Holiday Scenes

 Our first Christmas in Doha is quickly flying by. Our 6th Christmas out of the US. I keep thinking that one year we need to get back and celebrate. I especially think that when I hear that we missed another big snowfall in Texas. Not sure my kids will forgive us for that. But we have had a good time this year. Ryan came, then headed to Kabul to be with Russell and then both of them showed up here together. What a great time it's been!

Shakespeares opened just before Russell and Ryan arrived in Doha. We celebrated by having breakfast there.  It's the first Shakepeares in Qatar..and a block from our house(.It felt like home to us since we spent so much time there when we lived in Abu Dhabi. )  Although Russell was only able to stay for a few days, we all had a good time and packed a lot in. I think my favorite Christmas activity was sailing on Saturday around the city and relaxing in the sunshine. We rented two boats and took a four hour sail. It was a bit rough at first as both the boys were beat from just getting back from Kabul the night before, but I think the time to relax and soak up the sun eventually felt good.    Also included in our time was a trip to the singing sand dunes. Kids were a bit disappointed on that one as they weren't singing too much. Someone said it has to do with all the rain they have had here recently. ( Someone mentioned going to youtube and you can find videos of the singing part.)

We had Christmas dinner with new friends we have made in Doha. Sure appreciated them including us in their festivities. And of course, Christmas morning was presents and laughter and cinnamon coffee cake.

Oh ... Something else we miss about Christmas in the US.   Mike used to bring so many fun gifts home from contractors and stuff. Fruit baskets, honeybaked hams, etc. But not here, nope..He did however, bring some stuff from work though. In honor of Qatar National Day.  A radio, a calendar, a journal and a cookie. :)  but no honey baked hams.

Cooking and Baking, Baking and Cooking

Creating

Chef Ryan and proud dad. 

Decorating Cookies! The cookies were gone in a couple of hous. Robert was not happy!

Julene and I made a chocolate pie. Yum. 

Shopping at the Doha Souk. 

Ryan arrived on Saturday and grilled us a delicious dinner on Sunday!  Also at our table that night were our friends, the Sawayas.  Honestly, having them here with Ryan really made it feel like Christmas.  Cookies, Christmas music, laughter, heart to heart talks.  And even some different weather..Look closely at the picture with Ryan cooking...RAIN.  For a whole day it rained.  Drank some hot cider and pretended it was snow. :)

Ryan is with Russell in Kabul right now. From his facebook statuses I think it is a wee bit colder there. Both the boys are looking forward to our "winter weather" in Doha.  They arrive early, early Saturday morning. Can't wait!!  

An Early Christmas

Christmas came early for me last night.  Along with the long awaited arrival of Ryan  was a surprise.  Many surprises!! Ryan, aka Santa Claus or my own Christmas elf,  brought a bag full of Christmas ornaments from my friends in Dallas and my sister in law in Kansas!    As I unwrapped and looked at each treasure I couldn't decide between smiling until my cheeks hurt of crying because of how loved I felt!  So I stuck with the smiling and simply enjoyed each Christmas hug. I cannot replace all the things that were lost but with this box I will make new memories and they, too, will be special.  As always with Ryan there was a story to tell about the ornaments.  How they arrived on his front door in a BIG box.  So big , in fact, he took a picture and sent it to Russell...   I laughed out loud as I imagined him shaking his head and saying..what now? :)  But he worked hard to bring me as much as possible and I am still sitting here overwhelmed. Although this Christmas we will be missing the US AND Abu Dhabi, I feel so loved and blessed.  Ryan is asleep upstairs. We have dear friends from AD here visiting for a bit. Russell will be here soon.  Our friends and family in the US haven't forgotten us.  And God, the Creator of the Universe, sent His Son to earth. Emmanuel, God with us.!
Still smiling.

Sallie decorates the poinsettia pots while Robert plays Christmas music. Getting into the spirit.

 
  

Thanks A Lot!

Here it is December already. For Thanksgiving we had several guests join us. Our Canadian friends from the compound, some coworkers of Mike's, and a young single teacher and her daughter that we had met in the grocery store were included.  It doesn't ever feel the same as our celebrations in the US but we have learned to make the best of it.  Mostly having it on Thurs. after work just doesn't feel the same and the fact that most people don't know what the holiday is in the first place. :)    

My friend Kathi and I scoured Doha for Christmas decorations. I am trying to replace those that are gone. I found a few things and a great tree.  Having to make a visa run to Abu Dhabi actually worked in my favor as well.  Last Thursday Robert and I headed to AD. Pattie took me all over hunting for fun things for Christmas. I replaced our Christmas stockings, found some more tree decorations and feel much better about how the house looks for Christmas. I still feel very sad at the loss of what I had but it isn't as painful as it was. I remind myself that it's only stuff. Hold it loosely.

I had tea with Huda and her new twins at Mary's house while I was there. Adam and Jesus.  Thankful that Mary was able to set it up so I could meet these precious little ones and give Huda a hug!  

Happy I had time to visit with our Small group while I was there. Friends for many years . 

Mike carving the Thanksgving turkey. Sallie waiting in anticipation. :)

Ryan comes in 6 days. Then Russell.   It really is beginning to feel like Christmas.