A few more pictures from Debbie's visit.

Sister's just having fun! The long hair, we always dreamed of... How do you like it? I think it's us!

The real sisters!

So Long, Farewell!

The time has come to say goodbye to Aunt Debbie. Last week, we watched "The Sound of Music" and have sang the songs almost daily since then. We decided to create our own version of "So Long, Farewell" for Debbie. Here's to you Aunt Debbie. We miss you already!

There's a sad sort of sound from the house on the corner,

And the family members each one, too

And throughout the rooms,

an absurd little gecko

is popping out to say,

gek-gek, gek-gek

Gek-gek regretfully they tell us,

Gek-gek but airline tickets compel us

to say goodbye

Gek-gek

So long, farewell

Swatdee kha goodbye

you came, you saw

we hope you won't forget

the times we shared,

it was all just a ball

So long, farewell

Swatdee crop, goodbye

the flowers were such a pretty, pretty site,

you oohed and ahhed, almost all night

So long, farewell

Swatdee kha, goodbye

my room just isn't

the same without you in it

(chit-chat, chit-chat, chit)

So long, farewell

Swatdee goodbye

Goodbye, goodbye

The pictures you've all been waiting for...

After a little set back, a foot message is always a way to feel better, because the elephant camp was awaiting. Debbie enjoyed a hug from one of the elephants before a ride on "Poo Billy" who is 29 years old! As most of you already know, Debbie LOVES flowers. The flower market and plant market brought lots of oohs and aahs, along with the naming of most of the flowers. The orchid farm has many varieties and was a must see after leaving the Elephant camp. We couldn't resist adding an orchid picture. We'll try to add more pictures in the next couple of days. Enjoy!

This is certainly not the most popular tourist attraction. However, Debbie has been able to experience health care, Thai style!! We have laughed and said that she just wanted to make sure Jerry has had adequate medical care over the past year. After 3 days, she is now feeling somewhat better. The stories she takes back to Mississippi will have a bit of a different flare from past visitors!

Aunt Debbie Arrives!

We are thrilled to have Aunt Debbie visit! We've counted down this day for months. Can't believe she's actually here! Our first full day was very enjoyable. Here's a few photos from the day...

Debbie, Adriann and a hill tribe girl

Jerry having too much fun with the camera!

Swim Meet

The end of the year swim meet was hot, wet and lots of fun! This was Adriann's first year on the swim team and it proved to be a highlight of the school year. Way to go Adriann!

Mother's Day

"All I am or ever hope to be,

I owe to my Angel Mother."

Abraham Lincoln

Jerry and I have been blessed with incredible Mothers. Thank you for your love and support and for just being YOU.

We Love You both very dearly!

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great place to visit! Last week, we were there for visa purposes, Jerry's medical checkup and company business. Although it was a busy trip, we were able to enjoy some of the sights and pleasures of the city. Austin overlooking the city from The Peak.

Simple Pleasures

Austin and Adriann could not wait to get to the Krispy Kreme. Yum, Yum! Here Austin is savoring every bit of this original glazed donut.

Birthday Party

Adriann had a scavenger hunt birthday party on Saturday. Teams were sent in search of things such as finding 8 flowers, wrap each team member 8 times with toliet paper, eat 8 marshmellows and put 8 ponytails in someones hair. A great time was had by all!

Aunt Tommie Anne's team won in record time but were a bit exhausted from running around the neighborhood.
Aunt Susan's team did a wonderful job using creative methods of getting around (the car to get to the guard house!!!)

The party was topped off with games,cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday Adriann!

Adriann's 8th Birthday

Ice Cream and chocolate - what a fantastic birthday!

Happy Birthday Adriann

Spider-Man 3

Spider-Man 3 came out in theaters today in Thailand. May 1 is Thai Labor Day, so no work and no school, great day to see the movie. It got positive reviews from Austin and Jerry!

6th Grade Field Trip

The Sixth grade at Grace takes an annual field trip to Bangkok. Austin has looked forward to this trip for months. Jerry went along as a chaperon this year. They left on the night train Thursday evening toured the Children's Discovery Museum on Friday then returned on the train, Friday night. Whew, fast trip but lots of fun. The boys in Jerry's group wanted to get up at 4:00 a.m. after just going to sleep! The joys of being young.

Hot Days!

Wasn't there an old song "hot times in the city"? This the my alarm clock in our bedroom! 102 degrees at 5:08 p.m. The outside temperatures have been around 105 the past few days. This leads to lots of pool time! As Phil said, the heat now will make us thankful for the rainy season to come! It's all about perspective.

The Faces of Jerry

Recently, Jerry grew a beard. This is a first for our 16 years of marriage. Personally, I (Kelly) loved it! However, the timing was very bad with Thailand enjoying it's hottest season. When he announced it was coming off, we decided to have some fun.

What's your choice? Let us know your opinion.

A. The Full beard
B. The Goatee

C. The Mustache - surely not!!!
D. The Clean Shave!

Having Fun!

This past week we attended our annual conference. One of the highlights for Austin and Adriann is having wonderful teachers who volunteer their time to be with our children. This year, the group was from Auburn - thus the t-shirts. These folks were awesome! They loved on and invested time with our kids. Thanks Auburn for impacting our lives!

Another highlight is eating out! These pictures were at Henry J. Bean's, yum-yum!

Colts #1

Indianapolis 29 - Chicago 17

I am not sure if Kelly is the #1 fan in the family or Austin.

Everyone was happy that the Colts won the "Big" one.

The soccer team had an end of season party this morning which was the Mom’s playing against the kids. Mom’s ruled – winning both games. And believe it or not, your eyes are seeing correctly, Kelly played soccer!

AUSTIN

His name is defined as revered, exalted, helpful, majestic dignity and great! We think he's just as grand as his name reflects and more. We are very proud to have you as our son.

Happy 12th Birthday Austin!

We love you very much,

Mom and Dad

Southern Miss is on ESPN-Live in Thailand! It's 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, Austin returned to school from the Christmas break and Jerry is at work, but I am lovin' Southern Miss football!!! We get few football games and never imagined seeing the Golden Eagles in GMAC Bowl.

GO EAGLES!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

We made and decorated a cake to celebrate Mom's 40th birthday. We surprised her by making a pinata that we played at her party. It was all fun and she enjoyed her day.

Happy Birthday Mom, We love you very much.

Austin and Adriann

Merry Christmas 2006

Merry Christmas!

We spent Christmas day at a local orphanage here in Chiang Mai helping provide lunch for the children and workers. There are 26 children in the home, 21 boys and 5 girls. Each year the children are asked what they would like for Christmas dinner and they request hamburgers! As we prepared to leave one of the workers from the home presented us with a gift for coming, with it was a card that the children had made. It was an absolutely beautiful card. Inside the card many of the children signed in Thai with a couple in English. One especially touched our hearts. It said "...In Christmas time, I hope you have a good time with your parent..." Although we won't physically be with our parents this Christmas, we want you to know we love you and are spending this Christmas with you in our hearts. We are blessed to have a wonderful, supportive family! We love you all.

Yum, Yum! These hamburgers are so good! How many can I have?

This little boy was precious! He enjoyed every bite of this strawberry cupcake.

Each of the younger children were provided with a sweatsuit and the older boys received jeans.

A fun time was had by all!

Trip to Hong Kong

Austin broke his finger last week, which led us to Hong Kong for treatment. After his finger was set, we were out to have a little fun. It was Austin and Adriann's first visit and was a treat!

We first had to hit the Burger King in the Bangkok airport!

Red trees, yellow trees!

Trees in every color! With the cold weather of Hong Kong and lots of Christmas decorations, it really looks like the holidays are here.

It's pizza night! Jerry is out of town so Kelly and the kids ordered pizza, Canadian bacon and corn, YUM, YUM! The American pizza companies should add it to their menu.

School Christmas Program

What an exciting day! The kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade had their Christmas program. The children told the Christmas story and sang lots of familiar carols. The story told in such a simple way was a great reminder that we should keep the holidays simple and focused on the real meaning - our Savior's Birth! Adriann was a narrator and did a fabulous job reciting her part of when the angels appeared to Mary and Joseph. We're a little (well a lot maybe) biased but she looked beautiful too.

I always wondered why most of the Christmas dresses in America were short sleeves in the winter. It's so that they can be sent to Thailand!! Thanks Aunt Debbie!

It's Beginning to Sound a lot like Christmas!

Austin had his first band concert tonight. He did an awesome job playing the trombone. Great preformance and we look forward to many more!

The Mall on the Big Shopping Day!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Well, Maybe not. As I walked into the mall today, I had visions of shoppers who lined up at 4:00 a.m. to get all the great sale items. Although, shopping is not one of my favorite past times, I do love to get in the crowds early on the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, in Chiang Mai there were no crowds, no sales and not many Christmas decorations this Friday. I did manage to find a small Christmas tree at Auntie Anne's.

Give Thanks to the Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We give thanks to God for His grace, mercy and love that has surrounded us this year.

In the upcoming months, Chiang Mai will host the Royal Flora International Horticulture Exposition to honor His Majesty the King. There is much publicity now to promote the event which will have over 30 countries exhibiting. This past weekend the mall had many local floral designers on hand with their handiwork. Adriann was fortunate to receive this "Princess" made from flowers. We look forward to seeing the show and sharing some of the exhibits with you.

http://www.royalfloraexpo.com/highlights/index.asp

Roller coaster!

WOW! It has been almost two months since we last blogged. We will try to do better.

Webster's dictionary defines roller coaster as "marked by numerous ups and downs". That's a great way to describe the past month and a half. We began August with the kids returning to school and meetings in our city. During those meetings, I (Kelly) met some wonderful new friends from Tennessee. Late in the month, Jerry and I were off to Hong Kong for medical attention and have spent almost 4 weeks there. Although this would be considered a dip in the roller coaster, I would have to admit looking back it has been a blessing and we have so many reasons to give God the glory. We thank Him for carrying us through this situation, for answer to prayer regarding health and for friends and family who have listened and encouraged.

Tomorrow we're heading home and you can not imagine how excited we are to see Austin and Adriann.