We LOVE our Sunny Days!

We LOVE our Sunny Days!


The kids had a such a great week at school this week.  It was even better that we had a three day weekend because of the UK Bank Holiday.  The sun came out to visit us EVERY day this week and it has been beautiful!!!  I can't explain how happy it makes us all when the sun comes out to play. :) 

Denman is working hard in preschool and one of his favorite things to do is build.  He will build out of anything, even recycled goods.  He made this in class on Tuesday for Natalie to see.  He still hasn't decided exactly what it is, but he was super proud of it. :)  Can  you tell?  He likes to build it, trace it, and then color it.  Then he decides what it could be.  Natalie was so sweet to come in before school on Wednesday to be sure that she saw what Denman made.

 

 

This is Denman's grin when the sun shines. :)

 

Natalie had a great week at school too.  Her schedule is so busy.  She has T-ball on Monday, Brownies on Tuesday, Kickball on Thursday, and then Soccer on Friday.  She really loves it all.  Denman is still doing tennis on Tuesday and begs to go swimming EVERY day. 

 

 

On Saturday we went to one of our favorite parks, Hazelhead.  It has so many different things to do.  It has a playground, a maze, put put golf, soccer field, places to ride bikes, ice cream, and tons of running room.  This weekend when we went we found another adventure....

 

 

Pretty sure this is the kid size bungee jumping!

 

 

Oh yes...This is Denman jumping on a huge trampoline that made him, "as high as the sky".  That is how he described it.  Natalie thought about it and even got in line, but changed her mind.  Denman begged to do it again as soon as he got off.  Oh my it made my heart drop, but he loved it!

 

 

 

Here is the video... well if I copied it right.  LOL!

 

 

 

Then Denman found a tractor like Si.  We are getting Duck Dynasty here now and they love it.  He kept moving it around like Si did in the last episode that we watched.  Natalie said that he looked like the picture we saw of Brogan on a real tractor. 

 

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We had MANY days this week where the sun was shining when we got out of school.  We all headed to the BMX bike park by our house.  They like running up and down the skateboard ramps the most.  Watching these guys come up with such fun games is a blast.  They played a game a lot like categories but when Denman had to run they all helped him make it to the top, such special friends.

 

 

                                     

 

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We had a dinner at our house this week to celebrate Chad's birthday.  It was so great to have him over for dinner to catch up.  We miss Tracy and Chad and their precious family.  They are one of the first families that we met here in Aberdeen but Tracy and the kids only visit during the summer.  So, when Chad comes into town we always get together so we can hear what they have been up to.  We can't wait to see them this summer in Houston!

The kids had a great time at the "kids" table. 

 



We also had Emily and her parents and Patrick and Jennifer over so we could all celebrate together.

They told us all about the Falconry Center that they went to over the weekend.  We took notes and decided to go the next sunny day.

 

 

And so Sunday was sunny and off we went to the Falconry Center.  It was amazing.  The kids had a blast.  We got to see so many different birds and animals.   I took a ton of pictures and tried to pick out the best ones to share.

 



 

This is who greeted us at the entrance.  Natalie would have stayed there all day.

 

We are all waiting patiently for the birds to come out so we can hold them and pet them.

 

 

The falcon named "Bullet" decided to take a rest on Agustine's head.  It was hilarious.

 

Natalie was so brave.  I was so proud of her. 

 

It took Denman a few minutes before he would go up and try to hold the falcon.  He said it was heavy.

 

Before Bullet left he decided to go and help Romina take a few pictures.  He was a character.

 

 

This is an owl that Natalie also got to hold at her school.  It is a Barn Owl.  They are such beautiful animals. 

 

He was being a little difficult so she had to take him to the side for a minute to have a chat.

 

 

 

After their talk, the owl came back and Romina got to hold it too.  She tried to get Malenia to come up and hold it but she kept saying, "NO!" It was such a great way to spend a sunny day.



 

The next owl was the Snowy Owl.  We finally talked Denman into trying to hold it.  Now he looks like a pro. :)

 

Natalie loved how soft the owl felt.  Every time she would pet the owl it turned and looked at her.  So sweet.

 

 

Natalie and Eugenia are just precious when they get together. They don't ever want to leave each other once they get together. So of course we took Eugenia home with us and then Natalie and Denman had a sleepover at their house.

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While at the Falconry Center we were able to see a "Bald Eagle".  It was right there!  It made me take a deep breath as I thought about how rare it is to see one in America.  One thing that we can never forget is where we are from, how we were raised, and what our values are in life.  I am so proud to be an American and even now more than ever after living in another country. 

Rusty found a song on the Internet that says it all and you MUST listen to it.   It is "The Star Spangled Banner" sung by Madison Rising.  LOVE IT!!  We will be jammin' to that this week on our way to school. :) 




A verse that followed me this week... Psalm 23:6 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.




A Super fun week in Aberdeen!

 

 

A Super fun week in Aberdeen!

 

 

This week was so busy and tons of fun.  We saw the sun as much as we saw the rain which makes it a great week to get outside and play while you can.  The kids got a new set of golf clubs so of course we had to go and try them out. 

 

As we try and make it to all of the activities that we signed up for this semester, I have finally decided it is the activities that we can all do together that are the most important.  Rusty had the day off on Monday so after school we all headed to the driving range.

 

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite smiles!  Denman was so excited about trying out his new clubs.  I had to get this grin.  He is so so loud so we must begin working on his golf manners, but there was NO doubt that he was having a good time.

 

 

Natalie was determined to hit it just right and where she wanted it to go.  I wonder where she gets that from... Can you tell by this picture?  :)  After a few swings she started having a great time and even put a little dance move on her swing. 

 

 

Denman got so serious about his swing that he took off his jacket so he could "swing better".  I can't wait to go and play golf in a place where it is warmer.  It is so hard to play with frozen hands. :)

 

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This week we also had Open House at the International School.  It was beyond amazing.  I can't begin to tell you how much work the teachers and kids put into this night.  Natalie was bouncing around because of how excited she was to show us what they were learning about.  The excitement that the kids have each and every school day is such a blessing.  They love to learn and can't wait to see what the teachers have planned for the next day.

 

 

Natalie helped make one of the sunflowers on the wall.  Can you tell she was a little proud?  She wore that dress all day long with her heels to be sure she would be ready in time for Open House that night.  PRECIOUS!!

 

 

They planted grass seeds and made a Mr. Potato head and now have bean sprouts and a journal to mark all of the progress that each one makes along the way. 

 

 

They are also charting the growth of some plants around the room and some plants they have in the green house.  This is another one of my favorite grins. :)

 

Next we headed to the preschool room.  Denman and Fransico ran all around telling us all about the light and shadows that they were learning about.  I am so proud of how they both have made such great friends.  They are truly our family here. 

 

 

Denman and Fran show us the shadows and colors they can make with the bottles.

 

 

They had lots of pictures around that showed activities they did in the classroom. I love this one of Denman working with animal figures to see their shadows.

 

 

Denman really likes to play with magnets.  He even showed us how to make them attract and repel.

 

 

 

Then Denman takes us to see how to make a light come on by using wires and batteries.  Rusty really had a good time with this one too.  The preschool teachers take learning to a whole new level and really let the kids get their hands on what they want to learn about the most.

 

 

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And now the most exciting part of the whole week.  Both kids spent the night away from home on Saturday night and made it through the night.  I was so so proud of both of them.  Denman went to spend the night with Fransisco while Natalie went on her very first Girl Scout Camp out.  They both came back with the biggest smiles.

 

 

 

 

Denman and Fran played around the campsite while Rusty help set up some of the tents.

 

 

 

They started the camp out with a girl scout song and a game. 

 

 

Natalie and Nico took off ready to find all the things on their list.

 

 

 

This was their camp out at the Crathes Castle.  It was very cold, but the sun was out.  Natalie said they went on two hikes, made a campfire, learned lots of new songs, played tons of games, and got to sleep in her socks and hat.  I can't tell you how many stories she has told since she got home.  She can't wait to go back again next year.

 

 

As this week came to an end, the joy in my heart is beyond explanation.  I have always been blessed in my life with so many things, but this year and I so very grateful for all of the friends that God has put into my life.  I have lifelong friends all over this world now and I am so thankful for each and every one. 

 

Two verses that I saw everywhere this week and feel even more now...

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled Matthew 5:6

 

For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.  Psalm 107:9

 

We are looking forward to another fun week!

 

 

 

Keeping the Faith after a loss

Keeping the Faith After A Loss


This past week was one of the hardest weeks since I have lived in Aberdeen.  I heard from so many people who live over seas that the hardest thing is when you can't be there for your family when you loose someone.  I knew this day would come, but I didn't know how hard it would actually be for all of us.


When I got the phone call about my sweet Elsie, I lost it.  She has been sick for a long time and suffering from Alzheimer's for even longer.  When I went to visit her in October and over Christmas it was heartbreaking to see her so fragile.  I prayed with her, fed her, and just longed for the Elsie that she once was. 

When Kera called on Tuesday to tell me about Elsie, it broke me.  I kept thinking I should have been there, I should have visited her more, I should have been there to hold her hand, why does it have to be now when I am so far away, what if I can't get there to say goodbye, what about my family, I need to hug my dad, and on and on... 

After talking to Kera and Scooter, I knew one thing... I am going home.  With kids, without kids, I HAD to make it home.  My first call was to Rusty, who was in Norway at the time.  I had my speech all prepared about how I know it cost a lot of money, I know we just got back, I know the kids don't need to miss any more school, I know you aren't suppose to be back for two more days.  But all of that preparation in my mind was not needed.  I said a prayer before he said hello, and after I told him about Elsie, his only words were... "I'm getting on the next plane and we will figure it out." 

He was home that night at 7:00 and I was on my journey home at 7:30 the same night.  With no plan on where I would stay or really how I would get there, I knew that with Rusty planning the trip and me praying with all of my heart, I would make it home. 

And after a two hour train ride, three planes with not a single delay and then a precious friend that God gave me a long time ago.  I made it home.  Along the way, I prayed a lot, had many heart broken moments, and lots of tears.  I finally decided to get out my computer and begin to put it all out on paper.  I began to write about Elsie and all that she meant to me.  Scriptures came to me, words poured out onto my computer, and within an hour I had a speech together that helped show how much I adored my precious Grandmother. 

I wrote...

My heart is so heavy and I hope I can make it through this so I can express my love for my sweet grandmother.  I cannot explain the heaviness of my heart so I have a verse that has helped.

Psalm 119:28
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to your WORD.

 It is only through God’s word that I have made it through the last six months and over the past few months many scriptures,  memories, and stories have entered my mind and I just couldn’t figure out why.  I would write them down or tuck them away until I got to my computer and just wait and see what they were trying to teach me.

Now I know... it was preparing me for this day.  Each story that came to my mind would put me back into my childhood at Elsie’s house.  Believe me when I tell you to NEVER underestimate what you learned as a child.  Elsie changed my perspective on life a long time ago, and now she gets to show me her view from heaven. 

Elsie was a walking angel.  She was a true woman of faith who loved her neighbors and did unto others as we would have them do unto us. One thing she taught me was that life is all about loving each other and having great friends and  taking care of each other.  She was lucky enough to have her friends as her neighbors and I REALLY need to work on that one.  Ms. Edna and Ms. Claudine were always a part of our day if we were at Elsie’s house.  We would walk down to see Edna and her amazing rock collection, or over to Claudine’s house so Kera could fix her VCR while we ate some yummy dessert.  I have such a sense of peace knowing that Elise is now reunited with all of her precious friends and they will all take such good care of each other.  We could not make it in this world without our friends.

 Elsie was also such a loving grandmother to me and Kera.  I know Rusty really wants to blame mom and dad for my being rotten, but I tell him all the time….Elsie was way worse.  I see a lot of people here today who were also elsie’s kiddos so you can blame her for your rottenness too.  I promise she won’t mind.  And I promise you that she loved each and every one of you as if you were her own.  Those days that we spent at Elsie’s house were some of the most amazing memories that I have.

 Let me just tell you what a day with Elise would look like.

We would take long walks around her block and notice all of the flowers around.  I will always love honeysuckles because of Elsie.  We would stop and look at every piece of grass that we thought might be a flower because she wanted us to figure it out on our own.  I don’t know what it is about grandparents but they never seem to be in a hurry when grand kids are around.

 Elsie also had a love for soap operas. So I can thank her for all of my drama downloads that I do each week so I can keep up with what is going on.  We would always have to find another place to play when her soap opera would come on TV.  We even got to sit and watch if we would sit still and be really quiet.  She did keep a fly swatter around just in case she needed to threaten us but we knew she would never use it.   

Elsie always always had chocolate.  It was Hershey bars for me and Mr. Goodbars for Kera.  Elsie always thought you should eat your dessert first before your meal so you could really enjoy your sweets.  It is the little things in life that will keep us going.  I truly think chocolate makes everyone happy.  Oh how I will miss her Hershey bar cakes.  She would make cakes of all kinds and pies that would melt in your mouth.  Elsie made pies anytime she felt someone needed a little pick me up.

 

I truly believe God has a sense of humor with His Message,so I must share this verse with you.   

It is Nehemiah 8:10

Then He said to them. “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.  Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

There is so much joy in sharing a dessert with a loved one.

Elsie would also make us lunch on Sunday mornings after church where we could always count on a pie being there.    It was so exciting to see what she made for each person at the table because she knew it was her favorite.  It was so nice to sit around a table and enjoy a meal that she made sure was hot before we put it into our mouth.

Elsie also thought if it was Sunny outside then outside is where we should be.  I used to wonder how she always knew when we would go to the part of the woods that she told us NOT to go in because of snakes.  She always seemed to appear as soon as we took our first step.  Now as a mom I know… she never took her eyes off of us.

 Elsie also LOVED to know what was going on.  It was interesting to hear what she heard on the scanner each time we went by so we could check and see what happened throughout the night.  She kept up with everyone and checked in on the ones she didn’t hear from.  We made many visits to the nursing home as her friends began to move in there to make sure they were having a good week and take them goodies.  She always shared what she heard on the scanner to them too.  It made me smile with every story she told. 

Elsie gave all that she had ALL the time!  I used to be afraid of death but now I know it is just God  calling some of His angels home.  And as He calls each of us home, He leaves us all with a sense of peace. I know Elsie has such peace right now as she enters into her new body and mind.  When Elsie started to show signs of Alzheimer's we began to see a small piece of her drift away over time.  It was heartbreaking to watch and I am so grateful that now all of the hurt and suffering is over.  As she enters into heaven she will be able to watch us all form above.

The scripture reads in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be trouble neither let it be afraid. 

I will spend every day listening to God’s voice and the pull of my heart because I know that will bring me even closer to Elsie and to God.

Psalm 27:1 says it best

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength in my life of whom shall I be afraid? 

When you met Elsie, there was NO doubt that Jesus lived in her heart.  She had a light inside of her that made you want more.  I never really could explain why I would rather be at Elsie’s house over anywhere else, but I know now more than ever.  Knowing Elsie brought me closer to God.  She was an example of how to love unconditionally and with all of your heart.  If you don’t know the love of Christ, I pray that one day you will.  It is a warmth and comfort that Elsie showed me throughout my life.  That love lives in my heart now because of her and many of our church family here today. 

The verse that makes me think of Elsie is Philippians 4:9

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.  

I feel with each angel God calls home the love in my heart just keeps getting stronger.  To feel the strength of Christ within you can help you make it through anything.

As the verse says in Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

 Elsie, you have taken care of me once again.   You put more love and strength in my heart.  I love you so much and can’t wait until the day that we will see each other again.

 

As I read those words during Elsie's funeral a sense of peace came over me. Even though I know I can't see her in person, or hug her when I go home, or look into her precious eyes.  I can feel her strength and I know that she can hear me now when I talk to her.

 I still have moments where sadness takes over and tears run down my face.  But knowing that Elsie is in God's arms now gives me such comfort and peace.  

I may be an entire ocean away, but I know one thing for sure.... my heart is still in Daingerfield Texas and it is because of constant prayer that I can make it until the next time we see each other again. 

 

Weekend Dinners!

 

Weekend Dinners!

 

We all decided that we would start having dinner parties with couples on the weekends.  Oh my was this FUN!  Katrin decided to take the first weekend and it was a blast.  She brought out her fine china and DELICIOUS food for all of us.  I told her we would be doing it Texas style at my house where all plates go in the trash when you are done. :)

 

It was such a great way to get to know everyone and actually finish a conversation.  We found the most amazing sitter too.  Lauren is perfect for the kiddos.  Denman gets so excited when he knows that Lauren is coming.

 

 

 

Sofia and Augistine smile for a picture.  We couldn't sit by our spouse which made all of our storytelling so much fun.

 

Romina, Cynthia, Rusty, and Sofia are discussing such serious topics..... Can't you tell??

 

I loved her circle dining table. 

 

They are all getting used to my camera now.  :)

And this is why I am going to be ok here in Aberdeen.  We are surrounded by a group of amazing friends who know how to have a good time. :)

We were all sad to leave this night.  We learned that 11:30 is too early to plan to be home.

 

My Aberdeen girls who have helped me see the best part about an international posting.....AMAZING FRIENDSHIPS!!!

 

I love that the weekends are filled with nothing but laughter and fun.  Having Rusty at home on the weekends is the best thing ever!  I am so lucky to have such an amazing man by my side!

 

I told them that my dinner party will be in January and I will bring all AMERICAN food to serve!

YUMMY!!  Might need to take a few extra bags home for that one!

International Week at ISA

 

International Week at ISA

 

 

The week before our fall break was International week.  It was such a neat week for the kiddos.  They each learned a ton about a new country.  Natalie's class learned about Brazil and Denman's class learned about Canada. 

 

They each spent a week talking about the different countries.  Natalie also learned a Brazilian dance that she was super exited about performing at the Monday Assembly.  They have assemblies each Monday to show what they are each learning about during the week.  It is such a great way for students to read their writing, sing their songs, and present their knowledge in so many different ways.

 

 

Natalie was so excited about the dance that we had to curl her hair and find her Easter Dress for it.  I love that she gets so excited about the things that they do each day in her class.  So of course we found the dress and sponge rollers and oh she was cute!

 

 

 

They were the first ones on stage to do their song.  I was soo proud of her.

 

In between the different countries, they did skits to give us a hint of which country was next.

 

They play lots of soccer in Brazil so they had a group of boys run around as soccer players.

 

Each grade level came out and sang a song about their country.  I took Denman with me to the assembly so I missed which country this if for, but this is Jackson singing.

 

Emma and Grace were up next and they did such a GREAT job singing.  I love their sweet voices.  But again... missed the country.

 

The preschool class didn't get to come into the assembly, but they did a slide show of them dressed up in a Canadian hockey outfit.  I got Denman's picture when it came on the screen.  It was so cute.  They recorded them singing a song while all of the pictures came up.

 

The skits were HILARIOUS.  Mrs Newbury is Natalie's teacher and she was in the narrator and then Mr. Field's is the woman who is dressed up.  He is Julia's dad who is a good friend of Natalie.

 

They are arguing about who is next because they really don't know.

 

Natalie is waiting her turn to go on stage for her next dance.

 

 

Mrs. Newbury reads a part of her story to us while the second graders go backstage to get ready to sing.

 

Natalie came out bouncing and singing.  It was precious. 

 



 

They find a place to put their instruments while they get ready to run around.  She was really nervous about this part.

I love this look because it is when she finally saw where we were sitting.  I had Denman in my lap and she had to hold back her grin.  I didn't tell her that he was going too.

 

 

 

He didn't take his eyes off of Natalie.  It was really sweet.

 



 

 

She really started dancing then.

 

Love those bouncy curls.

 

The soccer players take a break and then they all headed to the middle for the ending.

 

 

Natalie stopped to wait for Eugenia.  I was so proud of my little quiet girl.  She is a natural on stage.  I'm pretty sure she gets that from me!!!  :)