There are days....

Boys played outside in the sand all afternoon...it's such a great playground.   They have been building fort, playing with trucks, digging, talking, singing, laughing, and of course, fighting!...full of energy and life...(I wish I had that much energy).  I called them in, talked about dealing with each other in a peaceful manner and help(build) each other instead of doing things against...they said "yes" and then off went back to play.......Often I wonder how much they really understand what I'm saying by their heart....because it is not about just fixing their behaviors, the heart matters...We have been really trying to teach them about that...We just cannot do it by ourselves...we need God's help...


Some days are really challenging, I'm frustrated and upset, I am missing the moments I should be enjoying...there are angry words, hurtful reactions, and time outs and lost privileges...endless training and discipline...they think I'm "the meanest Mommy".... Sometimes I feel like I cannot wait day to be over....especially Caleb has been really a challenge these days...but what I feel is not what it is...often I am blinded and focused on the wrong thing...my feelings are not eternal ...my boys are eternal...often I fail to see what is really important and I only see the boys the way I want to see them..that is not what I want...not the way God wants me to love them and nurture them...Oh how they reflect our own ugly heart sometimes....

I love them not because they are great, I love them no matter what the way they are....I need God's grace every minute..and pray that they know by heart that we love them....




"Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her."

Three Months in Dubai

Wow...three months have been gone by so quickly.   After three months, I feel more settled, our house feels more like home, I can get around better without getting lost..lol...(I would like to venture out  more).
And finally after three months of shopping, I told James that I hate shopping in Dubai...just because it takes so much time!!!! to find and buy something.  Malls are just too big and spread out all over the city...(Okay, I'm not complaining...it just take time)

Life has been good so far...everyone is healthy, no one has been really sick, we have a great neighborhood where the boys can be safe playing outside, grateful for our home where we spent most of our time together as family,  homeschooling has gotten better, lots of things to do around the city/area, I'm grateful for James's job and James working hard to provide for us! most of all, we are thankful for God's timing and faithfulness on our lives.

Of course, we have our own issues and moments we need to work it out.... who wouldn't have?  That is a part of life.

Field Trip to a cow farm "Al Rawabi" Dairy.

Inside of milking station:)

The boys had a field trip to the local cow farm produce the milk we drink:)

Caleb thought that it was really neat.

Happy Valentine's Day.....

Love is patient and kind;

 love does not envy or boast; 

it is not arrogant or rude. 

It does not insist on its own way;

 it is not irritable or resentful; 

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

Love never ends 

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV).

Beautiful Persian Gulf.......

James flew cross country from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah (Northern part of UAE) today and he said he might fly over Dubai near JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence - 1.1 mile long waterfront apartment community looking over the Persian Gulf)) on the way back to Abu Dhabi from Fujairah.

James called me and said that they are about to take off...So I took the boys to see James flying over and take some pictures.   Originally I was going to near the Skydive Dubai on the beach but my GPS gave me a totally wrong place and took me to Palm Jumeirah (Manmade Palm tree shape Island).   Roads are constantly changing because of the amount of construction going on here, even GPS can't catch up!

I got there and let the boys played little bit, James texted me and said they had to change the route so he won't be flying over.   Oh well, We didn't get to capture James flying Apache over but the boys had a great time as always.   It was really windy today but the Persian Gulf was just beautiful jade/emerald color....it was just so beautiful!  It was amazing that we were standing on a manmade huge sandpile (Island)...and it's only 25 minutes from where we live.

I found a nice spot to park the car and let the boys play...I would definitely go back and watch people skydiving and screaming! lol- there is skydiving landing zone across the ocean.

Living in Dubai amazes me everyday!  I just need to explore more.

Boys are growing like weeds...getting so big!

Desert Ranch.......

Had a great time at {S}' family desert ranch! 

Sand in Al Ain is red because of magnesium and iron content in the sand.

:: Peaceful......................

                          :: Twin sisters..:)

:: she is 2 weeks old

:: with mommy camel:)

:: James, {S}, and {S}' cousin on sand dune.....

:: Checking James' shoes...they were very curious:)

::  HI...what's your name? 

:: This particular camel came closer and was watching the boys playing for a while......

:: Fun shot with beautiful sunset 

I'm definitely framing these for the boys room

{S}' nephews came over and we had a small fire near tent.   

A younger boy was serving coffee to us-it is supposed to be really rich

 so they pour just little bit on a small cup, you drink it and if you want more, 

just hold a cup, they will pour more....

if you don't want to drink any more, we have to shake the cup ...

I tasted some (it was really good)and give a cup back to him 

and he gave me more coffee.....

BECAUSE, I didn't shake the cup:)..lol.

{S} was a great host and treated us well.

What a great day we had at the desert!

We shall return! :)

Lunch with local ladies........

Last weekend was really interesting, fun packed weekend for us.  

One of Emirati pilots {S}, (became a friend to James) has invited James several times to come out to Al Ain (he lives in Al Ain).  When he knew we were coming to Al Ain last weekend for the air show, he invited us to his family desert ranch on Saturday to see camels, goats, and lambs...

One of his sisters were getting married on Friday so didn't come to the air show with us but he even invited us to the wedding! - I wish we should have gone to the wedding..could been really neat experience (I have learned that UAE wedding doesn't start until 8:00p.m.).

On Saturday, we met up at the Al Ain Zoo, he brought her three beautiful daughters (7, 5, and 18 months).  After the zoo, he took us to his father's house for lunch where he and his whole family live together in a compound surrounded by walls.  There were several building inside of the compound.

James gave me heads up that when we get there, he will go with {S} to men's living room, I'll have to go eat lunch with women in their living room-(in UAE, men and women don't mix together!! )

Ok, I thought that I can handle that (alright! I was little bit worried..)!  When we got there, his wife and sisters came out and greeted us (of course, in Abaya).  Typically they are wearing black head to toe but when they are at home, they can wear colorful Abaya and don't have to cover up their face all the way. His wife gave me sort of cheek to cheek kiss as she greeted me- ...but I have learned that proper way is left, right, and left cheek again:)... his wife gave me kiss twice on both cheeks, then she tried to give me one more on my left cheek and I pulled myself away..(Usually twice left cheek and right cheek)...whoops!  We all laughed!.

Anyway, James went with {S}, and I went into a room with ladies. I didn't see James again until we left...haha.

{S} has a large family - both parents are still alive, 8 sisters (age 15-32), 4 brothers!  I got to meet three of his sisters and one of them spoke English very well so I had no problem communicating.    They brought out food and we sat on the carpet floor and ate.   It was rice and fish mix, vegetable tray, pickles, minced meat (like Lebanese food), white rice, some sauce, fresh squeezed juice, salads, hummus, flat bread... specially prepared macaroni and cheese for the boys:) looked like they picked it up from somewhere...yes, the boys went with me and they ate really well.  James told me I might have to eat with my hand (it's a tradition to eat food with hand) but they have prepared plastic silverware for us:)
I guess it is not all that strict like I thought.

The food was delicious and I had a great time talking and laughing regardless of our religion, race and cultural difference.   I was little bit worried at first but it was really great experience.  The boys played with the girls together outside while I was talking to the ladies.

Believe me, I wanted to take more pictures but I didn't want to be rude.....

They invited us back and I would love to go back and get to know them better.

I had a great time! so did James!  They were very friendly and we received a great hospitality.

Now off to desert ranch...........................

Jebel Hafeet (Mountain Hafeet) and Green Mubazzarah (hot springs)

Al Ain (Arabic: العين‎, al-ʿayn, literally The Spring), also known as the Garden City due to its greenery, is the second largest city in the Abu Dhabi Emirate and the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates. 

Al Ain is the UAE's largest inland city, and the second city of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. It is surrounded by magnificent red sand dunes and overlooked by an impressive mountain range.  Al Ain is located on the United Arab Emirates eastern border with Oman, and is at a focal point for journeys from all over the region by excellent roads.

The oases have brought people to this area for thousands of years, and there is a rich history as evidenced by the many archaeological excavations. There are numerous restored and ruined forts and settlements to be seen throughout the area. Today, the abundance of water from the oases allows the city to bloom in its numerous parks and gardens. It is often known as the 'Garden City of the Gulf' and brings welcome respite from the desert all around.

Visitors to the city will find a large amount of facilities and attractions, and will find an atmosphere and culture that feels more traditionally Arabic than can be found in the coastal cities. Some of the attractions include an active and thriving Camel Market (not so easy to take one home on the plane though!), ancient forts and even a theme park. No visit would be complete without a trip to the top of Jebel Hafeet mountain, with stunning views across the desert dunes, or relaxing at one of the leavy plantations or parks.

:: Jebel Hafeet

:: View from our hotel on top of the Jebel Hafeet

After the airshow, we drove winding road up to our hotel on top of Jebel Hafeet.  Before dinner, we drove to the Green Mubazzarah hot spring area to check it out.


Green Mubazzarah


Green Mubazzarah is park/hot spring area in Al Ain.   I was little bit disappointed when we got there.  Park was nice but it wasn't kept very nicely...trash were everywhere and spring water running outside was mossy.  There is bathhouse on the park as well.

We enjoyed a spectacular view and a nice dinner with our friends Lawrence and Ceceil (they went with us to the air show - They like us and wants to do things together....and they are very nice as well).

Next morning, men and the boys played putt putt golf probably the highest putt putt in the world:)

then off to the ZOO.....

2011 Al Ain Aerobatics show

It was a beautiful day in Al Ain and had a great time watching aerobatics show.  

:: Scandinavian Air Show

Catwalk: A very popular show - bound to delight everyone especially children - with playful and friendly figures the SKYCATS and a wing walking show set to music!

TEAM VIPER

Team Viper, the worlds only Hunter display team are back at AAAS2011, this time flying Supersonic Hawker Hunter fighter jets. Flown by ex military pilots from the British Royal Air Force, these powerful beautiful, iconic aircraft from the era of classic jet aviation weigh over nine tones & produce nearly 10,000 lbs of thrust each, producing a spectacular sight and sound at over 600 mph in elegant formation over the beautiful Arabian desert, showing the grace and power of the aircraft in over fifteen minutes of high energy aerobatic flying.

:: FAI Desert Challenge

BALTIC BEES JET TEAM

New to the show and set to be a real show-stopper are Middle East debutants, the Baltic Bees from Latvia. Flying the Czech Republic-made L-39C Albatros, the twin-shaft jets will be skilfully manoeuvred through their paces at speeds topping 570 miles per hour, creating a breath-taking display of lightening-quick precision. All the more impressive considering the team was created just two years ago.

:: Motor Gliders

:: Scandinavian air show

SAUDI HAWKS

Led by 88th Squadron Commander Major Abdullah al Ghamdi, the Saudi Hawks are one of the most distinguished and well-loved regional aerobatic teams. Flying British-made Hawk Mk65 smoke-capable jets proudly bearing the RSAF green and white 'coat of arms', the Saudi Hawks' breath-taking performances have been a regular feature of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show for many years, with a fresh take and a brand new set of manoeuvres each season.

:: Mirage 2000 UAE air force

:: OTTO THE HELICOPTER 

The Helicopter is a Hughes TH-55 Osageone and one of the most unique and versatile air show acts in the world. During OTTO’s daytime comedy show he entertains the crowds by blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo, racing around barrels and picking them up, shooting smoke in all directions, towing banners, and more all while interacting with the announcer!

:: Apache Longbow

We were treated as VIPs because of James (we didn't have to wait in line)...ha  

   

                                                                        ::Falcon    

We didn't get to watch all the show to the end but it was great show! 

We will definitely be back for 2012.