Spring Break--Singapore

So, in December I found out that I got a new job next year. Next year, I (Laura) will be the PYP Coordinator (Primary Years Programme for the International Baccalareate) and ICT teacher at TCIS. This job will be completely different from what I have been doing since I arrived at TCIS. I will not have my own class, but rather will work with all teachers, students, administrators, parents, and collaborate with other schools. I am excited about this opportunity, but it will also be a challenge.

While in Singapore we got to go to Disney on Ice.

It was just Kirk Hawkins and myself with all four kids.

Fortunately it went pretty well.

So, one of my first assignments was to go to Singapore and attend the Regional workshop for the International Baccalaureate. The timing of this workshop was that it happened to fall on the tail end of Spring Break. Just prior to my departure Darren found out that he had a workshop in Singapore the first half of spring break. So, in a fairly late decision we decided to all travel to SIngapore and spend the break there.

Here is a picture of Sara as we took a "taxi ride"

on the river one evening when we were down

at Clark Quay. What a beautiful place!

Darren spent the first days, Saturday-Wednesday at his Mac workshop, Apple Distinguished Educators. The girls and I hung out with my family who also decided to travel to Singapore. Then on Thursday my workshop started so Darren hung out with the girls the last few days.

One evening we had dinner down at the Clark Quay.

Once again we had a great dinner and beautiful scenery!

Kindergarten does Chapel

For a number of days, Kacy couldn't sleep. She would take forever to go to sleep and then she would be up way before the crack of dawn (like between 4:00 and 5:00 AM). We couldn't figure out exactly what was going on. On top of that, Kacy doesn't really like to tell us what is going on in Kindergarten...but for days all she could talk about was this Kindergarten chapel. She insisted on practicing all the time. She told anyone that would listen when and where it would be. Needless to say she was a little excited.

Jamie, Kacy, Ashley, and Jennifer telling the Easter Story.

With a Kindergarten teacher that plays the piano and her husband who plays the guitar singing was a big part of this chapel. The kids were super cute singing and doing the actions. They sang, "Every Move We Make", "My Redeemer Lives", and "Lord I Lift you Name on High."

Following, the actual chapel Kacy slept for a long time. It really made us realize that she was so excited about Kindergarten chapel that it was effecting her sleep. Unbelievable. It was also great to see what our children have the of learning about at school and then telling others about. We are truly blessed!

Kacy with her Kindgergarten Class-March 2010

A True Vacation

We had an absolutely great time in Penang (Malaysia) this trip. We have been many times but it was very relaxing and a great time of rest for our family. We were privileged to have the Loeber's travel with us. Enjoy the slideshow...

The Music of the Sound

I want to remember things that my children say and do when they are little. That is part of the reason that we maintain this blog with mostly a running pictorial or our kids lives and events. I try to add things that they are saying or doing. A friend of ours turns theirs into a book every year. I really intend on doing that sometime, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I will though!

Anyways, so the high school here at TCIS is performing The Sound of Music. We borrowed the movie from a friend and the girls watched the movie a couple of times and have quickly fallen in love with the sound of music. It is amazing how much their minds are soaking up.

Anyways, Sara calls it the music of the sound. (something I want to remember) She pretty much all the time sings either "These Are A Few of My Favorite Things," or "Do-Re-Mi". It is one of those experiences I am really trying to enjoy, but the enjoyment is wearing off. I mean it is super cute, but it is non-stop, "Mommy, let's sing music of the sound". We seem to sing it every time we get in the car or sit down for a meal!

Of course if you try to get her on tape she gets all silly and refuses to do it. But one night we caught a glimpse of it. So here is Sara singing "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things."

Kacy of course is all about it too, she just has a little more restrain and control and when and where she will sing. Also, she can be heard singing quite loudly in the bathtub/shower or in bed at night!

Disclaimer on the video: Listen to the cute little 3 year old and disregard the Mama that is singing along. Also, if I could record her again she knows it all by now!

Pheonix Park, Ski Resort

My dad managed to get us one night at a ski resort here in Korea. It was a cold, wintry, snowy day...perfect for some to be at a ski resort, but in my opinion it was a little cold. We spent the time just hanging out playing cranium, skiing--Darren did it without hurting himself this year, sledding, and drinking hot chocolate.

Christmas Dinner--Dec. 26th

Pastor Norton knows how to deal with a big Christmas Dinner.

We had our Christmas Dinner on Dec. 26th. There really isn't a whole lot to say about it, except we all gained some weight, ate some great food, enjoyed the company, and took naps! Sound good to me!

Dec. 25th at the Penlands

My brother, Tommy and my sister-in-law Carre flew in from the US on Christmas Eve so we decided not to have a big dinner on Christmas day but to take it a little easier. We started off with a "brunch" and then ended the day with a dinner of lasagna and salad. All of which was delicious thanks to my mom! In between our two meals the kids had some time to play with their new toys and show each other what they had gotten.

Kacy is thoroughly enthralled with board games. She got Monopoly Jr., Scrabble Jr., and Checkers. We play them all regularly.

In the middle we opened presents. The kids were patient while granddaddy read them the Christmas story and prayed with them. However, then it was time for gifts and they were excited. We all pretty much decided that we should have gotten our kids anything because Grandma and Granddaddy way outdid themselves.

Kirk takes a little rest

What did you get Hayley?

Sara got a Minnie Mouse that was almost as big as her, I was very excited that I got to sleep with Minnie Mouse the other night!
Sara giving Grandma BIG hugs for the Minnie Mouse.