Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Fruit and Vegetable Market

We've seen the signs for the Fruit and Vegetable market, but we we're told they were commercial markets. Then we met someone who had been there, and our life changed! A guy Chris works with goes often and told Chris the ins and outs of shopping there. So we went ... quite an experience! A man with a wheelbarrow wordlessly follows you around, gathering your packages of fruits and vegetables as you shop, then places them in your car as you give him a tip. The first time we probably over-bought - see pictures below! We have learned what is a good buy, what will most likely be over ripe, how to watch that they don't hand you a different product than what they had you taste. They love little children - so it helps to have a few with pony tails and dresses. And often the price lowers as you walk away. At first I was not a fan - we came home with more fruit flies than fruits! Then we started keeping the food in the fridge (what a smart guy my hubby is!) and so far so good - no fruit flies! Now we (or Chris - I'm not a huge fan of the heat right now) go a few times a month and feast of fruit for a few days before it turns. And we have become big fans of juicing!





Sunday, July 28, 2013

Sharjah Museum

Our friends in Sharjah had a break from school, so we drove about a half hour to their home and went to a Children's Museum. The kids had a great time, and we had some good laughs. Hannah and Jerusha, Trevor, Rebecca and Debbie, and Betty went with us. Then we had pizza and some Indian dishes at Hannah's home. Good times, good fellowship, good friends!












 

Macey is in the Double Digits!

Macey turned 10 on February 26, 2013 and she wanted a Mexican Fiesta party. She looked up recipes, party ideas, games, etc on the internet. We found a pinata at a local party store - don't ask what we paid for it! We made fruit slasa and cinnamon chips, salsa and guacamole, kid-sangria punch, and tacos for the lunch. Macey wanted a chocolate chip cookie cake - we added some cinnamon chips to the batter. The girls made Eyes-of-God, played Spanish bingo, and broke open (finally) the pinata. It was fun to share some Mexican traditions with our international friends!

 Aleah swingin' the baton at the pinata!
 Jerusha takes a turn.
 Ronwyn helps Jolee reach the pinata.
 Matthew's turn.
 Megan wants to try.
Katelin tries - will she break it?
Scramble for the candy!








 

Happy Birthday Matthew!

My little mischievous Matthew turned 8 years old on May 18th. Chris was gone to the US on business, but we had a new pool and BBQ grill we needed to try out! We grilled hot dogs and chickens, swam, had a treasure hunt - it was a Pirate-themed party, sorta. The kids had a lot of fun, and the adults had a great visit. Chris missed a great party, but he brought home some awesome Legos for the birthday boy!

Matthew is a fun-loving tease, especially with his little sisters. He is a great student, awesome soccer player, a wonderful helper, and excels at board games. And best of all - he still loves his mama!
 Silly Mr. Matthew




 Melodie and Phil with Julia
 Kids enjoying the hot dogs
 Ronwyn "Grill master" relaxing
Matthew and his loot!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Saige Elizabeth

We are so happy to add another little lady to our family! Saige Elizabeth was born July 2, 2013 in Dubai, UAE at the City Hospital. She weighed 3.56kg and was 51cms long - or 7pounds 13ounces and 20 inches! She is healthy and cute to boot!

We arrived at the hospital at 10 til 7am as we were told to - they were going to break my water. Some wonderful friends came to stay with the kids at home. Apparently, many of the pregnant women in Dubai decided to go into labor that morning, so I had to wait for a room - until 4pm! We finally got the show on the road around 5pm, got an epidural right away ("There won't be time later." Really?) Started a little Pitocin drip. Took a nap. Chris played games on his iPad until it died. Finished a book. Then Saige was born at 11:26pm having gone from 3 cm to birth in less than 1 hour. So I suppose they were right - no time for an epidural! Glad I got it early! Glad the doctor stayed in his office across the street instead of going home for dinner! Saige breastfed well, and we took her home the next day.

Miss Saige was born into an International world - American parents, Greek doctor with a British accent, Scottish midwife (I said "what?" to her English a lot!), Canadian office nurse, Philippina helpers.

Saige is a wonderful baby - everyone loves her and gives her LOTS of attention. Newborns are the best thing in the world!!!

Thanks Betty for the pictures!
 Jill

 Matthew
 Katelin
 Timothy

 My littles

 Julia
 Macey made Saige a hat


 Macey