New Beginnings

Its been over a year since I have posted anything. There have been many changes in our lives, family, and many more to come. Stay Tuned for the Beautiful Struggles in Our Life.

Where Has Time Gone?

I havent blogged in months!!! Life in Malaysia has been difficult. Having part of our family back in the states has really started to affect me. I've wondered is this really worth the sacrifice. Life here requires lots of self motivation, to make your self get up and get involved and not stay inside and feel sorry for myself. I am struggling lately. I know God has a plan for our family, lately I am wishing he would move faster!!!! I often find myself reading the serenity prayer. This prayer has been present in my life at  some of my darkest moments.

On another note, we have been pretty busy! Mattie arrived a few days ago and will spend some time here in Malaysia with us. Alec and Nora are getting ready for Prom this weekend and are so excited. Tyler has been busy, but has not been traveling as much. It is nice to have him at home. The school year is coming to a close and summer is upon us. We have not planned our trip back to the states but hopefully we will get that done in the next few weeks. We have also enjoyed the facetiming we get with Emmitt, he is the most beautiful baby ever! and has stolen my heart.


We did get away and go to Singapore, You can see the Marina Bay Sands in the background.

This picture was taken from on top the hotel

This is a picture of the Gardens by the way Bay near the hotel

We also enjoyed attending the American Ball!!!

We celebrated Alec turning 16!!!

I visited the Pink Mosque with friends

We celebrated with Jim and LeeAnn before they left for Saudi, We will Miss them!!

And heres a few of Emmitt, Such a cutie!!!

Langkawi Beach

As Alec and Nora left for their yearly school Gap trips, Tyler and I decided to take a little trip of our own. We went to Langkawi which is only a hour flight from KL. We had visited Thailand with the kids and didn't think Langkawi would be able to compete with the beauty. We were mistaken, not only was it beautiful the people were so happy and friendly.

Every afternoon a local fisherman would deliver his catch to the resort and these different fish, prawns, and crab would be included in the menu for that night.

Below is a picture of the Grand entrance to the resort as you arrive.

This is a coral reef bed they have been working hard to preserve the coral since the Tsunami in 2004 destroyed most of the coral.

Langkawi is known as the Jewel of Kedah. It is one of the 104 islands located in the Andaman Sea. These islands are all part of Malaysia.

LIFE IS TO SHORT

MISSING MY FAMILY

Well as of today Mattie and I have been away from Tyler, Nora, and Alec for 20 days!!!
That is a long time for us as a family to be apart, This last year living overseas as a family definitely brought us closer together we had only each other to depend on. As I move Mattie into her dorm I feel very torn wanting to go home to Malaysia and also wanting to not leave Mattie, Its very bittersweet.  We wait half our lives for our children to grow up and make a life of their own, so why is it so hard when it actually happens? I will start my journey home on Friday to be with my family and leave Mattie to open her wings and fly. My prayer for her is to show this world what a strong,faith filled young woman she is and never let anyone tell you, you cant do something because with Christ all things are possible. Always remember what daddy says theres nothing free in this world( you know the rest), you must work hard. To my family in Malaysia I'm coming home and cant wait for all your hugs and kisses!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE

A little over a year ago when I created this blog because of our move overseas, I can remember trying to decide what I would name it. At the time that I choose LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE I can remember thinking our family has been through so much, but because of every struggle we have been through we are stronger, faith filled, and happier people today. This brings me to summer which began for the kids and I when we flew back to the states on June 12th, Tyler was able to meet us stateside on July 12th. We have been able to visit with many friends, family, celebrate Mattie's graduation, Confirm Alec and Nora, meet our new grand baby,spend some time at the beach, but all good things must come to a end. Last week Tyler, Nora, and Alec flew back to Malaysia to start school, and I have stayed with Mattie to get her settled in school. This was a emotional departure for all of us Mattie, Alec, and Nora knowing they would not see each other til Christmas and for me it is hard to be away from my two children and husband for a month. So as we continue on this overseas journey I am reminded daily of how lucky we are to have this life we are living and how God is always in the drivers seat even though we may not want to go where he is taking us. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Here are some pics from our summer

Aunt Tim turned 95! She looks Awesome

Fun with Cousins!!

Beach Days

 The wind was so bad but we managed to get a pic

Is this not the most Beautiful baby on Earth? Maybe I'm partial.

Getting ready to say goodbye to their sister

Mattie's Graduation party with lots of friends

Mattie and Lily

Nora and Alec's Confirmation with Fr. Breaux

Stay Tuned for more Travels...............

CONFIRMATION

Today Nora and Alec made their confirmation, thanks to Fr. Breaux a friend of the family. We were able to have this sacrament while we were in the US. We missed Tyler being with us, but we know he was here in spirit. Ten days til he arrives in the US, we cant wait!

On another note Alec went fishing and caught a few. He really had fun!

We also were able to visit with Patrick, I think he grew 2 feet since Christmas.