Library Expanded and Kids Club Started

30-40 kids come every day for kids club! Praise God for the new expanded library and "multipurpose" room. It is getting use!

Kids love crafts. Emi is so good at teaching Bible stories, songs and crafts.

She's so organized! Here she is with Malachi in the new improved, expanded and painted library!

Walking through the neighborhood with my other friend and her kids.

God is sending more rain! Praise the Lord! Splashing in puddles is lots of fun. I finally let go and let Elijah get muddy. He was in bliss.

Malachi is 7 Months--Camera Mom is In Love

These pictures may look all the same to you, but I can't help it! I just love this little guy. He is a small doll. I have to get every angle; every expression! I'm sure even if just for my mom, she will study every detail. Precious guy! Thanks, Lord, for our boys!

Learning to sit (still with pillows)

Looking older!

So joyful and curious! I can see my baby picture in this one (how about you, mom?).

Little student--loves to touch (no eating books!).

Here's the TWINS! In Cebuano "Tambal" means "medicine", so I thought people kept asking me for medicine, but then I learned that "Kambal" means "twins". It is unreal how many times a DAY I get asked by people if they are twins. Hahaha! I can't stop laughing. (and A.M.)

Tough guys

Elijah loves his brother to bits. Squeeze! I have to keep him from smashing Malachi out of love.

I can't help it, so many cute pics. He's a small doll!

Learning to hold his head up (and eat grass). He was never fond of the tummy position so it is slow going.

Classic--sticking out his tongue. He can curl it in so many ways.

Another expression. Really, people, you should see how many I did NOT include on this post!

With Mama!

Meanwhile....while the moms are gaa-gaa over the baby pictures what are the boys doing? Playing with scissors! (notice the pink pair under Elijah's foot!)

Elijah is so funny and creative. Playful boy.

And here is my life--thank God for strength! Elijah is a monkey--I love his grown-up expression here --cool guy.

Malachi's first time on the bike! Soon I may try both boys on one bike, but we'll see. I have yet to see anyone in this world do that so will it work?

Malachi's so curious about the gears. He tries to lean down to touch them but he needs to sit up straight!

Seminary Graduate!

April 3, 2010. Lining up for processional. Such silly hats, but tradition...wear it proudly.

Coming down the aisle--with escorts. It must be Filipino--one must never walk alone.

Nate and I led worship together.

I like this shot.

Me with my 5 classmates--six of us graduated. One M.Div., three in counseling and one certificate. Mine was M.A. Christian Education.

I'm feeling excited.

Kneeling to receive honors. It is a foretaste of the day when I will kneel before Christ and I hope to be completed with this "race" and hear Him say "well done Good and faithful servant."

Two guys trying to pin me.

Finally receiving the diploma!

It's done. Praise God for this gift!

Sharing my testimony of God's faithfulness....and Deut 8. May I never forget or become proud but remember the Lord my God.

Official.

My "family" and friends! Such support.

I did it! It's over! Thank the Lord!

Me and my man--the real outfit. Thank you, again, Lord.

Cultural Date

We had a fun date together this week on one of the local holidays. There were tons of people but also tons of great photo moments for this photographer to capture for you to see. I love getting into the culture like this with my man--adventures together.

Lots of kids, costumes, music, crowds and more people.

Outside the catholic church--an interesting scene. Candles for sale and statues of Mary...

Nate meeting up with his Band Buddy Boting. His band was supposed to perform, but I had to miss it since it was later.

Kids love posing for my pictures. Hot day...lots of costumes and kids.

Lots of vendors selling things...Lanzones here are one of Nate's favorite fruits. I love the simple cardboard sign to advertise.

A vendor and her child selling Mangosteen and what's that one, I forgot.

The man is so happy to be noticed by the American Photographer. He can't conceal his delight.

The lady selling brooms---she looked like she needed to make some sales, so I bought one (Elijah loves to sweep dust with Mama).

This is a very typical cultural picture. Selling durian, the local fruit and a jeepney passes in the background of this shot.

Ladies' Retreat--Hope Mountain

A day after his six month birthday we went to hope mountain for the ladies' retreat. I was still photo-crazy about my little man!

It was fun to spend special time with just him....though he got spoiled being held through his naps (hard to go back for a week!)

It was also good for us to get out of the city into nature and God's creation. Refreshing!

My little man! So handsome!

I have to say this, but my hair has never looked more thick...wow, this is a moment (you must know my hair is thin and it is falling out constantly--I wonder when I will be bald, so this is a good photo moment).

Hugs!! (You may wonder when the ladies' retreat will get started!)

He loves to stick out his tongue! He has such a cute giggle. Really....there were other people there besides Malachi. See next photo.

My new German friend, Angelika and her baby Ruben Michael, Malachi's new little buddy. He is eight weeks.

Look at this view of the valley with the mountain behind. What a place to reflect and meditate. These are two of my three best friends. I thought we should get a picture of just us without the kids. Sometimes, as many of you mothers out there know, we get lots of pics of our kids and with our kids that you wonder, "did I have any friends in that stage of my life?" Here we have three moms just being the "girls". Fun.

I felt like myself at last--just me, being me. I really loved leading worship for the retreat and sharing the Scriptures God put on my heart. I was so renewed and refreshed just preparing for it, and I know that God blessed others also.

There were about 32 of us from many different nationalities: Korea, Germany, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Northern Ireland, Philippines...

I love singing and leading worship. When I do I feel like Eric Liddell, who when he ran "felt God's pleasure on him." When I lead worship and sing I feel God's pleasure on me. Thanks to my brother, Micah, for the mandolin! It was also good to just be me. One of the older ladies encouraged me and joked about being a mom: "I'm a package deal!" If you get me you get my kids too!

A couple bonus pictures from this week--I just love when he smiles.

"Hi Grandma and Grandpa! I miss you!"