Babies R Us

We love babies around here! No, we aren't having one of own, so we just borrow them from time to time. Our friends oblige us every once in a while and let their girls come over to play! Hannah loves her little friend, and loves to play with her. Last week she came over for about an hour while her parents and big sis were out. Shouldn't that big girl be about the same size as the little one?!?!? Yikes! Even Hudson got in on some baby playtime.

We are so thankful for our "family" on this side of the world. We couldn't ask for sweeter "aunts" and "uncles" and "cousins" to fill in for the ones we have left behind! They are some of the blessings we never dreamed we would receive once we moved here.

The Vomit Comet

Last weekend was a holiday here. We were invited to spend it with some local friends in their hometown. We accepted their invitation, got up early Saturday morning and took a 2 hour bus ride to meet them, then another hour ride with them out to their hometown. We had a great time with them and their family all weekend. We shared meals, talked, sat around with the neighbors, the boys went searching for snakes and frogs (which Hudson loved), and we ate fruit that I could never tell you what it was nor describe it to you.

We discovered that there was one bus that went directly from our friend's hometown directly to our city in less than 3 hours, without changing buses. So we decided to see if it would get us home quicker then the normal 3-4 hour trip. All of our fun, however, ended as we boarded the bus to come home.

Things seemed fine as we found our seats about 3/4 of the way back. Then the bus started moving. 15 minutes into the trip and I realized we had made a big mistake. The bus driver was driving at record speeds on small roads with lots of curves and potholes. Up and down, around and over. And we were sitting towards the back.

One of the interesting things about living here is you discover that most people are not used to long car travel. They walk everywhere. Maybe they will take a 10 minute bike ride somewhere or a quick taxi ride, but very very seldom do they take long car/bus rides. It is hard for us to imagine what it might be like, since as my teacher says, "Americans are practically born in cars aren't they?" I have met so many people who just can't leave their city becasue it is too uncomfortable for them to ride anywhere for any amount of time. The motion is too great.

So, back to my story. 15 minutes into the ride I start hearing the rumbling of plastic bags. I look down and see that every seat has 2 barf bags. Not a good sign. There was a poor girl sitting behind me that had her head in the bag the whole 3 hours. Then the poor young couple with a newborn who kept passing her back and forth so the other could....well, use the barf bag. Friends, I couldn't turn my ipod up loud enough or stop breathing long enough to avoid the array of smells that were infiltrating my space. On top of this, I, myself have been known to need to "sit where I can see the road ahead" as to avoid sickness. I was fighting to keep myself from being sick just trying to stare straight ahead and listen to my music VERY loudly.

About an hour and a half into the trip, more and more people were being allowed to get on the bus as we passed them on the road, filling up the aisle of the charter bus with people sitting on little plastic stools......themsleves getting sick and causing the temperature on the bus to rise. About that time the man behind Rob let loose of all he had been keeping in and at that moment I hit my low point. Between gags, I felt the tears coming. Tears of denial, laughter, and lunacy. Rob was truly concerned, saying we would get off at the next town and flag down another ride home. He was very compassionate. I pulled it together, and could do nothing but laugh at the situation.

This is the view from Rob's seat. Please notice the guy in front of him, he was practically leaned in Rob's lap as his seat was broken in the "fully reclined" position. Needless to say we exceeded the number of seat that were actually on the bus.

Thankfully we made it home just under 3 hours. The best part was watching everyone file off the bus with their barf bags all tied up ready to deposit in the trash can. Rob said next time we could ride in the front of the bus. NEXT TIME??? I am taking the 3-4 hour bus that uses the nice, new, paved highway!

The new "do"

Yesterday, we took a big step and cut off 9 inches of Hannah's hair. For girls with very thick, curly hair, it was a little bit of a mystery how it would turn out.

We armed ourselves with pictures of the hairstyle we wanted and our good friend who is a local to help us with communicating EXACTLY what we wanted. It is very difficult to find people here who will cut your hair the way you want. Many times, especially because there is no one with thick, coarse hair like ours here, they don't know what to do with us. Thankfully we have found one lady who listens and will do the things we want. She works in a "salon" that looks more like a "hole in the wall" than a salon. But, we only paid $2.75 for the cut and wash. And we were pleased with the outcome, which is the most important thing. So without further ado......
And I just really like this picture. This girl LOVES to read!

The Cut Off

Somthing changed in our household today. It was drastic. I will give you 3 guesses.....

1. 2.

3. Hmmmm.....wonder what it could be. Check in tomorrow!!!

Science Project: Cells 101

Hudson came home last week and said "Mom, we have a group project and everyone in my group is coming to my house Sunday." At 1:30 today, Hudson's classmates showed up to begin the project. They all had a great time working together.

The task: Make an edible replica of a cell.

Here is what we used: green jelly (or jello if you are an American), Laffy Taffy, Bread, Passion Fruit, and Grapes. (We had a taste test for the Laffy Taffy since noone besides Hudson had eaten it before....it was a hit)

Here are the boys using the Laffy Taffy as a Cell Membrane. They are installing it in the cell wall. Hudson and his friend getting the green jelly just right to insert into the cell. The finished and labeled product. Don't you wish you were in that class tomorrow when the time comes to EAT the cell! No thanks. The proud scientists displaying their cell!!

A Very Special Guy

I will never forget the first time I met him. I was excited for Spring Affair at OBU to begin. This guy that I had been spending a lot of time with was going to sing and I had been listening to his act practice, so I couldn't wait to hear them. As I sat down in my seat, a man in front of me turned around and introduced himself and his wife. He said he had heard a lot about me and was very happy to meet me. Turns out, this was to be my father-in-law.

Over the years, I have grown to love Bob Olmstead more and more. He is probably the most honest, caring, and loving man I have known. He was and is a great father, continuing through the years to model Godliness to his children. He would be the first to tell you he isn't perfect and has made mistakes, in fact, he is honest about his shortcomings. I see through my own husband many ways his dad invested in him....and for that I am truly thankful!

Today, Sept. 28th, is Bob's birthday, and I just wanted to take this chance to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB! You are a GREAT DAD, PA, and FRIEND!! We love you!!

Out of Town Partying

This weekend has been full of activity and fun for the O Fam! On Friday morning Rob left our city and headed out for a weekend of travel. He needed to leave before the kids got out of school, so the kids and I didn't join him this weekend. Instead, we went out of town to help a little friend celebrate her 7th birthday. One of the things we miss the most here are all of our cousins and extended family. However, we are so thankful for new cousins, aunts, and uncles that we love spending time with. (though they could never replace the real ones) This weekend we took the bus about 2 hours out of our town with our good friends the "B's" and met our "out of town" family and had a BIG PARTY!!!


Here are the "big girls" riding in style. Somehow we lucked out and got the nice big seats on the bus. (not so lucky on the way home)
And the little brother and little sister. Why was no one willing to smile at me?? Once we arrived we all hit the pool. It was so cool and clean! And no, fall has not arrived! It is still so very hot! Please notice this picture is typical of Hudson's life......GIRLS EVERYWHERE!! Dinner. Mmmmm. Our friends had a grill made here. Yes, made. And it worked very well. The homemade hot dog buns and queso, salsa, and baked beans were all SOOOO good!!Hudson, enjoying his hot dog.After the meal the girls all played swords with Hudson. Aren't they sweet to him. I loved this pic because if you look closely at Hudson he is "in flight" about to attack some poor sweet girl. The look on his face is one of pure joy! The big sisters supplyed the balloons, and I created the swords. Hannah having fun"Please Mom, I really need a dog. Everyone else has a dog, why can't I??" This was said about 20 minutes before his left eye was red and swollen from dog allergies. That's why. Ah! The sweet little birthday girl! Happy Birthday!! Thanks for inviting us!