Denton News

Monday in Cambodia Continued...

2012-02-11T06:20:00.002+03:00

More Monday fun in Cambodia (sorry for the delay in post)... our days were filled with so many blessings, so many smiling faces, and so many stories that it is so hard to show you one whole day in just one post... so here is more Monday. We made it to the school and we were ready to start the day of VBS with the kids... here is a picture of the school (blue building and the small pink building on the right is the toilet) and the logs in front were there to help build houses in the village (which you will see later).

The kids were so happy to be there having fun... the next couple of pics were taken during game time. They had to take a small pebble and skip it onto a newspaper and each time they landed on the newspaper the paper would be folded in half.

Then red light green light... who does not like to run and have fun.

After games... the rain came... and man did it come... we were stuck but you better believe we still had fun.

I just love how handy these people were... true people of the land... the office has been known to flood during these rains and this is where our stuff was stored and two of the teachers live in here on the floor at night so they wanted to keep it dry... so they grabbed dirt and made a barrier... love it...

Here is the man of the hour (of the year)... Pastor Abraham... he is the person that god used to start it all... he has a fantastic story of his journey following Christ and really loves his home country. To honor him and protect his name I will not be able to write the details here but this is definitely a man we need to be thankful for and praying for... this is his daughter on his lap.

After a wonderful day of VBS... we ladies had to go eat and shop of course... here is a great place to buy silk which many of us did... so fun...

This family was right out side the store sleeping... I was really touched by this picture that I started asking locals around what this was all about... they said that this mom and son always sleep here on the street (they are homeless) but the mom gets drunk during they day and passes out as soon as it gets dark... however no matter how "gone" she is she always locks her sons feet in her thighs so she would wake up if he was to get up. Her pillow was a trash bag and seemed to have a blankie... the noise on this street was so loud and we literally were in a shop just 3 feet away. I stopped to pray for this family and spent a lot of time praying for others just like this... I usually would not have taken a picture but wanted to so I could remember this moment and just how thankful I am for my families current situation and to never stop praying for others in situations like this. I prayed for this boy especially that he would grow up and choose a different path for his life and that he would be a hard smart worker and one that came to know his creator and that he may one day use his experience as a boy to help and love on others.

I can't wait to show you more.

Monday in Cambodia...

2012-01-18T08:44:00.002+03:00

Welcome to our first full day in Cambodia... Monday... the elevator rug in our hotel never failed to greet us every morning with a reminder of what day it was...

Here is our team... oh what wonderful women... here we are ready at the school for the first day... the children will soon arrive but before we do that lets take a group picture (before we are exhausted)... here we are in the shape of a "J" for Jesus... a song that we taught them...

We were ready for the days ahead for 150+ children, 4 days of VBS, 2 sessions/2 groups of children each day, the young ones in the morning and the older in the afternoon. VBS consisted of songs of praise first thing, then a lesson through puppets, games, activities and more songs... then at night two ladies did the ESL for the teachers and then around 7pm we called it a night... so here we go...

When we first got to the school (the outdoor pavilion) we set up some of our props and this week we were focusing the children "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS"... it was reported to us that before we came that we needed to instill in the children right and wrong and that even God gives us "rules" to live by... so what better than to start with the Ten Commandments... Before school we saw this little kid sitting down really analyzing the picture... so precious... this is going to be a good week.

Then the kids started coming and I am not sure who was more excited... us or them... I had to grab my camera to remember these little faces... some so curious and others just happy..

One of my favorite pics... here is one of the school teachers bringing his family members to school...

The next three photos are my favorites... it really captured there sweet eyes (like you can see just how gentle their hearts are)... and sweet sweet faces...

It was not long until the kids started warming up to us... we could not talk to each other but everyone understands a little horse play... this boy was so much fun and wanted to play constantly...

Rock Paper Scissors anyone... this truly is an international game...

There were times where I was just amazed at how much fun these kids would have while I know some were in so much pain (those teeth have to hurt right?)...

Any everyday occurrence... walking to school...

Here is the pavilion that we lived in... the school building was off in the distance with desk and teachers... and we stayed here under this thatch roof waiting for our turn to love on the kids... this is where dancing, singing, lessons, plays, and games took place...and lots of laughter and even some tears...

A beautiful view from the porch...

Adele in white was our IBC lead... and the lady in Black was one of the teachers... she was learning English and loved to talk to us.

Here is one of the activities... coloring pages... the teachers would sit the children in circles and talk with them (translate what we were saying).

A great first day... I can already tell I am growing to love Cambodia and the children of Andong...

Cambodia... Day One!

2012-01-07T05:57:00.000+03:00

Have you ever done anything in life where you intended to be a blessing and you were the one blessed... well if not sign up for the next mission trip that comes your way...Living in Singapore has opened up so many doors to serve internationally and this was only the second time where God was telling me GO... GO... so I went... Join me for the next couple of blog post where I show you just a few pics of our Phnom Phen, Cambodia Mission team and our 4 day trip that changed our lives.

I love God, love to serve, love kids and love the mission leader who asked me to go... so it was an easy yes... but I really had no idea what I was getting into. I knew we were going to work with a village school that funded by Vision Trust (very similar to Compassion) and do a mini VBS during the day for the children (that knew little to no English) and then ESL for the teachers at night. This was not the first time a team from IBC went to this school and everyone that I spoke with said how wonderful the trip was and that I would come back a changed person but I had no idea... I should know better to never limit our God... He is mighty, powerful and He brought each of us (on the team) to our knees in different ways in Awe of Him... I will forever remember just how God met each and everyone of us individually and just made our FAITH that much stronger. My prayer is that the children and teachers of Andong Village came face to face with God and encountered the love that He has for each and everyone of them... I just love how He knows each of us individually and meets us exactly where we are.

So welcome to Sunday night... the night we arrived... we went straight to the hotel and we were met at the elevator with a carpet that reminded us the day of the week.. another reminder each day to dedicate this entire day to HIM and HIS works in the country so I of course had to take a picture of the carpet (yes every day)...

Just some of our team at the airport... we were meeting two others there... some incredible women...

Our Team... a Group of ladies that will forever be dear to my heart and be a part of memories for a lifetime.

I had no idea that our first night at dinner (our kick off rally) would be a great French restaurant... in Cambodia... who would have thought... it was yummy and got us well feed for the week.

Then there just happen to be a shop next door... we of course had to do a little shopping before the work began... I just love this picture of the bag that I got with my purchase... made out of pages in a book... with a cord at the top... amazing...

Come back to see Monday... the day it all began... see you then...

Army Museum... one of our fav's...

2011-12-29T05:48:00.000+03:00

I was going through all of our post and for some reason I can't find this one... and I can't believe I have not blogged about it yet (sorry if I did... enjoy it for the second time). Another favorite place in Singapore is the Army Museum... and we have been several times... a great time to celebrate all that Singapore has accomplished and reflect back on the past...

This first picture was taken inside the overturn bus that represents the year of the riots in Singapore...

An example of the living quarters for the soldiers... we showed Pierce how nice and neat their cabinet and bed were... :-)

This is not Pierce's favorite room (however it is mine)... we have only been able to watch this show once it is 4-D and has some loud noises...

Here Pierce is admiring all the tanks below...

Let the propaganda begin...

Pierce loves to look at these painted tiles... and then he wants to rush home and paint some just like them...

For some reason I think you have seen these before... but not sure... so here they are (again)... Pierce edited these pics himself... he wanted them to look old and army like.

One of his favorite times... the apaches... oh my...

Another great day playing army and being a boy...

I would love to have more time for crafts...

2011-12-29T05:41:00.000+03:00

My sister-n-law Elysse is so good at crafts and being crafty that I often want to be like her... so here is one of my attempts... I do not have a lot of holiday decorations so I have resorted to making them myself... I just never know how they will turn out... I saw this on Pinterest awhile back and gave it a try... making my own crafty garland... I went to a local seamstress and got some of her left over scraps and then to the $2 store and got some ribbon... and this is what happened...

Take a piece of rope and tie small scraps of material to it...

This is what it makes... it was cute and then for Thanksgiving I took off the SPOOKY and added THANKS... now on to the next craft... in about 6 months...

50th day of school...

2011-12-28T05:39:00.000+03:00

The 50th day of school was a great day... bc we got to have a flashback to the 50's... I think the teachers and parents enjoyed it more than anything... and the music was so good...

Here is Pierce all dressed up for 50's day.

This next picture is really funny... this was put together by some of us parents for the party... look real close maybe we should go back to school.

Here comes Pierce to the party... seeing everyone and everything for the first time... Mr. Cool.

JK all lined up to get their ice cream floats...

Is it yummy?

Junior Kindergarten rocks...

Then after the ice cream... they cranked up the music and the dancing begun...

A great day at school for sure... can't wait until the 100th day...

Fort Siloso

2011-12-28T05:34:00.000+03:00

We found a new treasure in Singapore... Fort Siloso at Sentosa Island... oh boy so much fun. I am playing major catch up here seeing this was back in November or I would write all kinds of stuff about this place... but to save time I will say... YOU MUST GO... so cool...
This little bus drops you off at the entrance after buying your ticket.. all of these buildings and canons are the original pieces (with a little paint and maintenance) from WWII.

Throughout the buildings there were wax figures showing you what it would have looked like back in the day... here a soldier is carrying the ammo from the storage facility.

This picture was taken from one of the lookout tours that was looking for Japanese ships (that is when the British were in charge).

I forget what they called this room... but something like the surrender room... this is when the British Army surrendered to the Japanese... the original picture is on the plaque... it was a bit eerie in this room.

Pierce was so into all the details... he even would sit down and watch the movies... some we would have to leave quickly they were a bit to gory.

Here is another view of when the British Army were in the same room with the Japanese and papers were being signed for the Japanese to take over.

Back outside to see the canons... the first picture were the British Army's canons and the second ones were the Japanese... the Japanese ones looked a little more sophisticated (to our uneducated eyes).

We of course had to take a picture of the British Flag.

These canons were from Cambodia.

Sleeping bunkers... some had to sleep in hammocks.

In one of the look out towers there was this boat reference sheet... Warship Identification Chart... Pierce wanted one of these....

A fun day for sure... since this day Pierce has gone back again with daddy... a favorite for sure...

Proud Grandparents

2011-12-26T05:25:00.000+03:00

Through the miles we feel the love... what a blessing...

This is Grandpa Denton's computer screen at work... full of Pierce's colorings...
Here is Great Grandpa Ben's Wall of Fame pics in his home...

If you have someone that you love that lives far away show them today just how you feel... We love you back!

A flash back to Halloween Night...

2011-12-26T05:23:00.000+03:00

The Reeves had a Halloween Party in the Woodlands which happens to be the best trick or treating in Singapore... it was a great night with friends...

The kids kept coming... just when we got them all to sit down and take a pic... more showed up... so cute...

After eating and watching the Charlie Brown Pumpkin we went out to trick or treat... and Pierce was thrilled when he bumped into other ARMY MEN (aka. boys)...

Some houses were a little scary.. with people jumping out from the fences... yikes...

A family picture... Pierce gave me these glow in the dark earrings... I had to wear them.

Thanks to JuJu and Aunty Elly we had the best trick or treating bag ever... I sewed on the patches to represent Pierce's favorite war... WWII

Pierce ran around with the big boys... it was so sweet...

This picture is a little blurry but gives you an idea of what a beautiful night it was...

I think he got a little scared on the next picture... he ran away from the house as fast as possible..

Mr. Dittman, the man of the year... he was watching his older children trick or treat, had the small one on his chest, talking on a work conference call and wearing a smile...

Look at these little army men... so proud..

Pierce hung out with them for a little while...

Back at the Reeves... look at all those shoes... we had to count our candy.

Pierce and his neighbor friend (who he says he is going to marry) Mia...

Pierce and bud Brady (who did not want to dress up... he was not into it)...

A great night for sure...

Friends for Life...

2011-12-26T05:17:00.000+03:00

More time with Pierce's best friend Alex... we just love watching these kids play together... they are best buds... Alex came over for a sleepover and we pulled out his PJ's and guess what Pierce had matching ones...

Best Buds forever...

WEM Christmas Luncheon

2011-12-19T05:13:00.000+03:00

This month as we visit Texas I will be playing catch up on the blog and then be a month late on our Texas trip... but you know it all has to make it way to the blog... so here is a little flash back to the IBC WEM Christmas Luncheon (at least we are in the correct month).

The place was decorated to the tee...and was spectacular... and breathtaking... come and join me as we take a little look at the day... Good Tidings was the theme... very fitting for this year....

You could see all the decor on the tables above and at the last minute we had to come up with an extra table and we did not have enough table toppers so I was instructed to come up with something with the left overs... this is what happened... not to bad seeing all we had was cut orchids, a bunch of silver balls and swirly things... we tucked this one way back in the corner...

I was also in charge of taking the pics for the day... and I of course had to jump into a couple of them... with friends...

These are all the girls from Waterfall Gardens... our condo...

I love these ladies... they work at IBC and make sure we are always taken care of... and they always steal the show with their attire...

Check out all the women... we had lots of talking to do before the doors were opened...

And of course GIGI led us in some Christmas songs...

Time to eat... yummy...

These two were busted at the dessert table awfully early... look all the dessert has not been touched but they are ready... busted friends...

These two ladies... I just had to say goodbye to last week... one headed back to Netherlands and the other Aussieville... I will miss them so...

Our speaker that flew from Australia... she was wonderful and led her lesson on Forgiveness and power of freedom in that... something that she said that stuck with me was the meaning of Forgiveness; it is when you remember with no pain... she was very powerful and touching and has a great testimony... God is really using her all over the world with her great story and devotion for God.

I just love this picture... a good taste of culture and race set aside and becoming on in Christ...

Here is my table of ladies... great sisters... and each of them have something very special about them and are dear to me...

More dear friends... where to even begin....

The WEM (women's ministry) leaders wanted me to take a group shot of them on stage... this is what we came up with... HE HE HE...

A great morning/lunch with friends... and probably my last Christmas Luncheon with these ladies... what great memories...

We'll be home for Christmas!

2011-12-18T17:04:00.000+03:00

I am dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find you
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

If only in my dreams

******************************

We leave in 4 hours.... can't wait to see you good ol' Texas...

Last moments with ViVI and GD...

2011-12-09T03:54:00.000+03:00

WE have had a lot of great moments making memories with ViVi and Grandad and we were all so sad that they were coming to an end... but as I write this we will be in Texas in a couple of days so we are excited again...

Pierce got all the cuddle time he could with grandad... this little boy likes to be close to those that he loves...

ViVi was suppose to take pics our place for Great Mama... but we just never got around to it... so here are a couple that we took on our last day.. meet our entry way... and yes that is our elevator that opens into our home...

Once you get off the elevator this is what you see... our entry way.. and shoe closet...

Welcome to our basement/car park and our car...

Of course one of our last stops was shopping... Pierce had earned enough stickers to go and get a reward... guess what he picked out.... a jet...

This Christmas tree is outside ION on Orchard (main shopping street) and this year you get to climb to the top... so here we go..

Then off to Taekwondo... oh boy...

Check out this video of a just a little part of what they do in class... all these pics and video were taken through a privacy glass so they are not so great but I just love their voices...

Once we were back at home we got comfy and cozy... and had some great laughs... ViVi and Grandad got Pierce all wound up before bed time but we wouldn't have it any other way...

Time for bed.. he does not look very tired does he???

Thank you ViVi and Grandad for coming to Singapore to see us again... we just love having you near and making memories on this side of the world.

Last moments in Bali...

2011-12-09T03:27:00.000+03:00

After four days in Bali... we had to say goodbye and return to Singapore... I love Bali but I think we were all happy to return to Singapore to see a doctor about Pierce's face and just get back in our own beds... and have our own toys (that was for Pierce).

But some of our last moments were so much fun... like when Pierce went to the kids club and made cookies... he spelt his name out of cookies and then we got to eat them... so yummy.

We also had lots of fun in the sand (which later we noticed we got attacked by the sand flies)...

Our last night we got to see the chuk chuk dancers... always a special treat.

The last morning in Bali the guys went for a flying fish (I think that is what it was called) ride while the girls watched (and Pierce was playing in the kids club)... here they are?

We did have a great time (considering the boo boo)

Back in the airport and ready to go to Singapore...ViVi and Grandad got a lot of sun on the trip just what they wanted... mission accomplished...

For only 4 days we sure do need a lot still :-).. I think that will always be the case. Welcome back to Singapore... home sweet home...

A bike tour around Nusa Dua...

2011-12-09T03:24:00.000+03:00

On Saturday morning ViVi and Grandad wanted to go on a bike tour to see more of Nusa Dua... someone needed to stay with Pierce so my sweet hubby volunteered... and I got to go on the bike ride too... it was really neat and a great way to see some of the city...

And if you know ViVi... we of course had to stop and do some shopping... mom was negotiating and I was scratching mossie bites...

Some great scenery along the way... we stopped at the harbor...

The guy in white was our tour guide and he had been doing this (and even made up the tour) for 8 years... he was super nice and a great leader... he even carried around my moms purchase the entire time... so sweet.

We got to see lots of temples... but were not allowed to go in without the correct attire...

here is just one of the trails that we were one... we would have never discovered these paths without our tour guide... we even at one point had to cross a river that was dried up bc of the time of day (low tide) but he said in a couple of hours we could not cross over... so fun...now that is traveling local style...

One of the stops was a turtle farm... where they raise sea turtles and then place them back into the ocean...

They also had other animals to touch and feel... yuck...

They had this snakes mouth taped shut... I was not very confident in the scotch tape remedy but we made it out of there safe and sound.

Here are some shots while I was riding the bike... so they are not great but you get the idea... tour guide in front, ViVi next, then me and then Grandad

We were not really excited about how close the cars were next to us...

Our path back to the hotel... home sweet home...

A great tour, morning and exercise... lets do it again.

The Hotel and Beach... Hilton, Bali

2011-12-09T03:19:00.000+03:00

On a lighter note (than our last blog)... take a look at this breath-taking Hilton hotel... and thanks to ViVi and Grandad our stay was free... thank you ViVi and Grandad for a great Thanksgiving get-away...

There was this amazing wedding chapel located on the campus... and we even got to see a wedding in it... breath-taking...

Bali is not really known for the beaches and other than fisherman no one was ever really in the water... the tide was really amazing... we would have water on the beach until about 1pm but after that... all you saw was seaweed and moss...

Another great place to stay... the Hilton always does a great job with customer service.. and making you feel like you are the only one there...

A day we will never forget... Day 2 of Bali.

2011-12-09T03:16:00.000+03:00

Our first night in Bali we had a great night a the pool and the headed back to the room for a moment we would never forget... Pierce had an accident and hit the night stand. Ironically enough he was not bouncing on the bed at the time of the incident he was reaching for a book to read right before bed time... There is a big long story as you can imagine but we immediately knew that he needed stitches but when the nurse showed up from the hotel I was not mentally, emotionally, physically ready to get it done right then... we decided to put a butterfly on it and sleep on it (I know not very smart... but please remember we are in a foreign country and this is his first set of stitches)... so when he woke up in the morning he was high spirits but this is what his face looked like... to much blood and we knew we needed to go the clinic.

We had breakfast and then were in the doctor's office... and the doctor agreed... we needed stitches and gave me the look (of why did you wait so long and this long story about infection)... now let me describe this room.. it was a clinic in the hotel in the basement, it was hot (no aircon), incense were burning and the nurse was just lying on the same bed that Pierce is on bc she has morning sickness so she is making noises like she is going to "barf" in the corner the entire time. Pierce was super brave but a little nervous and I am sure his face hurt... we took of the bandage and that was not easy... but that was just the beginning.

Grandad was taking pics the entire time he got the whole thing on camera... including video but definitely something I will not be able to watch for about a decade...

This picture you can tell Blake is close to us, I am fanning Pierce, and the doctor is giving his shots to numb the area... there is something to be said about adrenaline after an accident.. I think it is a gift from God that helps us through the pain and initial treatment... but when you decide to sleep it off the adrenaline is gone... and we were in full effect...

There is a lot of cleaning going on bc the doctor did not want (and we either) infection)... I can not believe how brave Pierce was... he never stopped eye contact with me... there was an occasional gut wrenching scream but no movement really... we had to hold his hands but that was about it... I still thank God for holding Pierce's head still... I am amazed he never winched...

Now we got it all clean... and ready for the stitches... Dad is still near by... Vivi is in the corner trying to hold it together and Grandad is telling Pierce all about his stitches...

Now daddy has made it to the door but fanning us... we are all hot... Pierce is not happy with the stitches and I am signing "5 little monkeys jumping on the bed" and in between the pain Pierce is signing with me... sweet little boy...

Now ViVi has duty fanning us... not sure what happened to Daddy I think he needed a breather... we had moments of pale face, light headedness and anxiety (except Grandad I think... this was not his first rodeo:-)).

Ok we are all done... 3 stitches later (oh so close to the eye) and one little brave boy that is tired of crying... this is about the time when I asked him to tell me if he was ok... bc he was not moving, blinking or anything... and Pierce just looks at the ceiling and then I rub his chest get in his face and say his name really loudly... even the doctor was ready to work his magic... I think we all stop breathing... and then Pierce looked at me and said "what".. I told him he was not allowed not to talk... and that when we ask him a question he has to answer us... it was traumatic for all of us... oh are we glad that is over...

Now the doctor is applying some dressing... not sure if you can see all the instruments just lying around... but you better believe I was praying for a sterile environment and that God take away all the germs...

All done... and we are all ready for a nap... not a great 2 day of vacation... yuck... I think Pierce was looking at the doctor at this moment bc he was telling us "no swimming, no water, no sweat, no bug spray"... wow how were we going to do that with 3 more days of vacation... ?

We were going to stay in the hotel room... and we did do a lot of that... here Pierce and I are chilling in the room (it looks like I am topless but I am not that is just Pierce's pillow on me and of course he had to have his pillow, blanket and scout right afterwards... his comfort... and I think this was his 5th milk shake... we let him have whatever he wanted...

Wow what a memory... everyone was so helpful... ViVi, Grandad and Daddy thank you thank you... and thank God we were in a hotel that had a clinic and for taking care of us...

Oh and you might be wondering... the stitches are out and we are healing nicely... it took 10 days until we could take a shower or get it wet but we are so happy to be clean now... and healed.. with no infection... Praise God!

Also this day was thanksgiving... we have a lot to be thankful for...

Happy Thanksgiving in Bali... Day 1

2011-12-09T03:04:00.000+03:00

Off to spend the weekend in Bali with ViVi and Grandad (I know a little late on posting but please forgive me)... You can tell that we were very excited to go on plane and get a vacation (even with daddy)... but Bali did not end up treating us well... you will have to come back tomorrow to see just what happened...

Once we got to the hotel we were starving so we got the swimming suits on and got some food to eat... this was Pierce's one and many milk shakes....

Beautiful scenery...

We brought a few games to play outside so we could enjoy the weather and family... Go Fish anyone?

After dinner we all headed to the pool for a night swim. The water was even warm it was wonderful... we soon got out of the pool and started to dance (for some reason)... here is a video of Pierce dancing to the Indonesia music... so cute but really dark... keep watching the video you can see his shadow later on in the video it is hilarious... this boy has got some moves...

ICS Thanksgiving celebration...

2011-12-09T03:02:00.000+03:00

Pierce's school ICS had a Thanksgiving celebration and we were all invited...

We first started the party with some playing on the playground and Pierce got pushed on the swing by Grandad... check out this smile.

Then all the kids lined up and it was time to party...

I tried to stay back with all the parents but Pierce wanted me to walk right beside him... I of course said yes and enjoyed every step and will do so until he has me stopping a block away from school to drop him off (when its not cool to like mom).

Once in the classroom... the kids were read a story by another mom...

And now craft time... they made cute little bookmarks...

More story time...

Check out how Pierce sits... wow that looks uncomfortable... also check out the picture above it is like he is hovering...

Then the kids had a surprise for us... and sang us a song... check out the video below...

Pierce and his friend Lydia (the only girl in the class).

Make sure you turn up your volume... this is so cute and you can hear Pierce sing at the top of his lungs... so cute...

Lined up and ready to go... and I was ditched for Grandad.

I love this picture... it was taking during prayer time right before lunch...

Lined up ready to go the toilet (are you liking the play by play :-))

Lunch time... the kids had turkey and dressing (and Pierce was not a big fan)...

Happy Thanksgiving (a little late I know)...

Invitation to an Islamic Wedding!

2011-12-08T15:51:00.000+03:00

One of Blake's co-workers invited us to his wedding... the grandparents watched Pierce and daddy and I finally got a date with just the two of us... it was a great day...
Their are a lot of Islamic Wedding traditions that were new to us... this being the first of many.. the groom was marched in with drummers and the best man while the bride was waiting in a room for the ceremony.

Not sure what they were going to use this for... we had to leave before they got on board the love cart...

More drummers...

This is where the ceremony took place... there was a sweet man that came to our rescue shortly after we arrived... lets just say we probably stood out... he was helping us understand what was going on and giving us the play by play.. we were very appreciative. He stated that the ceremony takes place with the bride's father and the groom. At this table you can see the bride and groom chair... the groom is in his chair and the bride is not there... she is not suppose to be but they have a place for her. She was sitting behind us in a room with a curtain... we could see her but not really well. There were some exchange of money ($100 SGD), some words and prayers... then the groom stood up and they all walked back to the bride and got her signature...

Once she signed they opened the curtain and started taking pics... they are married.

They are all so beautiful... her dress was stunning and I asked her if it was heavy and she said yes with a beautiful smile... she had to sit a lot.

In the grand ball room there was this love seat waiting for the Mr. and Mrs.... this is where we were to present the gifts to them... but we did not stay for that part.

Here is the red carpet for them... and these pillars have a wine bucket at the base with dry ice in them... and someone will pour water on them and the couple will walk through smoke to be introduced... so cool....

A great morning/afternoon of witnessing a marriage and learning about a new culture... so fun...

Elton John in SIngapore.

2011-12-08T15:48:00.000+03:00

An Early Christmas present for ViVi and Grandad were tickets to Elton John in Singapore... now how many people can say they have seen Elton John in Singapore... it was a great night... with family and friends.

Lesley and Neil let us join their fun...

I will never get over sitting at a concert... I mean we don't even sit at football games... but that is how it is done in Singapore... we never stood up unless we had to go the toilet... but it was worth the urge to want to stand up...

An Early Christmas...

2011-12-08T15:27:00.000+03:00

Oh boy... the gifts at Christmas are always so much fun but even better when you get to start them at the beginning of Dec. or even late Nov... and that is what we did... we had early Christmas with ViVi and Grandad... logistically it really helped not to have to carry the stuff back from Texas later on... so know we get to play with the stuff (wear the stuff) and it will be waiting for us in Jan. when we get back from Texas.

Do we look like Santa's helpers...

And of course Tree Top was in on the fun...

Blake and I (even Pierce) got some new shoes... it is a great Christmas already...

Check out these cool camo pants... now that is one cool look...

Pierce even got a gun and a hard hat... oh now what is this world coming to...

And daddy is so happy... the new Blue Ray Star Wars kit...

And then we had a little surprise for ViVi and Grandad... a piece of art by Pierce...

He was so proud to give it to them...

Then we had movie night... of course watching star wars...

And it was not until night time when I saw Pierce's art work on the glass door... that little monster... I just love the boats at the bottom with anchors...

Another great day...

More of Tree Top...

2011-12-08T15:16:00.000+03:00

We are so proud of Pierce getting to bring home Tree Top we thought it warranted two post on the blog... here are more pics of Pierce with Tree Top... they were inseparable however they were not allowed to sleep together (part of the class rules).

Here they are making Christmas Ornaments for the Jesse Tree...

Even movie night with Daddy and Grandad...

Everyone loves Sushi right?

After the weekend is over we were to make a couple of pages in the Tree Top Journal to share with the class about his weekend at our home... Here are some of our journal pages...

So much fun... hope to get him again next year...

Day 10... another day of fun...

2011-12-08T15:11:00.000+03:00

Day 10... was day full of fun with just ViVi and GD... mom was working at church and dad was working at the office... a day where the grandparents are in charge is always fun...

Lots of coloring and they even created a planetarium... oh boy...

Pierce had so much fun with just ViVi and GD.

A big celebration... Day 9!

2011-12-08T10:20:00.000+03:00

There were many reasons why Day 9 with ViVi and Grandad was a big celebration... but the biggest was that Pierce had tried super duper hard all week at school to make good choices and got to bring home the Tree Top the Bear... a reward for the student that made good choices all week gets to take the bear and make memories all week... we will write more about that later but since Pierce was super duper good this week... we had talked about having two different rewards at home... 1) A pudding contest and 2) A coloring contest... all of his favorites and when he came off the bus on Friday he yelled "I get to have a pudding contest"... and later he made up the coloring contest... so here we go.

First we had to make the pudding... yummy...

While the pudding set... we had our coloring contest and Daddy was still at work so he was going to be the judge when he got home...

Everyone coloring so well... and of course we were all coloring tanks.

Alright Daddy... which one is the winner?

The winning coloring picture goes to... drum roll please... "PIERCE"... congrats...

Now it was time for the pudding contest... ViVi sat this one out...

After about two bites... Pierce started to cry... he did not like it so we had to improvise quickly to ensure he was going to win so I grabbed the whip cream...

Now one happy winner....

We are so proud of you Pierce... great job on all the great choices... can't wait for the next coloring contest... and ~~pudding~~ whip cream contest...

Flat Turkey...

2011-12-07T17:09:00.000+03:00

We had so so so much fun with ViVi and Grandad and you will get to see a lot more of our fun... but here is just one activity (among many... or should I say projects) that they helped us with... I think they missed all the school projects... and I might add they still "got it". One day Pierce came home from school with a "project" to make a flat turkey and to disguise it as one of our family members so it would not be eaten by anyone (for thanksgiving of course)... so what do you think we made.

Meet "Mr. Army Flat Turkey"... with a little materials from mother nature and in our house we had the best looking turkey around, and dressed in camo no one was going to find him to eat him... so much fun. Thank you ViVi and Grandad for the help (they even went outside with Pierce twice to get the right leaves for the project) and the memories...

One proud boy... he was so happy.

Here are all the finished products in his class.. there was a Santa one, a chef, a taekwondo instructor and just some pretty ones.... so nice and a great fun time.

Rawa Island... Last Part!

2011-11-28T17:12:00.000+03:00

Last day... we had to stop and admire the scenery...

and take some shots of our place... which was wonderful... here is our outdoor shower... bug free... yeah...

and our balcony....

living room...

Our last night.. we had to do our smore tradition... everyone get ready... here we go...

No campfire... but there is a grill...

Yummy....

The next morning... ViVi, Grandad and I walked up to the top of the mountain on the back of the island to see the sun rise... it was beautiful...

but the path was a buns burner...

A little before lunch we boarded the boat to head back to our car in Malaysia... so sad to leave this island but thankful for all the memories... we will be back....

Once we got home we had to take a pic of the boys they looked so cute in their matching clothes... ViVi usually buys Grandad and Blake the same clothes... and here is just an example... don't they look cute...

Rawa Island... Part 4!

2011-11-22T09:34:00.000+03:00

More fun in the sun...

Pierce was not excited to be on this tree... but I really needed this picture :-)

We found a new hammock... and the same sucker who would swing him for hours... Pierce was in heaven...

So I told you earlier that you would see soon just how much he loved that black hammock... well here it is.. one day Pierce spent his whole nap time (2+ hours) in the hammock... the only key was someone had to keep swinging him... we all took turns...

Mommies turn...

Awake and back in the water... beautiful right?

More Frisbee time... this first throw was a little off...

Much better...

Super Sonic found us...

Pierce was so sad to see him go...

More trampoline...

Another great day with family at a beautiful place...

Rawa Island... Part 3!

2011-11-22T09:28:00.000+03:00

Next day... more fun and a lot more memories...

Pierce was really into finding these holes that the crabs would dig... man were they deep.

Then we had to go on a little adventure... and crawl through this tiny cave (rock) to get to the other side...

King of the world... so happy.

Our one and only family picture... looks like a Christmas Card for sure... Right?

A great day for some pics... the weather was perfect and we had the beach once again to ourselves...

Rawa Island... Part 2!

2011-11-22T06:44:00.000+03:00

More from our 3 day trip to Rawa Island... Here is another glimpse of how much Pierce loved this hammock... so comfy...

There is not much to do on the island but relax (which should be the point of vacation)... so we brought a bunch of games... here we were playing slap scrabble... so much fun and lots of laughter.

New to the Island is the trampoline... and boy was that a positive... Pierce had many good hours on this thing... we had to join in from time to time... we even got daddy to do a flip but sorry no pics.

We were only holding him so he would not go flying... this trampoline was so loose that when daddy jumped Pierce would go flying...

Another swing in the hammock... admiring the view...

Not the first house below but the second one was our house for the weekend... more pics to come from the house... but it was awesome listening to the waves all night long...

One more dip in the ocean and play on the sand before the sunsets...

The boys are playing, mom is taking pics... where is ViVi... taking a snooze... now this is relaxed... way to go ViVi... and remember they just got to Singapore 2 days ago... and going strong.

There were only 25 people on the whole island so we had the beach to ourselves pretty much all weekend...

A great day for sure... can't wait for tomorrow...

Rawa Island... Part 1!

2011-11-22T06:28:00.000+03:00

We were so excited to take ViVi and Grandad to one of our favorite places near Singapore... Rawa Island... so easy to get to.... drive to Mersing, Malaysia take a boat about 25 min and then you are there... a great place for all ages... only been open for 4 years so still a little hidden treasure (shhhh... don't tell anyone). This was our second time to go as a family and we can't wait to go again... soon.

Waiting at Mersing, Malaysia for the boat... excited...

Finally on the boat... ViVi and Grandad got here on Thursday of that week and then we headed out on Friday... Pierce was so excited to be with his Grandad (and ViVi of course)... see the excitement...

Are you excited bubba?

After about 25 min... we see the island... screaming our name...

We dropped of our bags, threw on some swim clothes and headed to the beach...

Pierce immediately made a friend that he named "Super Sonic" lets just say this was very funny to us bc this dog was so old it was quite the opposite from sonic speed.

Playing Frisbee with the boys...

Mom went off to take some pics... :-)

ViVi was picking shells.. you can see her in the distance with the boys playing in front... Daddy was so happy to have a friend to play with (thanks Granddad).

A great first day... and weather was perfect... This hammock was Pierce's favorite thing on the island... come back later to see just how special he thought this hammock was...

We love you Rawa you make us so happy...

Finally... ViVi and Grandad have arrived...

2011-11-18T06:16:00.000+03:00

ViVi and Grandad (GD) have arrived in Singapore (again)... they got here a week ago early in the morning... so the next couple of pics were taken right after a 31 hour tour from the US to Singapore... I was thrilled to see them but look at Pierce... he is still glowing and wants GD and ViVi a part of everything that he does... We are so happy they are here...

Of course... they came bearing gifts...

I could not tell what it was but as soon as I saw the white writing in the blue area I knew he would be head over heels...

How excited are you...

A military set... with a bunker, helicopter, tanks and more... oh my...

As soon as that fun was over... the tiredness was settling in... and Pierce grabbed his blankie to tuck ViVi in...

Terracotta Warriors in a Museum...in Singapore!

2011-11-14T16:36:00.000+03:00

Another great outing with our friends Heather and Audrey.... the Terracotta Warriors in Singapore... off we go...

The ACM had a Terracotta Warrior exhibit that we had heard great things about... and since Pierce loves armies and warriors look a little like army men (not knowing that much about the Terracotta Warriors) so we wanted to go before it was over... and I do have to say that this was the best exhibit I have ever seen for both adults and children... very informative and interactive... well done Singapore...

You could even dress the warrior with his fallen pieces...

There was a sign at the beginning of the museum that said to download an app to see more at the museum... so we did... and it was the best thing... throughout the museum there were these chinese symbols (like one below) where you would point your phone camera too and your phone would dance... literraly would light up and do something wonderful... for instance once it was and 3D revolving warrior, and another was marching troops fighting against another group... and you had to the play the game to make sure your troops won... and then another was a tracing chinese characters to see if you could get it correct... and more... it was really fun and felt like a treasure hunt... So Fun...

ICS Carnival...

2011-11-08T07:48:00.000+03:00

The ICS Carnival is always a huge hit... full of kids, parents, fun and laughter... here are a few pics of the great time we had this year at the carnival.

Pierce's class... Junior Kindergarten... was in charge of a booth... and we had the bean bag toss... which was a huge favorite with all the kids... I think bc we were generous with the tickets...

Pierce was really good at the game... and was so proud to have mommy working the event...he would get in line and toss, get in line and toss, again and again...

Another favorite was right next door... the water gun fight... are your faster than a fifth grader...

We were so happy that Daddy got to join us... great times...

My boys being boys... so cute...

Friday Night Lights...

2011-11-07T04:37:00.001+03:00

Our First Friday Night Lights in Singapore... We got an invitation from some friends weeks prior to the game and I honestly had forgotten about it... but not Blake... he was all over this and we were sure to go. And so glad that we did we had a blast. The Singapore American Association Falcons against the Korean (forgot their mascot)... but the Korean team flew in at 3am that morning and they looked tired. The game was held at SAS in the woodlands and it was so nice to see that much green land. Pierce often would ask if he could go down there and run around... and we of course said yes please... it was a beautiful night with friends and football.

One part of the night... this kid was spotted beating up his father... with the falcon noise makers... a great night in deed...

Another fun tradition...pumpkin heads!

2011-11-06T04:04:00.000+03:00

Here Pierce and I are getting to enjoy another fun tradition at this time of year... making pumpkin heads. This is a great tradition for us instead of carving pumpkins for many reasons... but the #1 is that the pumpkin will not mold and melt within 1 day... It is just like the potato heads but we use pumpkins and it makes me smile every time I see it. Pierce designed both faces himself.

Are you frightened???

Pumpkin Patch at SAS!

2011-11-01T19:16:00.000+03:00

A small small taste of fall in Singapore... this is as good as it gets... the pumpkin patch at SAS... these pumpkins are shipped over from the states and then a bunch of us Americans run to the school to buy some outrageously priced pumpkins... to only take them home and carve them and watch them literally melt before our eyes in 24 hours with some green mold that mysteriously appears just as soon as the goop gets goopier... but other than that it is a great op to take some pics.

Here is our little man with his buddy Caleb...

I love this picture... our big boy...

We got really lucky this year... on the way out we saw a friend that was telling us about an International track meet was taking place on the campus... schools from all over the world were there and they were having some great activities and some good food (and we were really hungry)... so we headed to the races...

The boys loved watching the race...

A great hot sunny day in Singapore celebrating Fall with green leaves and imported pumpkins...

Have a Happy Halloween...

2011-11-01T02:33:00.000+03:00

Happy Halloween from the Denton Clan...

This Saturday we went to a Halloween party where adults and children had to dress up... and thanks to Gillian she helped us come up with a game plan where I could be in a long black dress and Blake could wear his normal clothes... a perfect fit for us... I was the vampire and Blake was my victim and Pierce well you already know the little one that keeps us protected... the army man.

Can you see the bite marks... and the sweet boy that is un-phased by his vampire victim dad...

The party was late and we did not get a nap.. so when we pulled up around 7:30 we found this in the back seat... a sleeping army man... time to wake up and party...

Did not take him long to find some friends and play...

The Host Dog and Hostess Beth...

A bride and groom...

There were lots of games for the kids (so much fun) and Pierce really enjoyed his first stab at bobbing for apples... (here you can see the flags on his sleeve)

He was so proud that he got an apple...

A great party... and one sleepy family afterwards... we are headed to another one tonight... Halloween is so much fun.

The Halloween Reveal...

2011-10-30T15:59:00.000+03:00

The Big Halloween Reveal... Here is Pierce's costume for 2011... can you imagine what he would be... here is a hint... they are all over the US and SINGAPORE... usually big and strong people and definitely hero's.... an Army Man... Pierce wanted to represent both the USA and Singapore so one one sleeve he is wearing both flags...

Here is our little Army man... Thanks to ViVi and Grandad we have the perfect costume... with his name and everything.

Pierce will take his play guns for his army men and shoot them off the balcony...

This video is for Grandad (and who ever else wants to see Pierce open his Halloween package from Vivi and GD)... he is a little shy in this video and is acting really cool... but as soon as Skype and the camera was turned off he was bouncing all over the house with excitement... There are days where we can not get him out of this costume. Thank you... thank you we love you both.

Love from Nana...

2011-10-23T04:50:00.000+03:00

More love from family... and lots of fun... notice Pierce is still wearing his shirt from his Aunt and Uncle.. and opening more love from Nana...

We love to build Legos and play with them for hours and hours... thank you Nana... we love you and miss you...

Love from JuJu and Uncle KW...

2011-10-22T12:39:00.000+03:00

We just love being loved through the miles from family... we are blessed with an amazing family and Pierce is definitely being raised knowing that although he does not get to see his aunts/uncles and grand parents on a regular basis but they sure do think of him often and love him so... Everyday we put on a shirt that came from someone, play with a toy that came from someone, eat something (including gum) that came from someone, someone that means a lot to us.. and we are so thankful for.

We got a package over a month ago from Aunt JuJu and Uncle Keith... full of fun, food and favorites...
We love you and are so thankful for all the time you put into this gift of love... Pierce was in hog heaven with the homemade military coloring books...

So happy to make his own scrapbook pages/coloring pages with all these great things...

Some were pre-made... and they had a picture of Pierce's favorite dog... Grace...

Here is Pierce digging in... and making his own...

Modeling his new camo shirt... and badges...

Here are some of the finished products of his coloring books... we will cherish these for a long time... thank you Aunt JuJu and Uncle KW... we love and appreciate you...

ICS/PTF Excursions...

2011-10-20T12:22:00.001+03:00

Since Pierce attends ICS here in Singapore... I am an automatic member of the PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) group... and wow do these women have some talent... they are all really great at being moms and being involved and shopping (just a side perk). Tess (the lady in blue below) puts together these excursions for us about once a month... the last one we went on we learned a little more about the colonial style buildings in Singapore and their history.. it was a great day and here are some pics of our tour together..

St. Peters Cathedral... breath taking...

Kneeling cushions that have been donated in honor of someone or family... sweet.

Next stop Raffles hotel...

And there was a lot more... like the old and new court room, the Fullerton hotel, some shops, etc... but our last stop was lunch at "Food for Thought"... amazing place and great food... you can see the picture below that they have scriptures on the wall and the glasses that are hanging on the ceiling started it all... a group of people went to serve food to the needy and they served spaghetti and these jars are the first ones that helped them serve people... so they are now as a reminder of why this all started... They still give a portion of proceeds back and more... great environment, lovely story and good food... what more could you ask for...

Underwater World is for big boys...

2011-10-19T15:21:00.000+03:00

Pierce and mommy get to play on Mondays (Pierce only goes to school from Tu - Fri) so one of the past Mondays we went to Underwater World on Sentosa... the last time we went was 2 years ago so we thought it was time to check it out again. Not a lot has changed but since Pierce did not remember going when he was a 'baby' he was happy to go as a 'big boy'... and we did have a good time.

There are some pics of Pierce and some pics of amazing creatures...

Not sure if you can see these... but there are 2 eels... one was still with his mouth open and the other one was swimming like mad...

There were lots of exhibits where Pierce could reach in and touch the fish... he is one of them... they came to his hand like he had food...

Not a great picture of this awesome octopus but you get the idea of how big he was and see his eye... a little creepy.

This crab is so big (you can't really tell here) but when stretched he is taller than I...

You could see through this sharks nose... wow...

The next picture was probably my favorite exhibit... they had several gestational periods labeled for a shark baby... and they were alive... and look really close but a small shark is inside the 7 - 9 weeks and after 1 weeks sac and they were swimming around... it was really cool to see and then the shark in the bottom is a new baby (outside the sac)... really cool...

The last thing we did before heading to the dolphin show was to feed the sting ray... Pierce was so excited and not scared at all.. I think I did more screaming than he... these huge fish would slide out of the water and would come up all the way to this elbow and take the food that was in between his fingers...

I had brought my underwater camera and this was the first opportunity I got to take a shot under water... beautiful creature...

ready for the dolphin show... it was hot and sunny but we were excited to see it...

A great Monday together... the only thing that would have made it better is if Daddy would have been with us...

How to capture a real smile...

2011-10-17T17:39:00.000+03:00

This is definitely the best age for Pierce in regards to his patience when I want to take his pictures... he is even starting to pose (I think he learned that from Shelby Jones). However we are still working on the "gentle smile" pose... I have come up with a new remedy for capturing the real smile.

First I get him in the right spot... ask him to pose and I capture whatever he gives me.

Then I ask for him to make a "Sad Face".

Then an "Angry Face"

Then a "Happy Face"

Then a "Serious Face"

Then a "Silly Face"

Then a "Crazy Face"

Then a "Sweet Face"... gotcha...this is the smile we get more than others... with a little twinkle in the eye.

Bully II... good riddance!

2011-10-11T12:37:00.000+03:00

This past Sunday I was invited to join Blake for the big christening of Noble Bully II. Bully I did not have a ceremony like this so I was so excited... on many levels.. the biggest is that when Bully II (she) leaves I get my husband back and another big one is I am so proud of my husband and all the work he has done for this project that I am excited for her to start drilling and making some money. You know I like to call these projects, the mistress, bc she gets a lot of my husbands time and I tend to get a little jealous but as soon as I meet her I am in awe of her awesomeness and largeness... Well here she is... Bully II.

We went to christen her and to get a small tour... Blake had told me before we went that I might be asked to do the christening bc a lady always does the honor. So I was ready but his boss threw in a little extra when it came time... he said the lady always makes a speech... and I just said the first thing that came to mind".
"I can't believe we are finally here... in our house we refer to her (the Bully II) as the Mistress, bc she has gotten a lot of our husbands time and devotion. We are proud of our men and all the workers that have done a job well done. We are so happy to see her completed and ready to leave Singapore. May all those that set sail on her be safe... Farewell Mistress". There were tons of smiles (especially from the women) and some laughter... no tears just relief...

Then came the time to do the honors of breaking a champagne bottle on her... but since there is a no alcohol policy on the shipyard we used sparkling apple cider... We did the actually christening on the hole that will lead the drill into the ocean floor.

I am so proud of you babe... you are a dedicated, committed, and hard worker and deserve all and more of the praises for a job well done.

Don't you just love the PPE... hard hat, steel toe boots, eye wear and gloves...

This is the piece of equipment that has caused my hubby many sleepless nights... I am so glad she was painted red... its like the scarlet letter... or scarlet color...

Pierce would have loved to see all these flags...

I love this picture... all these men hand painting the deck and right over all the dirt...

Just so proud of my hubby... I had to take a picture of the first plaque on the wall with the title PM. He has worked so hard for this and deserves it... we love you daddy.

The men that make it all happen... the guy in the middle is the big boss, the VP of Engineering and during this thank you speech... he first thanked the men that have worked so hard by saying they could not have done it with out them... and then he said "behind every good man is an even better woman"... got to love that part.

This piece of equipment was the most intriguing for me... a robot that can go all the way down to the bottom of the ocean and help out when and where needed and is able to fix things in case they need it.. wow...

Just a sneak peak of the shipyard... a lot of work going on...

Thanks to Stephen we have this great picture but I thought it was funny that when he posted it on facebook that a friend of mine called me "sarah palin"...

Here are some professional pics of the Bully I, which is identical to Bully II... she is massive.

Bully I and Bully II... good riddance!

50 days of school...

2011-10-10T14:13:00.000+03:00

We are about to celebrate 50 days of school at ICS... so in honor of that special day... I thought we should catch up on the blog and show you Open House that was about a month ago (I know bad bad).

Pierce was so happy to show off his school and to have both mommy and daddy there for the occasion. As we walked into the class we found Pierce's seat at the front table... he wanted us to stay there and look at all his work.

Pierce was so proud to show daddy what he had done at school.

Here is the emphasis "how well you did today" board... All the children start on Green (see their pics next to the green space). If they make good choices they move up to blue, purple and then pink (where they get a prize) or if they make bad choices they move down to yellow, orange, red (where they go speak to the principal). This board is something we talk about in our family every day when he comes home. It is usually the first thing he tells me when he gets off the bus which we are thankful for. He sometimes stays on green and usually moves down. He has moved to red once (but it was the first week so he did not have to go to principal) and has moved to blue once (we threw a party). This reward system is a source of tension in my life but I thought I would write about it so we could always remember and later in life look back and smile (hopefully).

There were lots of projects around the room where us parents could check out their work... Pierce's is 2nd row 3rd column

Our only family pic... bummer....

Pierce's teacher Ms. Angela Wong.

After class we had to stop by the library... Pierce loves the library and he wanted to show us around... and where to get his favorite books.

This year they had some students graffiti the walls... really neat stuff all over campus.

This years school theme is E.P.I.C. I can not believe we are about to finish the 50th day of school... where does time go?

F1... night race in Singapore.

2011-10-08T12:16:00.000+03:00

Another F1 night race... I can not believe it is that time of the year again... I feel like we were just there... man the years are passing by so quickly... but that is another point... back on the F1... this year we all got to go as a family and what a treat... We had another great night watching fast cars...

I don't remember all the entertainment in years past... but this year the entertainment was so strong... check out this band where they were a bunch of acting comedians too... so fun to watch.

For my Houston friends... a little classic Christmas car show at the F1 race...

Pierce was so proud when he spotted the England flag...

We are ready for the races... lets go...

This year we had the walk-about tickets so we got to walk all over the place and we could stand where ever we wanted... it was fun but Pierce kept asking to sit down... he is so spoiled.

Since we were standing the best view I had was off this guy in front of me smart phone... :-)

Time for dinner... satays are a little messy...

We decided to find a seat in the grass and watch the race from the big screen... but Blake was so happy just to hear the cars... they were loud...

Walking back to the MRT after the race... we spotted a Ferrari that we could get close too... looks like a Christmas card in the making... :-)

Another great sweaty night... love me some Singapore fun...

I heart Traci...

2011-10-06T08:56:00.000+03:00

Happy Birthday to Traci... a lady that pulls on my heart strings and is so very precious to so many. I just love friendships that take time to grow but when they do you know they will last forever... although Traci and I joke often that when I left Singapore last year she deleted me from her phone so when I called her back in 6 weeks when I returned she asked "who is this"... I am blessed to be able to teach beside her in our Sunday school class (grade 2), our boys are the same age (days a part), we share a love for MOPS and we often compliment each other so much that I say "I wish I was more like you" and she follows with "I wish I was more like you"... that is what friendship is about... finding the best qualities about someone and celebrating them every day... and I know she would be there for me if and when I needed her.

I love you Traci (and also she says "I love you" every time I see her... no matter if it is for 5 min or we spend the whole day together). I thank God that He made you just the way you are.

If only I could be more like you when I grow up Traci...

Sweet friends in Singapore... oh how I am so thankful for each of you... just wait to see what I say about you on your birthday???

Our little photo editor...

2011-10-04T03:26:00.000+03:00

Our little photo editor... we took pics so proudly at the army museum and he did not want to leave... but as soon as I said lets go home to see our photos... he said can we edit them? So here is Pierce's first photo editing job... he did good huh?

Do you like the rocket that he fired from the truck on the picture above? Wonder how much we could get paid for these pics? Priceless if you ask the grandparents...

Singapore Army Museum (again)...

2011-10-03T17:21:00.000+03:00

Pierce and I get to spend Monday's together (no school) so we always choose something fun and educational (most of the time) to fill our day... if Pierce gets to pick it is always something to do with armies... there is a lot to do in Singapore that is either a museum or something in favor of the Singapore Army... and one of those is the Singapore Army Museum... which is Pierce's favorite place to be. It is quite far from us so we begged daddy for the car one day and got to go... Pierce gets to go for free so it is a great place for us to be...

The first exhibit is a blown up apart bus that shows when life in Singapore was not so safe... there were a lot of raids and unhappy people so they created the army (after WW2).

The museum is very technologically updated... the book that Pierce is sitting at is like an ipad with a swoosh of the finger the page turns....

A cadet sleeping quarter... I showed Pierce where the soldier would put his stuff and Pierce said it was not enough room...

This is just a picture of a picture of the sleeping quarters.

Always in character... and not sure about this outfit... we have camo pants (that he had to have) with his King Kong shirt (bc it has a helicopter in the sky) with a matching camo band aid on his chin bc he slipped in the bathtub... and don't forget the crocs... sometimes I think he is so cute when he really wants to have a say in his clothing but then I see pictures and not sure what I was thinking...

Pierce did not want to go in the 4-D room... he was not happy to take this picture he was so scared this time not sure why but we ended up skipping the 4-D movie (which is my favorite part).

Admiring the beauty outside... tanks...and trucks...

Pierce loves looking at these tiles that were painted by children in Singapore. He wants to come home and paint a tile... just like all of these... so we took several pics so we could remember them... would love to have a wall like this with Pierce's paintings... wouldn't you?

Now this is Pierce's favorite part... getting up close and personal to the trucks and tanks... and this time they have 2 new tanks...He reminded me that since this is a red cross it is a medical truck but if it was a black cross it would be a German truck...

One of the new tanks on display... he did his own posing here....

Another great day... come back tomorrow bc when we got home from the museum he wanted to "edit" his photos... and he sure did make them pretty special.. come back and check them out...

Lantern Festival at Chinese Gardens 2011!

2011-10-01T10:40:00.000+03:00

This is our second time to get to go to the Lantern Festival and it is always so much fun. Held at the Chinese Garden and always a taste of culture. My parents were here last time we went and so we did not feel lonely we brought some friends this time... the Cowdy's joined the fun.

Another great night in Singapore...

We wanted to be early so we could get a free lantern but the weather was not cooperating with us... it was a little rainy but we got our lanterns...

The two Amigos...

Time for a little bit... sausages on a stick, samoa's, and friend rice.

The tree was really cool to look at... and I had to think how were they going to clean that up. It was the wishing tree... you were to buy a large coin tied to a string and then launch it on the tree while making your wish... there were a lot of wishes.

Pierce and Alex had to climb the temple... we adults stayed at the bottom to take pics...do you see two blonde headed boys?

They made it back down... a little tired but ready for the next adventure.

Pierce really enjoyed having daddy read to him all the stories of the different lanterns....

Pierce and Alex are both in the year of the Dog...

Now time for the carnival rides... this is another reason why we came early... no lines...

Alex's sisters won Pierce this mask... we tell him it is Batman... :-)

The above picture was the last in my big camera... something happened to the SD card... so I had to finish the night taking pics on my phone... which in the dark they never turn out... but I had to share the picture of the lanterns... Our 4 year old boy running around with a paper lantern illuminated by a candle. Only in Singapore...

In his free time...

2011-09-30T05:49:00.001+03:00

Pierce has such an imagination.. he does not have any imaginary friends yet but he has 10 brothers and he loves to play armies by himself. I often find Pierce in his room "setting up his armies" and playing good guys against the bad guys. This video is kind of slow (no dancing in this one)... but turn up your volume and listen to him in action... Jesus is even on the battle field... of course He is.

Blake and I talk all the time that there are military men and women out there that dream to have a child like Pierce... he wakes up and puts on camo, he goes to the library and returns with 7 military jet magazines, he thanks God in his prayers for armies and keeping us safe, he wants to be an army man for Halloween, if there is a second in his day that is not filled with activity he wants to go to the army museum. We are blessed to have him as our child and we are not really sure where this love of army stuff came from but we will take it... He had a friend that is a girl come over the other day and she wanted to play dress up... he was not down with it but said that he will be an army man and that she could be spider man... we tried to compromise on spider woman... but it just was not working so we watched "cloudy with a chance of meatballs"...

Update...

2011-09-29T15:43:00.004+03:00

Where have we been... is the subject of many emails that we have received these days...

Well yes I am back from Cambodia and the boys survived and actually did fabulous without mom... I sure did miss them and left a little piece of my heart in Cambodia... and have so much to share with you... God is so good and so real... I will be back to share with you more about Cambodia but I am still processing the 1700 pictures (I am not exaggerating) we 7 ladies took in 4 days...

A little update on Pierce... he did great when I was gone but when I got back he took a couple of days to warm up to me again and after lots of chats (about his attitude) it finally came out he was a little mad that I left. Poor guy but I showed him some pics and told him how much I loved Him but that I also loved God and that I was called to serve Him in Cambodia and so I went... and Pierce said that is like David when he was "called" to kill Goliath. Just love that little boy.

Some cute stuff Pierce has said lately:

His Sunday School teacher emailed me and said that they asked the kids questions and here are some of Pierce's responses... "what would you do if you had a friend that didn't go to church?" Pierce said, "tell them church is AWESOME and we build things." :-)

Another question:

"If I wanted ice cream but there was a long line..." what would you do? (trying to get them to say, "be patient and wait my turn."

Pierce said, "I'd go to another ice cream shop." This makes me laugh every time I read it...

Just yesterday Pierce and I were walking to the library after school and he said hey mom I learned today what a Chinese Soldier says when he wants to say hello... I said What... he said "Audios Amigos" while saluting... either the soldier is confused or Pierce... which one?

I have told you about the "milk" conversation before but Pierce is starting to notice that girls are different than boys... which I know is normal but I am not ready for it... the other day he pointed to a lady (who will remain nameless) and said "she is about to have a baby" and then I said why bc she did not have a big belly "and he said because she has milk (referring to her breast)... I just said that is interesting and changed the subject...

Last one... Pierce has a reward chart at school where he either moves up or down depending on his choices throughout the day... Pierce is notorious for moving down (not up) so we have been spending a lot of time at home talking about making choices and what to do when you don't know what choice to make... first pray and then look at the only girl in the class (bc she always moves up) and do what she is doing... so the other night Pierce prayed this at night "Lord thank you for you... please help xxx (girls name) to move up tomorrow so I can follow... I love you Amen"... Just when I thought he was not getting it...

I wish I could remember all the things he says... but until then I hope you enjoyed...

Phnom Penh, Cambodia.... here I come!

2011-09-18T09:20:00.003+03:00

Our church here in Singapore, International Baptist Church is taking a group of 7 ladies to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to serve the Andong village. We will do a mini VBS for the 200+ children (that are mostly made up of Orphans) during the day and at night we will do ESL training (English as a second language) the teachers of the small school there. We have a busy 4 day schedule but I am pumped... God is good and he has truly taken care of all the details (still praying that my 23KG bag makes in on the plane full of donated clothes and some of the supplies we need for the VBS). Our team is amazing and I am looking forward to seeing God work in our group and loving on the children of Andong.

Here are some pics from this past Feb. when another group went to love on these people. I will have many more pics to share with you... in the meantime will you please pray for our team of women, Pst Abraham who is helping coordinate all of this and that the hearts of Phnom Penh people will be pricked and that they will not see us but HIM.

This will be where we conduct the VBS for all the children. We will have 2 sessions per day for 3 days.

One of the activities they had the children do last time...

Oh I can't wait to give her a hug...

What is VBS with out music and little dancing.

The teachers that will do the ESL training.. bless them for teaching the children throughout the week.

The play fields surrounding the building of the school.

Precious Moments...

2011-09-17T13:16:00.000+03:00

Pierce is a little over 4 1/2 and there are momentsin each day where I feel like I just need to snatch him up... love all over himand then lock him in a cage so he will stop growing... I can still rememberbeing pregnant with him but the memories are fading a little and that makes mesad. I will hear new moms say they remember when the baby did this in thebelly or this and than when they were first born... and I catch myself lookingback at my "notes" or looking at pictures to see if I can remember. Maybethis lapse in memory comes with age or just because we are making so many newmemories I got to make room... I remember the big special moments of course butit is the little ones like when we were back in Texas and I would swing him inthe front yard when it was cold, or when I try to remember what his facedlooked like when he took his first step, or what were his second, third andforth words, or did he like the green beans when he had them for the firsttime, or what did I say when I caught him in his room throwing his pooeverywhere... the list could go on and on.

So anyways I am having a lot of moments like theserecently... and I want to hold on to everything.

For example just yesterday when Pierce and I werepraying at the dinner table (daddy was still at work... but daddy did hear allabout it later) Pierce wanted to pray and it went something like this:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for today. Thankyou for making us move up in school (their reward/discipline chart you move upor down) can you please help me move up. Create in her (Lydia the onlygirl in his class) a good choice so she can move up and I can follow (we talk alot about not always being the leader and that is ok to follow people that makegood choices too). Thank you for helping us... amen"

We just love this little man... and I want him to be 4 1/2 forever...enjoy the pics of him the other day where we were outside waiting on a taxi and Ihad my camera and I just wanted to scoop him up so I shot some pics of himsaying "ok mom I think that is enough"... and my response was "Itwill never be enough".

Movies in the Park...

2011-09-15T15:08:00.000+03:00

About a month ago... we had a wonderful family +1 night. Blake had come home earlier that week and mentioned that the radio station that he listens to in the morning was putting on a movies in the park night for free... and they were playing "Despicable Me" and "Iron Man". He was so excited about this (my man loves movies and loves to be outside) so of course we were going. We also had a sleepover that night with one of our neighbors kid, Audrey (you have seen her before)... so she got to come along... hence "our family +1".

Here are the kids all ready for the movie to start... we got the pallet ready, food is coming, and the kids are happy... lets get it rollin.

Even these kids are happy for it to start...

We got there early to get a good seat... but so far it does not look that packed right... keep watching....

And have I mentioned that the weather was perfect... look at this sky...

It's getting a little busier... wow where did all these people come from...

The radio host kept saying that there was a surprise coming and sure enough when the surprise came we had to rush and get in line to get a picture... The first picture I have to keep bc it was when Blake's favorite radio host "the flying Dutchman" was helping Pierce get all situated...

And the real deal... so fun...

Compare this picture to the one above when there was no one... it is getting packed... and by the time the movie started there was barely a walk way left...

The kids were entertaining themselves before the movie... they were so cute...

Yeah it is finally dark and the movie has started... the kids were awesome... they watched the whole show and they both were very sad when we had to leave before 'Iron Man' started...

Another great night...

A new love for Sail Boats...

2011-09-13T13:11:00.001+03:00

These pics were from this summer when a co-worker of Blake's invited us out for dinner at their house... but it was not a house but even better a boat... a really cool boat. I just love the idea of living on a boat and think that it would be so cool... it looks like I am not the only one.

Bummer this picture did not turn out well (a little blurry) but he was so happy to think he was steering the boat... he is a pretty cute captain... don't you think?

6 on the 6th!

2011-09-11T12:08:00.000+03:00

August 6th 2011... mark the day of Blake and I's 6th wedding anniversary. I have officially been married to my best friend for 6 years and we always try to reflect on this day where we have been, what we have overcome, remember God's favor and celebrate (in advance) of what's to come.

I love you Blake and am so proud of you in so many ways... and so blessed that God made me for you and you for me. I am honored to stand beside you as we continue this journey together. Love Love.

Thank you babe for everything...

Birthday Season...

2011-09-10T10:46:00.000+03:00

We have officially hit the "birthday party every weekend" season... I can always remember parents of older children saying "just wait until you have birthday parties every Saturday" when Pierce was little... well it only took 4 years and we are here... and loving every minute of it. There are some great places to have birthday parties here in Singapore and here are just two of them.

Alex turned 5 and his party was at SAFRA, which has a huge indoor playground with the tallest indoor spiral slide in Asia. Alex was super sweet bc he invited all of his friends from school and then Pierce and he was sensitive to the fact that Pierce might not know anyone so he saved him a seat right next to him at the table. Pierce was so excited that he got to sit by Alex and have a green plate (it is the little things). Happy Birthday Alex (this is Pierce's best bud).

Here we go down the tallest spiral indoor slide in Asia... we were both very happy to take a spin...

Next party was a friends from school, Hee Chan who turned 5 and he had his party at a Taekwondo place... oh boy lots of fun and lots of children...

The place had Taekwondo instructors as the party guys.... and they were so much fun they would turn out the lights and let the kids go crazy... so glad they were in charge... check out the video of the madness.

Pierce was so close to the cake that it looks like his birthday... he was so excited bc it was an Angry Birds b-day cake...

Happy Birthday Hee Chan... with his cute little bow tie.

And you better believe it.. we have 2 birthday parties next weekend... stay tuned (again).

You have got to see this...

2011-09-09T06:46:00.001+03:00

When Shelby was here this summer (I know I know I still need to blog about that)... we were introduced to Shelby's naked dance which takes place after shower time. Pierce loved it and came up with his own... but he does his in the shower... so here ya go...Enjoy!

Pierce's Naked Dance... take 1...

A friend turns 3 in style...

2011-09-07T15:08:00.000+03:00

Pierce's friend Chiara turned 3... and man was the party a blast. She loves Lion King and her parents know how to throw a party Lion King style.

Here is Pierce at the beginning of the party at the entrance of the palm trees made out of balloons... he looks like he is just not sure... wonder what he will think at the end... (he looks so grown up in this picture to me)

There was a bouncy castle for the ~~adults~~ children... Pierce stayed right beside my leg for the first 10 minutes bc the place was packed with kids having fun and he just was not sure... we were a little late so the fun was already in full throttle...

Check out this cake... wow weee... I do have to say Pierce wanted to eat Simba's foot..

I did not get a picture of Chiara the 3 year old birthday girl (I know what is wrong with me) but here is her sister Gian fully painted up...

Then Pierce and I noticed the face painting station... or arm... and he wanted to stand in line (for 20 minutes no joke) to get painted on... this face/arm painter was awesome... check out this princess... wow

He was such a good boy 10 minutes in to the line that I told him that he could go play while I stayed in line... and this is what he choose to do... is this my kid?

And then he made a friend and this is where he went next...

Pierce, now it is your turn for some painting... are you happy?

So he sits down and says he wants something camouflage... the sweet lady looks at me with a question in her eyes and I say "something military". And then I ask Pierce what do you want camo... jet, plane, helicopter, etc. And then he says "Camouflaged Apache Helicopter"... and then she looks at me again with a question in her eyes... and I say just a helicopter will do... and this is what he got... pretty good huh?

Now there is the birthday girl in front of cake with her parents behind... we love you Song's and thanks for a great bday celebration... one we could never top but so glad we were invited too :-).

Orchids... how I love you!

2011-09-06T10:25:00.001+03:00

This one is for my mom... would you ever believe that I can grow orchids (with Tita's help of course). My friend Jane gave me this when we moved back to Singapore a year ago and it had flowers then... they say Orchids only bloom once a year and sure enough early this summer it was showing signs of blooming again... and within a couple of weeks we had 6 stems of flowers all at the same time. It was beautiful and lasted about a month... those 6 stems fell off after a month or so and now it has 2 new stems of flowers... love it...

Flashback to Easter...

2011-09-05T05:38:00.000+03:00

More pics that I found... man not sure where these were when I was blogging about Easter... too good to pass up.. so here we go a Flashback to April... Happy Easter (again).

Here Pierce is sitting on the counter waiting for his "resurrection plant" sent from Nana to grow while eating seaweed... This plant can live for hundreds of years with no water. It was all shriveled up and the you add water and it grows and then you take a ways the water and it shrivels up again.. pretty neat.

Sometime around Easter we invited the Cowdy's over to dye some Easter eggs... more fun ahead...Pierce is still in his PJ's... HE HE HE

After coloring the eggs we got to decorate them like dinosaurs... rooaaaarrrr.

Even the older kids got to have fun... for some reason Easter feels extra special when you have friends around...

Take a look at all the Easter colorings on the frig... we really had a great Easter holiday full of fun...

The next Tarzan...

2011-09-04T11:51:00.000+03:00

Over the summer... Pierce and his best friend (he just told me that today) Alex were trying out their ability to be the next Tarzan... whatcha think?

1st day of school... at ICS!

2011-09-03T10:19:00.001+03:00

The day we have been anticipating all summer long... has come and gone. Now I do have to be honest here at the beginning of the summer I was asking our parents, friends, and anyone who would listen... "Just how do you entertain a 4 year old all summer long"... I remember growing up playing outside and going to camps... well our outside is not the same here as it was when I was a kid and knew we would be swimming a lot but what about all the times that Pierce was tired of swimming and going to the zoo... so then what. You got to see a lot of our summer and know that we stayed busy with friends, visitors, trips to the zoo, trips to museums, the library, some art boot camps, and just plain ole hanging out... which was a lot of fun and Pierce and I really enjoyed each other (and daddy too when he got home for work... bummer that he could not take off the summer as well). So when the first day of school started I found myself once again asking people "what am I going to do with my time?"... well Pierce and I (and daddy) have figured it out again and the school year has started off a success.

The first day of school Pierce was very proud to put back on his uniform, back his back pack, grab his snack and get on the bus... but that is something I forgot to tell him that he was not going to take the bus the first day bc mommy wanted to take him... after I told him he was still happy :-)... so off we go.

Here is the picture as soon as we found his table and he was getting to see his new classmates. Pierce in K-4 (Pre-K).

Look even mommy is excited (thanks Ashley for grabbing the camera and capturing the excitement).

After all the kids were gathered in the canteen area... the parents went upstairs to the gym for orientation. The kids were to sit on the floor with their teachers and parents in the back... Here is a picture of Ms. Wong (Pierce teacher again this year) taking the kids to their room.

Already walking with purpose... he was on a mission and would not look at me. The second kid behind Pierce is Lydia the only girl out of 10 children in Pierce's class...

Us parents were to leave the campus after orientation, so we did... and then left on our own to anticipate the children's arrival back home. Here is Pierce's bus coming to drop him off... I wonder if he had a good day?

Running to me... so far so good...

How was your day Pierce... "Great".

Such a big boy... he has been in school for 3 weeks now and every day learning more, getting use to the expectations and mommy is getting use to not having her little buddy around every day... but I am starting to figure out what to do with my time...

Arteastiq!

2011-09-02T10:19:00.001+03:00

Well we have seen Pierce's artistic touch for the past month... now lets see if mama has it too... I had a girls night the other night at a place called Arteastiq. We purchased a painting session on Groupon with no idea what it meant... but we were all pleasantly surprised. As soon as we go there I found out that there were no lessons it was just social painting and you could paint whatever you wanted.

So we all headed to the inspiration table to get our creative juices flowing... I had already thought that I wanted to do something that reminded me of the Maldives bc I was not able to find a painting when we were there (another tradition that we have... but a painting in every country we visit)... and I happen to find a picture that reminded me of Male, Maldives.

Here is our station... and we are off...

By this time all my friends had their canvas covered in paint and I was just finishing my sky which took forever to get perfect (does it look like the sun is coming from the right?) then on the water... which was another challenge.

Gillian... well sweet GiGi has taken 4+ years of art in college... she is a graphic designer and she was a pro and totally looked like she was in the zone...

Every one's is coming along...

Ok now I have sky, water, sand... and now I have to do the tops of the buildings (do you remember our pics from Male... from the rooftop of our hotel... there were buildings stacked on each other and water in the distance)...

These three finished their paintings when the time was up... so fun...

GiGi and I have to go back to finish ours...

It was a great night... so much fun with good friends... stay tuned to see the finished product. I had fun but I am no Pierce... maybe I should learn how to paint next time... :-)

Meet Mi-ke...

2011-09-01T11:55:00.000+03:00

Meet Mi-ke (sounds like Mikey)... we got to cat-sit again and Pierce just loves having a pet around. And this really works out for us bc then we can have a pet for a few weeks and then give her back and Pierce feels better and never really ask for a pet. Mi-ke's parents are good friends from church and they get to enjoy a holiday together and no worry about their baby... so everyone is happy.

Mi-ke took a couple of days to get use to us... but after that Pierce and her were inseparable.

Sweet cat... she loves to be rubbed on...