This is the extension cord they plugged the tile saw into. Safe yes? Just to be clear, when they pulled it out of the wall it is just wires. Nothing on the end.
We had a few tiles sink in the middle of our kitchen floor and asked for them to be fixed. Come to find out the entire floor wasn't far from doing the same. When they came to relpace the floor, they found that there was about 3 inches of space between the cement holding the tile together and the dirt underneath. So we are living in a mess. Can't really cook. I just want this done and have my house back!
These are my Kitchen Cabinets. Good thing it doesn't rain here!
This is my Living Room!
My girls play place!
My New Floor!
Maya wanted her training wheels off today. So of course her fantastic Daddy did as requested. She did really well with a few minor bumps. We are really proud of her. 
Ready to tackle the bike!
Slight problems.
Cruising!
Little sweaty but happy!
I walked into the kitchen this afternoon to see Maya and chair in front of the oven. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "I love watching lasagna bake don't you?"
Yesterday was Maya's 1st day of school. I continue to be so proud of her and her brave spirit. She has been really fearful of riding the bus. We had decided that I would drive her for the first week or two but at orientation on Tuesday she told me that she would ride the bus. She seems to love school and her teacher. The first day of school she had gym so we took her picture again this morning in a cute outfit! Because Smart Girls Do Rule! She is also riding the bus for the first time.
Gemma is a swimmer! Ok a doggie paddler. But I'm still crazy proud of her. She has gone from being scared to get her face wet to this. I love that both of my girls love the water! They certainly get that from Daddy, not Mommy!
That brings us to the end of the Ponte Family World Tour. It is good to be home but we sure miss all of our friends and family. Thanks for giving us a place to stay, feeding us and being our chauffeurs! Next summer sure seems like a long way away.
It was then on to Wyoming to see Grandma Skinner. I love spending time with her. There isn't a better person on the planet!
We were lucky enough to be treated to a weekend away in Lehi, UT. We had a blast. Went to the Legacy Aquatic Center, Thanksgiving Point, Build A Bear, and The Living Planet Aquarium. Thanks Dad for the wonderful time and not to mention the great memories!
My precious angel, I love everything about you. Not sure who had the most fun at your party! 
Brian took the girls out for some Daddy time. Mommy loves it when the girls have Daddy time!
We are so very proud of Saundra and her accomplishment! The world is your oyster! We love you!
Playing with Saundra and Talya at the Science Museum in Eugene. Talya remember that picture you entitled, "Evil Maya"? Is this Evil Saundra?
Then it was on to Tennessee to see Grandma Rosemary and Grandpa Al. The girls always love seeing their Grandparents!
We are back in Doha struggling to get over jet lag and get back into our routine. Time to update the blog! We had a great time at Disney World. 5 days just isn't enough. Already thinking about going back next year. Disney, you have me hooked!
We have had a long fabulous winter (i.e. enjoyable season). The hot weather has been put off until now. Bummer!
Finally all of the stress and waiting is over. Maya was accepted to the American School Doha (ASD)! Now I just need to get her to want to take the bus.... Congratulations Maya for doing sooo well at the assessment. Little smarty pants!
They say confession is good for the soul, so . . . I have a closet addiction. Something I hide from my friends, my family, even my husband. I'm not proud of it, it is something that I can't control. I go day to day wondering, plotting, planning how I can get away from my family and get another hit. I'm ashamed to admit I even have my children addicted. Had I not gotten them involved, I may never get the chance to get more. What kind of mother am I? I lie awake a night thinking about it. Wondering when I can get another one. Can I get one at this hour? Would Brian notice if I slipped out in the middle of the night?
Each time I get away alone, I drive over to where I know I can get my fix. I pull into the parking lot. I nod to the guy in the orange shirt. That is our sign, that is how I know who has what I need. He knows he can hook me up. He walks over to the window, I slowly roll it down glancing around to see if there is anyone there that I know. He asks me if I want the usual, I nod. He slowly walks inside, not drawing attention from anyone else around. I wait, hands shaking, heart racing, soon all of the longing will be over and I will be happy again, if only for a few moments. It seems like forever until he returns. He has it, exactly what I want, need. I slip him the money once again glancing around to ensure no one sees me getting my fix. I take a hit, it is every bit as good as the last time. I relish it. I slowly pull away, taking the long way home trying to finish before I get back and my family knows where I've been.
Here it is, my addiction it all its layered glory.
The perfect Al Mandarin Juice Cafe layered cocktail. Mango juice on the bottom, followed by avocado juice (I know what you are thinking but you have no idea just how fabulous this is), followed by strawberry juice, all topped off with coconut juice. I've had 6 of these in the last 7 days. I told you I was sick. Do I need to go to a 12 step program for each layer? This is what I love about Doha. The Al Mandarin Hammad Cocktail with Coconut.
Got our hands on a pork roast and made Chalupe today. I would have taken pictures but I didn't think we needed photographic evidence of us breaking the law! Not to mention the embarrassment of us sitting in our pajamas (yes it was one of those days) at the dinning table with pig juice dripping down our chins. Lets just say it was a good day! A very good day.
The Easter Bunny was very tricky this year. He left a riddle and the girls had to find their baskets. Gemma was really unhappy when Maya found hers first but she quickly found her basket and all was forgotten. Then we went downstairs and the Easter Bunny had hid eggs all over the house. Why did the Easter Bunny bring all of my favorite chocolates and not leave me any? Those girls better keep a close eye on their goodies.
