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Trip to the Zoo

We finally went to the zoo today. It has been too hot to enjoy since we arrived and the weather (72 degrees) has been so nice we couldn't resist. The kids had a wonderful time. They have a huge playground at the zoo and the kids didn't want to leave.

I know you aren't interested in the pictures of the zoo animals so I've included pictures of my animals.

Doha Zoo

Answer to the Question.....

Did Gemma ever grow hair? Well yes and no. It is funny to look back at pictures of Maya and look at Gem now. Maya had so much hair and we've just been waiting and waiting for Gem's hair. Well it is still light (Brian is waiting for the results of the paternity test) and curly. We had to take this picture against the white wall to even be able to see it!



At least she has come a long way from this! Do any of you still blame me for shaving her head? Thanks for the assist on that Talya!

Thursdays with Maya

I had a long conversation with Maya today on our way back from the grocery. She is so funny she cracks me up and always keeps me on my toes. She started telling me that she was going to marry her friend Lewis and he would work and she would stay home and take care of the baby. What I didn't realize was that she meant now not when they grow up.

She then asked me how babies come out of your tummy. Stunned I told her that you go to the doctor and he/she takes it out. She said, OK but how. So I took the easy road and told her that there are a few ways but some Mommies have the baby taken out through and incision in their tummy like our friend Tracey (Lewis' Mommy).

She then asked if her and Lewis could have Gemma as their baby because she didn't really want to carry a baby in her tummy. I told her that they could borrow Gem but I really liked her and didn't want to give her away. She then asked me to make another one for her and Lewis. I explained to her that I already did that twice and really didn't care to do it again. She told me that wasn't a problem because Tracey would make them one. Did I mention that Tracey has a 4 week old baby? I don't think she will do it for them either. But I didn't mention that....

Egypt Wow!

What do you say about Egypt? It is a lot like the Grand Canyon, you've seen many pictures but they just don't do justice to seeing it first hand. The Pyramids were right outside our hotel. Thanks honey! Gemma had a hard time with the lack of sleep and traveling. So yes, we gave in and let her have her binky. But hey, she was happy and better yet, quiet! Maya is Maya. Just haming it up all the time. She is a trooper and has always been a good traveler. They did sleep 13 hours last night and Mommy and Daddy got almost as much.

We did not have enough time to go Luxor and see the Valley of the Kings. Perhaps next trip. Oh wait. I forgot we swore to never return based on the mess at the airport leaving the country. Maybe we will forget that part!

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Egypt Trip

Dancing Elves

We saw this on Lezlie's blog and laughed so hard we had to make one of us. Sorry Brian! You aren't in here. I could only update 5 faces so I went with beauty!

Brian's Babes

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

13 Pancakes

This is what kids look like when they eat 13 pancakes. 6 for Gemma and 7 for Maya. Crazy! I guess Brian and I should be glad that we got one. My kids haven't been eating lately. I guess this marks the end of the hunger strike!

Take this quiz and see...

What People Think of Your Mouth

People see you as both demanding and irresistible. You are often the center of attention - and that's how you like it. You are up for anything and very energetic. People sometimes propose wild ideas to you. And who knows? Maybe you'll take them up on it. You are known to be a little freaky!

What Does Your Mouth Say About You?

Weight Loss

Ok I stole this idea from Monica. I just figured that if the whole world could see my weight loss (or lack there of) it might motivate me. So if you see me slacking, feel free to send me a nasty email. Maya will be 4 in a little over a month. I think it is time to let go of the pregnancy weight! Dont you? Wish me luck.

Strange Happenings

There have been some strange happenings here in Doha. Saturday evening I went outside to see some friends off and I felt two drops of water hit me. Apparently it was from the sky. Saw 1 or 2 other drops but that was it. Strange, I understand they call this phenomenon rain.

Then this morning I went out at 7am to go to the gym (no that isn't the strange happening but it has gone on for 2 weeks now!) and I felt this odd feeling. My skin had little bumps on it and it was a bit uncomfortable. I understand this is called cold. Checked the thermometer and it was 64. Strange.

The End Has Come

This game was lots of fun for us hope it was for you too. I tell you I have a new respect for Lezlie. If I wasn't related to her, I would wonder if she was arabic. I really thought TCBY was going to be a hard one needing lots of hints. How does she do it? She deserves a fabulous prize.

Congratulations to Lezlie for winning the game and to Jackie for being the runner up!

We had a real nice Thanksgiving today. We ended up having store bought frozen pie but it all turned out great. It is so nice to be surrounded with friends when you can't be with your family.

Loving you all from across the world!

Last But Not Least

Wow Lezlie, I honestly don't know how you get these. I live here and I have trouble remembering what I took the pictures of! Ok, I've been saving this one for last because I think it is really hard. Hopefully it is a challenge.

#24

Lezlie is back on the computer and took that last round. As promised, I will stop the game today but I have 2 more that I want to use so I'll post them both today. Lezlie & Jackie may want to start thinking of what they want from Egypt. I don't think anyone can catch them at this point (but don't let that stop you from playing). Ü

Ok, on to 24!

#23

Last round goes to Rosemary and Jackie. Lezlie better stop shopping and man her computer if she wants to keep her lead. By the way, I expect a full account of all the great deals you got today.

Here is 23!

#22

Looks like Susan is back! I've been trying to lure my Dad to Doha with pictures of Cold Stone (his fave!). We now have 2 locations that just opened. Hopefully it will work! Did I mention that they have his favorite coffe ice cream? (Lure, Lure, Lure)

Hope you all made it through Thanksgiving and did not eat yourselves into a coma! Enjoy your Black Friday shopping. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't mess up dinner. I've invited 7 people over!

This one needs NO introduction. This is one of the reasons I agreed to come over here!

#21

I finally have proof that my Mom and Dad read my blog. Yahoo! Congratulations. Thought Ty would get that one!

Happy Thanksgiving. #21

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#20

Gee I practically gift wrapped that one for Susan and she still didn't get it! Yes Tyson, it is Fuddruckers. (Boy you have to be careful typing that one, you can make one nasty typeo!) The best burger place in the world. I think. I haven't been to this one yet. Maybe tonight, it is date night. Yahoo!

Ok on to #20, I'm quite certain Ty won't have to look this one up.

#19

Good Job Jackie! Good guess Lezlie but sadly no Kmart here. This one is a little something for Susan.

#18

Another one for Lezlie. I'm starting to think she has a secret life as an abaya clad Qatari woman! It looks like interest is waning. So we will end this on Sunday!

On to #18

#17

One point to Saundra for Arbys and one point for Lezlie for Coffee Beanery. Sorry I'm so late in posting. I actually got up, went to the gym and worked out. Did hell freeze over? I don't know...

Easy one....

Inspected By Customs!

In case anyone was wondering why I don't trust the mail here, attached is an example of why. Please note the completely opened package, not resealed and totally ripped to bits. I guess I should just be grateful that a rubber stamper/scrapbooker doesn’t work at the Qatar Post Office! I get that I'm an adult and these are toys but not the kind that requires this kind of scrutiny!

Lezlie this is a sneak preview of your birthday card that will not be there on your birthday. See tiny corner of card. Didn't realize it was there!

#16

I didn't think anyone would get that last one without several hints! Jackie guessed correctly with Lexus.

I was thinking that we need to have a definate end to this contest because I don't think I will run out of pictures before you all run out of interest! So, I was thinking that December 5th would be the day. That is unless you stop playing before hand. That way, I can get the winner something fabulous in Egypt. I was also thinking I would have a 1st runner up prize as well. With Lezlie's skill at playing the game, I think we should have some incentive for everyone else!

So on to #16 a ridiculously easy one! Extra point for the person that can tell me what the other sign in the picture is. Not Arabic but lets see just how good you are....

Through the Cracks!

It looks like we slipped through the cracks! We were honored to be asked to be Godparents to Stacey Allison Smith. An adorable baby that we just love! Gemma was in attendance at the baptism she was just sleeping.

#15

Congratulations Saundra! Yahoo! I actually got two correct answers 1 via comments (Saundra) and one via email. So I'm going to give a point to Saundra and one to Rosemary! Look out Skinner girls, the Ponte girls are on the job! I don't know if I have to say it but yes, the correct answer was tide.

So after an easy one comes a hard one. Brian came home with this picture the other day. Of course I got it right away but then again, I recognized the building! Ü

#14

And another one goes to Lezlie. How does she know all of this? I dont know. It was Oreos. The interesting thing is they were milk chocolate rather than dark chocolate. Do you have them in the states? Yummy! I made the executive decision to give Monica another point for the 2fer she got the other day. Just to make it a bit more interesting!

Ok on to a super easy one, better be fast or have Lezlie tied to a chair.

Ode to White Chris

Apparently Chris Deppa (aka White Chris) has voiced a complaint that he has not been featured on the blog and is not mentioned on the countdown. We truly apologize for this oversight and offer the following.....

We thought we'd write a poem like this
to say how we admire Chris

Maya says his name is "white"
And Saundra thinks that he's just right.

So we blogged this sappy ode
To welcome him to our abode

#13

And that round goes to Jackie! Looks like she is giving Lezlie a run for her money! Oh, I love a good competition.

Sorry Nikki, I forgot to mention that the winning answer to #12 was Starbucks. I realize that some of you may not have been there but the clue was bean there! HeHeHe

And on to good ole #13....

#12

And once again, Lezlie pulls the correct answer out of her.... You guys need to stop her! Ü It was Thrifty car rental.

Lezlie has had a rough day so this one is for her! Good luck.

#11

I'm going to give that last one to Lezlie even though she was a little bit cocky. It is Pringles but it is French Cheese not Cheddar as previously guessed! Sorry Lezlie, nothing here is Cheddar! (unfortunately!)

Don't give up everyone else, I'll find a way to block Lezlie from leaving comments then you will all have a chance! Ü

Ok get ready, this is a hard one.....

#10

Sorry Lezlie but I have to post them at different times to be fair. Perhaps you should check your computer every hour on the hour just to make sure you don't miss one! Ü

Monica got that last one with Subway and Baskin Robbins. Go Muggy! I should post the stats but I really don't remember! Maybe I'll put a running total on the blog!

How about this one?

#9

I told Brian Lezlie would get it in a heartbeat! I wasn't at all surprised to see her answer before I even shut off my computer to go to bed. I hadn't thought about the teenage factor over at the Oswald household so I guess Lezlie is lucky she carries her computer strapped to her body. Has anyone else noticed that she is so addicted to my blog that she is neglecting her own? Some pictures of those cuties please!!!

Are you ready for a 2fer? Here it is, you have to get both correct. Don't worry they are very easy. Good Luck!

Christmas in Doha

When we came to Doha I told Brian that I was bringing all of our Christmas decorations because I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything like that here. So I sent everything. The fake tree, the ornaments, I even sent the tree lights that we can't plug in here!

So Imagine my surprise the last few days as I've been shopping at seeing all of the fake trees, decorations, electronic movable santas etc. Did I mention that an 8 foot tree is about $43.69?

All of you that know me, know I rarely say no to my kids (in terms of shopping that is!) so here they are in today's $1.92 find. Have you seen anything cuter? Please note the matching high heel princess shoes. They are such girls. I reminded Brian that one of Maya's first words was Credit Card and Gemmas was Makeup! What on earth would I have done with a boy?

#8

Congratulations to Tyson. It is Macaroni Grill. Thought that one would be easier for you.

Well I've got lots of plans tomorrow (one includes picking up our housemaid/nanny/kim's freedom at the airport! yippee!) so I thought I'd post this one before I go to bed. I really think that you will either know this right away or not at all. Hope that makes sense. So this could be interesting. Looking forward to your answers!

#7

Sorry Lezlie, I have to give it to Monica. It is Mazola corn oil. By the way, where is everyone? Have people stopped playing or are you just not leaving comments? Humph!

Lets see how you do with this....

#6

Posting early for Monica. Must be fair. OK Muggy, here is your chance, step up and stop whining.

Lezlie is the winner for her selection of Krispy Kreme. Not to worry Talya, I'll take you there as much as you want when you get here!

On to today's selection

#5

Great job Jackie it was Haagen Daaz. For any of you keeping score, that is Jackie 2, Lezlie 1, Susan 1. As promised, an easy one. To the early bird goes the worm.

#4

Lezlie is the winner! It is Pepsi. And no it is not Diet Pepsi. Wow, I really thought that would be a hard one. You all surprise me. Especially Talya. I'm starting to think we need to check in on her at school. I'm thinking she is visiting too many frat parties!

We now have a 3 way tie. Brian said that because that one was so easy for you we should do a really hard one. So here it is. I will provide one hint, look at the dots.....

#3

Ok you are all going to have to get up early to beat Susan! Toys R Us is the right answer. I feel the need to give you a really hard one. Lets see how smart you are now!

Disturbing?

Does anyone else find this disturbing?

Yes Saundra, he is hung by the Princess Maya tiara you made her out of paper.

Brand Contest Continued

We are so glad everyone is enjoying this game. Perhaps I'll have to post one a day. We will see.

Kudos to Jackie for getting the first one. Ok so that was an easy one. Lets see how you do with this one?

Know Your Brand

We've been having lots of fun with the familiar brands that we see all over Doha and we've decided to let you all in on the fun. Every couple of days we will post a new picture and you will have to identify (by leaving a comment on our blog) the brand/company etc. Some will be easy, some will be hard. But we have faith that you know your stuff.

Of course games are only fun if there is a clear winner and a great prize. Once we have exhausted all of the items we've found (and there are a lot), we will send the winner a prize from an exotic local. Could be Turkey, Qatar, Egypt....who knows. So here is how it works, the first person to leave a comment with the correct answer will be the winner. I will keep track of each winner and at the end, a fabulous prize will arrive at your doorstep!

Now on with the fun.

Ahh to get away

After a stressful week in the big city it is soooo nice to just get away. Enjoy the countryside....

Biking Beauties

The girls both got new bikes recently. With the cooler temperatures (79 for a few hours today yahoo!) we are able to get out a lot more. The girls just love their bikes. I don't think I've ever seen them happier!

This is my....

While we are doing everything we can to embrace the local culture we still want to hold on to our roots. We have decided to have a real down home Thanksgiving. I searched and searched and finally found a 25 pound Turkey. I wont tell you what it cost! Unfortunately I had no place to put it, so we bought a chest freezer! So this is my new freezer, this is my big old turkey! Yahoo. Did I mention I also found fresh cranberries! Things are coming together!

Halloween

We had a great Halloween. On Saturday we went to a Halloween bash at the church. Maya was a fairy and Gemma was a butterfly. The girls went trick or treating, made crafts, did the fish pond, Maya went into the haunted house and both played lots of games. A great time was had by all. On Thursday we went to a Halloween party thrown by Bechtel. They had a face painter, costume parade, games and of course candy. Maya felt like she had already done the fairy and decided to be Snow White. This is the costume the Ashs gave her for her 2nd birthday. Note the belly showing. I guess it is a bit small.

Halloween Fun