Our Valentine's Day Date...

I know we are officially past Valentine's Day but we are still in the month of February and our stores in Egypt are still filled with tacky heart shaped items (even furry bird houses:)! So, I wanted to share these pics with you and tell you what our 2 younger sweeties did for us!

On Valentine's morning we were awakened by Madison and Matthew Ray telling us we had a surprise in the living room. We came out to find this precious sight. They had gotten themselves dressed, prepared our dining area (bathroom stool with bean bags) and had made us raisin bran and cups of milk. Madison did apologize that they did not know how to make coffee for us and that if I would show her how she could do that for us next time:) It was a great Valentine's Breakfast date and really our only date for this year's Valentine's celebration. What sweeties!


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Mad Men....Sweet Kids

I received a few more pics from a friend of mine from last weeks "getaway out of the city." They were just too good not to post.

For the family olympics, we played "Steal the Bacon." The men were ruthless....it was crazy...I just knew we were going to have to make a trip to the emergency room...but we didn't...just a few stained pants and some REALLY sore men who forgot they aren't teenagers anymore!:)

Aren't these the cutest pics of the kids? They love their friends...we are so thankful for good friends and special times with them!

Pure Talent...

The group from the states also helped us with a talent show. Of course, our girls wanted to be right it the middle of the action. Here they are showing off their (ahem...) talents...:)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sports and Songs on the Sea

We had a chance to get out of the city for a few days this past week. Some friends from Pensacola came and hosted a VBS for our kids. The theme for this year's VBS was a sports theme. It was a wonderful time away! Not only did the kids have a blast but the parents did as well. They brought gifts and yummy snacks from America! Thanks so much to all who helped make our time away so enjoyable! WE LOVE YOU!

The volunteers from FBC and Olive:


The game faces:




The volunteers also did a great job of teaching our children some cute songs:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

An Amazing Week!!!!!

Wow! We just finished one of the most amazing weeks we have had since living here! A few months ago we started researching the idea of how to help a little autistic girl that I know that lives here. Little did we know what was about to happen! I started receiving a phone call or two about those that really needed help with their autistic children. It is very hard to find a good diagnosis here as well as find good options for teaching these children. After a few weeks, the floodgates opened with so many calling for help!
These three precious ladies decided that they would be the first to come and help us with some families with autistic children:

Heather, Julie and Shannon
They did such an amazing job! We saw 11 children. We made home visits and clinic visits with each family. On the last night, we held a training session for the parents, teachers, shadows, and anyone interested in learning how to help autisitic children. We had about 25-30 attend the training session. It was such a great time and we enjoyed every minute of the week!

We did not realize how fun this group of ladies would be before they came! We DID NOT stop laughing the whole week! Our abs got a good workout for sure! They were a complete blast and joy to be around! Here's a little taste of some craziness, Bon Qui Qui style:

Not only did they love on the autistic children but they loved on our kids and spent time with them!
We love you guys!!! COME BACK!!!

Two Queen Cleopatras

This was Egypt month at Meredith and Madison's school. They did many activities that focused on Egypt. Today they finalized the Egypt focus with a dress up parade at school. Meredith and Madison both wanted to be Queen Cleopatra!

I think Madison is licking her lipstick here:
Meredith's new school friend...Walk Like an Egyptian:

Just an Average Field Trip :)

One of the great things about living in Egypt is the history that surrounds us! When Meredith goes on field trips they are not just any ole' field trip! They are amazing! Meredith got to go with her school on a field trip to see pyramids that she hasn't seen before....yes, there are several sets of pyramids! She also took a visit to Memphis. Who would have known 12 years ago when she was born in Memphis, TN that she would one day live right near Memphis Egypt!!!

The pyramids they saw were the Red Pyramid, Step Pyramid, and the Bent Pyramid. She went inside of the Red Pyramid with a very low, long tunnel...her legs hurt for two days! The Step Pyramid once was a mastaba which is a family tomb...it started as one layer but people built on top of it, making it a pyramid. The Bent Pyramid started out to be built at one angle and then it was decided that the angle was not exact for a long lasting pyramid, so they changed the angle and it looks curved...hence the name "Bent." (Information gained from and interview with Meredith.)
The girls...
Meredith's sweet friend, Rita...
It won't move...."move!"
Such an educational experience (notice the clipboard)

Already Missing This Picture....

Arent' they sweet?? Matthew Ray is already missing his best bud, Caleb! He just left 2 days ago but now there is an emptiness without him! We love you, Caleb!!! Thanks for coming to see us...well, really Matthew Ray!