Life in the Philippines

A few days back I finally connected with an old friend and family member via email so that we could exchange blog info.  Debbie (now known to everyone else as Deborah) and I went to high school together and she married my cousin Travis.  It is nice to be able to see what is going on in their lives via her blog now. The internet has sure made living far away much easier than it was the first time I moved overseas.  This time it is definitely different.  Since the kids who are out on their own, and the college kids could not very well move with us, a part of our world is there in the states while we are here in the Philippines. It’s tough on both sides I know.

Deborah had mentioned traditions on her blog entry.  We’ve built traditions over the years with the kids but as time goes on the traditions have to evolve based on circumstances. One of those traditions that the kids will be sure to relate to is hanging garland on the tree.  You can’t do it without dad because everyone needs to here “Where’s the Judy?” Of course when younger the kids had no clue what he meant but over time they learned that Judy, Judy, Judy is the garland! So of course this year, we had to wait for him to get off work to hang the Judy on the tree and Ariel had to ask “Who’s Judy???” We decided the explanation of who Judy is could wait as her tree decorating excitement didn’t seem to allow for any other educational moments.

Each of the kids have ornaments that they hang on the tree.  This year with only Chris and Ariel here, the ornaments were placed on the tree by them.  Ariel hung her Mommy’s and she and Chris argued over who hung which other ones of course.

Traditionally, the biggest battle of the tree is between Bubba and Dad over whether Bubba’s Thomas Ornament can have the highest spot on the tree.  Typically it’s a battle between the Air Force ornament and Thomas with each of them inching higher and higher until Mom finally says NO MORE before the tree falls over.  This year, the Air Force Ornament was broken before the move, so the top spot for dad was his double bass ornament which we gave him last year.  I am sure he thought he was in the clear for top spot since Bubba isn’t hear, but Thomas had not made his appearance when the double bass went on the tree.  Chris took on the role of working Thomas into the ornament mix and getting him higher on the tree than the bass. Anthony would have been proud of him but as typical, Dad rules and the double bass now sits at the highest point.

Chris is the youngest but he is by far the most traditional of our children.  He’s the one that insists on things being as they always have, like watching a TV show all together, or certain foods at certain times and his newest one:  A bowl of ice cream while we all watch Naruto together.

Traditions.  I am sure we will make more as our time here goes by and I am sure my kids will make them wherever they are.

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