The lil girl Rosie wants to kidnap :p

Baby chick before broken leg

Roselena's 6th Birthday

Another Day in Paradise

I got to see the kids on cam and talk to them yesterday. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Even though I sounded like a chipmunk and it was extremely delayed the kids were happy to hear my voice (they are on dial up). My princess is growing up. She celebrated her 6th birthday over there and it looks like it was a wonderful party. I will post pics.

Jonathan accidentally killed a dove, he tried to give it a bath and drowned it. He now understands what death is. He is very sad that he killed the bird and that he can't bring him back to life. This was not the first heartbreak there, Roselena broke her baby chick's leg by mishandling it. She too felt very bad she hurt the chick. They have moved on to kittens and dogs, tougher more durable pets :P.

When I asked if they had buried the bird John said "Why waste a perfectly good bird?" so in the spirit of waste not want not, they cooked the bird and ate it. *shakes head* John says the kids now understand the hierarchy of the food chain. Roselena obviously had no problem enjoying the roasted pig she watched them slaughter for her birthday celebration.

Roselena has made a good friend and has decided that when she comes home she would like her to come with. Let's see if she can fit her into her carry on ;).

Joshua is going on his first date this friday. He met a very nice girl in summer school, or at least she sounds like she is. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her yet. They won't be attending the same high school but she doesn't live so far away that they can't see eachother. I'm already looking at the future and they haven't even gone on their first date yet. LOL

From around the world

It's been three weeks since the kids left for Philippines and although they are having a great time and I'm enjoying the peacefulness the quiet brings...I miss the noise at the same time.

Josh is doing really well in summer school. He and I are spending more time together and that's been fun. I've also had time to do things that I don't normally get to. I read The Da Vinci Code, it's a very good book. Next on the list is Angels and Demons and then Digital Fortress. I want to get in as much reading as I can before the kids get back :p. We've been spending a lot of time with the family, mostly renting movies, doing puzzles and just relaxing. Let's see if I can get all the laundry done before they get back. LOL

The dogs are enjoying the quiet as well. No kids around to torment them on a daily basis ;). I think Kyra appreciates that even more than Basha because Jonathan likes to bother her more but I think they really miss the kids almost as much as I do.

I got to talk to the kids on Sunday, it made my day. Josh says he is enjoying the silence and doesn't miss his brother and sister but he was happy to see Rosie on cam. John has sent me pictures of the kids having fun at the beach and I've seen them on cam a few times. It doesn't make me worry any less but I feel better when I get to see them smile.

Jonathan and Rosie aren't afraid of bugs and lizards anymore...they want to keep everything they catch as pets. They are also learning a few of life's hardest lessons there. Everyone is very poor and even though they are too young to fully comprehend what that means they do realize they are blessed and are learning humility. They share their toys with the other kids and even give their own money away. They are learning to appreciate family and John says that they are treating eachother better and aren't as self-centered. They will be gone another month, seems like an eternity to me but this is a good experience for them and for me.

Footsteps

"Now I'm not looking for absolution
Forgiveness for the things I do
But before you come to any conclusions
Try walking in my shoes"

"I'm not looking for a clearer conscience
Peace of mind after what I've been through
And before we talk of any repentance
Try walking in my shoes"

Strangehold

"It's a question of lust
It's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting
What we've built up
Crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together"