance at our neighborhood market and buying the whole shelf (4dhs/ can= less than $1/ jar)!

When I see a deal, I stock up.

Groceries are expensive and rarely go on sale. Plus, no coupons to clip.

However, our store has clearance goods! These past few months I've been finding some sweet deals (cereal, chips, cake mixes, canned goods, frozen goods, cheese, yogurt, granola bars).

I think some of my American Dubai friends are jealous.

Never mind that the reason they go on clearance is their expiration date is nearing.

Say or think what you will, I say:

whatever.

act now...

2009-11-10T23:52:00.010+04:00

act now...

my baby, real dirty dishes, not the puj tub

as in today. Right now

cuz tomorrow is the deadline.

Nov. 11th

for what?

a chance to bathe your baby a whole new way.

for free!!!

Puj baby has developed a revolutionary way to bathe infants.

and they are giving away 100 tubs to bloggers with babies who are willing to use, abuse and review their product.

I know lots of you are pregnant or just had a baby (or 2) and you blog (and I assume you're reading my blog)

check out puj baby to read/ see what I'm talking about.

puj tub, not my baby, no dirty dishes either. really cool.

My friend Katie and her husband Ben are what I like to call creative genius-us (because I'm not genius enough to know how to pluralize genius) and I really think this tub is simply amazing and amazingly simple.

for the love of good design, clean babies, less clutter, small living spaces, talented friends, homegrown businesses, blogs and giveaways.

get on over there and enter.

good luck! (let me know if you want me to put in a good word for you).

ok, so I can't really promise that my good word means anything, but I can try.

Katie and Ben's wedding. Aug 2002

and I just threw this last picture in for fun because I think old school pictures on blogs are fun and I never really post any because I didn't move any to Dubai with me.

This was the first one I came to in a file of scanned photos I have from my pre-married days.

and I think it's funny that we all have matching curly hair (well except Britt, and Tim in the background).

and we all learned our curly hair recipe from Katie (when I wore/wear my hair curly I was/am often asked for the "recipe")

creative genius I tell you. creative genius.

it's all about the wings.

2009-11-08T22:05:00.010+04:00

Here's how it went down.

Ivy decides to be a butterfly, and I suggest turning Canyon into a caterpillar.

we present the idea to Asher

his response: "Oh Yes! I want to be a butterfly too!"

me: "what about a spider?"

Asher: "no, I want to fly. I'll be a butterfly with Ivy."

me: "but spiders have lots of legs. Or what about a fly or a bee?"

Asher: "no, I'll be a butterfly, and then we can be spiders next year, I don't like bees or flies".

***flash of inspiration***

me: "How about a bat!?!?"

Asher "Oh ya! I'll be a bat! You wanna be a bat Ivy?"

Ivy : "Oh ya, I wanna be a bat!"

me: "No, Asher, you're a bat and Ivy, you're a butterfly"

Asher: "how about this Halloween we can be bats, and next Halloween we can be butterflies?"

The conversation went on like this as I carefully guided their costume decision making. Of course, I loved that Asher wanted to dress up with his sister AND I loved that he didn't think anything of a butterfly being "girly" (the hungry caterpillar turns into a butterfly and we all know it stayed the same gender)

maybe I should have just let him be a butterfly.

but I didn't. (I think they are "girly" even though I didn't use that as my reason for encouraging a bat)

He was equally excited about being a bat (once guided and prodded)

a skeleton bat.

because I needed a black hooded sweatshirt and the only one we have has a glow in the dark skeleton on the front.

PERFECT!

and there you have it.

a hungry caterpillar, beautiful butterfly, and a skeleton bat (who got that one single picture taken before the camera battery died.)

inspiration for this costume: our sea kayaking/ cave adventure in Thailand last month. We could smell and hear the bats above us, but only saw the few from the light of a flashlight or the quick flash of the camera. Just looking at these pictures and seeing how many were really there,makes me fidgety.

just out of curiosity: Would you dress your son as a butterfly?

what's a hungry caterpillar without...

2009-11-07T22:22:00.006+04:00

a beautiful butterfly!

She couldn't have been more excited to get in costume.

and to wear it multiple times since Halloween.

unfortunately- the homemade wings could use some help- they are falling apart, and they pretty much started out that way.

fortunately- Ivy didn't seem to notice or care she just loved wearing them.

unfortunately- they tend to get in the way after a while, so she asks me to take them off.

fortunately- she looks cute, and loves that she looks like the butterfly in her book.

and

hopefully we will be fortunate enough to find a nice sturdy pair of butterfly wings at a store sometime soon that we can paint all colorful and bright and be able to wear with ease whenever her little heart desires.

and for the record.

I love finding tutorials for things on the internet. (What did we ever do without it?)

Blogs for recipes, gift ideas, costumes, home decor, you name it.

but I'm wising up when it comes to Martha.

sometimes she is

so.

not.

practical. (which can be so. very. frustrating)

as for her butterfly wing instructions:

I UN-recommend them (or DIS-recommend them?)

I followed Tim Gunn's advice and "{made} it work."

but next time

I'll look for a tutorial from a more trusted source

like a blog.

costume inspiration: a favorite book (and puzzle) in our home. click here

in the light of the moon....

2009-11-07T21:20:00.006+04:00

...came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.

this little bug is 9 months old (as of Nov.1st).

couldn't think of a more fitting Halloween character for the little guy.

He's crawling (like a caterpillar/inchworm/soldier not on all 4's yet)

He's sitting

and kneeling to play.

he pulls himself up on things.

naps 2 times/ day (sometimes with an evening cat nap)

loves to be outside

and around his siblings

and

still

hungry.

still eating and seemingly enjoying everything we feed to him.

(and everything we don't feed to him that he finds on the floor- choking hazards beware)

costume inspiration: a favorite book (and puzzle) in our home. click here

pit stop

2009-10-20T21:38:00.009+04:00

One of my best friends from college days, (as well as the original link between me and the man I married), just stopped in for a 3 day pit stop

In her race around the world. (did you just hear that sentence with Phil's voice like I hoped you would?)

Well, not really a race, but I just finished watching this and had to include a little shout out to one of my favorite tv shows, The Amazing Race. Did you see it? In Sunday night's episode they came to Dubai- too bad I didn't know when they were filming it.

Anne-Marie won that race around the world a long time ago. Her travels have taken her to more exotic locals than the Amazing Race ever would.

Seriously.

She lives the Amazing race! Her pit stop here was on the way back from a 2 week humanitarian project in Afghanistan. Yep, Af-freakin'-ghanistan, and it wasn't even her first time there. She used to work for George W., Laura, Dick and Lynne, so she's pretty much traveled the world with them. How cool is that? Very cool.

We had a great time! It was so much fun to see her, show her the sights, let my kids fall in love with her, and just catch up and laugh with one of my kindred spirits.

detours, roadblocks and fast forwards:

(aka the stuff we did, I'm listing it out to remind myself to document it in the days to come:)

Abu Dhabi Mosque, the beach, Eat and Drink Restaurant, Palm monorail, Atlantis hotel/ aquarium, shopping, ski Dubai, neighborhood walk, swimming, bakeries (trendy and authentic), sand dunes, henna, buffet dinner and race to the airport (only to have her flight cancelled. True to form she maneuvered her way into the first class lounge to eat and rest, and onto Emirates airlines which is WAY better than United, no extra cost. Did I tell you she's a pro or what?

More details of her trip

and her

to come.

Thanks for visiting AMG!

Who's coming to see us next? We promise to show you a good time (although I recommend coming between now and April- Phil was right when he said "Dubai's endless summer..."- but we're just getting into the good part of summer)

sixty. a list.

2009-10-08T19:43:00.011+04:00

My dad turned the 60 last week- but looks like 50 or a very mature 40. Seriously.

at least I think so.

anyway. I'm late in writing his birthday post

if you haven't noticed- I'm late in posting/ writing lots of things.

my brother wrote a great list of 60 things about my dad on his private blog.

I would copy it here and maybe I will...later.

but for now

since this is MY blog and more about my kids than ME.

I'll attempt to come up with a list about ME and my Dad. Because we're so much alike? or are we?

People often comment on our similarities? Criticism or compliment. You tell me

So- here it is. a list about.....US

Brownies: corners and edges! love them.
Ice cream: slightly melted but not drinkable. Just soft.
Salt- most things always need just a little bit more.
Many people say I inherited his smile. I'm not really sure how genetically linked it is since mine is the product of 2 years of braces- his is not.
He's a dentist and I'm not, but I do brush my kids teeth every night and he taught me that the best approach is to stand behind them and have them look up and open wide (as opposed to going at them with a toothbrush straight on). It works great and I'm not sure if most moms just know to approach toothbrushing this way or if you'll thank me (my dad) later.
we tend to laugh at the same jokes
sunday afternoons are for napping
and baking
Don't like to rush a meal. Eat, enjoy, talk, chew (well, I don't chew as long as he does, but I still get antsy, panicked or annoyed when people wolf down food).
love a bargain (may or may not buy something just because it's a good deal)
both moved to the Middle East with young children for a better job.
and an adventure.
and because we like to travel.
We both learned Spanish a little in high school
and a lot by living in South/Central America (He in Guatemala for 2 years, me in Ecuador for 2 months)
love a good Mango (although he still insists on pronouncing it Mahn- go)
BYU cougars (although we will cheer for Utah if they're not playing against us)
left brained
math and numbers (remember telephone numbers, combinations, security codes by making up stories or relating them to each other in a mathematical sequence- and I love figuring out what that might be)
science (my Dad, he's good at it. Me, I thought I should be good at it since we're "so much alike" but it didn't come as easy for me as it did for him. Most things don't. He's just really smart I think.)
spelling (I used to love sitting up front on road trips and having my dad quiz me on how to spell different words while other family members were asleep in the back)
analytically minded (to a fault- I could go on about this- save it for another day)
always try to figure out a way to do it ourselves for less money
spent lots of time remodeling/ working on our san jose house
1st baby- a boy!
2nd baby- a girl (and a gorgeous, sassy, hilarious one at that wink wink)
3rd baby- another boy (with red-hair)
stretchy skin- ask me (or him) sometime and I'll demonstrate.
politically conservative (was very disinterested in politics growing up and in college, but then I lived at home for a few months during the 200 campaign/ election and I got sucked in, now I read, listen and discuss more)
pet peeve: dishes in the sink (especially when the dishwasher is empty and ready to be filled)
another pet peeve: indirect, long or wordy answers to direct questions.
or wasting things (food, money, time. I once couldn't concentrate on my roommate's sob story because she was using a ridiculous {to me} amount of tissues and tossing them one after another. Dab a tear, toss the whole tissue. I bit my tongue and listened as best I could. I'm working on it and still feel bad about that one.)
Compassion. There's room for improvement (see above).
thai curry- could/ would/ have lick{ed} the bowl clean
los compadres- machaca beef or green chili beef- yum!
think of the same thing when we here: {ring, ring} "hellooooo BA- by..." and we could both sing along "...chantilly lace and a pretty face, pony-tail, hanging down. A wiggle in her walk and a giigle in her talk makes the world go round. Oh there ain't nothin' in this world like a {brown} eyed girl make me act so funny, make me spend my money, make me feel real loose like a long neck goose. oh baby that's a what I like"
still have a full head of hair (ok, I realize this is pretty standard for a woman my age, but since he's got more than my husband or brothers thought it was worth mentioning)
don't look our age.
rarely get sick

but I'm feeling kinda sick now. And my kids are sick (which is one of the reasons this post is late)- and I'm tired and tempted NOT to post this because I ended at 39 and that number has little significance.

maybe tomorrow I can post some more.

or if you can help me out, post it in the comments.

maybe I'll post a few more pictures tomorrow too.

good night

P.S.- Happy {belated] Birthday dad!

picture is here in Dubai in February when my Dad and Mom flew out to meet little Canyon (and see the rest of us)

five,six, seven...

2009-10-05T23:02:00.013+04:00

...eight!?!

no, not teaching you a dance.

just counting the months since Canyon's birth.

EIGHT months, going on NINE.

That's a pregnancy.

If this were a pregnancy I'd be stretched thin and sticking out, vaguely remembering what it feels like to sleep on my stomach and wear non maternity clothes, tired all the time and sleeping when I could, and nesting galore. Since it's NOT a pregnancy, I'm wishing away the remnants of my belly, vaguely remembering what life without C was like, not sleeping much when I can or can't

and

my house is pretty messy.

But, comparing my pregnancy and Canyon's life inside of me vs. outside of me was pretty interesting (probably only to me) so here goes some status updates on the little guy. Feel free to skip the writing and just check out his cute-ness (I'd probably do the same thing).

5 months

in utero: found out HE was going to be a HE. Also, began to feel his kicking and somersaulting on a regular basis. The kid loved to move- or maybe he just takes a while to get comfortable.
age: He found his comfortable spot and kicked the "back to sleep" campaign out the window. He rolled over for the first time during playtime and found his way to his tummy at bedtime too. He slept soundly, happily, and less congested-ly. (he also seemed to adjust to the time change very smoothly).

6 months.

in utero: the little details began to grow and form; the tiny bones in his inner ear, nasal passages and his spine (this according to a week by week pregnancy calendar).
age: month of growth!!! Whoa! I kept saying I left Dubai with an infant and was returning with a little boy (although I don't have any real stats). Poor John missed that month. I waited to start feeding solids until back in Dubai (too lazy to hassle with it traveling).
He started eating (6 months + 1 wk) and he hasn't looked back. He likes it ALL. Cereals, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, spinach, carrots and an assortment of other homemade purees or mashes (that was just the beginning). I haven't purchased any jars of baby food this time around (it's pretty expensive here) and I'm wondering if that's helped him to be less picky (he's never really had the super smooth texture so he doesn't know what he's missing?) OR he's just a better eater than Asher and Ivy ever were- we shall see.
rolling as a means of travel.
using the johnny jump up
no more sleeping easily in church or falling asleep (easily) in my arms (tear)

7 months:

in utero: eyelashes form.

Uhh, I'm still waiting for his eyelashes to really emerge.

age: despite the light eyelashes. He still dazzles people with his looks and lets people hold him without crying.
He begins to travel across the room or bed by combining a couple scoots, long stretches and a roll here and there.
he gets up on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth (we call it revving the engine)
he smiles for lots of cameras and camera phones and is held by way too many strangers.
he falls asleep on the go (and we were on the go a lot)
he's much more demanding with food- he loves it.

8 months!!!

I think this is the point in pregnancy where I begin to slow down and want to crawl.
For Canyon, this is the point in life where he wants to speed up and crawl to everything. He's doing the worm and an army crawl variation and he's pretty good at it. We've been on Lego duty around the clock making sure all chocking hazards are up and out of reach. Next item of business: blocking the stairs.
he also loves: more food- introducing new things every day and still haven't found a dislike, baby Einsteins (like magic for all my kids. Still.), johnny jump up, splashing in the tub, almost sitting up by himself, wrestling to give kisses, and getting excited when his siblings seem excited and sad when his siblings are sad.
and lest you think he's perfect. He still has sleeping/ napping inconsistencies and he's a pretty demanding eater, but we'll take it.

no pictures yet for 8 months- it's that darn lost camera thing and not having the big heavy one on hand enough.

We're loving this little guy!

Utah July 2009

2009-09-29T23:10:00.001+04:00

a couple reasons why my kids like staying at Quinn and Cameron's house:

Disney's Robin Hood

the rope swing

deer in the backyard (still looking for them in the summer because they saw them in the winter a year and a half ago)

"spankings?" (Cameron always offers)

the riding mower

yummy food (defined as root beer, cereal and whatever dessert the G

sleeping in the basement

videos on Grandma's laptop

and

bath time with jets

AND bubbles!

thanks for always letting us come and crash, uninvited.

hummus

2009-09-29T22:31:00.005+04:00

I haven't always liked hummus.

but it's been a favorite in our house for quite some time now.

In California, the little fusion Mexican restaurant close to our house, served hummus with chips and salsa.

Trader Joes also makes great hummus- and we frequently purchased it.

(I miss Trader Joes.)

When I was doing a study abroad in Israel 12 years ago (what? how was it really that long ago), I ate hummus, but it wasn't my favorite then. I remember waking up after way too little sleep, at way too early in the morning, so I could hike with some friends to watch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee (way too cool, huh?). I opened my door to my friend who was all dressed, ready to hike, hair combed (well as combed as Seth Wheeler's hair really gets), bright, cheery, food in hand saying "Good morning Toria! Pita and hummus?"

I think I passed.

and rolled my eyes at his bright eyed and bushy tailed-ness.

but I still laugh when I offer hummus to someone who thinks it's disgusting or who's tasting it for the first time.

because I think of my friend Seth, and I hear that chipper little voice.

"Good morning! Pita and hummus"

it makes me smile.

and with that random story introduction, I share, a recipe, for your snacking pleasure:

Creamy Hummus:

2 cans of chickpeas rinsed and drained (19 oz. can size)

1/2 c. tahina

2-3 cloves garlic

2-3 T. fresh lemon juice (I squeeze juice fm 1-2 lemons, so maybe that's more than 2-3 T?)

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 T. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. salt (a heaping 1/2 tsp)

1/4 tsp black pepper

3/4 c. water

I throw all ingredients, (except water) in the food processor and process until smooth adding the water slowly through the feed tube on the top, stopping a few times to scrape down the sides. I usually do the measuring and let Asher do the rest. He loves to do the "grinding" and the pouring.

tweak the recipe to your liking.

adjust the lemon juice, garlic and seasoning.

My friend Dianna tosses a handful of peanuts into the mix just for kicks.

Add an avocado and make avocado hummus- that's a crowd pleaser.

Red pepper hummus is delish too- but I haven't actually made that kind- when I do, maybe I'll share the how to.

serve with veggies, flat bread, tortilla chips (oooh homemade tortilla chips, I'll share my recipe for those sometime soon too) anything really.

My brother uses it instead of mayo on his sandwiches with his yummy bread.

Enjoy!

Marhaba! (your welcome)

*post edit*

tahina aka tahini or tahini paste or ground sesame seeds.

chickpeas are aka garbanzo beans.

a taste of Dubai

2009-09-28T19:47:00.007+04:00

Remember this? the camel milk? I tried it last night- it wasn't so bad.

I tasted plain and date flavored.

I didn't try the saffron or strawberry.

there. I did it.

It was all part of a "Best of Dubai" evening I planned for the women at church

(it's my "job" to plan the women's activities)

I think everyone had a good time.

I learned a lot, tasted a lot, and had a good time myself.

It renewed my excitement to continue exploring all there is to do and see here in Dubai (and not grumble about the heat- it will be gorgeous soon enough)

(I also broadened my horizons on the authentic Arabic food front.)

last night we:

Gathered in our Relief Society room in the church villa that we transformed to look and feel like the inside of an arabian tent. Arabic seating (big floor cushions and pillows) around the perimeter, tent-like fabric draping the ceiling (thanks to help from my wonderful husband), lanterns, camel blankets, pictures, and greenery. Plus, lots of rustic silver and brass serving platters filled with food. Food is decor right?
Learned from an Emirati friend named Fouzia who talked to us about her life, traditions, culture and anything else she deemed appropriate or we wanted to know. She was great! It's fun to discover the common threads in our lives. Last night the common thread seemed to be the theme of modesty as a sign of respect for each other as well as respect for ourselves. Fouzia also brought a few extra abayas for us to try on. I wore one for a while (didn't get a photo- darn). I love how all the Emirati women personalize their black robes through decorative hemlines, buttons, jewels, embroidery and different ways of draping the fabric. It really is pretty.
Painted henna on hands.
Enjoyed some traditional mezzas (appetizers) of hummus, taboula, fatoosh, zaatar bread, cheese bread (my favorite) and a few other local favorites.
Shared lists of input I gathered of favorite things to eat, do and see in and around Dubai.
Listened to stories and experiences from many in the room who took a trip together to Salalah, Oman. you know? Where Nephi built his boat. The history of this part of the world- wow! I began planning our own trip there. I'll let you know if it really is a land of milk and honey.
Sampled a variety of arabic sweets- I prefer to satisfy my sweet tooth with a good old American chocolate chip cookie, but I had fun tasting- AND- that's when I bit the bullet and tasted the camel milk. I will say I did enjoy a popular dessert of dates dipped in tahina. It's something I'll have to take home to share.
Bonded. I love friends.

Vacation recap: part 3

2009-09-28T14:42:00.001+04:00

Utah edition.

I need some photos from my cousin Liz. She documented a great family BBQ in my brother and sil's suh-weet backyard. I caught up with cousins I hadn't seen in years, laughed while riding the rope swing over the creek with Asher who loved it, and laughed while riding the rope swing with Ivy who hated it (or at least screamed like she did). I also joined in the gasps and held breath while my 88 yr-old Grandpa decided he wanted to give the rope swing a go too.

Gotta love a guy doesn't like to miss any of the fun.

I'm thinkin' there's a little of Grandpa in me. I hope it's still alive and kickin' when I'm 88.

Someday when I get the pictures, I'll post them here.

(I think a few of them are on my facebook page if you're curious)

and Liz, if you're reading this, could you email them to me.

toriaclason at gmail

Pieces

weekend getaway

Canyon is THREE!!!

backyard camp- Asher's 7th birthday

Coral's blessing

welcoming 2012

what this picture is really saying...

after the rain....RAINBOWS!!! (long post)

T-ball season (in one post, if you're lucky)

Ivy rides a [peddle] bike!!

wobbly teeth

Canyon at 2 years

the boy who played with fire!

super hero party

Winter best...

SIX?!?

working on it

camping in the dunes

39 years!

that's what families do...

Ich bin die Sonne

Thanksgiving 2010

Star Wars Halloween

just like lemonade....

No-ha to Doha.

where....

back in school

caves and blow holes

Camel's paradise

Escape to Salalah- part 1

this picture needs a caption.

the must have accessory.

Father's Day

why hello!

sweet sticky rice with mango

being a mom

6th of May- leftover burrito day

more on the birthday girl...

books and boxes

Ivy's party

green chili egg casserole

easter eggs

spring break's over

this time..

spiders

church in the afternoon

my birthday.

you say it's your birthday...

what's a haboob?- a riddle

Dubai Zoo.

"Sana helwa ya Gameel!

a postcard for your mailbox

valentines

to Grandma with love:

taste of California

Dubanniversary!

12 months

A whole YEAR!

Soccer, I mean football, I mean...

rub-a-dub-dub

"A" party... pt 2

grand opening- Burj Dubai

Christmas- in town

'A' party...

10 years!!!

same but different-treats

same but different- pumpkin patch

same, but different- apples.

act now...

it's all about the wings.

what's a hungry caterpillar without...

in the light of the moon....

pit stop

sixty. a list.

five,six, seven...

Utah July 2009

hummus

a taste of Dubai

Vacation recap: part 3