Writing In the Sand

The beach is one of my favorite places to be. I have many fond memories of writing in the sand myself. Normally the things I chose to write were the names of my latest crush. Obviously, that was not MIB's idea here when sand writing. I love this picture - it is so "me," and I wasn't even there! Way to think like your mom MIB!
Second, is a picture of MIB with his companion, Elder Labii, a Philippine native from Cagayan. The third man in the picture, I'm guessing, is an investigator. Something I should explain about the hand gesture near the neck: It almost looks like a gesture to strangle a person, but it means "handsome." MIB isn't running around pretending to strangle every person he takes pictures with : ) Elder Labii actually speaks 10 different languages. MIB says that he often interchanges the languages while speaking. I can see that happening. Any of you with the multi language knowledge may concure. Let me know.
When I asked what yummy food MIB has been cooking, he said, "I can make really really good mango shakes :D Mangoes and pineapple are the greatest things ever!" I could go for one of his shakes right now. Ummmm, yum.
The next picture is one that maybe MIB should have seen earlier. This is a group of people crossing the river. They are on a float (possibly made of bamboo) and pulling themselves on a cable or rope across the river. This was a good demonstration for MIB, maybe he'll try this next time - rather than wading across and getting soaked crossing the river.

All dressed in white

MIB had his first baptism a few weeks ago with the Roble family. Here they are pictured, all dressed in white before the baptism. I can see the joy just radiating from MIB's face. He looks very happy! This was his companion's last weekend before he went home. Elder Sibbet has been in the mission field for two years now. Training MIB was his final task before returning home to the states. Thank you Elder Sibbet for the great example and teacher you were for MIB. We know he was in good hands with you by his side!

MIB has a new companion now. "I got a new companion. He is awesome, but a complete opposite. He touched a basketball for the first time Thursday night. He is teaching me how to cook if I teach him how to play basketball. Haha. He is 5'5''." MIB also seems to be enjoying the area. "The area is getting better and better. Sunday I fried my brain. I have never had to coordinate so much in so little time with only a translator." I can see he is learning and growing so much already!

He did manage to share a few Ilonggo words. The first is "basta," it means "anyway." The other is "kuwa," meaning, "my name is."

Basta, it sounds as though things are going well and he's loving the work. I can't wait to hear (and eventually taste) what MIB learns to cook. I'm hoping it has a few different ingredient than sisig. Otherwise, I may just observe the cooking rather than taste it. Oh bother! Why not live a little? If MIB cooks it, I'll taste it!

Hoop - There it is!

As basketball season is nearing an end this month, I thought it would be fun to include some pictures of Princess and DK on the court! Here is Princess (#13) dribbling down the court in one picture and fighting for the ball in the other. She is one tough cookie! I'm sure living with three brothers has helped condition her!

Next is DK (#3) on the court with nice form. Watching them play basketball is one of my favorite things! There haven't been as many games to watch without MIB here this season. I'm sure he gets as much time as he can on the court - we just don't get to watch him play!! Naws is doing Itty Bitty ball this month, so he's getting some court time too. I'm sure in no time we'll be cheering on the sidelines at his basketball games!

I even had the opportunity to get some court time in myself... As the Moms and sisters beat the girls freshman team! Yes, I put in my time on the court and managed to take some pictures too! I must admit, the girls didn't seem to be near as competitive at our game as a few of the Moms did. But it was fun, and they kept us wanting to play them again. Maybe a rematch next year?

Hubby has taken MIB's place in coaching DK's team. It's been fun to watch him work with the boys. Here he is during a time-out, with DK right beside him.

And of course, no game would be complete without the most faithful fan - Naws. He's always there watching... or playing on the side line!

Why do I love basketball so much? I do believe that it is one of the few sports (inside, where it is nice and warm) where I can be close enough to see what is going on and possibly even be heard when I cheer for my favorites! I do believe that probably the biggest reason why I love the sport is because my children love to play it! I love to watch them do what they love to do! It is definitely something that the whole family can do and does do together. We love to go as a family and play ball! Bring it on!