Our Place

Here are a few uniques things about our home in Malaysia.

Yes that's a gate for our apartment - Major fire safety hazard, but it's one of our security precautions

Our fridge. It's a bit smaller than the one at home.

Yes that's a propane tank under our stove and the toaster oven on the counter - that's the oven!

The tap water isn't safe to drink from, so we have a filter set-up next to the sink. Most people get free standing water purifiers.

Don't you love our wicker livingroom set? We are very envious of Alan and Sonja set. It is much nicer - no wicker!

We have tons of windows in the living and dining rooms. Most of the time we keep them shut to keep out the heat. :)

The air-conditioner - need I say more. It has been hovering between 84 to 91 since we arrived. Each room has one and they are wonderful!

The switches here took a bit of getting used to, which light/fan/air-conditioner does it belong to? What is on and what is off. The one on the end is always on - it's for the main air-conditioner. :)

The water heaters in our apartment are controlled by a switch. You have to turn it on, wait a few minutes for it to heat the shower water, and in the master bathroom - hurry and take a shower because there is no way to balance the hot and cold. If I time it just right I can have a comfortable shower for 7 minutes. :)

My Little Cleaner

I was cleaning the apartment and Ms. A decided she wanted to use it. The vacuum is so loud, that Ms. A typically runs the opposite way. I thought I'd let her try it out. She did a pretty good job!

Thailand - Here we Come!

Due to the type of visa Ms. A and I have, we have to leave the country for one night after being here for three months. Reed and I decided to make the most of this requirement by doing a bit of traveling. Thailand was our choice. We will be in Bangkok and surrounding areas for a week.

We are hoping to ride one of these:

And we are excited to visit this:
one of the Grand Palace buildings

pictures courtesy of thailand-pictures





I decided packing while Ms. A was awake is a mistake. First, she decided to "pack" her items, which meant grab a bunch of clothes and throw them in the suitcase. (I wish Reed was that excited to pack!) Secondly, it is hard to pack with a shadow following, mimicking and asking what I was doing and trying to help. (I love having her help and learn). Lastly, she thought we were leaving as soon as we finished packing. She grabbed her shoes and told me she was ready to go. It took me several tactics to convince her to accept we were leaving tomorrow. (No car, no daddy, we need to go to sleep first, and then the basic distractions.)

Because of our 'forced' :) vacation, I will be taking the week off from blogging.
Tune in the first part of May for pictures of our trip.

Is THIS what I have to look forward to?

I was getting lunch ready when Ms. A decided she had other things in mind for me to do. She asked me to play with her and when I said "It's lunchtime." out came her pouty face, then with her arms crossed, she said: "Well, mommy. I don't want to eat!" (Ms A's pose looked like this.) To make sure I knew she was serious, she stomped her feet and walked off to the sofa. Thankfully her little tirade ended as quickly as it started.

CAN MY LITTLE GIRL
STAY LITTLE?!?

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom celebrated her birthday on the 20th. Because of the time difference, Ms. A and I called her this morning (21st) to wish her Happy Birthday. I was surprised when Ms. A burst out singing her rendition of 'Happy Birthday.' Grandma was so touched. Ms. A usually doesn't talk very long on the phone and quickly loses interest.

When I told Ms. A that it was Grandma Valerie's birthday, she asked me if we could have some birthday cake. I told her grandma lived too far away for us to eat her cake. She replied with a very serious 'Oh'.

After several attempts Ms. A was ready to repeat her performance. Enjoy Grandma!



My mom is an amazing person. She is so caring and loving. She gives so freely of herself to so many people. It's difficult being so far away. I am grateful she is only a phone call away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

Happy 6th Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!

Reed and I were married six years ago, April 20th, on an overcast, snowy day in the Salt Lake Temple. I am so grateful for that temple sealing and for the priesthood Reed honors.

It has been a wonderful ride so far. We have shared heartaches and joys, had amazing experiences and seen fabulous sights. I never thought that a girl from a small town in rural Idaho would enjoy a life with so many opportunities. I am so grateful for Reed's level-headedness. Reed keeps me grounded and pushed me to be a better person, at times with me kicking the whole time. :) He is kind and sometimes knows me better than I know myself, especially when I need a good cry or a girls night out. :)

I am so grateful that we are together. I cannot imagine my life without him.