Asher's Family Album

Asher's Aunt Kara made him a very special picture book of our families. He loves to stand at our book shelf and turn the pages. It's pretty cute!

IKEA Assembly Specialist

Reviewing delivery order...

Inspecting boxes for damage...

Quality control...

Lending a helping hand...


Pound testing.....

Pop, Greasy Burgers, Shakes, Pizza = Delicious or Disgusting?

It is amazing what foods sound great after living in a foreign country for a few months. On our recent trip to Istanbul we had the opportunity to eat "American" food. Normally, I wouldn't jump at the chance to go to McDonald's or Burger King. But it all sounded soooo good at the time!



Reed enjoying a rare opportunity to drink a Dr. Pepper.



Burger King and Sbarro pizza!!!




McFlurries at McDonald's



TGI Friday's

I have to say it was all quite delicious! My cravings have been satisfied and my arteries will slowly unclog from all of the grease......

Asher's Adventure

"My parents took me on this adventure to Istanbul. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of the trip from my perspective."



Highlight #1: "My favorite part of the whole week was playing in my parent's suitcase. It was just the right size for me. I loved getting everything all messy inside especially after my mom organized it. "



Highlight #2: "I got a toothbrush and toothpaste from Aunt Leatha. I'm not sure what to do with them yet, but I just like to hold them in my hands."



Highlight #3: "I didn't have to sit in a high chair for a whole week. My mom didn't seem to enjoy this as much. I was told to sit still a lot!



Lowlight #1: "My parents made me ride buses, trains, ferries, planes, and I simply just got tired of it!"



Lowlight #2: "I spent 6 hours in IKEA. My mom tried to entertain me by pushing me around in a cart. It worked for a little while, but I was ready to leave!"



Highlight #4: "I got to stay up past my bedtime and go to TGI Friday's. I napped on the bus ride to the restuarant, so I had more energy than my parents!"

"Overall, it was a good trip. I don't wish to go to IKEA for a very long time and I think my dad would agree with me. It is good to be back home, except my bedtime is back to 7:00. "

Simple Pleasures

It's the little things that can bring a smile to our face like pepperoni, jolly ranchers, fudge brownies,.......


Thanks for the CD, Mark!

Asher is anxiously waiting to open his present from Grandpa and Grandma!

Thanks Arant family and Mom and Dad!

11 Months Old

Gotta love those teeth!

Family Photo

We tried to get a family photo. We had to laugh at Asher's facial expression. Ah, well....he's still cute!

Christmas in August!

It felt like Christmas today for us! We received 3 boxes of goodies from our Mason City friends. What a treat! We were certainly excited to open them up.


Gotta love Bisquick!


Campbell's Soup!!!

Look at all these goodies!!!


Asher was looking for some treats himself.



Boy, was he excited by what he found! (especially his missing sock....thanks, Holly!)

New toys!


Reed loves Kettlecorn! Now if only we can get our microwave to cook for 3 minutes straight!



Asher gives a big clap to our friends for the gifts!

Thank you Alex and Holly, Cory, Jon, Brian T., Talitha, Brian B., Brandon and Lindsay!!!! Everything arrived in one piece and we feel truly blessed by you guys! THANK YOU!!!

Who Needs Toys?

Asher has way more fun pulling himself up on this basket and playing inside than actually playing with the toys it holds.

What a perfect place for a little boy to play!

Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs)

I was recently introduced to this food by our friends here. We liked it and I figured that a scrambled egg variation (with some spice!) would be an easy food to try for my first go at a Turkish recipe.

This recipe is eaten with lots of bread. In fact, I was told, that many people here eat it without utensils, but use the bread to scoop up the eggs right from the pan. We actually really liked the egg/bread combo! (We cheated and used silverware though!)

Recipe:
1 onion, finely chopped
4 tomatoes

4 green hot peppers (gives it a little kick!)

8 eggs

1 tsp. paprika

salt, pepper to taste

shredded cheese (on top, optional)