...TO MY BLOG! What else were you thinking when you read that? ;-).
I have added a Family Pictures page that I will try to keep updated about once a month or so. After looking through all the pictures we have taken recently, I just couldn't keep these cute kids faces to myself!
Hope you enjoy! Click here
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Week I Can't Share...
You know how you look back at the week or last couple weeks and think "Wow, did all that happen in that short amount of time?" That is how life has been lately. And honestly, most of our happenings are not share-able on my blog...bummer. But here is what I can share!...
Since my blog is titled "Traveling Motherhood" I do try to share the joys and challenges of what life is like raising a family on the move. Driving a car is a must to get around as a family in Chiang Mai. And after over a year of confidently driving around for school, grocery shopping, and everything else I was in my first car (me) motorbike (them) collision. First off, let me say that nobody was hurt. Due to the VERY low speed of both of our vehicles, the accident was minimal...but even as minimal as it was, my nerves were really shaken. Then 2 days later was in an "almost" accident, where I was going freeway speed and a car merged onto the freeway and straight over into my lane. I had to slam on the brakes and horn and pray that we didn't collide. After this second incident, I have really been shaken up with driving. But since it is compulsory for me to drive here, I am asking you (yes, if you are reading this...I mean you) to pray for our safety and my driving confidence.
Since my blog is titled "Traveling Motherhood" I do try to share the joys and challenges of what life is like raising a family on the move. Driving a car is a must to get around as a family in Chiang Mai. And after over a year of confidently driving around for school, grocery shopping, and everything else I was in my first car (me) motorbike (them) collision. First off, let me say that nobody was hurt. Due to the VERY low speed of both of our vehicles, the accident was minimal...but even as minimal as it was, my nerves were really shaken. Then 2 days later was in an "almost" accident, where I was going freeway speed and a car merged onto the freeway and straight over into my lane. I had to slam on the brakes and horn and pray that we didn't collide. After this second incident, I have really been shaken up with driving. But since it is compulsory for me to drive here, I am asking you (yes, if you are reading this...I mean you) to pray for our safety and my driving confidence.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory, that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
~ 2 Corinthians 4 v.17-18
Also, I would like to mention how much I miss and love my 3 sisters-in-law (love). I'm pretty sure they read this blog, so I'm hoping they will see this! You have been on my heart and in my prayers this week more than I can say. These amazing women live a life that I along with most all of my American / Western family and friends could not even imagine living. You are a bright and shining light to your families and your surroundings.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
~ Luke 2 v.10
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death.
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
FOREVER.
~ Psalm 23
I Love You Irma, Uzma, and Umbreen!
I miss you terribly, and pray that we will see each other again someday soon!
...The Life of a Traveling Motherhood
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Timing is Everything?
Lately I have been reminded of the timing of life and life events.
During my mom's visit we were awaiting the arrival of my cousins 2nd baby, so there were many phone calls and updates. My aunt, her mom, was scheduled to fly to be there for there for her delivery. With her first son she delivered just days before Oma arrived and was really hoping this baby would wait for Oma to arrive. Well, the end of the story is that they headed to airport to pick up my aunt while having contractions and their bags packed. Sure enough baby boy waited just until Oma arrived and they headed strait to the birthing center from the airport!
We were all so thrilled and praised God for His amazing timing!
Now move forward in time a couple weeks to this week that just finished. My husband has been out of town for schooling and my mom flew back to the US in the same week...leaving me home as a single parent of 3 little ones (who also happen to sick during this week) for 7 days. Not the ideal situation. Wishing WE had planned it better, as if we actually have any control of His time.
This time we were questioning God for his timing...?
Let me just be honest; this was a hard mom week. The biggest challenges were saying good-bye to mom and having the girls get sick. Hope stayed home from school on Tuesday and after a good 1st half of the day, then unfortunately the 2nd half was not so good between us. That same night after the twins went to bed seemingly healthy, an hour later they were crying with completely stuffy noses. Let's face it, having twins brings different challenges than having a single. So I can't pick up 1 baby while the other is still in her bed because the other loses it. So I tried bringing them both in my bed for cuddles and love, but that didn't really work because they kept each other awake. They didn't want to take the Tylenol that I offered (which was also weird), couldn't breath through their noses, and just cried in their own bed...whew...what to do? In the end I brought Hope into my bed so that she could get some sleep and closed the door and let the twins cry it out off and on ALL night / morning...that was a LONG night.
So I had to ask, is this God's good and perfect timing? Like He had for my cousin?
Of course it is. Why do I think that? This is His answer to my questions above.
The morning after my long night, I drew strength for the day from reading my devotional and opening God's Word. This ultimately brought me closer in relationship to Him and His work in my life. Constantly my hearts desire is to draw close to God and learn more about Him and lean on Him for strength instead of my own. This week I had to do that more than ever. Just like this my cousins hearts desire was to have her mom with her during the miraculous birth of her child. God loves and wants to give us our hearts desire, no matter how beautiful or ugly it can come.
Timing isn't everything, but it is a part of His good and perfect plan.
During my mom's visit we were awaiting the arrival of my cousins 2nd baby, so there were many phone calls and updates. My aunt, her mom, was scheduled to fly to be there for there for her delivery. With her first son she delivered just days before Oma arrived and was really hoping this baby would wait for Oma to arrive. Well, the end of the story is that they headed to airport to pick up my aunt while having contractions and their bags packed. Sure enough baby boy waited just until Oma arrived and they headed strait to the birthing center from the airport!
We were all so thrilled and praised God for His amazing timing!
Now move forward in time a couple weeks to this week that just finished. My husband has been out of town for schooling and my mom flew back to the US in the same week...leaving me home as a single parent of 3 little ones (who also happen to sick during this week) for 7 days. Not the ideal situation. Wishing WE had planned it better, as if we actually have any control of His time.
This time we were questioning God for his timing...?
Let me just be honest; this was a hard mom week. The biggest challenges were saying good-bye to mom and having the girls get sick. Hope stayed home from school on Tuesday and after a good 1st half of the day, then unfortunately the 2nd half was not so good between us. That same night after the twins went to bed seemingly healthy, an hour later they were crying with completely stuffy noses. Let's face it, having twins brings different challenges than having a single. So I can't pick up 1 baby while the other is still in her bed because the other loses it. So I tried bringing them both in my bed for cuddles and love, but that didn't really work because they kept each other awake. They didn't want to take the Tylenol that I offered (which was also weird), couldn't breath through their noses, and just cried in their own bed...whew...what to do? In the end I brought Hope into my bed so that she could get some sleep and closed the door and let the twins cry it out off and on ALL night / morning...that was a LONG night.
So I had to ask, is this God's good and perfect timing? Like He had for my cousin?
Of course it is. Why do I think that? This is His answer to my questions above.
The morning after my long night, I drew strength for the day from reading my devotional and opening God's Word. This ultimately brought me closer in relationship to Him and His work in my life. Constantly my hearts desire is to draw close to God and learn more about Him and lean on Him for strength instead of my own. This week I had to do that more than ever. Just like this my cousins hearts desire was to have her mom with her during the miraculous birth of her child. God loves and wants to give us our hearts desire, no matter how beautiful or ugly it can come.
Timing isn't everything, but it is a part of His good and perfect plan.
"Learn to trust Me when things go 'wrong.' Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through this day. I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep droughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it!"
{from: Jesus Calling}
"For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!" 2 Corinthians 4 v.17
I am now happy to say that my husband is back HOME with all his girls!
PRAISE GOD!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Motorbike Mom!
We are almost 3 weeks in with our visit from my mom in town from the US, so that would explain my lack of keeping up with blogging.
Family visits are so amazing it is almost un-real. Mom and I were walking through the local Thai market the other day and it was so weird to think "my mom is with me here!" How many times have I been to this crazy market and thought about how it would be if she or others from home could experience this.
We have been keeping so busy with birthday parties, Christmas cooking, Christmas parties, sightseeing, getting in a few shopping trips, and of course keeping up with 3 fun girls!
As I reflect on these last couple of weeks and see my moms heart to be here with us, I think the best part is her willingness to travel for a painful 24 hours to be outside of her comfort zone and away from her family for the 1st time in her life on Christmas. As we were Skyping with family on Christmas Eve, it dawned on me that this was her first time away and I very clearly remember my first Christmas away from what a "normal" Christmas was for me. So this is more memorable for my mom than I think we even realized before her coming here.
Now is the day to reflect on the year that is ending and looking ahead at the year to come. It is a great time of life to reflect and refresh on life. Taking a page from a friends blog idea I decided to ask our family what are the highlights of 2012, and here is what we came up with...
This is my wonderful life as a traveling mother!
Family visits are so amazing it is almost un-real. Mom and I were walking through the local Thai market the other day and it was so weird to think "my mom is with me here!" How many times have I been to this crazy market and thought about how it would be if she or others from home could experience this.
We have been keeping so busy with birthday parties, Christmas cooking, Christmas parties, sightseeing, getting in a few shopping trips, and of course keeping up with 3 fun girls!
As I reflect on these last couple of weeks and see my moms heart to be here with us, I think the best part is her willingness to travel for a painful 24 hours to be outside of her comfort zone and away from her family for the 1st time in her life on Christmas. As we were Skyping with family on Christmas Eve, it dawned on me that this was her first time away and I very clearly remember my first Christmas away from what a "normal" Christmas was for me. So this is more memorable for my mom than I think we even realized before her coming here.
Now is the day to reflect on the year that is ending and looking ahead at the year to come. It is a great time of life to reflect and refresh on life. Taking a page from a friends blog idea I decided to ask our family what are the highlights of 2012, and here is what we came up with...
This is my wonderful life as a traveling mother!
Happy New Year 2013!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
From Miraculous to Magical?
On Friday night our Advent calendar had us watching a Christmas movie and eating a salty bowl of popcorn. The 2 kids movies that I had available were Ice Age Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas. After watching both short movies with the girls I realized you couldn't get any more different ideas about the meaning of Christmas.
First was Ice Age Christmas, which is a very cute movie and Hope really loves Scrat and his acorn. Throughout the movie they refer to the magic of Christmas and believing in the magic of Santa.
Second comes A Charlie Brown Christmas with the famous Charlie Brown searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Then Linus explains to Charlie Brown using lines quoted from scripture:
It is so wonderful to see our 5 year old truly excited about Christmas because it is the time when we celebrate Jesus' birthday. Of course there is excitement about presents, she's a kid after all and loves gifts. The important part to us as parents is for her to understand that ALL of our gifts come from God and not from anything 'magical'. And she truly gets it and has genuine excitement for all that the Christmas season has in store!
So, how do we change back from magical to miraculous? Take time this Christmas season to rediscover all the miracles that surround the birthday of Jesus. How His life relates to your life and the relationship we have with the Son of God!
First was Ice Age Christmas, which is a very cute movie and Hope really loves Scrat and his acorn. Throughout the movie they refer to the magic of Christmas and believing in the magic of Santa.
Second comes A Charlie Brown Christmas with the famous Charlie Brown searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Then Linus explains to Charlie Brown using lines quoted from scripture:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory
of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of
great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born
to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you.
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying
in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace
to men on whom his favor rests."
~ Luke 2 v.8-14
There are so many miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, Christ the Lord...
A pregnant virgin, an angel of the Lord appeared, heavenly host appearing, wise men being led by a star and traveling many many miles, and even the situation in which Jesus was born. We tend to glamorize the idea of the 'manger', but really it was the lowest form of a crib that we wouldn't even imagine putting our child into today.
So, how do we change back from magical to miraculous? Take time this Christmas season to rediscover all the miracles that surround the birthday of Jesus. How His life relates to your life and the relationship we have with the Son of God!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Beginning of Advent
For the past couple of years, of course since having children, I have been wanting to "do" an advent calendar for the kids. Well, finally this year I actually got one made before December 1st. After getting some inspiration from online (yes, Pinterest), and looking at the supplies I already had on hand this is what I came up with...
Advent means a time of preparation and expectant waiting. This is our time to prepare our home and our hearts to celebrate the birth of
Jesus, The Savior of the world!
I'm really looking forward to this special time with our family rediscovering for myself and helping our girls understand
the many miracles that surround Jesus' birth.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
New to Thanksgiving Cooking...
Since I come from a big family {when I say big, I mean huge...just in blood aunts & uncles I have 20!), usually I just show up maybe with a dip or can of olives and ALL the other food is made. Until this week I really had no idea what a blessing this was!
Now that our little family is living away from home, I decided to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal from scratch this year. After 3 days of prep work and cooking, I now have a much better appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the food that I have eaten over the last 37 years.
As we sat down to eat our spread we went around to give thanks in our life. Even though our 3 girls are small now, I look forward to the years to come and what they will choose to be thankful for in life. This year Hope is thankful for our family and school, Keziah is thankful for her Didi (which is her big sister Hope), and Zarah is thankful for mommy.
Here is a glimpse of our time together...
What am I thankful for? Too much to list here, but I think most of all it's that which I didn't even ask for. The little things and the big things that God has put into my life. Creating these memories with our family means so much to me and hopefully someday they will be meaningful to them.
Now that our little family is living away from home, I decided to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal from scratch this year. After 3 days of prep work and cooking, I now have a much better appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the food that I have eaten over the last 37 years.
As we sat down to eat our spread we went around to give thanks in our life. Even though our 3 girls are small now, I look forward to the years to come and what they will choose to be thankful for in life. This year Hope is thankful for our family and school, Keziah is thankful for her Didi (which is her big sister Hope), and Zarah is thankful for mommy.
Here is a glimpse of our time together...
What am I thankful for? Too much to list here, but I think most of all it's that which I didn't even ask for. The little things and the big things that God has put into my life. Creating these memories with our family means so much to me and hopefully someday they will be meaningful to them.
Please visit my other blog Creating Life From Scratch for my recipes.
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