Feeling Cranky....

Sorry all , its been a while. We had kind of a blow with some plans we had that fell through. I was looking forward to a little change. I love living in Bahrain where I have a simple life and have the everyday blessing of homeschooling my children, but this place can get to you. I am looking forward to our home leave scheduled for May15. We will spend our usual 4 days in Amsterdam and then arrive in DC on the 20th. After about a week of R and R with Judy we will head south to Amanda and Erins. In the meantime, we are fine. My dear friend Sara and her family just returned from a spring holiday at home (in Nottingham,England) and skiing in France. It is great having her back! We all went to the beach yesterday and the kids had such a great time. George and Charlotte are so great with Luke and Layne. They all enjoyed the sun and sand. They have lived here for 12 years--wow!! Can't imagine that but it costs so much to live in the UK. I sure am happy they are here. Here's some pictures of the kids. Not much else going on. DEFINATELY ready for a holiday. See everyone soon!xoxox

Layne's Birthday

Who can believe she's 5?? She's gotten very tall these past few months and has really thinned out-just like Luke did. We are having a BBQ with our "Bahrain family" tommorow. On her actual day we opened presents (she got another Groovy Girl, some littlest PetShops, and some dress up things). Our friend Krishna came over and brought her a dress from India. She wanted to make chocolate cupcakes so she could share with the workers and neighbors. Here's a picture of them...she did a great job!

Layne saw a Christmas video that had Minnie Mouse ice skating. She has been ice skating around the house for months. She asked Chris to take her ice skating for her birthday.Fun for both!

The best thing about BAHRAIN???? Swimming in your own swimming pool in the middle of March!

PROPHETS AND LAYNES BIRTHDAY

Today is national holiday...its the prophet Mohammed's birthday and Layne's birthday! CHris will get the day off which will make it even better. I will post about Laynes birthday later.

We have had a slow week. Chris was travelling which keeps us busy but all routine. Homeschool, yoga, activities (Luke-cricket,tae kwondo, rugby,football and Layne gymnastics). Chris came home with the usual "Christmas stash" from his mom. It is so great to have a mother in law who knows how to shop for you! Layne got some cute cute dresses and Lukes loves his T's and shorts. I needed white T's and they were just perfect-thanks Grandma Judy!!!

Today is also the anniversary of the start of the War in Iraq. This has laid heavy on my heart. I went into labor the day the war started and had to shut down all outside communication so Layne could have a peaceful birth. Since we live so close to Iraq and since we know some of the people, we have different perspective. In this part of the world, the mindset is different and I just dont see any change coming about as a result of my country's continued efforts. I honestly dont think the Middle East is truly ready for democracy-they dont know what to do with it! The ppl. here are used to being "ruled". A just and caring ruler is ideal, but these grand ideas of a free democracy arent realistic. Anyway, my thoughts. Along with this is my fear for the DaliLama with recent uprising in TIbet. I have read and followed his teachings for years. I studied Buddhism in Singpore (not TIbetan but CHinese). My opinion is that we should boycott the Olympics and surprisingly Chris agrees. Lukes picks up on some of these things and asked why AMerica doesnt go over and "get the Chinese and free the TIbetan people." I suppose thats what he's grown up with--the idea the idea that AMerica polices the world. I am trying to talk and explain at an 8 year old level our values regarding this. Last night, Chris and I watched the US vs. John Lennon. Luke couldnt sleep and came down. It was ok for him and he got to see the message of just having peace. Its a simplistic vision, and one that I think is more complex than Lennon gave credit, but Luke said to me "now I understand why you dont like guns and Im not going to play that anymore. I will work for peace." Chris and I just looked at each other. LUke is a very spiritual and insightful soul. He "gets" things that other kids can't wrap their heads around. I am hoping that being around so many other children from different countries and faiths will further ground him in the belief that we all are one. We are an exception to the american crowd here-we have Bahraini friends, friends who wear abayas, friends from the UK, South Africa, Eastern Europe, Venezuela......he knows children in the Royal family and he respects Islam.
Ok, heavy post but its whats on my mind at 5 a.m. while everyone sleeps. Next post-Laynes Birthday!!!!

Busy Week!

I love that my children LOVE to cook. They are always asking to cook with me. This definately comes from both sides as the family as I love to cook fresh natural foods and the Barbers are all naturally talented cooks. Luke and Layne made chocolate chip cookies this week. They can pretty much do it together on their own with Luke as head chef.

Today, Saturday, which is the second day of our weekend (Sunday is a work day!) is a busy one here. I teach Yoga early in the morning, Layne has gymnastics and then Luke goes to Rugby late afternoon. Layne really likes her gymnastics! I think a lot has to do with the velour pink leotard and the "big finish" when she puts her arms up and stikes a pose. She has this face she makes whenever she poses--very "girly". Here are some cute pictures of her in gymastics today. WHAT A HAM!!!

Luke's Rugby team in Qatar!

The entire family ( and yes our dear friends the Douglas family too!) went to Qatar to participate in a Rugby tournament-Bahrain mini-Rugby vs. Doha!! It was such an exciting weekend!!! Doha is more conservative than Bahrain (Islam-wise) so we didnt get out of the club much, but we didnt need too!! It was one of the most exciting things we've done here. Luke loves his Rugby buddies and he was playing with kids who have been playing for years. He was "shakin and bakin" all over the field (as Chris says). Luke has only been playing for 6 months and was neck in neck with his buddy Felix for Player of the tournament. As kids were grabbing his flag, he was literally dragging the kids along as he sent for the score! In one play he literally had 3 kids on top of him and he held onto the ball and he crawled to the line dragging them along! The coaches all said how Luke played like an "american football player" weaving in and out of the defensive line. He even jumped over a few guys at one for a score. In the end, he scored about 1/3 of the points, his buddy Felix scored a third, and the rest of the team scored the last third. Lots of boy time and fun for all. As usual I was so proud of them both as we were getting on the bus, Luke started panicking because he couldn't find Layne! She was on the bus safely (smile) and he later came and sat with her because his friends didnt want her in the back with them. That's Luke! Here are some pictures of a great weekend! (Clark Douglas is to Lukes left and his twin Tyler is behind Luke with his thumb up! CLick on the photos for a close up These 3 are inseperable )OOps forgot to add...they won every game and took home the tournment trophy.

Homeschooling today....

LAYNE

Layne was very busy today at school time! She took out our puzzle "Map of the World), put it together and then expanded it...first adding our labels for names of all the continents, then adding plastic animals-placing them in the correct continents. We then got out our ocean and compass labels ( for North, South, East and West). She asked me to take a picture and here she is! SHe was very proud of her "work".


This second picture is of her favorite continent-Antarctica!!! She has a real thing for penguins
and can tell you all about the different species,
what they eat, who their predators are. Needless to say, she has asked for a penguin for hr birthday ( don't tell Judy-she'll probably get her one!)

Today is our friend Krishna's birthday so math today was making him a cake and measuring.

LUKE
Luke is busy with his animal word studies for his language. Here's a picture of him concentrating on the names of animals and the names of their young (ex: swan/cygnet) Some of these we had to look up together! He also worked on animals
and their homes (rabbit/burrow). He is very into
the lives of the famous artist such as Leonardo
DiVinci and Michelangelo. I have found some neat
CD's online that tell the stories of their lives.
He sits and listens while building his legos.
This weekend we will be flying to Qatar for a Rugby tournament. He is very excited to be going on this big trip. Our friends the Douglas' will be going also so it whould be a fun weekend.


Hoping all is well with all our family and friends. Be well ( Amanda's signature line which I have borrowed!)

On the MEND!

We had a rough week....this flu just seemed to hang around. Luke would be fine, then the next day have a fever. I had a fever for 5 days and finally the doctor put me on antibiotics. UGH- hate them but with the air quality here things get nasty --fast. Luke has been diligent about making sure Mom takes her acidopholus ( very cute.) So, we are all feeling much better!!

It is finally warming up! 75 all this week!! We open the house up and sit outside a lot. The kids got a large teepee for Christmas which is great for these days. We will focus on getting back to academics this week, getting Luke ready for his Standardized testing. IM not worried about him--he's way above grade level...but it helps to know where we need to focus. I had someone tell me the other day how "highly intelligent" Layne is also. I have tried to listen and observe her more; sometimes I put so much into keeping Luke challenged. Boy, having these two can be exhausting!! Atleast I know have the experience with Luke and have great guidance to ensure he's getting what he needs; I'll be doing the same with her.

Today Layne had gymnastics and is now napping with Chris. Luke played basketball for most of the morning and is now at his friend Santiagos trying to figure out a game. They want to get to the next level (breathing in and out- I hate the NIntendo but realize in this day and age its part of being 8!) Here's picture from Lukes birthday party.