Christmas and the end of 2008

It was a Merry Christmas at our home - as I hope it was for you. We enjoyed visiting with friends and family. It was a bit non-traditional, yet merry. It was our first year without the whole family. MIB wasn't here. He left the states on the 23rd and arrived in Bacolod late Christmas day. He left inches of snow on the ground here and welcomed the 90 degree weather there. He says he loves it there. He spoke of fireworks going off all the time. From what I understand, fireworks are how they celebrate in the Philippines from Christmas to New Years.

I've included a few quotes from MIBs latest email, as well as a picture of him with his MTC companion, Elder Booth:

"The little kids call us Joe and its funny, but we have started teaching them to call us Elder."

(I'm hoping that we may be getting some more language lessons on the blog soon. It seems as though MIB will be having some learn-as-you-go language lessons himself.)

"OH YEAH, BY THE WAY, we don't speak Tagalog here. Yeah, we speak Ilonggo. Yep. Oh well, I guess I'll be learning languages for the next two years."

(No matter how far from our basketball net MIB may get, his love for the game always shines through!)

"Basketball is huge here. Everyone is always playing it and my new companion, Elder Sibbet loves basketball too. Once again I got a companion that is a lot like me."

MIB has even received the nick-name of Elder Dewayne Wade. I'm sure he is eating that one up!

It's great to hear him so excited an upbeat. I hope that you will continue to write him. DearElder is still free. Just choose Philippines, Bacolod mission. The letters aren't printed as frequently, just on Thursdays for the pouch mail. But there is no excuse to not be able to drop him a few sentences, or more. I know the mail really helps to keep his spirits up. Everyone has been wonderful!! If you want to send a package or mail him through the postal service, just email me for his address.

Princess has been faithfully getting up for her basketball practices and team events. She is even doing her best to put on 10 pounds that her coach told her to gain. She isn't a junk food junky, so we've stocked up on protein bars and whatever else sounds good to her. "Needing to gain weight" is truly a trial I will never have the misfortune of enduring. : )

DK is living up the late nights and not-so-early mornings. He is loving the snow and all the "fair game" goodies that fill our home this time of year. He always seems to be engaged with his friends either here or there. There is never a moment for sitting still - it's go, go, go.

Naws misses MIB like crazy. He is always wanting to set a spot at the table and save food for him for when he comes home. Somehow, dinner or a cookie waiting two years for MIB doesn't sound too appetizing. Two years is a time frame that isn't fathomable for a 4 year old. Naws LOVES school. He is a bit frustrated that even though it is Tuesday today, he doesn't get to go to school today. In his opinion this vacation thing is for the birds. Although, I know he has loved having his older brother and sister home from school.

Hubby and I are enjoying the time with the kids. We'd love to be experiencing MIBs 90 degree weather. For now, we'll enjoying hear about it. We've loved and learned so much in 2008. We've enjoyed having you a part of it. I hope you continue to read and comment in 2009!!

A few Photos!

Top left: MIB competes in a push-up competitions. In the background, you can see a little bit of his living quarters.

Bottom left is a picture taken in one of the many classrooms at the MTC. I believe hes is pictured here (yellow tie) with is missionary companion.

Birthday greetings

My birthday came, as it does once a year, and was wonderful. Co-workers at work made cake, sang, gave gifts and celebrated with me there. Hubby and Naws took me out for lunch. My mother cooked dinner for the whole family, including my niece and nephew who were there. In fact, my nephew-in-law, who works at the MTC (where MIB is) brought me a card from MIB with a recent photo soon to be posted). My children, husband, family, friends and neighbors all made me feel special on this special day!
Short kiddo story: My four-year-old was carrying in his pocket a little jewelry box. There was nothing in it, but he was keeping it in his pocket and distraught about a gift for me for my birthday. After some time, Hubby was able to drag out some more insight from Naws concerning this little box. It turns out, Naws wanted to get me a necklace for my birthday and he knew they came in little boxes. It was very cute!
Cheers to "another 38 years!!" Mabuhay!

Many Hands Lighten my Soul

Friday was my Church's Christmas dinner. 250+ people signed up to attend and at least that many did! It was a great turn-out. It started with a visit from Santa and crafts for the kids. Music, Food, great music and more food came next and then... the clean-up. So many stayed to help clean-up and stuck it out until the bitter end. But because there were so many, the end wasn't bitter.
It was wonderful to see all those, who volunteered, wash dishes, sweep, mop, move chairs, take out trash and ask "what can I do." In the past a few others and myself would be cleaning at the church until 11pm or so. This year - I left by 9pm!
Salamat! Salamat ("Thank you," in Tagalog) to all of you who stayed to help. You really do make a difference. Your many hands lightened my soul! At a time of year where time and energy is in high demand, I personally felt your service!
Mabuhay!