Rachel Writes

The kids chose their own clothes for going to the mall. Wow, what style. I like how Soj's giving a derisive look, while chewing on a toy flute.  Really, Whitaker, how silly can a person be?  Ahh, these two are fabulous friends. I hope Whitty keeps making Soj laugh and that Soj keeps being such a loving sister towards him.

A huge congratulations goes out to Coaches Micah and Nehama as they led the ladies to a tournament victory in Subic Bay. Way to go, team! Micah's big theme this year was team-- be a team on and off the court. I like it. Micah also encouraged the girls to focus and persevere.  I want focus and perseverence for me, too! (And for Soj. In a 3 year old appropriate way.) We'll hear on Monday if there's going to be a HS ladies soccer team. If there is, Micah will be coaching.

Whitaker is demonstrating classic toddler behavior lately. He wants to control situations more so is throwing some fits and is lying to me about dirty diapers. I think what it comes down to is that he does not want me to take the time to change his diaper. I've been thinking about what to do about this. I   hate  when he is stinky. Yuck. But it's a worse thing to me when he lies. So I've decided that I'm not going to set him up to lie and I'm going to really praise when he tells me the truth. Instead of asking "Do you need a clean diaper?" (Answer is yes; he'll say no.) I'm going to say, "I know you have a dirty diaper. Let's change it." I'm not at the point where I want to wait him out until he wants it changed. I don't even want to know how long he can be content in a dirty nappy! Anyways, he's cute and growing. Still doesn't really talk. Not so interested in trying, even with both Sojo and me as coaches. Oh well...

I'm so proud of Soj for overcoming fears. She seems to struggle with fear, not abnormally, but more than some kids. In this picture she allowed me to place her close to the birds nest and was willing to point in its direction. I am reminded that I need to keep trying new things and facing old fears (Is that mouse in my cupboard? Get rid of it! Is the Internet down again? Find a way to fix it!) Today Sojo and Whit are visiting Jacque's church and playing with friends afterwards. I thought  I was going to a ladies fellowship event, but I had the wrong day written down. Boo. I was nervous about meeting new people, but excited about the promised snacks. Anyways, I'm home waiting for them to return. And 3 hours after that, Micah should be home from Subic Bay where his girls basketball team just won the tournament. Way to go Knights!

Sojourner loves jello. Here she is enjoying the treat beside some of her animal friends. She can eat bowls and bowls of this stuff. For Sojourner, life is magical. ( Some days many little things are tragedies-- things like not enough chocolate milk available, only one Dora episode, and having to rest.) But mostly, life is full of joys-- packages arriving in the mail, meeting new friends at the playground, and finding small toys on the ground. Score! Whit got shots today. I'm busy and tired with the new kid growing inside. But mostly, we're doing great. Micah leaves next week to coach the high school girls basketball team at the tournament. Good luck, ladies! Make us proud.

Soj has a busy weekend of cute quotes. Two favorites are: (1) "Before my birthday, I will have a wedding. I am marrying Grammie ." Shew-- good thing she's three and that's a cute thing to say. You should be honored Mom! (2) We were headed to the grocery store, walking to catch a jeep (public transport), and I asked Soj to please walk a bit. I was feeling tired. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll catch a jeep for you." She assured me in a very concerned voice. What a sweetie. We went to the Nutcracker ballet this morning (well, half of it) and Sojo loved it. We didn't stay to the end, so no pictures with the ballerinas, but at the top of the post is one of her dressed up and one of some of the ballerinas. Enjoy.

Whitty and Motors Whitaker loves riding the motorcycle. Here he is with our friends BoYan and Ami, waiting for a little ride. He asks to ride the motorcycle everyday, multiple times a day. Prescription : Beach Trip Today, although both kids have runny noses, we're all in pretty good spirits. I am really sad about missing autumn, but what are you gonna do, huh? I think a trip to the beach might be in order for Saturday. There are Good People in the World! Yesterday I had a good faith restoring experience. Our garbage can was missing. Great! I thought. Someone nicked it! Turns out our neighbor collected that so no one else would take it. She returned it that night. Thanks, Auntie! Would You Like Pork Tenderloin or Toast? The kids are still super silly about eating. Toddlers. I made a delicious roast today. And they both asked for toast. Well, at least they have simple tastes. More for me and Micah . (Oh, and they still eat rice and veggies. So, not all is lost.)