A Gobble, Gobble...no, Cluck, Cluckin Thanksgiving!

This year's Thanksgiving was a gobble, gobble (well...cluck, cluckin) good time!(hilarious story explained below) We got together with some other American friends and ate lots of food, played games and enjoyed one another's company! They really have become our "family" here and we are so thankful to share the holidays with those we love.

Pin the Hat on the Turkey game:

April's first Thanksgiving away from home...we love you, April!

Me and Matt trying to take a picture of ourselves...didn't work out too well :)
Full bellies and fun friends:

The gobble/cluck story... This is an email we received from our friend who was hosting our Thanksgiving celebration and who was also in charge of purchasing the turkey:

Dear Pilgrims and Indians,

That old Thanksgiving song asks of Timothy Turkey, “Why do you cry, Why do you cry, Why do you cry?” In the original our friend Timothy was crying great big turkey tears because he knew he was about to lose his head and feathers and end up on a silver platter on the classic, American table. Well, we at our house have felt the pain of ol’ Timmy Turkey, but for different reasons. We have cried because we have not been able to find a turkey. Well, let us rephrase. The first turkey we found was a frozen one (which is what we were looking for), but the wrapping had been opened and it looked as if the bird had been handled. We then found a turkey that we thought had been frozen at one time…although we are not sure when that time was. When we picked it up at the store it was very cold and we only carried it by the handle on the bag so we didn’t realize that it wasn’t really frozen until we got it home. After doing extensive research online (many thanks to “WikiAnswers”) we learned that a whole turkey can be left thawed in the refrigerator for only 1-2 days. So we thought we would investigate the questionable bird. As we opened the bag in our kitchen both of our heads snapped back at the smell of spoiled meat. Needless to say we aren’t cooking this one…although we are still debating as to whether this discovery would stop some of our friends from eating multiple portions anyway (Matt, don’t ask who I am talking about.). In conclusion, after six hours of searching our favorite stores from Heliopolis to Maadi, we found 3 turkeys; one frozen, naked, and handled, one rotten, and one as yet to be identified. We have decided to leave #3 a mystery. As it stands right now it looks as if Bahy BBQ will be providing our Thanksgiving meat. We think about 6 chickens will feed everyone. We are sorry if this ruins anyone’s holiday cheer. My thought was that I would now have more room for pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato casserole, dressing, beans, bread, and yes…street chicken. I guess we can rearrange everyone’s favorite holiday song…Charlie Chicken why do you cry? Or better yet…Fady Friek bitayut leih? We can’t wait to share our holiday together.

Turkey Bowl '08

We missed last year's Turkey Bowl at Meredith and Madison's school because we were in the states with Matt's head incident. But we didn't miss it this year! The parents and teachers played against the students.



Matt played well but now his body is mad at him for playing so hard! :)



Stacey and Meredith loved their "full back position" because they didn't have to move very much! The only time Stacey moved was when the ball came right at her, followed by a scream! Matt played well but now his body is mad at him for playing so hard! :)


Madison cheered on the sidelines (well, kind of)...but she was cute anyway! All in all...it was a great time!

Confession...We Have a Drinking Problem at our House!

We have literally POURED (no pun intended) tons of money into buying juice boxes over the last 2 years! This is partly due to a 5 and 6 year old who can't seem to get enough apple juice! So, about a week ago we sat down with all three children and discussed the "new rule" on drinking juice....They each are allowed to have one juice box a day and then a small cup either for breakfast or for supper. The rest of the time they can drink water. As soon as we finished giving the rule Meredith said, "It is not me that has the juice problem. THEY have the juice drinking problem!!!":)
A few days later we had some things delivered from our little shop. When the man came and told us the total, I just knew that couldn't be right. We went ahead and paid him but I was determined to do some research the next day. My suspicion was right...that shop had been charging us 3 times the price for our large juices and twice the price for our small juice boxes!!! Of course, I went to them and got my money back from the previous day's order(don't worry...I kept my cool) but who knows how much they really owe me from the last two years!!! So, I guess the "pouring of the money" is not all Madison and Matthew Ray's fault afterall! But Meredith says they still have a drinking problem!
He looks pretty tipsy, doesn't he! :)

We went to a farm....well, kind of...

Some friends of ours gave Madison and Matthew Ray a trip to a place called Fagnoon this past weekend. Fagnoon really means "crazy art." It was "out in the country" and very farm like in appearance. We ALL had a great time making pottery, painting, woodworking, climbing trees and ropes, riding camels and just plain running around outside in the open space! I couldn't decide on just a few pictures to post so I posted a lot!!:)

Senna Helwa Ya Gameela! (Have a Beautiful Year, Beautiful!)

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY AMBER!!! We wish we could be with you on your birthday! (maybe one day we can celebrate our birthdays together!:) I remember the day you were born...you looked like a little Indian baby! So, so sweet! You are growing up so fast and so beautiful! WE LOVE YOU!

A Combination of Birthday's and Halloween

It's birthday time at our house! Madison turned 6, Matthew Ray turned 5 and I (Stacey) turned hmmmmm...I can't seem to remember. You know a woman is old when she is not willing to post her age on her blog!!
For the big celebration, we had a great birthday party with some of our dearest friends here. Since our bdays start right after halloween, we decided to have a costume/trick-or-treating birthday party! All of the kids came dressed so cute and they loved trick-or-treating "door to door" in our hallway!(that's becoming a yearly tradition in our neck of the woods).

Our Kiddos This Week...

I, Stacey, also write for a mom's blog called Prayer of Hannah. This week was a week to write about what our kids are going through at their different stages. I wanted to post it here for your enjoyment and also so I could save it to my new way of scrapbooking!

All three of our kids are at such different stages right now even though the younger two are just one year and 2 days apart(their bdays are next week). I will start with the oldest, Meredith, and work down.

Meredith is 12 now and is experiencing all kinds of hormones these days! She has begun to notice boys, cries at the drop of a hat, shows her silliness all of the time, asks when it will be time for her to wear “just a little make-up”, hangs out less with the little ones and more with the adults…whew…what a roller coaster to ride with her! Now, before you take that wrong…I love roller coasters but they do keep me on the edge of my seat (sometimes pulling out my hair!:) I knew in my head these days would come but now that they are here I REALLY can’t believe it! I was looking at the pics of some sweet babies today and I remember Meredith having that sweet little baby face…just yesterday! Where did the time go?? Matt and I were talking about how sad we are to know that our “time” with her in our home is over half over! It just doesn’t seem real! She is such an amazing kid and I am so proud to be her mom. Her walk with Jesus is so real and I am challenged by that walk every day.


Madison, 5….the MIDDLE child! So many stereotypes come with that title….and she fits most of them! Ha! Madison is definitely one of a kind. She has a strong personality, speaks her mind, controls EVERY situation (which we like to call good leadership qualities), is a daddy’s girl, and absolutely LOVES kindergarten! She was the one that had the hardest time adjusting to our move overseas. She didn’t do strange things to make us know she was having a hard time…she just spoke her mind…and spoke it very strongly. She has come so far and has made an amazing turn around in the last year. She now speaks and understands Arabic very well, rarely makes negative comments about our new culture and thinks kindergarten is her own little special club she has been waiting on her whole life! I love my little Madison bear…she is so unique!


Matthew Ray, 4…the baby and the lone boy. This little man has to have the sweetest heart on the planet…I wish I could claim that character trait but that award goes to his daddy. Matthew Ray hates to make anyone sad, is easily hurt by others, gives 500 kisses and hugs everyday to his mom and dad, and karate chops EVERYTHING in the house! But our little man has really been going through a tough time these days. After Madison started kindergarten in August, we began to see a difference…his feelings stay on his shoulders, he cries more than normal, and his self-esteem is lacking. It took us a while to figure it out (duh?) but we finally realized he must be going through separation anxiety from his sister. I don’t know why but it never dawned on me that he has been with her every day of his little life…and now she is gone most of the day. So, we are taking extra time with him each day, giving lots of positive reinforcement, and loving every kiss and hug we receive in return!

Pumpkin Carvin'

YES....we found A, I repeat, A pumkin in Egypt! I have heard that pumpkins can be found at some of the western supermarkets here but I have never seen one. We acutally found this pumpkin at a veggie stand just around the corner. The lady selling it to me was so impressed that I was buying it because she actually thought I knew how to cook it!! Ha!

Before:
The Carving: Madison grossed out:

The Finished Product:
If you can't tell...It is a checked cross...Meredith's idea! :)

Those in Need...

A friend of mine told me a story of a family that was going through a very difficult time. The kids and I were able to go and meet this precious family. The son (pictured in the blue galabaya) is 20 years old and was in a terrible car accident in May. He had just moved to the city to work and help provide for his family. His skull was fractured and he had a lot of bleeding on the brain. They were told that he would not live. This family has seen miracle after miracle in his life. He is now able to sit up, move his arms a little and repeat what his dad says to him!! This family is from outside of the city. The father and two of his sisters are the only ones that can be here for him. The mother and 7 other children are still in their hometown and she is working the fields alone while he is here!!!
Before we left our house, the kids went through the kitchen to find a few snacks for this family. Our visit was such a sweet time...we will be going back to visit with them while they are near our home.

Stick'em Up

We visited some friends nearby a couple of weeks ago and found that they have a western steak house in their city. We ate a great steak and Matthew Ray loved the cowboys and the gun!

Do We Have an Author on our hands...

Meredith has started writing these days. She decided to write a story and she wanted Matt and I to give our opinion on the beginning. What do you think? Do we have an author?..

It was a dark night, a cold winter's evening. The wind was blowing swiftly and snow was tumbling down. Never was I so scared. I rolled myself into a ball underneath my bed, taking slow deep breaths as I waited for the snow storm to wrap itself up and go elsewhere. My mother walked into my room with a stick candle producing a sweet scent to give me a sign that everything was alright. I slowly got out from under my bed and gave her a sure expression that I was still terrified. She wrapped me into a hug and led me down the hall and into the dining room for dinner. I looked to my father as he pulled my chair out and he asked, "Why the terrified expression?" I opened my mouth to answer but no word spilled out to quote my thoughts...

That's where she is so far...we were pretty impressed. What's your opinion? Author?

Funny Pharoah Land Moments..No. 7 and 8...

These two things are really short but they just made me crack up...had to share them!

Madison...This morning Madison was showing me a picture that she drew. She was pointing out each detail in the picture and then she said, "You see this building? I don't remember what it is called but it is the place where you go see dinosaurs and grandma pictures." (do you think grandmas are from pre-historic times??? hee hee!:)

Matthew Ray..."Momma, what language does Jesus speak?"
Me..."He speaks all languages."
Matthew Ray..."Yeah, I know. He speaks Arabic, English, China and California!"

VWALAH!!!! Madison's First Report Card...

Madison brought home her first "report card" from kindergarten today. This is what her teacher reported:

Madison is a refreshing delight to have in the KG this year. So far, I haven't had the ease of teaching a little girl in the KG who speaks English as a first language. It sure is a joy! It is obvious that Madison is receiving all the right stuff from her Mommy and Daddy. She is a shining joyful reflection of this. The proof is in the pudding as they say. Keep on with whatever it is you're doing. I will humbly seek the Lord's direction for whatever He would have me add. Looking forward to what wonderful things He will do in the life of this precious child!

Isn't that the sweetest little report??? We are so proud of her and so glad she is having a great first year of school!!!

He's a Man Now...

Before going out one night Matthew Ray and Dada got ready together in the bathroom. We walked into the bathroom to find this...



For those of you who are worried...NO, he's not really shaving...the razor is flipped backwards.:)

My Salvation...by Meredith

Meredith had to write a paper for school about her relationship with Christ. I wanted to share it with all of you because many of you walked this journey with her...

"For my eyes have seen Your salvation." Luke 2:30. I once was lost and not knowing my way around. I was like a lost newborn sitting in the darkness, and I knew I was not saved.

Doubting is what kept me knowing I was not saved. I questioned my parents a lot if God existed. I never had assurance of my salvation. I even prayed the prayer about five times and was never sure! I even got to the point where my best friend's dad tried to help me understand. Then, right before I came here a friend asked me a simple question that made me think. She said, "Meredith, will you get saved before you move overseas?" I was not sure of that answer.

My salvation still was not assured until I went to a camp before moving here. I met new friends, had a blast, but was still not sure! I remember one night when I was talking with my dad about salvation for the millionth time. He said, "You know, the Bible has been passed down from generation to generation, and all of it is true." I knew that already, but I also knew that was God's way of letting me know He was there. That night I was saved, and it felt good!!

The way I know I am saved is that I know for sure God is real, and I have not had any doubts since. I know I still sin. Everybody sins, but I am different now and have a new outlook on life!

I have grown in my faith since I was saved in 2006, and God is working in my life! I love the Lord with all of my heart. I will never be the same again!