a broad and her brood living the life abroad

This one isn't easy

2011-05-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

Being a parent is no fun when you have to explain "adult things" to your children.

I remember as a child there was a serial killer in our area. He had murdered several people within an 50 mile radius of where we lived and it was all over the news. One of the young women murdered was a teacher, another was the older sister of a friend, and the attorney that prosecuted the case was a family friend. It was all very close to home.

There was also the earthquake in San Francisco in 1989, I was almost 11. My grandparents had large exposed beams in their family room, and ever since I remember making sure that I was always lying between the beams so that if there was an earthquake I wouldn't be trapped beneath the huge pieces of wood.

There was also a stabbing, fires and attempted kidnappings that I vividly remember hearing about. All of these memories have made me very aware of keeping the nightly news of doom and gloom at a minimum when the kids are around. As a parent, you want to protect your kids from scary things, from the boogie man, you want them to feel safe and secure but how can you avoid the evil and the natural disasters that happen daily? You simply cannot.

In Holden's world, especially in Asia there has been some pretty scary things that we have had to explain. Tsunamis, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, more tsunamis and nuclear fallout; and that's just the "natural" disasters!

So when this day of reckoning came. When the news broke that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, that justice had been served and he would meet his Maker, we yet again had some explaining to do. "Who was this man, what did he do, why are people so happy he is dead?"

I will never forget "that day," really, no one will. I was paralyzed that early morning in Boise when my roommate and I sat on our blue faded sofa and watched things unfold live. I was still an idealistic college student and until that day, all the world seemed safe. American soil seemed safe, we didn't know any other reality. I couldn't go to class that day, or the next, or even the one after that. I had just moved home from Washington DC and it felt too close to home. I am still moved to tears thinking about the images of that day that changed America. Of the plane hitting the second tower, of the people jumping from the flaming windows to their death, of the towers crashing down and the thick cloud of smoke that chased people down as they ran to escape.

Explaing something so traumatic that so wholly changed the world to my seven year old child is not easy. So with tears in my eyes I just told him that a few years before he was born there was a very bad man who hurt a lot of people and for all these years (almost 10 now) the US military has been looking for him, and they finally found him so there are a lot of happy people now knowing that he won't be around to hurt anyone else. But in truth, I know there will be more people hurt, I know that this is not the end of terrorism, in fact it may just be the beginning and bad things happen every day. Soon enough he will have his own moment of change when he knows things will never be the same. He will conjure up images of the horrible things that have happened in his lifetime but for now I just want to keep him safe and secure in his blissful bubble of childhood. I wonder, what will be his reality of "lying between the beams?"

A lot of things

2011-04-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of things I could have done today.

There were a lot of things I wanted to do today and a lot of things I needed to do today.

But, all of those "things" took a back seat today for one important thing I did do today...

We took these children:

Who come from this most horrifying depth of poverty:

And hosted a swim party for them:

And I have NEVER seen such big smiles or so much pure unadulterated joy:

I know these children, I consider them part of me and every week I look forward to seeing their beautiful faces, feeling their love, and giving to them the love, attention and respect that every child should get no matter what their circumstances are. If you want to help visit www.projectpearls.org I promise, the small amount that is takes to give gift of education will not go to waste.

and then they went to Hong Kong...again

2011-04-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Ah, back to civilzation. That's what Hong Kong feels like. Only a 2 hour flight and I wonder why we don't go more often. Ususally because we are spending too much time at the beach! We had been looking forward to getting back to Hong Kong for a while and it finally worked out over Easter break.

In the Philippines (which is about 80% Catholic) they take holy week pretty darn serious. In fact, so serious that in our building they shut the power and the water off. Ok, that has nothing to do with the church but because EVERYTHING is closed they use those days to make major repairs hence the no water, no power.

We skedaddled to the local Shangrila and "pre-vacationed" at the pool for a couple of days before we headed North for cooler temperatures, better food and most important fantastic shopping. Oh, we threw in a trip to Disneyland of course and even let the Easter Bunny visit. I must say the funniest part of the trip was when Holden had a melt down in Tiffany's. "MOM! the only things girls want are diamonds and looking at jewelery is NOT fun." "Really Holden, looking at jewelery IS fun and girls want more than just diamonds silly, they also like bags and shoes and pearls." He seriously had a melt down with phrases like "this is suppose to be a FAMILY vacation, we are suppose to do things that the whole family likes, this is stuff you can do in Manila." Honestly, where did I go wrong with this kid? Needless to say, this cut my shopping trip down to size and we headed to do things the WHOLE family likes...you know, like Disneyland. HA!

Disneyland was a treat as always. We went on Easter Sunday. Still trying to figure out if that was a good idea! It was crowded but mostly with just adults. The ratio of adults to children had to have been about 6:1. It made me wish there was an express line for people WITH children in tow.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: traaveling with kids is hard work. Especially at Finnley's age and with their food preferences, or shall we say pickiness. There was one moment at lunch where Nate looked at me and said, "how do people back home do this alone?" and every night we fell into bed absolutely exhausted. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up, we can't move home.

For it's size Hong Kong is suprisingly efficient. We made it places in record time and for as many times as we have been now, it just seems easy. But it is crowded and there isn't anyone to lend a helping hand. Yet another reason Manila was calling my name to come home.

Turkey...Cambodia....Boracay

2011-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

What started off as a trip to Turkey then turned into a holiday to Cambodia eventually landed us back in Boracay. And why wouldn't it?

Turkey was going to be the Spring Break to remember! The plan was to catch up with Nate's parents in Istanbul but after the timing didn't work out for them we started going through our lists of places to visit. Cambodia has been a top spot for both of us, but due to the lack of direct flights it was a bit of a challenge without a decent chunk of time. The week off of school seemed the perfect fit but after our amazing vacation in Boracay 3 weeks earlier, neither of us could bear the thought of traipsing around the hot city taking the boys to temple after temple when we could just as easily (easier in fact) head back to Bora. Adventurous, no. Smart, yes!

Our holidays before Finnley came around were a bit more adventurous. Holden proved to be a laid back and easy travel companion.. But, when I think of all the vacations we have had since Finn blessed us with his red headed spirit the big long haul city trips have been; lets say, a bit challenging. There has been invitations to leave restaurants (Osaka), admittances to hospitals (Bangkok), stripping clothes off in the middle of winter (Paris) and vomit in taxis (Hanoi). Now, I'm not saying Finn isn't a little trooper in his own right, he just clearly prefers laid back beach vacations and right now I am totally okay with that.

Now, the problem with going to the same place twice within a 3 week period is that you can't fork out the dough for a villa with a private pool the first time and then stay in a hotel room the second time. Oh no, it doesn't work that way...for any of us. You have already broken the seal, let the genie out of the bottle. This is also why you should never let your kids fly first class. Trying to get them to think coach is all fine and dandy again is NEVER going to happen.

Now, I'm not saying my kids make demands, but they certainly do let their opinions known. As we are boarding the tiny thirty seat prop plane Holden says "We are in first class, right?" Um yeah Hold, the entire plane is. Can't you tell?
Then, as we are swept from the speed boat into the golf cart and escorted directly past check-in to a hotel room where we can freshen up and wait for the villa to be prepared Holden says, "This is okay, but I really preferred the place we stayed last time." The talk of this life of luxury so accessible to him in the Philippines makes for some very useful conversations about the need for an education so he can continue this all on his own dime!

Once again, the week proved to be magical. Books were read, children were water-logged, parents were tanned, sandcastles erected and music was danced to. Turkey and Cambodia will come in good time, but today, we live for Boracay.

8 years and counting

2011-03-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

The thing about being married eight years is that you really begin to forget how life was before marriage. It's foggy. I can remember parts but they seem so distant and fuzzy. I never could have dreamt a few short years ago that I would be HERE, living this life, with two wavy haired boys and one hunk of a bald man exploring the world together. These boys who make up our lives, literally, have such distinct traits of their parents; their looks and personalities are so us. Sometimes its like looking in a mirror at the mishmash of Nate and I as one. We worry about certain traits, we commiserate about others, we live in joy at how vividly we see each other in our boys. Is there really a greater gift in a marriage?

For our anniversary this year, we revisited one of our favorite locations: Boracay. Just a hop skip and a jump (and a 45 minute flight) from Manila is where the powdery white sand meets the clear blue ocean which blends into the crisp blue sky. It's truly heaven. We spent 5 days in this blissful location with our little family and some help from our friends (Yaya Carol) at an amazing villa at the Shangrila.

Happy 8 years to the man who makes my heart beat a little bit faster when he enters the room, the amazing father to our beautiful boys and the one who makes this amazing life that we live possible.

Grateful: tres

2011-02-28T18:27:00.000-08:00

You know those moments in life where you experience something, live something, see something that will forever change you? Those times where you know you aren't the same person walking out as walked in? Those moments are kind of scary. Sad-scary, funny-scary, exciting-scary.

I remember so many of them. The day I gave up a belief. The second I saw him laying there and started CPR but already knew it was too late. The day I said "yes." The loud beating of my heart after the slam of the phone. The day I walked off that plane. The moment I decided to not feel guilt about my decision.

They are branded in your memory. They change you.

This weekend I had a changing moment as I spent time with these beautiful children who have nothing. Not "nothing" by our standards, but nothing by any standards. They don't have food on a regular basis or clean clothes or clean water. Most certainly they don't have education which is a fundamental solution to poverty. Not everyone who has a job is rich, but everyone who has an education has the opportunity for a job.

But what they do have is heart, and a need to be loved, and cared for and felt as if they matter to someone and to me and many other volunteers who give their time and money and heart and soul, they do matter.
Today I am not the same person as I was last week.
How could I be?
And grateful?
How could I not be?

Grateful; deux

2011-01-24T04:29:00.000-08:00

When I watch photos scroll through the apple tv, or across my computer screen I am taken aback by the emotions some of them evoke. Photography has such amazing power over emotions. So, today I am grateful for my eye, for my camera and ability to capture moments that move me and hopefully move others as well.

In December I was invited to take photos of the girls at one of the orphanages here in the city as part of their Christmas suprise. The girls were so shy and yet so excited! Some a really hard time getting up the confidence to "work it" for me and my camera. To be able to show them just how gorgeous they are and how beautiful their spirits are was very rewarding for me.

Its a great year to be grateful; ONE

2011-01-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

I have decided this year I want to be more aware and take into account of all the things and people and places and moments that I am grateful for. I want to really recognize and give heed to those times where time slows for just a bit and there is a realization of blessed moment.

Days go by at lightening speed and I hope as these things come out I will be able to slow down and really live in and savor these moments of gratitude.

As I sat with little FinRo this morning watching Dora as we drank our green smoothies I looked down at him sitting in my lap and saw this amazing head of curls.

A head of curls that always make me smile as the come bouncing my way. Is it bad to covet such lovely locks of hair? I do. They just curl up so perfectly into little spit curls all over his head. My Grandmother would have given her eye teeth to have such curls. It's true, she told me so!

The chaos

2010-12-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

What is it about the Holiday season that sends a cold chill up my spine? The chaos of it all is palpable. My heart quickens, my palms are sweaty and I feel myself coming down with a fever. Even the task of opening the advent calendar each day give me a sick feeling in my stomach. Always too much to do, so many to greet and what seems like a festivity to attend every night. All on top of the normal, already hectic life. It's suppose to be enjoyable, it used to be enjoyable but this year, not so much.

I find myself constantly forgetting and the only thing worse than forgetting is remembering. Remembering things I have forgotten. Aaaack!

Even with early preparation; the trees have been up since Halloween, some gifts have been ordered and shipped to the US address months ago and most are on their way now. Even as I write this my mind is buzzing with what else needs to get accomplished. Maybe it's the travel of last month mixed with the travel of this month. This will be our first time traveling "home" over the Holiday. We have become accustomed to the Island Christmas, laid back and at the beach! Clearly that is more my style.

The first part of this post was written a few weeks ago and of course, I forgot to post it. Remember; the forgetting. :) Things seem to be a bit more under control now. The final planned party of the year is out of the way, all the gifts have been sorted, the cards printed and ready to be delivered. Santa's letter has been sent and the kids are eager to get back to the loving arms of their grandparents.

With only a few things on the agenda, I can now countdown on one hand. Two days of running left, one day of tennis, one more playdate, the last batch of cookies, one more round of golf and a few random things. I am still hoping for SNOW (please don't let us down Utah!) and the warmth of the big fireplace. I love climbing into a a cold bed in the middle of the winter and snuggling down into the layers of blankets. I look forward to getting up in the early morning and feeling the cold floor underfoot. I'm looking forward to the smell of winter and the way that the cold air feels like icicles in your nose and the way Christmas lights glow when they are under a thick layer of snow. Home cooked classics, funny stories and staying up way too late. Christmas carols are starting to bring a tear to my eye because I know what it's like to dream of a white Christmas. So, I suppose the chaos is well worth it. Especially on that "oh so early morning" when the magic lives on in our children.

Luck of the Irish

2010-12-01T03:43:00.000-08:00

Then we clicked our heels three times and found ourselves in Ireland. Any city would fade in comparison to Paris but Dublin is a lovely little city, at least what we saw of it. Truth be told at this point in the vacation we were all exhausted and Nate was working all day and had dinners every night so it was just the three of us left to wander around. It was much colder than in France and taking on yet another map and lonely planet guide was just a bit much for this Mom. Luckily we had a great hotel in the Grafton Street region of Dublin and we managed to stay in that area the entire time. Not a bad area to stay in, I might add; lots of shops full of bits and bobs. Ireland is in a bit of financial crisis right now and the tone couldn't be missed. It was much like our first trip back to the States after the downfall, you can sense the stress and tension in people. That being said, it was a welcome and friendly reprieve from the slight French intimidation and we felt right at home. Couldn't understand the Irish any more than the French though. And that part was in English!

We shopped a bit, played at the gorgeous park nearby and basically just bummed around. The hotel manager and I became great friends due to some minor tears at the beginning of our stay and he made us feel at home in a great big suite with warm milk and cookies and bottles of wine. See, already just like home.

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Dublin with not Turkey but sheppards pie and Guinness. It doesn't matter what you eat as long as you are celebrating the things that you are most grateful for. An amazing family, beautiful healthy children, top notch friends, a warm bed and a fabulous vacation.

Paris continued

2010-11-29T20:18:00.000-08:00

There's not much better than exploring Paris on a crisp winter day with no plan or agenda. That seemed to be the tone of the holiday for us. We had plenty of time and no where to be so that is what we did. Since Finn has been around, we have become early risers but it was so dark in the mornings that we didn't venture outside until at least 9am. We opted for an apartment in the city rather than a hotel so we were lucky to have the extra space and in particular, the kitchen for breakfast.

Holden and Finnley both were enthralled with all things outdoors. The cafes, the parks, the street mimes as well as all the other street performers, the pigeons and Holden in particular the beggars. He has such an empathetic little soul and I am quite sure we spent most money on our trip on the street. Especially if someone was cold or had an animal, his coins went straight into their cup. One night we had walked past someone with a puppy. Holden asked for some coins but we told him if he wanted to use his, it was fine but we were done financing his goodwill for the day. He took his coin out of his coat pocket, looked at it and then followed us down the street. Halfway down the block he yelled out for us to wait and ran back to the man with the puppy and deposited his 2 euros. I never want to forget that moment. A few other things he noticed about Paris included how dirty it was, there was a lot of litter and graffiti and oh the leaves (he thought that was trash as well) and I suppose that along with the old buildings equals dirty in his mind. Once again bringing out his delusional enchantment with the Philippines where he goes from one manicured lawn to the next. He is completely unaware of the poverty where he lives. We also noticed we have a little Marxist on our hands. "One day, when I am President of Paris, I will put cameras everywhere to catch people drawing graffiti and littering and then I will throw them in jail."

Paris is truly gorgeous at night. It's alive, and you can feel it. I like that. A lot.

Nate stayed with us a few days then left us to our own devices as he headed up to Dublin for work. I opted for a few extra days in the City of Lights with the boys. Wow, that was exhausting. Single parenting in a foreign city. I don't remember the last time I was on my own with the kids but I guarantee I won't forget THIS time. Finnley managed to find his way to my bed after Nate left and also managed to tumble out of said bed during the night. Not uncommon, but it was a high bed and the floor, well it was rough red patio tile. I didn't think much of it, I picked him up, cuddled him and he fell back asleep all without any lights on. The next morning as he stumbled out into the living room I noticed he serious road rash upside his face. My first thought was Disneyland or hospital. Anyone, knowing our past travel sagas wouldn't even flinch. I chose Disneyland. No photos you ask? Nope, with the chaos of the morning getting to the station in time, etc I managed to leave all cameras and video cameras behind. Nice going! I had my iPhone for a few shots until the battery died. In a way it was nice though to just enjoy the day without worrying about capturing it. It was a LONG COLD day, but the boys were in heaven and in return, so was I. The happiest place on earth was magical as ever, maybe even more so in French. Have you heard a Disney princess speaking French, it's much more princess-like. Add to that the Christmas feel and voila, there you have it; Magical!

Getting to Dublin the next day seemed like an easy enough feat. Except that we didn't leave until that night and the airport that we had to fly out of was an hour and half out of the city and we had to check out of our apartment by noon. I had some options laid out on how to entertain two boys for eight hours outside of a hotel but it turns out I only needed one: Jardin du Luxembourg. Hours upon hours of entertainment and another mom with two boys (Hi Dawn!)it was an epic win for all of us. Sure, I had to catch Finn as he was falling off the kiddie playground but you know, that's par for the course these days.

Paris was amazing yes, even more amazing seeing it through the eyes of our children. The Eiffel tower at night, the parks, the pigeons at Notre Dame, the artists at Mont Marte, the chasing of bubbles at the Sacre Coeur, the copious amounts of cheese and wine and baguettes, the art, the architecture. I am not sure why anyone would move away from this place. Paris is more child friendly than most places we have travelled. There is something for everyone here.

and the beat keeps coming

2010-11-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

We have this neat little thing in our family where 7 days after we Nate or I has a birthday one of our children has one as well. It's really easy for everyone to remember.

Finnley Roarke is 2 today! Little chubba chub, Finro, FinnBoo, Bunso is two. How can it be that he has only been with us for two years. It feels like he has been a part of our family for so much longer.

As we all walk around in this fog of jetlag, we will celebrate this littlest with ice cream (his favorite, he walks around all day saying "Ice, Ice!") cupcakes balloons, gifts and close friends.

Finnley, you are such a big part of our lives. I mean big literally, you have a huge personality. Everything you do is with vigor and zest. Even waking up in the mornings is a momentous occasion in your book and you let everyone within earshot know that YOU HAVE AWOKEN. You jump through life, skipping and dancing throughout the day. In between those moments you melt into frequent puddles of tantrums, but then are back to your extreme zeal for life. I love the passion in you. I love you at this age in particular as you start to communicate so fully with words and body language. You adore your brother and your daddy and you tease them fully and completely and they deserve every little bit of it! You are a mamas boy, and oh how I adore that as well. Your passport is almost full. You have travelled to 11 different countries, many of them multiple times and you have rocked every single one of them in some way. Finn, you have changed us, you have "tamed" us for the good. We love you.

“To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world…” The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

In typical second child fashion I have just realized I didn't post Finnleys 1st birthday photos last year! Really? I must have been in some sort of fog back then as well, here they are:

And from his birthday this year:

1978 + 4

2010-11-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

I remember one of my Mom's friends Carolanne giving her own mother flowers on her (Carolanne's) birthday just to thank her for bringing her into this world.

I owe my own Mom flowers. Thanks Mom, for having me, for keeping me, for letting me grow up so close to amazing grandparents. I know it couldn't have been easy doing it alone and so young. I understand that now as a Mother more than ever. So on my birthday I celebrate YOU!

As I celebrate turning 32, as a family we also celebrate a whopping four years since our arrival in the Philippines. Seems like a lifetime really. It's home. Have I said that before? We have just returned from our whirlwind holiday in Paris and Dublin and I can say I missed Manila. I missed the people, the weather, the ease of what I "know." It's home, or at least one of the places we can call home.

I have had some phenomenal birthdays. Arriving in Manila on my 28th, celebrating 29 on the Great Wall of China, on the cusp of having our gorgeous Finnley at 30, celebrating with the most amazing girlfriends at 31 and now 32, atop the Eiffel Tower. It makes aging almost bearable!

For those in on the bet

2010-11-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Day 3 in Paris. Finnley refused to wear shoes for most of the day. He also denied us the ability to look like somewhat in control parents as he stripped his socks and coat off while walking down the Champs-Elysees. People would look at our barefooted babe in his stroller then look up at us in shock because guess what, it's cold here, 7 degrees celcius to be exact. What can you do? If he gets cold enough he will wear his darn socks is what we kept telling ourselves but he never did. We finally had to force them on him. You can picture this right? The screaming and gnashing of teeth, the brimstone and fire. It was ripe. So ripe.

We visited the Musee d'Orsay to see works of little know artists like, Monet, Renoir, Degas. You know, the basics. Haha. Ah, if only the boys could truly appreciate what they saw today. I do pinch myself sometimes Julie!

We truly felt like pioneer children as we walked and walked and walked oh and walked some more. From St Germain to Jardin de Tuileries and down the champs-élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and back across to the flame of liberty getting a closer view of the Eiffel tower. Holden is dying to make it there but it's reserved for Sunday. That's the thing about Paris, you could walk for ages and not be any more aware that you have walked more than a block. It's easy, so much to see, so much to explore. The boys are crashed. We fully wear them out every day. Here's to hoping I have a clothed child tomorrow. Maybe he has seen too many naked statues?

Paris

2010-11-18T02:46:00.000-08:00

We all knew this was going to be a long trip, all of us but Holden apparently. While looking at the screen on the airplane with the map showing the flight plan, he says, "just so you know we are basically going to the other side of the world." "Yes Holden, Paris is quite far away but this is where you wanted to go, remember." "Mom, you could have talked me out of it."

Good news, I'll work that angle next time.

With the roundabout way some of us (Nate) had to take getting here, we are off to a slow start. It's ok, it has allowed the kids an extra few hours to slay the jet lag dragon which turns them into monsters. We filled our little kitchen this morning with a trip to the market picking up the most amazing produce, bright red tomatoes and huge juicy berries along with baguettes and Boursin. The kids are in heaven with their pain au chocolat. While eating them this morning, Holden, again dramatically, exclaimed "ah, this is the life.". Little does this boy know, he truly lives a charmed life.

Bundling up is so foreign to Finnley, he hates the socks, the hats, the scarves and coat process. It's like wrestling a small elephant to get him out the door. By the time this is over, one of us will be broken, if I were you I would put my money on him winning. Imagine the looks as he runs around jardin du Luxembourg barefoot and coatless in the middle of winter, the only thing more shocking in France would be if I dressed the children in color.

We have conquered the Louvre. It's massive and we covered it. Ok, not really but it sure felt as if we did. The up and the down and the up and the down of it forced us to stop waiting for elevators and just start carrying Finn AND the stroller up and down them all. So what if I am skipping the gym this week, we've got the work out covered.

We ask Holden to keep a journal as we travel so that even though he may not "officially" remember the places he has been, he has a personal journal logging his travels complete with drawn pictures and descriptions as well as photographs and souveniers. As he was working in it this evening he said, "I am drawing the Mona Lisa, it is obviously the most famous painting ever, it's guarded so closely." He was constantly asking Nate to take photos of the hieroglyphics from the Egyptians so that he could study them when he got older. I never realized that to a child the Louvre is mostly about death and naked people. "Mom, the art here is kind of strange, they really like naked people, and everyone is dying." Out of the mouths of babes.

Both of our children are such troopers, we haul them places WE want to see and they come along with very little complaining. I'm so very grateful for how well they do considering their circumstances.

PS. At dinner tonight Finn stripped off his shoes and socks. I'm telling you, by the end of the week he will be running half naked around a cafe.

A catch up

2010-11-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, there has been a lot going on in the past little while.

Holden played soccer for his school (the ISM Bearcats) I was surprised he wanted to play as the last attempt at soccer team a couple of years ago was a bust. After the summer camp this year he caught the soccer bug and made the team. The way sports are arranged here is quite funny (as are most things) and they ended up only having 4tournaments the whole season, two of which we were in the US for. Ah well, he looked pretty cute in his uniform and they made it to the finals where Holden kicked the only goal in overtime, in the rain I might add (I tell you that just so you know how dedicated I was, standing out there without an umbrella, haha!)

At parent teacher conferences we had glowing reviews about Holden. Academically he is doing well, but even more importantly he is socially adept. His teacher told us we should be extremely proud of the son we have raised. Could we really ask for a more? Affirmation of successful parenting is so rewarding.

We are coming up on 4 years in the Philippines, and while funny and unbelievable things happen to us here almost on a daily basis, it's so common anymore that I don't think to write them down. I noticed a few things watching Saturday morning cartoons with Holden. There are shows here on the Disney channel that I am almost positive are NOT on your tv back home. For instance, I bet you don't get the show Sally Bollywood or Pucca the cartoon about a ninja who makes noodles and plays ping pong and I'm going out on a limb here but I bet you don't get informational bits between cartoons about Diwali and Ramadan. We do! It's kind of fun, but at the same time, very strange yet again this is the first time I have really noticed enough to think "huh, I bet they don't have this back home."

Speaking of cultural differences, Holden's school recently celebrated Filipiniana. It is a celebration of the Philippine culture and the school embraces it with a full day of activities ranging from cooking and dancing to language class and jeepney rides. The kids are encouraged to dress in native Filipino clothing. Holden and Finnley dressed in the traditional farm clothes.

Finnley is our littlest budding flower. Every day is a new word a new skill or jig of some sort. He adores books right now. Seriously, a concern I had as he wouldn't sit still from the moment he was born to read a book. He now fully embraces books and comes into our room every morning with two or three tucked under his chubby little arm. Sippy cup and baby in the other. They each have names. "Ruff Ruff" or "LALALALALALA" is Sandra Boyntons "Moo, Baa, LaLaLa." "Ice" is Carles'"The Hungry Caterpillar." "Niynight" is "Goodnight Moon." The list goes on. He literally jabbertalks from sun up till sun down. MomMom, DaDad, Ate, Tita, Nanay(Carol the nanny), Tatay(Ed, Carols husband) Purse(percy the dog), bastos(naughty-this is actually his favorite word!) pasta, nice, cheeeeeeese, ice cream, mustoes(muscles)juice, drace(Grace, the other nanny) and my personal favorite pease(please). I forgot how much I love this age, and also how challenging this it is. Then again, most of Finnley's "ages" have been challenging! Every day I look at Nate and ask how he can NOT want 5 more Finnleys. I just adore him so much. His is fully and completely a mamas boy right now. No one else can carry him, or read to him or do anything else for him other than mom and Carol. Thank heavens he has Carol 6 days a week too!

Halloween in the city is interesting. When we were kids we wore costumes and the winter parkas over the costumes because it was so cold. Here it is hot. Costumes are usually made for the US so this year I finally wised-up and had them made. Little Indian Braves. Does any costume call for less covering than a loin cloth? haha I actually had pants made and they turned out really cute. At the Halloween party, Finnley won best costume. Holden's reaction was "WHAT? We are dressed the same!!!" Tough luck big brother.

With both of the boys at every stage I think, this is my favorite age. Clearly, they are all my favorite age, or maybe they are just my favorite boys. Either way, we are absolutely loving life with them.

Nate and I have both been playing tennis together for some time here. For the last little while we have been taking lessons with different couples. Me with the ladies and him with the guys. The couples are fantastic and it's been super fun. We are hooked for life I believe. Every chance we get, we head over to one of the clubs to play. I ran a 5k last month as well and it looks as if I caught the "runners high" as I have been at it ever since. I hate, no that word is not strong enough, I abhor it for the first 20 minutes and then after that I feel like I could run forever. It's sick really, but secretly I love it. The friends, the great husbands and the pancakes afterwards don't hurt either.

I have been busy reading up and booking our flights and hotels for Europe. This year, I celebrate my birthday in Paris and then head to Dublin. Lucky girl, to be surrounded by all three of my boys for yet another journey.

junior mints

2010-10-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of these junior mint eyes.

Holden turns 7

2010-09-27T06:49:00.001-07:00

Just days after we arrived home we celebrated Master Holden's 7th birthday. Really? SEVEN? How did that happen? Lucky for me, I planned his party before our trip and everything was set when we got back. I even purchased balloons and candles and party supplies stateside so I wouldn't have to wander around Manila in a sleep deprived fog trying to remember everything!

Ah, Holden, my sunshine. You are such a gorgeous boy, inside and out. You make us laugh with your humor and your quick wit. I love that about you. I love that you are loud. You don't have any sense of volume control and we can ALWAYS find you. I am amazed at how mature you are at times and wish you would slow down and stay a child a bit longer. You are becoming self-aware. It's a sign of your growing and while I admire it, it makes me sad at the same time. Your vocabulary is immense. I sometimes even wonder if you know what some of the words you use mean, but you use in them in the right context so I don't ever doubt it. Every time and I mean EVERY TIME I look at you I am proud. Proud to be your mom. Proud that you chose us to lead you through life. Son, you are admired, and not just by your parents and that is a great power. It is something that I hope you will hold dear and use for good in this world. I tell you often that you have the ability to be anything you wish. Stay young for now Peter Pan, there is plenty of time to grow-up.

We are back in Manila

2010-09-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

and time and life has sped up to its usual high pace. It makes coming back a bit easier when your days are a whirl of activities and friends. The latter half of our vacation we spent heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and were lucky to be joined by both sides of the family at a great condo. It was as beautiful as it always is we had a great time white water rafting in the frigid Snake River, heading out in a covered wagon for a dutch oven cookout and exploring the great outdoors! We also spent a week in Idaho seeing family and experiencing the fair. We celebrated Nate's big 35 with a drive back to Utah, oh and an Ipad and a trip to see the University of Utah beat the pants off of UNLV. We all had an amazing vacation but were, as always, ready to get back home to real life and warm weather! Traveling that far puts me in a tailspin. Jet lag seems to be worse on the home end and I feel like I am just now getting a grip almost two weeks later. Since, no one chooses to come visit us here, we are very lucky to be able to go back to the "homestead" as often as we do and see our families and friends but I must say, twenty-five hours door to door with a toddler has me wondering why I signed us up to do it again in a matter of months!

And here we have Idaho, winning her way to fame

2010-09-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

almost one week in

2010-09-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

We have been Stateside for six days and WHEW, it's exhausting! I'm not sure we can move back unless Nate works from home and only part time so he is here all day to help! I didn't manage to even get a shower until the boys were in bed tonight, but here are some things that I DID manage to accomplish in the past few days, in addition to the laundry, vacuuming, dishes and child care and the constant picking up, I forgot that kids just leave a little trail of mess wherever they go!

We washed "Grandma Grandmas" (the boys Great Grandma) windows. Holden washed the screens in his ever helpful way and, as you can imagine, Finnley was super helpful playing in the bucket of vinegar and water.

The boys fed the horses carrots and managed to keep all 20 fingers intact. Holden and his lifelong friend(literally) Riley Jane harvested all the carrots from the garden, so there was plenty to go around to the live stock. Lastnight they were playing Mom and Dad and Riley's little sister Sarah was their daughter. Foreshadowing of the future? Ann and I can only hope!

Hitting the grocery store is truly a treat. The options leave me without words. Unless you live in Manila, or maybe somewhere similar it's hard to relate but trust me, YOUR choices here are truly endless. Better yet, things like grapes and berries don't cost a small fortune. All four of us run the aisles in endless glee.

This afternoon we headed up to Adams Canyon to hike up to the waterfall. The weather was perfect and the boys were troopers. Especially Holden, he was a champ until the end. Finnley didn't have much to complain about being hoisted up the mountain on Nate's back. Double the work out for Nate hauling that additional 30 lbs of curly haired lovin. Let me tell you, coming from four years of elevation near sea level to 4600 feet and then hiking up an additional 2000 that the air is thin!

Late Summer in America

2010-08-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

The things one does out West in the late Summer. It's a beautiful thing.

18 days and counting

2010-08-09T02:04:00.000-07:00

We are heading home for our bi-annual break from the tropics. CAN NOT wait. Once I have the itineraries in my hot hands I am a mess of waiting and wishing and willing it to come sooner. It starts slow, a few months before, when I just have a vague idea of when we will be heading home is when the online shopping starts. Packages start arriving at either parents home. Just here and theres.

Then, once the dates are spoken and the travel agent is called full force planning goes into effect. Lists are made on sticky notes, iphones, computers; "things to buy in States" is what they are titled. Online sites are perused, Target iphone app is downloaded and the real shipping starts. Boys "coolER" weather clothes are found around the local malls (because lets face it EVERYWHERE is cooler than here), bazaar shopping takes on a whole new meaning; mom wants this bag, don't forget the mangoes and tanduay, where is the stuff we bought for everyone from the 6 countries we have traveled to since we were last home.

Then the countdown comes fast; get the household staff scheduled for when we are gone, who comes in on what day, for how long, everything fair! Driver needs to work this day to take the dog to the vet, deliver Holden's birthday invitations; oh wait, don't forget to make Holden's birthday invitations! Make sure someone delivers the staff their pay every week. Aaahhh! It's easier to stay home!

In addition, is the mad rush of planning what to do while home. Which state do we go to first, for how long, what day can we see this friend and that one. Lists are made of places that must be feasted at, they are mostly MEXICAN because seriously the shortage here is near unbearable. Stores that must be visited and sizes of things that must be purchased. (Someone remind me to buy that extra long shower curtain I have forgotten three trips in a row!) This time activities consist of the Eastern Idaho State Fair, the rodeo, Bear World, white water rafting on the Snake River and a trip to Jackson Hole. Day tripping it to Park City to the Alpine slide, and possibly lagoon. There must be roasting marshmallows and tennis and trips to the park.
It's all worth it (even the coach tickets which we will be "enjoying" on the way there) for these little people

to have a relationship with these very special folks and many more

Living

2010-07-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Living away from my home country isn't easy, but it's not hard either. When I think of how long we have "survived" and thrived as a family I am a little surprised myself. So much of our daily challenges are made bearable by our friends who live here. No one has family here, so we make our own. Friends who are single, friends without kids, friends who are our parents age, even our house help become a little part of what makes our village and raises our children (thanks Hilary, don't hate me Grandma). To me, the friends we make here make our existence joyous. They "get it," they can commiserate and what's best they can make it all better with a shoulder to lean on or an offer to help and more importantly an ear to listen!

I appreciate America more than ever and oh how I appreciate Utah. I miss the conveniences and the cleanliness and the beauty. I miss not being surrounded by poverty. I miss our families. I miss our friends back home. I miss the massive amount of CHOICE that America offers and the ability to tailor my life. I miss picking tomatoes out of the garden and Nate misses mowing the lawn. I miss painting my walls and watering the grass and tending to my home. Dare I say I even miss laundry. I never get to smell the fresh warm clothes as they come out of the dryer fluffy and soft (but I don't miss folding them! Not. One. Bit.) I miss Mexican food. I miss laying down in thick green grass. I miss the late setting sun. I miss chatting with the neighbors in the cul-de-sac. I miss cooking and baking. I miss shopping. I miss the sno cone shack. I miss days corn and Utah peaches and rupes root beer ice cream. I miss the mountains of Utah and the potato fields of Idaho. I miss the genuine simplicity of everyday life and the community of America.

To be honest, I miss almost everything and there are days that I would be happy to pack up and move home and give up the phenomenal private school, the amazing inexpensive spa services and maids and nannies and driver and cook and cheap nights out at amazing 5 star restaurants. I would quickly hop on a plane and forget about ever seeing the Great Wall of China or the cities in Japan and Vietnam or the beaches of Thailand and Bali or the warmth and hospitality of the Philippines. But those days are just that: days. Bad days, where I have clearly spent more time trying to make this place fit into my view of what it should be as opposed to just going with the flow of what it is. It's usually after I have had a dozen shop girls following me around trying to "help" or hearing the words "out of stock" one too many times in a day or sitting in traffic for 45 minutes to just go 6 miles or after a load of over-bleached laundry. But guess what, those things happen every day! I have heard that living abroad will either make you or break you. It breaks a lot of people. I hope it will make me. I hope it will make my boys and make my family. I think, so far, that it has.

I am happy here. I actually love it here! I am involved here and I am invested in my own happiness here. I can make a difference and I am grateful for being able to leave a footprint here. As an expat we live among so many cultures not just Filipinos. It's a beautiful thing where our children don't have a negative racial cultural divide and I don't think we could give them a better gift. I love our ability to travel and albeit the experiences are sometimes a bit comical, I still wouldn't trade it. I love that our children have ridden elephants and been to major historical sights. I love the relationship I have built with my husband here. It's been forged with steel by overcoming the challenges of every day life. Life isn't perfect here, it's not perfect anywhere. But it's pretty darn good. To be honest, when the time comes to venture "home" wherever that may be, I will be scared because to us, this IS home. It may not be the country of our birth (well, 3 out of 4 of us) or where our citizenship is but for now, this is IT! So I vow to try to "Keep calm and carry on," to make a consorted effort every day to appreciate what I have here to remember how lucky I am to come from where I do. After all this life doesn't happen to everyone.

loving these boys

2010-07-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

A few updates around the May household:

Every month our boys just get more fun. They interact more positively (Finnley beats up on Holden less-yes you read that right) and are a joy to be around. I finally feel like life in manageable again. Yes, it took THAT long to get it together and yes, I even have help. Maybe that was why there was such a learning curve, I wasn't thrown into the fire like most new mothers.

Finnley is constantly wanting to come along wherever we go and I'm sad to say we are usually running from place to place and the convenience of leaving him at home regularly wins out. So when he does come in the car or out to the store he is thrilled. He is always bringing us his shoes and pulling us out the door. He has just started with a very long drawn out "no noooooo" and when he shakes his head no, his entire body gets into the action from his shoulders to his hips. Although no also means yes so confirming what he actually means is a chore. He uses both Tagalog and English words so once again that can prove confusing for us all. One moment it's a dog and the next it's an aso. Tonight while reading a book he said "thas not ah duck." It WAS a duck so again...not sure if he means it IS or IS NOT. He calls me "Mama" but when he wants someone to come here is said like an Italian "MA!" with his palm facing down waving his fingers towards himself like we do to shoo something away in the States, that is "come here" in the Philippines. Never does Da (Daddy) come out in a normal volume, it is shouted from the rooftops, "DA!!!!" He says "shower," and calls Holden "Kuya"(older brother) but it comes out more like "Oooohyah." Carol our nanny is called "Roll" and Ed our driver he calls "Lolo" (Grandpa) and I think he actually likes being called that!
He loves to wear my tennis arm band, he also is a gem at clearing the table. Who knew you could teach tricks at such a young age!

SOMEONE is missing a couple of teeth. Holden had one upper incisor just hanging there but he refused to pull it out. So the other day I asked to take a look at it and flicked it out with my finger. That left the other one just hanging all on it's own and looked to be at about the same level of stability. He moaned and weeped and carried on about us taking it out but I was a little afraid he might swallow it in the night so we persisted. After a flick and a tearing sound (ICK!) it was out too. He looks so different and I might add cute. His little toothless lisp makes us beg him to say things like kisses or toothbrushes and one I came up with the other day; aesthetic. It's adorable but we have to make sure he doesn't catch us giggling because he was quite sensitive about how he looked for a few days.

Vietnam

2010-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Usually we head back to the good old US of A in July but we decided that this year we wanted to stick around for the summer so we headed to Vietnam for a week over the 4th of July.

That, in itself, was kind of a strange feeling. Being in a communist country (although they consider themselves socialist) on a day that we celebrate our freedom. Something we as a nation try, many times too often, to impart on others. To be in a country where there was such a recent war, that we lost. All of these things put together made for a bit of an odd feeling. It was definitely the most out of our comfort zone we have been in a country. Everything seemed a bit strange, a bit off and a bit uncomfortable. Much of it, of course, was due to our own perceptions and preconceived notions. It was an interesting study of ourselves if nothing else.

I am from the West. I am from Idaho and in Idaho, and I think the rest of the Western States, we are a friendly bunch. We smile and we assume that a smile is universal. If someone smiles at me, I smile back. It makes you feel good. I also live in the Philippines. The land of the happiest most smiley people on earth. I realize it's not that way everywhere and I can tell you that in Vietnam it is certainly NOT the case. I finally quit trying to smile at people because all we got were blank stares. Even the children, who are usually a hit in Asia, could rarely conjure up a grin from anyone. So very very strange and out of place to us.

We started in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and stayed at a beautiful converted French villa on the Saigon river. Don't get any grand images in your head, there wasn't clean fresh clear water like the Snake River back home. It was more like the dirty Pasig River here in Manila but it was pretty neat all the same watching the tug boats pull large barges of cargo and dirt up and down. The kids loved it and anymore that's all that matters! The hotel had a great feel and it was a nice place to rest in between fighting the traffic and crowds of the city. Motorbikes in HCMC are INSANE. There are thousands of them packing things around. Beds, refrigerators, rugs, huge hunks of ice, glass windows, huge flower arrangements and more were just of the few things we saw being delivered on motorbikes.

We were able to visit Reunification Palace which was the sight for the fall of Saigon which ended of the Vietnam War or as they call it the American War when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through the gates. It is left largely the same way it was on that day so it's eerie especially the war rooms underneath the palace. We tried to visit the war museum but found it closed at the time we were near. It is operated by the Vietnamese government, the museum was opened in September 1975 as the The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government [of South Vietnam]. Later it was known as the Museum of American War Crimes, then as the War Crimes Museum until as recently as 1993. Its current name follows liberalization in Vietnam and the normalization of relations with the United States, but apparently the museum does not attempt to be politically balanced. Understandable I suppose.

We had some amazing food and found out that Pho (a noodle dish that is basically the National food) is pronounced pho as in fee-fi-FO-fum in the north and pho as in that bad four-letter word that starts with an "F" in the south. Important because if you order with the wrong word they have NO idea what you are talking about.

After a few days in Ho Chi Minh City we hoped a plane for the 2 hour flight north to Hanoi. Hanoi has a very French feel and I enjoyed it much more than the south although we were more happy with the food in the south.

We attended a water puppet show. In ancient Vietnam, the rural Vietnamese believed that spirits controlled all aspect of their lives, from the kitchen to the rice paddies. The Vietnamese devised water puppetry as a way to satisfy these spirits, and as a form of entertainment, using what natural medium they could find in their environment. In ancient times, the ponds and flooded rice paddies after harvest were the stage for these impromptu shows. Currently the show is performed in waist deep water and the puppeteers stand behind bamboo screens. Once again, this was a huge hit with the kids who also enjoyed the local music and instruments that went along with the puppets.

We explored the French Quarter fully and enjoyed our opera suite at the Sofitel before heading to Halong Bay where we chartered a private boat to see the thousands of limestone islands jutting out of the water. It was stunning. The temperature is rumored to be between 15-25 celcius yet on the day we were there is was 40! That's 104 for the record! Finnley broke out with the horrific rash, and then while chilling in his diaper, complete white trash style, he proceeded to projectile vomit all over. After the 4 hours it took us to get there, we cut the caves and the trip short and headed back to shore to get him in some aircon and back in the van for the long ride back to Hanoi.

Glad we went, but sorry to have had to cut it short! The ride to and from Halong Bay was amazing in itself. To see rice field after rice field full of conical shaped hats bent at the waist working away with the most basic of equipment that hasn't changed for hundreds of years was amazing. I couldn't help but think of the many potato fields back home and how young a country we come from where farming techniques have become so progressive with huge machines in contrast to the basics in rice farming.

More sightseeing and wandering the following day found us some wooden puppets to bring home and a few gifts for our next trip to America. We headed to the airport the following day and Finn graced us yet again with vomit in the taxi ride. We gifted the driver with an extra $16 for cleaning services and you have never seen a man more happy to have someone puke in his car!

Back to Ho Chi Minh and then a 2 hour layover before heading back to Manila. It was a great trip all in, but not anywhere near our favorite. We were very homesick for America knowing our families were all together celebrating without us. I have learned that travelling is actually hard work. Especially with children or husbands that may have picky food preferences. Or moms who have high expectations. It's not all fun and games and sometimes its pretty stressful. We aren't heading to the beaches of Hawaii or Mexico and most of it is 2nd and 3rd world country kind of stuff. Sometimes its awkward with language and accent barriers and sometimes it feels unsafe and uncomfortable, but it's always ok to feel that way. What more we travel frequently and I feel like we have the right to judge our vacations. Not because we don't appreciate each and every one of them. We are blessed and we know it. We choose to go to these places because they are different and because not a lot of people in the world get to see such places. We choose to take our children regardless of how hard it is because we want them to experience it in their own way and we like to be with them. I have also learned that I don't have to see everything, and we may miss the most important sight there is to see just so that we can spend an afternoon in the swimming pool because vacations to hard places must involve a certain level of chilling out. I have learned that there is nothing more uncomfortable to ME than being in a country that doesn't have McDonalds. Regardless of your views on the golden arches, it's a comforting symbol of America and it makes me feel safe. Strange? I know. But it's true. So don't judge me for writing about my travels "warts and all" because there has to be good with bad and awkward with comfortable and judgements with wisdom for us to learn. We gain a new knowledge about ourselves with every trip we take just as much as we learn about the places we visit. Yet again, I am amazed at how blessed we are to be on this adventure.

The beach...again, but not as good. Not good at all!

2010-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Nate was in Ireland for work for a week and right after he got back we had tickets to Malaysia. Malaysia is kind of far away and after his long trip and my week alone with the boys we were pretty much NOT in the mood for a long trip. Did I mention that Finnley due to his new trick of crib escaping had moved to the bottom bunk and made this transition by celebrations at 3 am every morning by making his way into my bedroom to invite me to join in his newly found freedom. So, yes, again we weren't in the mood for a long trip but Nate already had the time off and wanted to get away someplace near. Enter Cebu. It's just a short 45 minute flight away. There is a Shangrila. How bad can it be?

Bad.

We had come from the dream beach vacation and this utopia we had come from made our new beach vacation look like Brooklyn. Yeah, Brooklyn is ok, but it's no Manhattan. There were bugs everywhere. You couldn't sit anywhere without having to swipe your arm constantly. Unless you were IN the pool, you were being bothered by the darn bugs. I know this sounds silly and kind of spoiled but seriously, the bugs! We had fly bites on us. Where do flies bite? Apparently in the Philippines. The food was ehh, the service not that swell but we could have made a go at having a good time if it weren't for those darn bugs!

Heading home, the flight was on time, everything was good and then we got to Manila. And circled and circled and circled. Almost 30 minutes of circling. Not a good sign. Due to a massive storm which had since cleared we were not cleared for landing because none of the flights from Manila had been able to leave and the airport had too much traffic. Running out of fuel we were diverted to Clark airport about and 2 hours away. This airport just happened to be where that massive storm was headed. I know this because we flew through it. The sky went from blue to black. Black, not grey. We were like a plastic toy plane in the hands of a 2 year old. Shocked to this day that the oxygen masks didn't fall from the compartment above us. Holden clearly shaken with phrases like, we are going to crash to the ground or be struck by lightening were encouraging for everyone.

As soon as we landed we called our driver who was waiting at the Manila airport and asked him to rush to Clark and pick us up as none of us were staying on that plane. His response: I have no money for gas or road tolls. UGH! Arrange for him to get cash from our saving grace friend Tarryn and he was on his way, mind you getting to Clark can take anywhere from and hour and a half to three hours depending on traffic and weather. Oh joy!

So we sat and sat and sat on the plane waiting to get off. The captain made no announcement. The crew made no announcement. No one gave us any indication of what was going on. By this time, we had left Cebu at 2:30. The kids had last eaten about noon and it was now 7:30 and we had been sitting in the plane on the runway for 3+ hours and guess what? There was no food. I hadn't packed food for the 45 minute flight minus a pack of mentos, the airline had sold out of food within 15 minutes of landing (Filipinos LOVE their food) and there was NO FOOD. Holden had a fever and the chills and was wrapped up in the only blanket like thing I had, a pink scarf, and we were all freezing and it was pouring outside. Sheets of rain, shaking the plane as it sat there on the runway among all of the other jumbo jets and small prop planes. You can picture this, right? The misery. The lack of announcements. The anxiety. The cranky children. It was like the 3 hour tour of Gilligan's island.

Finally they wheel the stairs over to our plane, bring on a representative to talk to those people who have requested to get off the plane. She explains to each of the 10 people that we won't have our luggage as the plan will eventually be going back to Manila and we can collect our baggage there. Fine fine fine, just get us off the plane! Still no announcement from the crew and no one on the plane has a clue what is going on except those wanting off the death trap. We head down the metal stairs in the middle of the rain and wind and into the back of a delivery truck and taken to the terminal. From there we grab a taxi to the nearest hotel with a restaurant as our driver has informed us he is still 3 hours away. Seriously, how? HOW? Luckily he had no idea where he was and showed up a mere hour later but wait, the nightmare isn't over. We pile into the car to find that there are NO car seats. He had taken them out to make room for our luggage. You know that ONE duffel bag we had taken to Cebu when he dropped us off a few short days earlier. Yes. Brilliant. In a 8 seater SUV he had made room for that one duffel bag. So the entire way back home I cling to Finnley like I have his life in my hands, because really, I do. Our nine hour journey ended as we made it home at midnight.

Holden made us promise we would never go back to "that place" (Cebu) because really how can the kid separate that beach vacation from that flight. And I say Amen to that kid, I'm never going back either.

Here are some photos of the good points, clearly there were a few! :)

Yep, I am totally that mom who puts her kids in matching swimmers. Matching SPEEDOS, because swim trunks are just so uncool here. :)

Chillin in the raft that someone left behind. Staying dry and bug free!

I see heisman here. You?

A week in the life

2010-06-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

of Holden!

The golden one has had a busy Summer so far. The month of June was school-free but not boring one bit! His school put on many summer camps and we signed Hold up for two of the activities that were offered; basketball and soccer. He begged for basketball and I signed him up for soccer as a few of his friends were doing it so I figured it couldn't be too bad. Last time he was involved in any form of soccer it was a disaster. He hated it and I didn't blame him. So much of the city league was based on winning rather than learning to play the game. T-ball in this city can get that way as well. I hoped that this one, being based on the school's system that there would be a lot of emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun. Luckily it was and he loved it. Three days a week he was at soccer from 8-10 every morning then home for a rest or on a playdate and then off to basketball from 2-5 every afternoon where they had brought in a few players from LA to teach the camp.

As if that wasn't enough, on the off days he was headed to tennis lessons in the mornings followed by a tutor in the afternoon that we hired to come in once a week to keep up his reading and writing over the summer. I was worried about him being "over-booked" but seriously, I never heard the words "I'm bored" once and for us that is a big WIN! He loved all of it, even the tutoring! I was exhausted running him from place to place and keeping up with the schedule of it all, but it was a good type of exhaustion.

In between the fun of the summer he has had a few photo shoots. He is lucky to still be at it having lost his lower two teeth along with the top two well on their way to falling out. He is getting to that stage where he is between childish looking and tween looking. There aren't a ton of jobs for his age group but he still gets a few things here and there especially from the companies who have used him before.

When soccer and basketball are over and we are done travelling, he will start swimming and golf for July. Holden is a good sport and he tries really hard a new things. He has high expectations of himself and gets frustrated when he isn't good at something. He had never played basketball before this camp and he expected to be good at it in an instant and when he wasn't there were tears and frustrations but he kept at it and worked hard. The boy has determination and we are very proud of his tenacity in anything he does. I hope he always keep this high self confidence and love of life.

Back to the Beach

2010-06-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

School was just about out and Nate had a long Memorial Day weekend so headed back to Boracay just a short 50 minute flight out of the city. After a long hiatus from our favorite place, it was a welcome return. The new Shangrila hotel was massive and amazing. We spent every day lounging around the pool and the beach. Holden was in his element and Finnley even took to the sand this time. Warm white beaches and crystal blue waters kept us in a state of relaxation even without the yayas in tow! In between the cat naps in the hammocks and reading on the chaise at the beach, many mango shakes were consumed, Nate and Holden made a go at parasailing and on rainy days or when the beach and pool got to be too much, we sent the boys to the kids club area fully stocked with indoor basketball, airhockey, wii and massive slides and swings.

On our final day there (June 1) we received a text from the airline telling us our flight had been cancelled due to wind and to call for re-booking. After quite some time of the phone they tell us that the earliest we can fly out is June 8th. Seriously. I laughed. They had to be kidding. Surely I would love to stay but really, that was out of the realm of reasonable. We decided to stay an extra night and fly out of a different airport. We left the hotel at 8:30am and pulled into our driveway at 3:00pm. So much for close, next time I will stay the extra 7 days! Holden made it back for his last (half-day) of school. We now have a first grader on our hands!

Right now, Nate is in Dublin for work but coming up is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June, celebrating the 4th of July in Vietnam and Kota Kinabalu, Borneo in August. Truth be told, I'm a little exhausted just thinking about them but I am sure they will result in more tales of humor and adventure for our blog!

This face

2010-06-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Does this face look like it could cause sleepless nights and early mornings and pure chaos? That head of reddish curls, those rosy cheeks and big brown eyes the color of junior mints along with the chubby little arms and legs bring us such joy and wreak havoc in our home! Finro, chubba bubba, Deuce, FinnleyGrinley our little pumpkin climbs out of his crib...FAST. He can also open doors, including the FRONT door. The best part of this (insert sarcasm) is that as he plans his escape route, he doesn't necessarily come and wake us up. Often he just decides to go exploring. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble a 1.5 year old can get into at 5am within a 3 story home? Yeah. We are exhausted.

Holdenisms!

2010-04-20T05:49:00.001-07:00

As he gets older his cute little sayings are becoming fewer. It makes me sad as it is a sure sign he is growing up. Here are a few of the latest gems:

Coming home from school with an envelope decorated with flowers and sunshine and a long string taped to each side: "Look Mom, I made you a purse because I know you can never have too many, and tomorrow I am going to make dad a Man-Bag." He SO gets his parents. My closet is jam full and Nate has been searching for the perfect man-bag for ages. Bless his little fashionable heart!

Walking home from the swimming pool we were all joking about something and he says, "I see that coy smile mom."

After we got back from our vacation to Bali: "This was the best vacation, it SO helped me."

About a local French bakery here: "If you go into this restaurant it will change your life forever because the food is so good!"

About a band on disney: "These guys have mad skills. They really know how to throw a party."

"Holden you are doing so well" says Dad at t-ball. "No, my team is doing well."

My heart swells with this kid. He is so full of love.

Bangkok

2010-04-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

What started out as a quick get-away for Spring Break ended badly. Very very badly. Truth be told, it didn't even start out well! Before we left Manila, we were all feeling a bit under the weather with minor sniffles and colds. On the way to the airport I had a feeling that maybe we should just skip the trip. I had horrible stomach cramps thanks to no food and a few too many "Berry Nices" at a friends house before we left. After checking in, Nate and the kids grabbed some pizza while I lay down on the floor trying to convince myself to get over the pain and get on the plane! Pain subsiding, we paid our $45 to leave the country (WHERE in the world else do they make you pay to leave?) and headed to the gate. Kids are all well and fine until about 30 minutes into the flight when all hell breaks loose.

We were on a local carrier. The planes have enough leg room for children. It's a late night flight and Finnley is overtired and will not or cannot settle down, he just carried on screaming and crying and kicking until his little body wore out. This is where being on a plane filled with Filipinos is a blessing. They are VERY understanding people. Smiles and nods of understanding as opposed to annoying looks and snide comments so common elsewhere. I kid you not, just as Finnley has fallen asleep out of nowhere Holden....golden child....perfect traveller starts screaming that he has a headache. He is in pain and tears and carrying-on ensue for another 30 minutes. Nate and I look at each other in misery, each with a child stretched out across us. Nervous to even more lest we wake the beasts. Oh good only 3 more hours to go!

We get to our hotel just off of Sukhumvit Road and find out upon check-in that they haven't put a baby cot in our room and they don't know where one is. By now, it is past 1am and regardless of how tired we are there is no way we are all sleeping in one bed. An hour later, they bring up a single bed and we crash hard. Sleeping in was not on Finnley's agenda so we were up early for breakfast and then back to bed for a nap. We had several days so we wanted to make this vacation relaxing. "No rush, plenty of time to see everything!" was our mantra. That day we bummed around the city, and went to the suan lum night market and tried the various street food stalls of green curry and pad thai. Finnley was out of sorts not eating much so I knew something was wrong. The next morning we were up and out to the chatuchak weekend dirt market. As Holden said, "you're a mom that likes to shop." It was hot and stuffy and crowded but nothing that we couldn't normally handle. We cut the visit short because Finnley was still not eating. When we got back to the hotel that afternoon and gave Finn a cool bath to cool him down, but I just knew we needed to go to the hospital. Finnley is go go go, so to see him lethargic is an instant clue that something is wrong. His fingers and toes were blue like he wasn't getting enough oxygen and he had rapid breathing.

This trip was full of so many small mercies one of which was a call to the US embassy to find an English speaking hospital where someone actually answered the phone on a Sunday! (Manila has the WORST embassy ever, they only answer between 2-4 pm and even then are the least helpful people I have ever dealt with) the hospital as someone has described it since, was like a 5 star hotel and happened to be across the street. Yet another miracle with all the protesting in Bangkok, it could have taken hours to get there had it been located elsewhere. We headed to the pediatric wing, signed in and didn't have to wait more than 2 minutes to see the doctor. Find out Finnley had lost a kilo (ended up losing 3 kilos before the week was through) and had a temperature of 40 degrees celcius! After a blood test and a chest xray they determined he had bacterial pneumonia. Poor little guy was admitted to the hospital for 3 days. He was much better once they had him hooked up with fluid and antibiotics in him but was absolutely miserable with that iv in his arm and having to be on a nebulizer every 2 hours. The hospital and doctors and nurses were top notch. It was efficient and organized from the beginning to the end, but not quite the vacation we had hoped for! Holden and Nate came to the hospital in the mornings and spent the day with us and headed back to the hotel at night. We literally were released a half a day before our flight back to Manila, just in time to see a few sights around Bangkok, but thanks to the protesting we couldn't get anywhere else in the city. It was like we went just for medical tourism!

The flight back to Manila was uneventful (thank heavens!) and we have NEVER been more happy to be home. Finnley is back to his ever-going 16 month old self and nothing makes us more happy than to see one of those tantrums!

Two things

2010-04-01T04:15:00.001-07:00

Two things have happened in the past week that make me feel we are somehow succeeding in the raising of our boys outside of their native country. They are simple but have quite some depth to me!

The other day while eating dinner Holden said, "Mom, do you like it in the Philippines?" I said, "Of course, what about you?" His answer. "I love it here, I don't think we should ever leave." This means so much because for the first year we were here, Holden really struggled, I mean REALLY struggled. Every time he went to bed or stubbed his toe or didn't get his way he was in tears and wanted to go home to Utah! It hit us really hard, because we adjusted so well and had expectations that he would as well. It almost made us reconsider our decision and was a regular guilt-inducing moment. He has been adjusted for quite some time now, after all it has been 3.5 years but to hear him say that he loves it. Music to my ears. I can't promise him that we will never leave but I know that he is truly happy.

Finnley let us know he is making it ok in the only country he has known as home by insisting on feeding himself. Vigilantly demanding to feed himself is more like it. We had fears that he would become a pampered boy like so many are here with nannies following them around to feed them and sitting in strollers way past the age of 4 but he has proven to be the complete opposite with an independent spirit. Even though the mess is unbearable, he is learning all on his own!

It's hard to gauge parenting, so simple things make all the difference!

Whale Sharks

2010-04-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

What an experience! So many of our friends here had done this trip in years past as well as this year and all had expressed how amazing and awe-struck they were by the sheer size of the sharks so we were prepared and in a way I was fearful of the overtold stories in that it wouldn't be as amazing as everyone had described. It lived up to the tales and more!

We hopped on the early morning flight to Legaspi at 6am and were landing a quick 50 minutes later to the view of Mt Mayon. This volcano is active and had threatened to erupt just a few short months ago. It's a beautiful sight.

After a little negotiating at the airport exit we found ourselves a van for 900php (600 less than most people pay, thanks greenhills for teaching me the power of bargaining and thanks to Carol for insisting on an even better deal!) and we were headed to the resort a mere hour of motion-sickness inducing twists and turns and hills away! After arriving at our resort (the Elysia, the only one with a pool) we were informed that there wouldn't be any electrical power from 9-5. Oh lovely, the tropics without aircon is almost unbearable! Finnley stayed at the resort with Carol (our nanny) fanning him with a plank of cardboard as he napped while Nate, Holden and I set off to find some very large fish!

Just up the street we signed away our rights and claimed ourselves Filipino-American speaking

Tagalog all the while to get the local rate once again! Because there was no electricity on the Island we didn't get a chance to watch the safety video but we found ourselves Henry the boatman who, thinking we could understand Tagalog, told us everything we needed to know...in Tagalog. No worries though, there were pictures to explain everything as well!

Out on the boat we cruised. There was Henry who would swim along with us, the captain of the boat, another boat boy and the spotter. The spotter climbs up high on the boat and scans the water for large shadows moving beneath the water and the tada! Whale Shark.

We startedout later in the day (about 930) when ideally 6am would be the better time to see more sharks but luckily came across one quite quickly. There were tons of other people in the water despite the one boat one whale rule. After a few kicks to the head from someone elses flippers we were awestruck by this 4 meter long beast. It was huge. So big you can't get the entire thing in a viewfinder for a photo. Amazed by this but hoping to see one all by ourselves without the multitude of boats around we set off further out to sea. Not 30 minutes later Henry yells, "lets go, lets go!" and we pile to the side of the boat with our gear on. We pushed off and

were right in the path of a 19 foot whale shark coming straight at us.

Because the water is so full of plankton (the reason the whale sharks are there) it is a little cloudy and you don't see the behemoth of a shark until it's right in front of you. Scary indeed.

We let is pass just a few feet beneath us and the swam super fast for about 15 minutes to keep up with it until it went so deep down we couldn't see it. Henry kept up our pace and I couldn't figure out why we kept swimming after it was gone but all of a sudden right underneath us it's giant head re-emerged and we swam again down it's long body for another 15 minutes or so.

I can't continue to re-use the word amazing, but that is what is was. A once in a lifetime experience to see and be so near this whale shark in it's natural habitat. The rest of our day and the next morning was spent lounging in the pool with Carol and Finnley.

I continue to be humbled by so many things we are able to do and see in Asia. Things I would never have even imagined. I hope that I can capture these memories for our boys. Hoping that Holden, at least, will remember them and realize in the future just how lucky he is that we lived here!

for Heidi

2010-03-18T04:05:00.001-07:00

SOME people have made it clear to me that I have been neglectful of the blog. Truth. I admit it, I have been and I have a renewed commitment to keep up from now on. As for now a little back-up posting is in order.

Last October, we had an amazing trip to Singapore and Bali. From Manila there is no direct flight to Bali, so Singapore started as a means to an end but was slightly thrilling in itself. Always fun to get two birds with one stone!

As always we were in a frenzy to catch our early morning flight. Nate offering to do whatever needs to be done is assigned the grab the baby bottles and fill them with hot water. At the airport as we make it through our 2nd round of security scans (with one more to go) I notice that the diaper bag is soaked and there is no water in the bottles. Come to find out he has forgotten to put the silicone insert in which make the bottles airtight and leak proof. Oh joy, three hours on a plane with a baby and NO bottles and what better, not too much breast milk left either! (The reason I tell this part of the story is to prove how amazing my husband is and what a fool I am.) I am SO angry with him. SO VERY ANGRY and I am mean and he feels bad enough as it is. But we survive surely as we always do and arrive in Singapore unscathed.

Singapore is clean and orderly and HOT and sterile and I love it. The taxi drivers are kind and smart and well-spoken and really act as tourguides for their city. We stayed at a great hotel off Orchard Road, ate fabulous food in Chinatown and spent time at a Hindu ritual in Little India. Took in the city at night while on the Singapore Flyer (the worlds largest observation wheel) which is a giant ferris wheel with enclosed capsules. We saw the iconic Merlion and did some shopping on Orchard Road and had a Singapore Sling at the Longbar at the Raffles Hotel its originating home.

All in, it was what I had planned for the day and a half before our flight to Bali or was it supposed to be our day and a half after our trip to Bali...

We arrived at the airport in Singapore with plenty of time to spare to get our flight to Indonesia. Looking at the boards for where we check in we notice that our flight is not listed. Strange because I am sure they would have emailed or called us if the flight had been changed, right? Nate pulls out the itinerary and (here I need to mention that I do all of our travel planning and booking) low and behold our flight was YESTERDAY. Seriously. I wanted to die. Well first I wanted to throw-up and then die. I went to the customer service desk. Yep, sure enough we had missed the flight and of course we are at fault so there is NOTHING they can do about it. Luckily (I use that term lightly) there is a flight leaving in an hour to Bali and it just happens to have 4 seats and I can buy them right there for a whopping last minute rate. Frantically I am looking online and calling the airline to see if we can get a better deal but no...the sales have already been closed as the flight is happening in 30 minutes. What better, because I had messed up on the flight booking on one end I had messed it up on the other end as well and my flight dates and hotel dates didn't match up and I got to spend the money for all new flights one way and extending the flights back to Singapore on the return flight. Now this whole time my lovely husband whom I have been so angry at just a few short days ago for something as stupid as a bottle is calm and cool and kind and not angry and if he is, he isn't showing me that. He is being nice and loving and soothing and telling me it could happen to anyone. (Hang head in shame here) Note to self: try to be more like Nate.

The whole flight I am just praying that Bali will be so amazing that we won't feel the sting of a twice paid for trip and guess what...it was SO WORTH IT! Rather than stay at a big nice hotel, we booked in a gorgeous resort that had individual villas each with their own pool. We had the bonus of being at a resort with a large pool and the benefits of the spa and room service and restaurant in addition to the feel of being at our own private villa without other tourists. We could have spent all our time lounging around at our pool, but we did a few touristy things as well. Holden enjoyed body surfing at sunset, we did a little shopping around Seminyak and made a trip up to Ubud for some amazing scenery and monkey encounters.

BIG little Deuce

2010-03-18T03:04:00.000-07:00

Finn, our chub-a-bub started out as such a little guy and has really grown into our big boy. He is much bigger than Holden was at this age and continues to surprise us with his sheer size! At the ER the other day(another story for another day) he weighed in at a whopping 33 lbs. He eats vegetables and fruit. No one believes me, but he is our little vegetarian feasting on spinach and squash and carrots and peas.

We had a special day the other day, just the three of us while Holden was at school when we went to the pool. It's been quite some time since Finnley joined us poolside. He wasn't exactly thrilled with the water but boy did he look yummy in his speedo.

He has such a fun personality. Full of mischief and spice. He is so shy at first with people and takes quite some time to warm up which is so unlike him when in the confines of our home with our family. It's not a day in our home if Deuce hasn't had a tantrum by 9am and several more throughout the day. We have to laugh as they are quite cute and brought on by the simplest things like not opening the door quickly enough for him, or closing the fridge or taking the broom away or taking more than 10 seconds to change his diaper. He really is a bright light in our family. He adores his brother, truly madly loves him and thinks he is a big kid too. He understand almost everything we say and lights up when we understand what he is gesturing to or babbling about. He is the spitting image of his father but with the fire of his mama. Finnley, our lives were not complete before you graced us with your presence.

I wish someone would have told me that you will love your children differently. There were times I doubted that I had the capacity to love another child the way I love my Holden but everyone said it was possible and true enough, the love expands. But the love I have for Holden and the love I have for Finnley are so different, one is not better or worse it's just a different. I love Hold as my first, as the boy who made me a mother, as the child who stole my heart and made me realize just how deep love can go. Finnley I love as my baby, the boy who made me confident in my ability to be a mother which is the most amazing thing I have ever been called. He has shown me how big love can be. I can barely remember the days and years before these two boys. Having them is a newness of responsibility, a reminder that I am no longer the most important person and that so few things matter outside of them.

A relaxing beach vacation

2010-03-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

Those were Nate's exact words for what he wanted after his chaotic 2 weeks at work.

This is what he is getting instead:

A weekend swim with the whale sharks in Donsol. The whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea and range from 18 feet to 40 feet long and lucky for us they feed on plankton. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm a little nervous, but more excited. As for Nate, I doubt this will be too relaxing but he did say beach so I got it half right!

Watch out HOLLYWOOD

2010-03-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

"When do I get my own movie?"

are the words that came out of this kids mouth on the way to his photo shoot the other day. WOW. Mr. Ambitious. He shot for this brand a year ago for their store displays and its fun to see how far he has come in a year. Last time the shoot was smiles and fun and this time, they wanted brooding and serious. He complied and when they pulled out the fan and the skate board for action shots, he thought he had hit the big time. They even let him have the board after he asked about a million times for it. Last time he wanted the surf board prop they brought and his leaving comment was, "next time, bring a Ferrari." SERIOUS. Every day I wonder how I can love him more and every day I do.

Tondo

2010-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to photos I took on our trip to Tondo last month. It was a moving place to visit and while it was sad it was also very beautiful.

www.picasaweb.google.com/MelissaMayPhotography

Every Mom's dream and other musings in San Francisco

2010-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

"I am totally going to be a fortune cookie maker when I grow up," is what Holden exclaimed as we were leaving the fortune cookie factory that we found down a tiny alley in the middle of Chinatown. As long as it makes you Happy Hold! I love that in the eyes of child anything and everything is possible. Finding the fortune cookie factory was somewhat paramount for us as 2 years ago in Beijing Holden searched high and low for a fortune cookie, this tradition is clearly an American one so we have come full circle and hopefully someday will have a family business. Maybe Holden could introduce the fortune cookie to the Chinese IN China. :)

Finnley was thrilled in Chinatown he smiled at everyone and was very gregarious and excited as we ate dumplings. Dumplings which for the first time Holden tried. How is it that we have had the best dumplings in their country of origin and yet he waits until Chinatown San Francisco style to decide that yeah, they are alright? As we were parked by the window of the hotel waiting for Nate and Holden to return from a errand Finnley found his yaya! She passed by the window and boy did he holler for her. " YAYA YAYA!" She didn't stop, she didn't hear his cry for help and he was a little crushed as he kept banging at the window with his sippy cup. Ah, someone to rescue me from these people that drag me through the rainy city is what he was thinking I am sure. Heaven help us if we have to leave the Philippines for good.

We bummed around the city today amazed at how much it reminds us of other places all over the world. Enthralled by the things that all tourists are amazed by. Wishing it wasn't raining so that we could play in the park or bike across THE bridge. The jet lag has passed by now (knock on wood) and Finnley slept through the night. Nate has left us today and will again tomorrow for meetings and survive we will as long as we find a toy store soon. "What am I going to do all day today?" I asked him. "I thought you were going to go shopping." he said. "Ok, but what am I going to do tomorrow?" He scoffed "Surely you won't be able to shop two days in a row will you?" Ah, to find a man who knows you so well...bliss

I left my heart in San Francisco and my toothbrush in Manila

2010-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

San Francisco is our first stop on our homes leave this winter and it's cold oh so cold and rainy. The city seems expansive and open and uncrowded even for having over 800,000 residents. The crisp air is nice, but I find myself longing for the warmth of the tropics.

So far this trip to the States has made me feel like a foreigner in my own country.

I think Asian hotels have officially spoiled us. I packed nothing in the form of toiletries forgetting that hotels in the US don't provide toothbrushes and paste, razors and toiletries for children. When we walked into Starbucks (and there is literally one on every corner in SF) we look like we have never seen a coffee shop before. There are different things on the menu and cooler and on the shelves and we just stand there looking a little shocked. I am sure the barrista assumes we have just fallen off the turnip truck and have never been to a "big city," yet Manila is 10 times the size. I keep waiting for someone to open the darn door for me and I asking where the CR is and saying things like "no need" and "for a while." Maybe I can blame this all on the long flight with a 14 month old.

After a rather uneventful flight (always good when travelling with kids) jet lag officially reared it's ugly head lastnight and I am certain everyone on the 25th floor of the Marriott knows it! Finnley had a rough night but the rest of us were so tired we pretty much slept through his all-night-tantrum. He cried "YayaYaya" throughout the night and to be honest I was kind of hoping one of the hotel staff (hopefully Filipino and understanding of the word) would hear him and come running. No such luck. Luckily everyone slept in and we started our day fairly refreshed.

Rainy weather calls for bowls of soup in fresh sourdough bread bowls so we headed for Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39. The cold rain seemed to have kept most of the sealions away but there were enough for the boys to get the point and we had glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Holden is pretty intrigued by the concept of the prison. Hopefully, for the right reasons! Afterwards we headed to Ghiradelli square for a little persuasion of the chocolate kind.

We still have a few more days here to explore and then off we head to the frozen tundra where at least I know there are fireplaces...and grandparents!

Tragedy

2009-09-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Tropical Storm Ondoy or Ketsana (depending on where you are) came through the heart of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. In the span of 12 hours 16.7 inches of rain fell. That is well over an month’s worth of rain. This flash flooding was actually never even a typhoon but because of the monsoon seasonal rains we are already experiencing this time of year, the slow moving nature of this tropical storm caused the worse flooding the Philippines has had in 40 years.

They estimate that close to 200 people have died and almost half a million are displaced due to the flooding and devastation. So many that had so little to begin with have literally lost everything. We feel so grateful that we are safe. Grateful that none of our household staff and their families were in areas that were hit hard. I can't even begin to imagine the work and rebuilding that will have to be done as the flood waters clear. As we went to the grocery store today to buy supplies to donate it was heartwarming to see almost everyone in the store doing the same as they bought cases and cases of needed food and supplies. If anyone is interested in donating to the relief effort, we are involved in many expat organizations that are helping charities in need and can make sure your money gets to where it is needed most. Just contact us. Below are some photos of the devastation. So hard to believe that some of the hardest hit are less than 8 miles from our house.

Whew

2009-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have been a complete slacker on the blog lately...we not even lately, for the past two months! Life seems to have become a snowball effect and time gets away from me trying to keep up with these two busy boys in my life. We have been busy living and loving and traveling, the three things we do best.

Holden turned 6. SIX years old. Where on earth does that time go. Sometimes I call Finnley Holden not because I am mistaken on the name but because I literally still think of Holden as this bubbly bouncy baby with the toothy grin. He has become such a little man and I can already see the teenager in him. It's bittersweet to watch him grow. I pine for the days past when it was just me and him making our way through the days together in Utah but am also so excited for each new phase we grow through with him. Half of his life has been spent here in the Philippines and I am so proud of the little international child he has become. He doesn't miss a beat. He is such a good traveler and so relaxed when it comes to trying new things. He told us the other day he isn't sure if he wants to be a rock star or a genius. Serious lofty goals kiddo! We celebrated his birthday a day early with 25 friends and yes that was narrowing the list down! We filled them full of star wars themed food and sugar like wookie hair (cotton candy) yoda soda (sprite with green food coloring) pizza the hutt and bounty hunter bites(mini corndogs) and of course a star wars r2d2 cake and sent them across to timezone, a kids game arcade, with an hour of free play time.

The following day we scooped him up from school early and told him we had errands to run. We let him open his gift from us (an ipod shuffle already filled with songs) which he instantly started singing along to. Once we pulled up to the airport we told him that this errand was going to take a little long he kept asking what we were doing, and was a little worried we were leaving Manila. We had to help him to figure it out and said "Holden where do you think we would take you on your birthday as a surprise?" First guess Hong Kong Disney. BINGO! We landed in Hong Kong to Holden singing out loud with his ipod "sweet caroline (bum bum bum!) all through customs and immigration.

The trip was magical for Holden. Finnley got an ear infection and the trip was miserable for him. After a couple of days at the Disneyland Hotel we moved into the city for a little more mature vacation and rounded out the long weekend with some good food and some shopping. As it wasn't our first time in Hong Kong, we felt less pressure to see and do everything and that proved convenient considering our lack of Finnley induced sleeping and sickness.

for the grandparents

2009-08-31T17:44:00.001-07:00

While I continue to procrastinate on my blog posts, a few photos for the grandparents!

A side note

2009-08-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

While we were in the States, there was some very small people that we did get to see. A good friend of mine from way back in the beginning of 5th grade has these beautiful children, 4 of them actually. While we were there on vacation enjoying ourselves she was going through a very serious open heart surgery with one of her little ones in Boston. Her two oldest kids who are just younger than Holden were staying with her parents in Blackfoot and were away from their parents for a really long time. I couldn't even begin to imagine the emotional roller coaster they were all on and to this moment it makes me teary-eyed to think of it. I thought the girls may need a little of Nate to be rough and tumble with and so we bought some princess dolls (ah to have little girls) and headed over. The girls were happy to be thrown around as you can see. Julie is such a great mom clearly by the great children she has and happily her little man is doing great!

Indeed, we have not fallen off the face of the earth

2009-08-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

We are very much alive and kicking. After almost a month in America and then jumping right back into the frying pan of Manila there has been little time for blogging. Rest assured there are pictures and stories on their way. Just waiting to get my mind in order. Possibly tomorrow :)

Life...with a 5 year old

2009-06-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

It's busy. Always. And it's rough and tumble and there are lots of giggles and tickling and loving and snuggling. There is reading chapter books and playing video games and watching silly cartoons. There are experiments and scooters and bikes. Swimming, legos, building and destroying. There are things that are hilarious to him that really aren't that funny. But we let him believe they are because that's what parents are for and it helps make that childhood last just a little bit longer. I love it. I love him.

practicing his taekwondo moves.

Star wars, an all time favorite around here and even better now with the jedi robe from Nama!

busy business

2009-06-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Finnley is a growin'. The little sprite won't stop despite how much I beg him to stay baby. Almost seven months old and with two very sharp teeth he is non-stop entertainment.

He is a very happy baby always sing-songing through the day. I call him my little dove because of all the lovely cooing he does. He has been known to say "dada" and "mama" and even "baba" but only in tempting us. He is rare to vocalize these little combinations. He shreiks with excitement whenever Holden shows his beaming face. He absolutely adores his kuya and will watch his every move as he bounds around the house as 5 year-olds do. Whenever he can get a grip of those golden locks he does and this morning he proceeded to pull a handfull out as well.

He is moving and shaking around the house. His crawl started out like a new turtle racing into the ocean. Up on his hands and knees rocking and the propelling himself forward onto his stomach arms and legs flailing about until he got back up on his hands a knees and again propelled his body forward. It was hilarious. Now he has resorted to army crawl with a little knee action. I am sure our time in America (on carpet) will result in a full speed ahead.

Happy Father's Day: I hate to brag, but really my kids have the best dad ever.

2009-06-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

In honour of Father's Day, I thought it was best to share an article by Nate that was published in one of the local expat magazines this month.

"How my life changed after I turned Dad"

I expected life to change when I became a dad, but not to this magnitude. Even more surprising to me is that it continues to evolve and change. Growing up in Utah, family was always a part of my life but it wasn’t until I had my own family that I really came to realize the significance of being a husband and a daddy. I would rather spend time with my family than anything else. And what’s more, I truly mean that.

My wife and I didn’t have long to adjust to the newlywed or couple lifestyle before Holden made his debut. In many ways I think that has helped our marriage. We cannot often say; “Remember life before kids,” because frankly, there wasn’t much. It may make for a harder adjustment down the road when it is just the two of us again, but for now, it works.

I have found a new responsibility thrown my direction. I find myself checking my family’s needs against my own. Before I had kids, I was selfish. If I wanted to buy something, I did. It didn’t matter if it wasn’t practical or I didn’t need it. Now days, my wife is begging me to buy something, anything I want, just for me. Come to think of it, maybe it helps her feel less guilty about her shopping “habit” HA!! Now I am sure most parents feel this way, but I want to give my boys the world. Every. Little. Last. Bit. Of. It. I don’t want them to be spoiled or over-indulged in monetary things but I want them to experience a happy peaceful and memorable childhood. As a co-parent, many times the sacrifices I make come in the form of sleep, as I work American work hours.

Work is work. I don’t save lives, but it can still be long and stressful. Before I was Daddy, I rarely took time off of work. Work WAS my priority. Now, my work is still important but I make a conscious effort to separate it from my family time. Very few things are more gratifying than coming home from a long night/day and seeing the excitement as my kids faces light up. It is like Christmas morning for an adult. I want my kids to know that I WANT to be around them.

So many times I think parents are trying to get to the next stage with their kids. “Oh, it will be so much easier when he can talk.” “Once they are old enough to do it themselves.” Etc. Every day Melissa and I make an effort to live in the moment. I don’t just want to remember Finnley sitting up for the first time, I want to remember the expression he had when he did it and realized it himself. I want to take time to appreciate our “holdenisms” and why they come about. (“Holden, you need to need to rein it in.” “Mom. I didn’t rein it out.”) It is so easy to get caught up in the routine of parenting, the exhaustion, the every day monotony and the schedule of it that I have to make a conscious effort to live in the now. I want to live life with my beautiful wife and my two little buddies by taking part in it, not just getting caught up in the chaos of it.

I love watching Holden strike up a conversation with anyone or leading a restaurant in a rousing round of “Pakitong-kitong”, and think to myself; “this is a kid who is doing pretty well in life,” and being able to take just a little bit of the credit for that. My life before Daddy is just that; history and I don’t know what the future will bring but for now everything is just right.

Taipei, Taiwan

2009-06-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

One whirlwind trip after another found us in fabulous Taiwan. When we first arrived in Manila Taipei was on my list of places to visit but there seemed like such more exciting places it fell by the wayside. It was a must-visit after some very good valued airlines tickets got us there for a long weekend. As is typical in our travels, nothing is ever what we expect and Taiwan was no exception.

Lucky for us we have a good friend here in Manila who lived in Taipei for years and was generous enough to plan our whole itinerary. She also arranged for her former helper's husband who is a driver to take us around for the weekend. I was a little nervous about having the whole weekend planned out hour by hour. Usually when we travel our plans are on a whim. We have a list of things we want to see but we just go with the flow. Typically our children surprise me with their easy-going attitudes and this was no exception. One of these days I will just learn to appreciate and accept that they are travelers to the bone through and through rather than worrying. Each morning we left the hotel around 9 and didn't return until well after dinner time and we were able to experience a lot of Taipei both inside and outside of the city.

The first night we flew in and after getting settled in at our hotel went out to explore. Taipei comes alive in the evenings as there are dozens of night markets. We headed to one of the larger ones, the shilin night market where we did a little shopping and tried all sorts of interesting food.

The next morning after breakfast at our little boutique hotel we were picked up by Truckee (sounds like it's spelled) and headed to an antique market. Clearly my friend understands our penchant for shopping as she arranged for us to see this treasure trove.

We were there early as the merchants were coming in to set up their wares. Many of them brought their treasures in tapestry lined Chinese boxes and laid them gently on cushions. Others had regular stalls and just flung open their doors. Around every corner there was another alley full of row after row of vases and statues, paintings, coins and jade. It's amazing how much communicating you can do with a calculator!

Treasures found include a painting that just makes us feel good, a drawing of two children and their grandparents which reminded both Nate and I of his parents, an oddly shaped vase and a tall lanky statue of a Chinese man. All in, I think that was a successful day but it was our shopping day so before heading to a pottery village outside of town we stopped for a great lunch of dim sum where we were happy to find that Taiwan is family friendly! We even managed to round up a fork for Holden as chopsticks are still a little tough for him, especially with noodles.

With full bellies and happy hearts were headed to Yingge, the hub of Taiwanese pottery making. We were transported back to America as we wandered around "old street" as it was just like a touristy part of any-town USA. Loads of ceramics and pottery to buy and even Holden had a good time finding special treasures along the way. We managed to purchase a few goodies and not break anything, with two children in tow, I consider that a success!

Taking in the incredible scenery that Taiwan has where there are luscious green mountains everywhere we headed back through the tunnels into Taipei and downtown to see the Taipei 101 building. It is still "officially" the tallest building in the world at 1,667 feet tall and the elevator to the top goes a whopping 37 mph. Holden thought it was the coolest thing EVER. I found it a little disturbing to be standing near the window and feel the building sway as people walked. We beat the rush and were able to see the sunset as well as the night lights of the city.

It was a long day and the following morning found us up a little later. Truckee came to fetch us and we headed out in the late morning for a relaxing visit to a spa and hot springs in the Yang Ming Shan National Park. There were so many hot springs to choose from, mandarin orange and iced coffee flavored pools, private hot tubs overlooking the mountains, fountains jutting out of the ground and rain shower beds. Clearly we were as exciting of a view for locals as the actual view was for us.

Afterwards we headed back through the gorgeous but motion-sickness inducing mountains full of switchbacks to have a late lunch at din tai fung, a Taiwanese original which seriously has the best dumplings in the world. All six floors of this restaurant, once on the NYT top 10 list, is filled to capacity all the time with crowds waiting outside to get in. And let me tell you something, I just found out they have one of their chains in LA. If you are in LA, go!

Heading out from dim sum heaven we found our way to Longshan temple. When we arrived I expected something similar to the temples we visited in China or Japan. No, this temple was alive with worshipping and chanting. I was so struck by the sincerity and intensity of it I couldn't even pull my camera out. I am sure no one would have even looked twice but I felt uncomfortable even being there, like I was intruding on their peace and connection. It was very moving as they chanted and went from station to station with offerings and incense. It was probably one of the most spiritual moments I have had in Asia. I felt that these people had such a tie to their beliefs. I wish I had photos to share as I saw so many opportunities but this is the ONE I did take.

Heading out we went a night market called "snake alley" where you can buy snake venom and blood or even a whole snake (for your meal). It wasn't my favorite place but the boys, and by boys I mean Nate and Holden, found it fascinating. They don't allow photos of the snakes so none here as well.

We bid Truckee goodnight as he dropped us at our hotel and went out to explore a little more around our neighborhood. We regularly have our "must-finds" in every country which include a starbucks and a toy store. This trip out also required a tube of aloe vera to soothe the slight burns from a day out in the hot springs, oops! Finn officially got a tooth in Taiwan and decided to try crawling...he doesn't quite have the hang of it yet and for that, I am grateful!

Now we are back in Manila and in the swing of things just counting down the days until our trip back to America. More updates coming soon!

One week home, one week off

2009-06-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's done, we spent a whole week in Manila and now we are heading out again for an extended weekend. Heading to Taipei, Taiwan this weekend. This trip has been a while in the making and we are really looking forward to it.

Holden said this morning, "I'm so excited to go to that other "Tie" country. Is it the same as Thailand or different, there are so many "Ties" mom."

I'll let you know what this "Tie" is like when we return.

Chip and Dale

2009-05-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Said by this child at the Bangkok airport:

"Look, its a squirrel. I mean a chipmunk. Err, whatever it is."

Looking around for a rodent, Nate finally realizes that he is talking about a Buddhist Monk.

Ah, the joys of coming across things that are culturally foreign to a child.

Phuket wrap-up

2009-05-28T18:27:00.001-07:00

Going to Phuket was like wrapping myself up in a big white fluffy robe and hanging out with a good book. Nate compares it to Swiss Family Robinson gone 5 star chic.

Since there is no direct flight from Manila to Phuket we had to spend the night in Bangkok before our flight the following weekend. I haven't traveled much since the H1N1 virus hit but in Bangkok they are pretty serious about it. So when we go through immigration with a 5 year old who is shivering because of the strong air con, has dark circles under his eyes from allergies and has just been woken up from a deep sleep on the plane and is moaning about it you can imagine they were a little suspicious. As we are in line, I can see them eyeing him like a hawk. After touching him and talking to us in Thai (which, clearly, we don't understand) they allow us through. Little do they know, we came from Manila! There is no swine flu in Manila (according to the Philippine Government anyway)

Out to the taxi stand we hope into a pink taxi with a driver nodding yes yes to our hotel address. Not 5 meters from the airport he stops and pulls over to look closely at the address. We know there is trouble when he is looking all over the sheet. He literally turns the car off, gets out and walks back to the airport with no explanation. The four of us, 11:30 at night sitting in the back of the abandoned cab with shocked looks on our faces. Life truly is a comedy. Fifteen minutes later he is back and we are speeding along landing at our hotel safe and sound.

The next morning found us up bright and early and back at the airport heading to Phuket. No problems this time and the airline had muffins and yogurt (perfect, since there was no time for breakfast!) A short hour and half and we were descending into the most beautiful view. Rock formations and islands jutting out all over the sea. A few minutes after arriving at our hotel, Naman, the resident 3.5 year old elephant, made her first appearance. Cute as can be, we spent a good amount of time feeding her bananas and being amazed by her all together. While Finnley slept on the sala, Holden took a little ride around the resort and then we headed to our room. It was 9am and we had a whole day to do nothing....bliss. By hotel room standards, this was by far, as good as it gets. Middle of the jungle, a upwards trek the whole way found our little cabana by the sea. All the things you want in a vacation; deck, big bathtub, huge comfortable bed and enough techie apple appliances to keep Nate busy for days. We could have spent the whole vacation in our room...really.

Our following days were peppered with the pool, ocean and around the town, with a trip the beautiful island of Khai Nok where the fish were plentiful, the sand is white and the water is clear. Holden and Nate snorkeled around the rocks while FinnRo and I hung out beach-side. Venturing out into the water, the fish mistook Finnley's feet for bread and took a few nibbles on his toes.

The last day we were there the skies opened up and it rained and rained and rained some more. It was gorgeous. Even better to hang out for a while in the room reading and sleeping. We have been taking a lot of vacations that are go-go-go so we soaked up the opportunity to have a nice relaxing beach getaway without the stress of trying to see all the sights and fit everything in. Great Thai food, warm weather and family; it was paradise.

Well, hello beautiful

2009-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for Thailand this afternoon.
In need of some R&R, we decided Phuket fit the bill for a long memorial weekend. Enjoy yourselves wherever you are. I am hoping for blue skies, warm water and a baby elephant at the resort. I'll let you know how it goes.
XO
M

Happenings

2009-05-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Nate doesn't travel much but when he does, thank heavens for skype! He was suppose to be home late last night but after a five hour delay in Minnesota while they flew a part in for the airplane from Detroit caused him to miss his connection in Tokyo. Luckily they put him up on a bus to a hotel for 5 hours of sleep and he is now catching a flight to Manila this morning on another airline. Don't feel too bad for him though, first class perks make it so nothing is ever THAT rough!

He is going to be exhausted, so I guess we will matching exhaustion. Even with helpers this single parenting thing is not too easy. I have always known Nate was a big help. Always appreciated his hands-on parenting. Always always always. But after this week, the appreciation is even more solid! Also for our helpers. Truly I would have been insane this week without them. I got just a sample of what it would have been like last night when I sent Jasmine (our yaya) out to pick up some things from the store. I was running between one shower, two bedrooms and one bathtub trying to get both boys bathed (without drowning) dressed and ready for bed. Between the squirmy Finn, Holden calling for a towel, and percy yapping at the doorbell I looked a little frazzled! In the span of the week I hosted a book club, made it to one tennis lesson and one pilates class, arranged a jeepney tour dinner and tickets to a cabaret show, purchased one wig (for said cabaret show) took Holden on two commercial castings, had an American womens general meeting where Finn and I worked the catwalk modeling, shopped and volunteered at one bazaar, made one volcano out of plaster, had a foot spa and manicure, made it to two movies, three dinner dates and school activities, and arranged one Sunday brunch. Could I have done that alone? No. So huge thanks to the nannies!

Holden had "wacky Wednesday" at school last week. If the kids wanted to wear wacky outfits they could bring 50 pesos (about 1 dollar) to school to help out a less fortunate school in the area. Here is what he chose to wear. Wacky? Yes.

Poor little Finn watches us eat and just licks his chops begging for some these days. It's about that time I guess. Here is how he hangs at the table. Poor kid, no food and just has to eat the chair instead.

You be the judge

2009-05-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

To me, Finnley is beginning to have a striking resemblance to his big brother.

***edited: For the record, Holden is the baby in the sink and Finnley the baby on the blanket. Nate just said: "Which sink in our house is Finnley in?" Even the Daddy can't tell them apart.

Look what we found

2009-05-09T02:04:00.000-07:00

A call from a friend saying she saw Holden's new billboard had us out on the town today to track it down. We found a few of them as well as the "Back to School" catalog which is hilarious since Holden is STILL in school. Local schools here are out during April and May, hence the back to school ads. Oh. and don't you just LOVE the fashions. HAHA. It's no Gap ad, but they sure are colorful!

Happy days, kind of

2009-05-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Finnley has some new tricks around these parts. Sitting and teething. One makes him happy, the other miserable. In Holden's words, "MOM! I can't believe Finn is growing a tooth! How many will he grow?"

This picture was taken before the teething started and the sitting up for that matter. Just to remind us that he is happy baby, most of the time!

Swimming

2009-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

It's Summer here in the Philippines. Lately you wouldn't know it though due to all the rain! Every afternoon this past week it has clouded up and poured down. It's disappointing as we are more acclimated to the weather now and this is swimming season for us! Most of our days and especially our weekends are spent relaxing poolside with mango shakes.

Holden has always been a water bug and is getting really good at diving now. At his school last week his class had a swim party and they were allowed in the deep pool where Holden decided to dive to the bottom. Later Nate was informed that it wasn't recommended that the young kids dive to the bottom as it is 15 feet deep and could hurt their ears. Oops, I had no idea when he told me that he went to the bottom that the bottom was quite that far away! But the fact that he could do it is still amazing to me.

Finnley has taken to the water too and is a regular at the swimming pool. Yesterday he even fell asleep rocking away in the water. He loves it when Holden will swim up to the side of the pool and pop out at him. So cute to watch them together even though they are so far apart in age their relationship is very sweet.

Going Green

2009-04-23T03:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day. Finn loves his Mother and his Mother Earth!

Finn is a growing; today at his doctors appointment he weighed in at a whopping 13lbs 13 oz and is 25 inches long. Still on the small side but a big change from the 3 percentile he was in at 3 months old. Thanks to a combination of breast milk and formula he has taken off!

Easter Happenings

2009-04-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

For the last two years I have searched high and low for egg coloring kits here in Manila to no avail. When we were stateside this year we left just on the cusp of the stores changing over their Holiday swag from Valentines to Easter and I was able to buy a few Easter essentials, cadbury cream eggs, peeps and of course, an egg coloring kit. I was clearly more excited than Holden for this but he obliged me and we got together with some friends who hadn't received their egg kit via the US postal system yet for a night of festivities.

Early the next morning when the "Easter Bunny" got up to hide the eggs, he/she found out just why they may not sale egg dye here! The cold eggs mixed with the high humidity made for some serious condensation and re-activated the dye. It was a lovely and by lovely I mean mess. Holden was excited all the same to find his and Finnley's gifts gathered together in one big basket. The big bunny remembered the yearly tradition of shoes and of course threw in a little star wars between the chocolates.

Later that day after breakfast crepes, we headed across the street to the Marriott hotel where we have our gym and pool membership for a proper egg hunt. It was just like a birthday party here in the Philippines complete with characters, face painting and magician. What fun. Things, of course, got out of control when the egg hunt started and parent and yayas "forgot" that they weren't supposed to participate. Argh. Luckily Holden is big enough now to fend for himself so we just sat back and enjoyed until someone ran by him with their kid under arm in a rush for eggs and kicked him in the cheek. It's all out war and chaos at these events here! The golden child survived and was excited with his fair share of plastic eggs. We met some friends for a mexican feast for Easter lunch and relaxed the rest of the day.

The city shuts down for the few days before the holiday and it's sometimes nice to have this forced relaxation. All of the stores and restaurants are closed all over except hotels, so we spent the whole weekend relaxing at the pool. It's a nice change from the cold spring that I remember back in the Western US.

Holdenisms while in Japan and beyond.

2009-04-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

"What are you going to do when you turn six?"

"I don't know, maybe buy a car."

"Lots of girls like me." said very shyly when a bunch of young twenty-something Japanese girls were chatting with him.

"Maybe I need to get one of those doctor's masks." because EVERYONE is Japan has one.

"Well played Nathan May."

And today, while walking around in the heat of Manila.

"Mom, did you bring any water? I'm cooking like I'm in an oven back here!"

They weren't kidding

2009-04-08T04:19:00.001-07:00

When folks told us there wasn't much English in Japan they weren't kidding. NOT. KIDDING. ONE. BIT. Luckily with the yin and yang of Nate and I and the sheer will to survive we kept each other cool calm and collected and were able to navigate rather well across 200 miles of southwestern Japan.

I was beginning to wonder if we were meant to go to Japan. In the beginning we struggled to even book the tickets. Between the airline and the bank not communicating over international credit cards that was a three day process. Followed by the joy of finding hotels that were either sold out or $480 a night. Just to give you an idea, in the five nights we spent in Japan we laid our heads in four different establishments all about the size of my closet. On the day of our departure the computer systems went down and we were in the check-in line for two hours and I stood there thinking, really maybe these are all signs. Our plane left in typical "Manila time" but at least it left and the rest of the trip seemed like smooth sailing in comparison. Knowing we would be shuffling around I packed light which is near impossible for me, and by light I mean clothing for our family of four all fit in this pack:

We landed in Osaka checked in, ate and hit the sack about midnight. The next morning bright and early we were up and ready to explore. The Spring Grand Sumo Tournament was in full swing so we were on the look-out for men the size of small planets. After we saw one they just came out of the woodwork.

We shopped around a bit and enjoyed the "look" of Japan. Each country seems to have its own style and Japan clearly has good style.
We had lunch at a ramen house with no English menu where ordering for Holden (plain noodles with no spice) proved to be a small challenge. This is also the first time I realized just how many strange looks we were getting by even considering bringing two small children into a restaurant. There were lots of businessmen out for lunch and they didn't seem too thrilled. One of the many pros of Manila is that it is very child friendly. No one would even blink an eye if you walked into the nicest joint in town with a brood of children in tow. Upon returning to the hotel to pick up our bags, Finnley launched into his first (of many) tirades on the trip. Screaming bloody murder only begins to describe it as we disrupted the entire lobby of the rather upscale hotel. Taking our cue we were off on the shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima.

The train was amazing. Fast and efficient, just like everything else in Japan, we were swept across the countryside. Past cities and villages through mountains and across valleys we flew. It was amazing to see Japan from the vantage and it was, as everything else we experienced, not what we expected.

Each hotel we checked into got smaller and smaller but each had the same endearing amenities of in-room pajamas, called yukatas, and warmed toilet seats! Just a little tip of Japanese toilets, don't push the buttons, unless you are up for a little adventure. We checked into our hotel and were off on the trolley to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and what is known as the A-bomb dome.

The nuclear bomb detonated almost directly above this building and it amazingly is still standing and a symbol for peace. We happened to get to the memorial right before sunset which made it even more moving in the light. After we wandered around the park for a bit we headed back towards our hotel shopping among the many night markets.

Thanks to kids who no longer sleep in, every day we were up and at it early. Day 3 found us taking a ferry and heading to the small island of Miyajima home of the Itsukushima Shrine and the giant torii gate which floats during high tide.

There were dozens of small deer on the island that were almost too comfortable with the crowds of people.

We spent the day sightseeing doing a little shopping and trying new foods like momiji manju, a maple leaf shaped bun filled with custard. This is also where Holden got his Hachimaki (headband) which he wore the rest of the trip.

The same day we braved the rail again and headed into Kyoto which was Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. Our 3rd hotel which happened to be a traditional Japanese guest house called a ryoken. Ryoken's usually have communal bathrooms and showers and slippers are worn inside instead of shoes. While it would have been great to pass the buck to Nate in all the bathing duties of the boys, lucky for us, we had the one room with it's own private bath and shower. While in Hiroshima I caught a bug, apparently from the one person in Japan NOT wearing a doctor's mask and that night in Kyoto found me sick sick sick! After venturing out for some hot tea at starbucks it was clear I was not heading on to dinner. Nate and Holden tucked Finn and I into the room with the heat turned up to a warm 30 degrees Celsius to fight off the chills and headed out for what they called "guys night" and as Holden said, "It's guys night dad, we can do whatever we want." I am not sure what they did but clearly it was a good time as "guys night" has become a weekly request around these parts.

The next morning we took it slow and easy and headed out to the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds to enjoy the cherry blossoms which were just barely coming out. There were plenty of tripods and cameras set up apparently to catch the very moment it happened!

As we were looking around the ever-curious Holden showing us his ever-present super skills, jumped across a small moat separating the garden from the palace and low and behold off went the alarms. Loud alarms. Saying things in Japanese. Which, of course, we couldn't understand. I am assuming we aren't on a watch list as they did allow us out of the country a few days later.

After exploring the Nijo Castle, it's gorgeous gardens and its floors that squeak when you walk on them to warn of intruders we were off to check into our next hotel.

It is at this point we are on the search for diapers as well. I was packing light remember? We found ourselves into a drug store where, go figure, everything was in Japanese. Explaining the need for ibuprofen was easy, thanks to the ever-handy lonely planet guide and then the clerk read the box and tried to explain how many tablets to take per day. Ah! That would be a good thing to know. I understood 2 tabs and then from there on out it was all Greek to me! We bought what we assumed were diapers. Once we got settled into the hotel we realized rather than diapers it was eight boxes on wipes instead. Oops. I was still feeling sick at this point and so Nate went off on his own to find an ATM and diapers. A little info on ATMs in Japan; there are lots of them...in Japanese. There are few in English. Imagine just pushing a few buttons hoping cash comes out. Nope! There were only 3 in the entire city that were in English. Nate didn't find one of the three but diapers came home with him. In size medium. When I first saw the bag I thought, ah well, better to be too big than too small. UNTIL I OPENED THEM to find pull-ups. Pull-ups that are made for babies 10 kilos and up. On tiny 10 lb Finnley they certainly would not work. Off Nate went again and a few hours and 20 stores later he came back not with smaller diapers but with tape instead. In the many variety of stores he went to, from grocery to convenient, no one carried small diapers. So tape would have to do...that was fun!

The next day I was sicker than before and Holden and Nate went off on their own for more castles and shrines. This was the one hotel we stayed at for two nights and I was so glad that as sick as I was, I could just stay in bed. Holden voiced his disappointment as he was enjoying the adventure of a new "home" each day.

After lunch, the boys returned and Finnley and I ventured out with them to Gion. Gion is the geisha district of Kyoto. The streets are lined with preserved merchant houses that are shops, restaurants and teahouses. We didn't see any maiko, but there were many people in traditional Japanese clothing milling about and it was a beautiful experience all the same.

Shopping was on the mind afterwards and we found a few pieces of traditional Japanese woodblock art and writing to bring home and a traditional outfit for each of the boys. That night we tried to go out for sushi but Finnley made it clear he preferred to be home, so once again we left the older boys to it and little devil and I headed to the hotel room. Ah, once again we were reminded that he is certainly his own strong-willed spirit and NOT the clone of his brother.

Our final morning had us heading to one last castle, with all four of us now fighting the sickness that had spread. We decided, with Holden's help, to go to the Kinkakuji, the Golden pavilion which is covered in gold leaf.

It was over the top, but beautiful and the day was sunny and gorgeous as well. Here we tried cherry blossom ice cream. It tasted exactly how I would imagine cherry blossoms to taste. Strange, I know.

A little more shopping along the way for things to bring home to the staff and we were off on the train once again headed to the airport. Everything went smoothly and on-time and we while we had a great time, we were cold and fighting the sick and had never been more ready to be in warm humid Manila!

Tomorrow

2009-03-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we are headed to Japan. We are shockingly lucky to be hitting sakura (cherry blossom) season. When I booked our flights I failed to consider what this time of year would do to the availability of hotel rooms as well as the price. Hello Yen, you are cruel so cruel to me in my attempt to have budget-friendly travel. Once in a lifetime is what I keep telling myself...and Nate. As of now I have managed to get all but one night booked, how do you say "camping" in Japanese? Wish me luck!

Almost 4 months

2009-03-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

WOW, that flew by. A little update on our tinniest sprite.

We find ourselves continually enamoured by our little guy. He looks so much like Holden, but longer and more slender. He finally outgrew his first outfit the other day! His big eyes are large and striking and we are still trying to figure out what color they are. We have his hair narrowed down to blonde brown or red depending on the day! He is a little chameleon. He rolls over both directions now, but not with purpose yet, more random twists and turns.

He is a little screamer too, there is no slow boil with Finnley, he cries with purpose instantly and once his needs are met he takes some time to calm back down. He graces us with his smiles and giggles and babbles frequently and still loves to be carried close and tight to Mom in any wrap or pack that we have. Charmed most into smiles by his Kuya (Big brother in filipino). Where Holden was a mamas boy, Finnley is proving to be most happy and thrilled with Nate. Certain to be a thumb sucker, he is much happier to munch on his hands these days rather than his pacifier.

Recent Holdenisms

2009-03-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

We asked Holden a few questions the other day and his answers were, as usual, quite funny.

What is something that Mommy and Daddy always say to you?
"Obey"
What does Mommy do for a job?
"Umm, is that a trick question?"
What does Daddy do for a job?
"Make money."
What makes Mommy happy?
"Me and Finnley."
What makes Daddy happy?
"Me and Mommy and Finnley."
How old is Mommy?
"Eight"
How old is Daddy?
"Seventy-one, oh wait, seventy-two."

Another comment in the car the other day.
"It's pretty weird having a mom who begs for a wii."

When chatting about taking money to buy recycled gifts from one of the older classes at school who are raising money for a class pet; "they said please come so they can make lots of money to buy a class pet, like a gecko, snake or a lion or tiger."

Hello Again America

2009-03-09T02:31:00.001-07:00

Almost a month later and I am finally getting around to documenting our trip to America. Every time we go back life is better and this time has been no exception! We come home refreshed and able to handle the little frustrations that plague our existence in Asia. The flight was easy on everyone. Finnley slept and ate the entire way and Holden followed his typical behavior as the perfect traveler. On our way from Manila, we stayed in LA a few days to enjoy the happiest place on earth; Disneyland. We picked up a rental car and miraculously were able to fit everything in it. I have no idea how people travel with more than two kids. Here is Nate, proud of his feat.

We stayed with Nate's uncle the ever-hospitable Greg and his partner Mike for a too-short mini vacation in the middle of the actual vacation. Come to think of it, the whole trip was a series of mini vacations wherein one needs an actual vacation to recover from all the fuss! The craziness was part of the fun though.
Disney was great. This must be the best time of year to go as traffic was light at the park. We rarely had to wait in line more than 10 minutes. Bliss. Finnley enjoyed a few rides while Holden enjoyed them all, twice including an opportunity to attend Jedi training (yep, I think that was his highlight) I think we were only some of the few dressed up in warm sweaters and hats, but 70 degrees without humidity is cold!

The next day we were off to the airport again and straight to Utah where grandparents were eager to see Holden and get their hands on a new baby. We all fared the cold well, considering one day there was 13 inches of snow in the valley and 20 in the mountains. I forgot how exhausting winter could be. The sheer amount of and coats and hats and mittens and scarves and boots and blankets was shocking. Every time we went out I had to consider really how bad I wanted to go to Target. Rest assured though, Target always won out. ;)

The boys with Great Grandma Stromberg

Finn and Nama

A few days here included time friends and Nate's family where Finnley thoroughly bonded with Papa. Every night in Utah found Finn happily snuggled up with Papa asleep by the fireplace. If you know Nate's dad, it's pretty sweet to see him melt with a baby.

The boys and Papa

A trip to the ski hill where Holden and Nate tore it up. It was a beautiful sunny day and while I was a little bummed at first not being able to ski, Finn and I enjoyed the ski lodge with a good book and a few naps. Even after a year, Holden remembered and picked up the innate Utah ability to ski after the first run and I believe they made a record in the amount of runs they took (8 in one hour)

We were off to Idaho for a few days to enjoy some "real relaxing" as Nate calls it, where there are no time constraints or plans to be made to enjoy the attention of more grandparents and family. My mom made sure to help us out with Finn's colic "problem" and Holden completely exhausted his Uncle Caleb who he is quite certain is the coolest kid EVER. Caleb was so patient and great with him and they were so fun to watch. Seriously, nothing beats having an uncle that close in age!

Finn and Great Grandma Shirley

Finn and Grandma Susan

Best Buds with Uncle Caleb

Back to Utah for one more trip to the ski hill where there was a blizzard and 20 inches of fresh powder.

Powder is great unless you are a kid. Holden still enjoyed himself but not nearly as much considering he couldn't go half as fast as the week before. Speed is king to a 5 year old boy. The gorgeous storms that followed the rest of the time we were there made for picturesque beauty and we drank it all in.

Nate headed back to Manila and we headed back to Idaho for a few more days where I was able to catch up with my two dearest high school friends, Julie and Alysia, and our 10 kids. That's right, ten! Although they cheated and each only brought two. All three of us had baby boys in the same year and we had a great afternoon of memory lane.

Back to Utah we went (you can see now why I needed another vacation to recover, right?) to spend a few more days with Nate's mom and pack up all of our treasures before the long haul back to Manila. It was quite a difference in the final week with two kids without Nate. I survived with my sanity intact with the help of both families. I often say if my head wasn't attached to my body it would be left behind and as we pulled into the airport I realized I had left the stroller. THE stroller people. The VERY expensive stroller. Luckily Nate's brother was at home and saved my bacon by rushing it down to me 30 minutes before our flight left. Seriously, it's not as if we could just have it shipped right back over. Honestly, I'm a nut but I survived! SLC to LA was short and sweet. SLC to Guam found Holden asleep 9 hours of the flight. Finn was perfectly content and slept all the way from Guam on into Manila. Easy breezy. Not sure how I got so lucky, lets not question it and instead just pay homage to it so that it will continue!

We landed in Manila at 5am and a few hours later Holden headed to school. He was so excited to be back home and into his routine. It was sports day at school and he was set on attending. Our bodies soaked back in the hot humid weather and now we are spending sunny days at the pool.

Phew, I am exhausted just writing it all so you can imagine just how long it took to recover (yep, about a month)

Prom

2009-03-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the days of high school prom? The anticipation. Going shopping for the perfect dress, getting your hair and nails done, picking out the perfect pair of shoes to match "the dress." Well, rest assured, the same process is alive and well in Manila...for the middle-aged!

Life in the tropics is in full-swing ball season. Most organizations and expat groups here hold grand charity balls every year and Saturday was the Australian/New Zealand event. Last week everyone we knew was a twitter with dress fittings and trips to the salon for nails and hair. The perfect earrings and shoes were being searched for and anticipation was in the air. The only thing missing was the awkward and nervous date with the sweaty palms. These events are always a good time and I don't even have to twist Nate's arm to get him to go. Unlike a lot of men, he is always ready to don a tux and have a good time.

We made a mini vacation out of it and reserved a room at the hotel it was held at so the boys would be near and we could spend the following day at brunch and the pool. The best part about this kind of prom is that there are about 10 a year!

quickly

2009-02-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

In between getting ready for prom tonight (again, I will tell you all about that later), trying to decide on booking this month to Japan or Thailand and dealing with the ever-present household help issues, I took a few moments to realize that Finn is 3 months old today; my how time flies.

He is such a fun little person to have in our lives. He makes us all happy just by being here. Holden asked me today "what should I do if Finnley tries to get away with something?" I told him that Finnley is just a little guy and probably won't be able to get away with much for quite some time. The other night Finn Holden and I were reading books in Holden's room, afterwards I left Finnley with Holden while I washed my face. Holden came in the bathroom and said "Mom, didn't you forget something? A living, breathing real-life baby!" Ah yes, Finnley has made an impact around here and we are loving every moment of his new found curiosity, his giggles and now squeals and his ever-present smile. We can't leave him for a moment as he kicks and rolls with such intensity that he is always "this close" to a tumble to the ground. He is very intense, but quick to smile and beams when any attention comes his way.

So I will leave you with a couple of photos from this morning. Is it just me or is Holden pretty? I think he could pass for a girl. Oh, I am sure that comment will scar him in the future. With that, I am off to the spa. A girls needs her nails done for prom doesn't she?

Where oh where has my little blog gone.

2009-02-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

Have you missed me? It's been over a month. A whirlwind trip to the States experiencing this lovely stuff

and snuggling back into Manila-life have taken me away from you. I am back though. America photos, tales and tirades coming soon but not until after the weekend. We are getting ready for prom you know, more on that soon too!

yet another funny experience

2009-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

As I posted before, giving birth in the Philippines was a shockingly easy and a good experience. I had many reservations about it but in the end it was on par, if not better, than having a baby in the States. Although we did have one of those unbelievable things happen as well.

Let me set the scene for you!

After I was transferred from recovery upstairs to our room which was actually a very big room with a bedroom section and a living section we noticed that the aircon was only working in the living part. As Nate was messing with the controls, one of the very helpful nurses said she would call engineering to come and turn it on for us. In the meantime, Nate headed down to the hospital lobby to meet his mom and Holden coming to see Finnley for the first time.

As I am laying there snuggling our precious new bundle in comes a fellow from the engineering department with a ladder. He proceeds to set it up right next to my bed. I am groggy and pretty drugged up still but I know something strange is going on. "What are you doing?" I asked him, "why is this ladder in here?" We were certainly lost in translation and he just said, "aircon." He then proceeded to climb the ladder, remove the ceiling tile an fiddle around while I lay there covering my baby, hoping he doesn't fall onto us and having vision of asbestos and other lovely thoughts.

Not two seconds later, in walks Nate with his mom and Holden in tow wondering what is going on, I just say "aircon." He grabs the camera and the moment of hilarity is captured for the generations. Of course, the air conditioning was either on or off. There was no temperature gauge so when it got to cold, engineering headed back up with their ladder and when it got too hot and stuffy, up they came again!

Out littlest cupid

2009-01-21T03:51:00.000-08:00

Holden's Valentine's cupid ad for a Philippine department store came out today. The agency sent over a disk with the photos. He's yummy.

Finn and his grin

2009-01-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

A few more holdenisms

2009-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

"Mom, I am going to ask Santa for Dad to break up with you for Christmas."
"Why would you ask for that Holden?"
"So I can marry you silly!"

At school they are discussing differences in cultures, people, etc and how they are the same and how they are different. Brought this mom to tears when I heard what Holden said when asked what it is that makes him special. His answer: "I think it would be how much I love my baby brother."

While getting ready for school this morning I had the news on which was of course all about the inauguration. "Hey, Barack Obama, that's OUR President mom!"

"I am going to keep modeling, so I have lots of money when I grow up, then I will hire someone to wipe my bum for me!"

And the sign of a true budding entrepreneur. The other day while out after brunch he took my camera to take some photos of the water features, ducks, etc. Apparently he had started charging people 1 peso each to take their photo. He came back with P21, so I guess he is well on his way!

Department store catalogue

2009-01-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

A city of 10 million and our little boy all around the city in various ads. Here is the front of a local department store catalogue and one of the inside pages. He thinks he's a movie star, watch out world!

With a straight face

2009-01-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

When asked: "Holden, what part of no don't you understand?"

Holden responded with a complete deadpan manner: "The N part."

I couldn't keep my face straight at that one.

Any time a conversation starts like this, you know you're in for trouble

2009-01-13T01:02:00.000-08:00

"Mom, can you ask Dad to put a nail in my bedroom wall so I can hang my slingshot just like dennis the menace?"

Holden asked Nate to make him a slingshot last week. He drew a picture of it at school and lucky for us our driver, Ed, is pretty darn crafty and offered not only advice on what tree to use but showed up Sunday with a branch cut down to size and sanded along with all the rubber bands and leather parts needed to make it all come together. Holden has been shooting "cokalite" cans down with wet paper balls for the past two days.

Shhh, we haven't told him that rocks and marbles can be used too. I don't think we're ready for that.

HA!

2009-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

They are laughable. Family photos are rarely enjoyable for anyone. Especially family photos of a photographer's family! But...we did them anyway!

Was there stress? Yes. Were there threats? Yes. Were there blinking eyes, fake smiles and sad faces? Yes, yes and yes. Were there tears? No. Did we triumph? Yes. Will you ever see them? Of course, if you send me your address so I can mail you a card!

Finnley (the perfect baby, who never cries) SCREAMED and would not let the pacifier out of his mouth. What was going on with him today I will never know. Holden (the model, who makes a "living" doing this thing) was full of fake smiles and many "I need to take a break" excuses. Nate did his part well. I laughed so I wouldn't cry. Great day all around!

A moment captured where you can't see the Finnley's favorite friend (the pacifier)

And here is the usual look for our little sprite: don't mess with the paci.

The boys. 5 years old and 5 weeks old. My how time flies.

I adore Holden's imagination at this age. He is full of expressions and stories and dreams. Legos and tinker toys have provided him with endless possibilities to his imagination. He makes himself battle ships and jet packs out of them. He builds forts and flies through space. He draws pictures and makes up songs for Finn. He got his very own brush in his stocking from Santa and is so very serious when he combs his hair just right, ever strand in place. He questions EVERYTHING to the point where we are exhausted and really quite speechless in our answers because really, who knows what happens when black goes into a black hole?
When Finnley is upset he pats his head, sings twinkle twinkle little star and says "It's ok Finn, I'm here, your brother is right here."

Finnley is changing literally before our eyes. He is so much more aware every day. He is focusing on faces and voices now and we have started to see real smiles the past couple of days. He coos and chats up a little squak every once in a while. He is very expressive in the faces he makes and we are able to tell very quickly from whichever little groan, grunt or cry that comes out exactly what he wants: to be fed, to be changed, to be held or just a little singing and attention. It makes life pretty easy around these parts!

When you live in the tropics

2008-12-31T01:41:00.000-08:00

your first trip to the swimming pool comes early on in life.

Here are some of the other things Finn has been up to in his first month!

Sleeping with Dad

Finding fingers and toes

Being thoroughly loved by his older brother

Christmas Round-up

2008-12-30T01:27:00.000-08:00

Once again Santa found us in the Philippines. This was the first time in our 3 Christmas' here that we actually stayed in the city. It was nice to be home for the Holidays.
We spent Christmas Eve with great friends (Ben&Marissa and Bob&Kathy) where Holden found the wishbone and devoured the turkey leg.

Thumbs up for the wishbone

Nate and the very edible turkey: Finn

They boys with "Grandpa" Bob and "Aunt" Kathy

Holden with Ben and Marisa

It was a great night followed by Christmas morning when Holden did us the honor of sleeping in past 8am (unheard of these days)

This year we started a new tradition with gifts and it worked our wonderfully. In addition to Santa loot everyone gets gifts that each fall into one of five categories: READ, WEAR, WANT, NEED, EAT. Finnley was the most difficult to buy for as his want need and eat are all the same thing...milk! It was fun to find something that fit into each category that was special. I think it was a success and something we will follow each year.

As their "wear" the little boys both got matching speedos.

Santa made sure Holden was well taken care of with the only thing he asked for: star wars legos. Mom and dad came through with experiment kits to last the year and he had plenty of other gifts from friends and family.

Finnley ended up with various things he won't need for 8 more months but hey, Santa had to bring him something!

As per usual, Nate delivered in perfect style all the things he knows I love; jewelery, bags and clothes. He got a few surprises himself including a pair of cuff links with the boys names and birth years.

All in, it was a great day we were just missing out on a few key grandparents aunts uncles and cousins!

It's Christmas in Manila

2008-12-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the very best this season!

Our family at Christmas Eve festivities.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

2008-12-23T03:11:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things!

Five years between kids leaves the powers that be plenty of time to come up with new baby gadgets and things labeled as "must-haves." I am a sucker for new gadgets that make my life easier/cuter/more convenient/happier.

Babylegs. I laughed (out loud) when I first saw these little leg warmers in bright colors and fun patterns. I thought what a waste of money. Guess what. I LOVE THEM. I love them because I live in Manila where babies go from cold aircon to hot humid and muggy twenty times a day and layering is kind of important. I love them because they are colorful and match nothing and I love them because when I see them on my twig-legged little man they make me smile.

Metrowrap (in bling) pirate booty to be specific. Finnroe is a snuggle-bug. He won't wake, won't cry, won't budge when he is wrapped close to me in his pirate gear. You should see the looks we get. He snuggles in so well that folks here can't tell if I am pregnant, have a tumor or am smuggling a dog or baby around. But hey at least we have some glamour when we are out and about.

Bugaboo. Ah the zen stroller. Manila is NOT stroller friendly. Bumpy sidewalks, stairs with no ramps, elevators that don't always work. It's easier to wrap and carry the deuce around but when we do decide to take the stroller out and about, the bugaboo is the way to do it. Not only that BUT Nate recently did a number on it and they have THE BEST customer service EVER. The warranty is 2 years and they are replacing our defective one when we are stateside early next year. They obviously don't outsource their customer service and you certainly do get what you pay for with bugaboo!

Last but not least (and I am sure there is more to come) Zara Kids. Cute soft and the ONLY thing that will fit littlest guy right now. I just wish they had a bigger selection in Manila.

The May Boys

2008-12-20T04:31:00.000-08:00

Prepare yourself...there are more to come. I mean photos of course, not children. :)

HA!

2008-12-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

Finn needs a passport. For that he needs a photo. Actually he needs two of them. Identical 2x2 sized ones. On a white background. Sitting upright. Without assistance (ie: no arms or hands of mom and dad showing.) With his eyes open.

Are you laughing yet?

We accomplished that today. I consider it a successful day, don't you?

Happy Christmas and Merry Birthday

2008-12-19T03:07:00.000-08:00

It's a chaotic time of year for everyone and I certainly fall into the category of "chicken without a head." So much so that I gave up control over something I never allow anyone to do: gift wrap. It's my niche, I'm good at it and what more, I like it. A lot.

But between the feeding and the diapers and the answering of random 5 year-old inquiries and listening to the components of each tinker toy and lego creation while balancing a nursing child and combing the blonde head of another well lets just say I relinquished control of some last minute gift wrapping.

The other day our dear friends had a birthday party for their 2 year-old. I asked one of our helpers to wrap the gift in anything BUT Christmas paper and this is what I left the house with:

A few days later I asked another one to wrap a Christmas gift for Holden's teacher in Christmas paper and nothing says Merry Christmas like pink yellow and orange, right?

Ah the joys of giving up control.

How appropriate

2008-12-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when Holden was the devil?

Well, yesterday he had a chance to redeem himself in full angel wings. This time he was playing cupid for a Valentine's spread for a local department store.

True model form: on the psp between shoots.

Holden News

2008-12-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy few weeks for Holden. Adjusting to a new member of the family is a challenge. He adores Finnley and is always wanting to love on him but something is different in his life and he isn't quite sure what it is. At least he isn't taking it out on the little one, only mom and dad are made to suffer through the tantrums. It's only been 2 weeks and we are improving by the day so we may survive! He is funnier than ever though.

"Dad, was Dr. Seuss real?"

"Yes."

"Real like a human or real like a plate?"

Thai boxer thanks to Uncle Jeffrey and Ico for the bangin shorts!

He is constantly putting random letters together and asking us what they spell. The other day he actually made a real word, although I'm not sure I like it.

"How about instead of spelling mom M-O-M we spell it D-O-P-E-Y. What does that spell?"

He sings this Tagalog song ALL THE TIME, in rounds and it's cute, the first 10 times. The other day he was testing us (in the car of all places) by singing it over and over and over and when we asked him to stop for a bit his response was pure teenager; "You're just jealous of my song!"

To a lady at the mall while waiting for Santa. "Teacher or whoever you are. I'm a movie star and friends with the elves and my dad has been to the north pole." If we leave him alone for 5 minutes the world knows our life history (remind you of anyone...Aunt Tana, I think you were like this!)

He is really enjoying T-ball now so my plan has worked! The entire league is cute as snot in their little uniforms.

Can I hold Deuce?

2008-12-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

In typical Holden form, everything he decides to do is on his terms. He has been very proud and very excited about little Deuce but hadn't wanted to hold him until the other morning when he finally asked.

And here is what Finnley thought of the whole thing.