New Friends

Tonight we spent time with our new friends, Hadiqa and Ayesha.  These young women are international students from Pakistan, spending a semester in an exchange program at a local university.

Our pastor for missions connected us with them to be a "host family".  He told us that 80% of international students never step foot in an American home during their time here in the U.S.  We feel like it is such a unique opportunity for us and for our children to get to know these sweet ladies and broaden our worldview at the same time.

We shared a lovely "American" meal and lots of laughter at California Pizza Kitchen  :)   I feel honored that Hadiqa and Ayesha shared so honestly about their families, culture and Muslim faith and we were able to do the same.  Our friend Rebecca joined us and it was so neat to listen to these young women relate to each other.  They told me that as their host family I am their American Mom.  I love that, what a privilege!  I am happy to have children who know how to go potty by themselves.  ;)  ha!  Our daughters thought they were so beautiful.  Every time I looked up, they were staring and smiling at them.

Women like Rebecca, Hadiqa and Ayesha give me hope for the future.  They have a passion to grow and learn about people, other cultures, and other points of view.  It is a beautiful thing!   I pray that God would be glorified in their lives and for generations to come.

Sweet girl, you said the funniest thing tonight.  I just had to get it down!  :)

You like to have me as a potty pal when you have to poop.  I know this is TMI but it's true!

So I sit in front of you, on the edge of the tub, and witness your "movement" accompanied by a little casual conversation.

Hannah Reece (while making):  Mom, do you know what?

Me:  What darlin'?

Hannah Reece:  The pee always comes out first, then the poop.  It always happens that way.  You know how at the airport, you always have to let the other people go first before you, even if you are running late?  That's how it is with pee and poop.  Even if I have to poop, my pee comes out first.

:)

Pumpkin Patch

 Graham and Hannah Reece spent the night with Nana and Papa last night.  The kids had a 4 day weekend with a couple of days off on Thurs. and Fri.  so they were ready for some fun and a change of scenery, I think!  This morning, Nana and Papa took them to breakfast at their favorite little spot on Ft. Myers Beach.  Then Nana took them to the pumpkin patch and for lunch a playing at McD's.  They can always talk Nana into McD.'s happy meals!  ;)

The kids picked out pumpkins for themselves and a baby one for Camille.  I'll have to add a picture of their pumpkins later.  They "decorated" them with sharpies.  :) 

While the kids were away, Dan and I vascillated between relaxing and trying to make the most of the time to get a few house projects accomplished.  I moved the living room furniture around (this seems to be a trend for me when the kids are away) to make a designated play area for Camille.  Now I have a clear view of her in her play kitchen while I'm cooking/cleaning-up in the kitchen.   I know it sounds weird, but organizing a cleaning really is relaxing to me!  Dan watched football, cleaned up the patio, tidied up the garage and was terribly thrilled to help me move the furniture *again*.  ;)   

I think Camille is growing, she slept for 14 hours last night!  From 4:15pm-6:15am!  That was a treat.  Dan and I enjoyed a few late night episodes of Parks and Rec on Netflix.  We are hooked on that show!

Fall weather hit Florida late last night with a cool front...the high was 87 today.  That qualifies as "brisk weather" in these parts, ha!    I am in the mood to make something with pumpkin in it....maybe this?  

Source: tasteofhome.com via Sarah on Pinterest

On Coolness

This morning, Graham walked into the kitchen and said,

"Mom, I need to tell you something."

"Ok, baby, what is it?"

"If someone is cool whenever they are little, when they are a grown-up, they are so worried about being cool that God makes them not cool.

It can be a punishment if cool is the only thing you think about.  'Cause then sometime that person will learn that being cool  isn't the main thing in life."

"Wow, Graham, where did you learn that?"

"I think I learned it from this (pointing to heart), not from this (pointing to head).

Don't get between the boy and his water gun...

or you WILL get wet!  ;)

Once Upon a Time...

Today I was *ahem* enjoying my husbands company after he came home from work.  ;)  

Graham walked in to the kitchen, with hands on his hips, head tilted and grinning.

"Guys, it's time to stop enjoying Once-Upon-a-Time land....you've been in Once-Upon-a-time-land for way too long now!"

Victory, or fail??

An all too frequent sight lately, I decided to record my people bickering tonight, with hopes that watching themselves behave badly would lead to remorse.  Instead, HYSTERICAL laughter ensued and then they ran off laughing and playing together?!  Well, that didn't work out quite like I'd planned...