3rd grade field trip!

On this beautiful day in February 3rd grade traveled on a field trip to a local market. In the Philipppines we have modern grocery stores much like the ones in the states, but we also have outdoor markets where you can buy just about anything you could need! (fruits, veggies, and meats probably take up most of the room!)

My kids had many things to look for including finding the biggest fish they could, finding a vendor frying a banana, grating coconut and peeling pineapple.

Also, we had to locate as many parts of the pig tha they were selling in the market. Caleb and Noah were my partners. If you look carefully in the background of this picture, you can see a whole pig being cut up into pieces! It was really interesting to watch. (though, yes, it did smell a little bit!)

After we visited the market we walked through a local Catholic church. Many people walk miles to visit this church at Easter time.

After we visited the church, we ate at McDonalds. The kids did a great job and I had so many wonderful parents that came along with us that the field trip was made very easy!

Alex & Emi

Over the last couple of months, we've been involved in a Bible Study with a group from our church. The group has been great (they purposefully speak Tagalog so that we can learn from them!), and their leader, Alex, has become a good friend to me, and his wife, Emi, is a good friend of Ellen's.

A few days ago, Emi gave birth to Joni, and we were able to visit with them at the hospital during the day of the delivery. Since that day, Joni has developed apnea, which means that she stops breathing for a few seconds at a time. She hasn't had any more "episodes" for the last 2 days, which indicates that her condition is slowly improving. Please remember her--the doctors say that she will not be able to go home for at least two weeks.

Last night, after eating dinner at Alex and Emi's house.

Joni: Day 1

Has it really been a year?

As of today, February 9th, Dan and I have lived in the Philippines for one year! Last year on this day, we were stepping off a plane, knowing very little of what to expect. Now, after a year, we have adjusted and come to enjoy so many things about the Philippines. So much has happened in this last year and we have so much to be thankful!

Belated Christmas Pictures!

Here are some pictures from our wonderful time in the USA! I wish I had them up a month ago, but better late then never!!


We stayed with my sister for a night, then with my parents for a night and then headed down to Pensacola. Here we are with Pop, Belinda, Rob and Tim on Christmas Eve.

Happy birthday, Pop and Mommy! While we were home we celebrated two birthdays. One was for Pop and the other was for my mommy! Belinda and I had a fun time making this cake, yum!

Christmas at Camp Grinnell!

Christmas Eve we traveled up to Alexander City to spend a few days. Here we all are! I miss everyone so much!

It is tradition at our house to open one present on Christmas Eve. Here is my precious sister, Anne and my precious Daddy as we are about to do just that!

Since Daddy opened up ebanr, one of the scariest parts has been him climbing high up ladders with heavy signs. Recently, Dad bought a big lift. (just so we wouldn't worry, of course!)

One day we all went to ebanr and took turns riding dad's lift that can take you 30feet out and up in any direction. Here Dan and David try it out!

Happy 3rd anniversary! To celebrate our anniversary on December 28th, my hubby swept me away to Atlanta for a night at the Westin, the place we had spent the first night of our honeymoon. (yup, I've got a romantic one!)

Here we are all dressed up at the revolving restaurant on the 74th floor of the hotel. What a treat!!






A HUGE bonus of traveling to Atlanta was that we were able to spend a few hours with Dan's brother Will, and two of our nephews, Robert and Tommy. We went to the newly opened Georgia Aquarium.

Nope that isn't just a big back drop, those are real fish!

Thanks for such a wonderful Christmas everybody. WE MISS YOU!