Christmas Tree!

We bought a Christmas tree to decorate and had so much fun! Robin being from China has never decorated a tree before. Plus it was also Thomas' first Christmas tree. It was a blast...plus a bargain as we got it for only $10! :) By the end, Thomas was a sleep in Oliver's arms and Robin and I finished decorating to Christmas music. It was so fun. This is finals week so Oliver and Robin are studying (or making test). Thomas and I are doing, well...eating, sleeping, playing, etc....and we're waiting for Thursday to go see our family!

Fun Month of December!

This has been a very fun month. Thomas is much more interactive - smiling, kicking and being awake much more. It is great to be a mother and father...especially when you get to sleep more (he is sleeping 4-6 hours straight at night!). Also this month Oliver was asked to ref at an Hungarian outreach basketball/soccer tournament. He had a great time and was even able to watch a game of some of the best Hungarian soccer players from the 90s. Thomas and I went for a few hours and Thomas loved watching (I don't know if he was watching the game or daddy). He wouldn't even eat until the game was done. Of course Oliver is hoping that means he is going to be a bball player...but we'll see! Also we went to Campona, a local mall, and had so much fun with it being decorated and so Christmasy! We also put up a Christmas tree (sorry Bec, its fake...it was only 2000 huf at Tesco!). Oliver is now about to hit finals week and then we are off to the states for a short trip back for Thomas to meet his family-yeah!

Mama and me chillin' at home

Going to church in my preppy outfit (thanks Nana!)

Hanging with Daddy during his break at the tournament

Some of the kids playing at the tournament

Happy Thanksgiving

In Hungary its great to have Thanksgiving as the stores are open and nothing is out of stock :) We were able to go to our friends house with a few families to celebrate the day. It was so much fun to see Thomas with a group of people for the whole day. Here is Zach and Thomas and some of the crowd ready to eat the scrumptious meal! :) Here in Hungary St. Mikulas is just around the corner.

Soccer season ends...

Robin, Thomas and Oliver ready to go to the last game. The soccer season was a blast and Oliver loved hanging with the guys. This was a rebuilding year, but they did win their last 4 games - they said since Thomas they've won so he's their lucky charm :) Oliver's been working hard at school and Pam at home, but thankfully grandmas made frozen dinners so we are able to connect during dinner time. Hungary already has out Christmas stuff which is a blast to look at. Pam starts listening to Christmas music on her bday so it just puts her in the mood even more. I think Thomas' favorite song is Jingle bells :) Happy November!

THOMAS!

Wanted to let you all know that Thomas Oliver is here! :) If you want to see more photos go to the picasa site. I will post more later, but for now we just wanted to give you a preview. I'll also post some more on Thomas' own website (see friends/family websites). He is healthy, we are all happy and so thankful to finally meet this precious little one.

Date Night :)

Oliver and I took a date night as a "last hooray" before the little one is born (just two more weeks or so now !). We went to my favorite restaurant - Spoon - right on the water. So romantic :)
School is going well for Oliver. Finally all the computers are up and running so he can use some Rosetta Stone for Spanish. This year he is well organized with the history classes so he is able to use much of the curriculum from last year. They just went on the staff retreat and worked a bunch of the final ACSI certification - a lot of fun, But it'll be good to have that all done hopefully soon. He has been working really hard at school so that after soccer he can come home to his prego wife (around 7pm). The soccer team has another game this week in Vienna. Robin hurt his ankle though and apparently now his knee - poor kid. You can be praying for him. His parents came over last week which was so fun with his little 2 year old niece who is adorable! They gave us what they call "moon pies" and it was delicious!!! I ate one and wanted to try another...till I found out one of the main ingredients are duck eggs...now it makes me nauseous to think of it...so after Thomas I will eat them up. I know they are good for me, but... :) Other than that life has gotten into a routine. Oliver goes to work, Robin to school and then both to soccer and I walk, fix up the house (mom comes next week!), pay bills, visit with people, etc. It's wonderful to be pregnant in Hungary because people are often stopping me on the road to chat about when I am due, how I am feeling, and if it's a boy or girl (its so good for my Hungarian too). The old women (called Nanis - sp?) especially love to chat about it. That is yet another part of the Hungarian culture that I love, the emphasis on family and the interest in your kids. We are off now. Both Oliver and I are going to school - Oliver to work and I to help one of the new teachers with some curriculum stuff. Thanks again for your prayers as we await the babe.

Birthdays :)

**The photo is a picture of two of the senior girls from the Bible study - one turning 17 and one 18 ** Thank you for praying for these ladies since they were in 8th grade. I still cannot believe that they are all seniors this year. They are all filling out applications and doing the college search, trying to wrap their minds around leaving (without getting senior-itous)- not just the school, but the culture and their families to go back to the states to live in just a year. It is so fun to hear from them in their journeys. We meet once a week and I love these times.
Other than that...Oliver had a soccer game Staff vs. Students this week. He, of course, loved playing and they (meaning the staff) won 1-0. He was stoked :) We also had our ICSB staff retreat this weekend which was fun. It was different not being in the meetings, but it was a wonderful time to visit and hear from other moms/wives. We actually ended up leaving a few hours early b/c I was experiencing some contractions, pretty sure it's braxton hicks but we're going to the doctor tomorrow AM just to check in and make sure. I am definitely a first time mom not having a clue what is going on...but so thankful for the ride to meet Baby! :)

Here we are

Just one more month, still due October 5th :) Oliver and I put together...ok, mostly Oliver, the pack n' play where Baby Thomas will sleep for at least a while! We went to the doctor and he said everything was on schedule. You wanted a pic and you got it. Oliver is off to soccer and the 12th grade ladies are coming over for Bible study so I gotta make this one short. Thanks for all your prayers.

Quick update

Yes, this is our first full week back to school. Oliver did well in his Spanish class as they learned the alphabet and are now doing family trees. He is so cute and actually wants Pam's ideas for silly games to play in order to learn the language! He is even having them do motions for words, can you believe it? Robyn moves in today. We feel bad cause he was supposed to bring a bed, but he only brought a very thin mattress to sleep on. It's like we have a homeless guy living on our floor downstairs. Our landlord came over and told us of a bed sale going on so maybe he'll have one soon :) Baby Thomas is doing well, moving a lot and getting bigger! Pam has a hospital tour and appointment tomorrow to get everything ready for the big day in October. She is going on her own and honestly at this point doesn't have much of a memory for things which should make this meeting real interesting :) The house is coming along, slowly but we are almost out of boxes. Yesterday some of our pipes broke but thankfully our landlords came over for the afternoon to fix them, so Oliver went to work and Pam to the movies :) Oliver is painting the baby room blue and green to match some of his stuff so it's fun to watch him do that. The other day he dropped a bunch of paint and cleaned it up all by himself (while promising Pam that it did not spill on the baby's new sheets :). We sure are missing family right now, but are thankful to be back in Hungary and in routine again. Thanks for your prayers. We'll keep you posted as we wait for the birth of Thomas.

Great Month!

Off to Hungary again!
Some highlights of our weeks in the states...
1. Got to go with BOTH families on vacations - we had a wonderful time at the lake and in Chicago (got to go on the road trip from AL to IL). We even got to meet one of adorable nieces for the first time - so fun!
2. American food :) We looked and looked for a maple donut for Pam while here, finally her parents found it after a 2 hour search!!! It never tasted so good! What is up with these people in the mid-east and south not having these delicious American treats?!
3. Met with supporters in the South and were able to catch up with some. We're sorry to the many we were not able to see while here this time around. Lord-willing we'll catch up the next time :)

Coming up...
1. School Orientation (yes! Pam is in charge of "team building" games again:) and school starting. Please pray for Oliver as he continues to teach history and ELL plus picks up Spanish and PE
2. Pam transitioning to "home life". She will be doing odd jobs for ICSB until October but not teaching. She is looking forward to unpacking from the move and of course putting the baby room together.
3. Robyn moving into our home at the end of August :) Pray for the transition as we welcome into our home this senior boy/man :)
4. Baby due in 10-11 weeks - yeah! (of course pray for the labor and delivery!!!)

Moving in!

We are in! :) Thank you to the many that helped us move into our new home. We were able to enjoy it for a week and then headed over to the states. Thank God the airplane ride went well - Pam got up every 30 minutes and got to know the stewardess' and the other parents quite well during the long flight. We are now having a family reunion with the McLemores which are always great to see. Thank you for your prayers.

Summer days

SUMMER! :) These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of fun - getting ready to move, playing with the Whites and the other missionaries around for the summer, getting to see our cousin for a day, packing, getting ready to go the states, did I mention packing!? :) We move tomorrow closer to the school and into a house - woohoo. We are so blessed. ALSO I put up the pictures of us with the White girls as we play princess with them, house and make spinach chocolate...ironic because we went to the doctor and found out...It's a BOY!!! Thank you for your prayers, the baby is healthy and moving a lot. Please continue to pray for him as we travel to the states for a few weeks and for his parents not to stress out too much. Hope you are enjoying the summer time. We'll write more once we are in the states b/c our new house is not set up with internet yet...also there are some more pictures on our picasa site. Thanks for your prayers.

Graduation

This class of 2008 had 27 students in it from all around the globe...now they leaving to go all around the globe. I'm sure some of you remember Benny from my first year of teaching (in photo) and yes! He graduated :) We are so proud of him. The end of the year was a rush, but it's over now. Summer time brings time at school w/o kids...meaning with curriculum and testing new students plus getting ready for yet another school year. All is well here, baby is kicking more and more (it was raining and the baby was going crazy - must be like his dad who loves thunder storms!). Oliver's sister leaves tomorrow to go back to the states (she's been here for 1.5 years) so we are sad, but hopefully we'll see her again soon. Other than that we are just trying to get re-organized now that school is done :) By the way, will the dollar ever get better??? :) Waiting patiently for this.

Almost there!

The Middle School Talking Wax Museum - this is a big event that the Middle School puts on through Pam's Christian Studies class. They all choose one character of Scripture that they studied this year and "become" this person - parents, staff and students come and listen to their stories. It is so fun to watch (check out our picasa site for more photos). This year we had 52 middle school students participate.
There are only 3 more days of school left. Be praying for the students this summer and the school as we continue working towards our 10 years credentials. ICSB is growing - next year we already have 213 students enrolled.
The McLemore baby is doing well - kicking his/her mama, Oliver has been able to feel a few times. We are very thankful. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Crazy May Days

I admit I hesitated putting this photo up b/c I look so darn, well, big, but why not, huh? Here we are the McLemores - Pam, Oliver and baby...here's some recent updates (there are photo updates on the picasa site)
1. We went to the doctor and all looks healthy, but the baby was not in the mood to show us boy or girl...so to be continued on that one...But we did start our prenatal classes. There are two of us Americans with people from all over Europe with all different points of view. It will be a good class for us (that is at least for me...poor Oliver will have to suffer through some of it with the Europeans, well lets just say being quite open about their pregnancies).
2. Family Field day - another time for all our students and their families to come out, play games and have picnics. Oliver did the tug of war again and well, I mostly just sat there. But it was a good day to visit with our families and friends from ICSB.
3. Field Trip - the 6th grade took a field trip with me to the synagogue. With 12 year olds you just never know what is going to happen, but just a lot of laughs and not too many embarrassments (i think pregnancy brings a more care-free attitude with these types of things...that is if I don't get too hormonal on them:)
4. Moving - yes, we have one more month here at our apartment and then we move to a house that my old landlord owns. We are so excited b/c next year we'll need it :)
5. We have a new niece, Ava! We are so thrilled for the Cheneys and can't wait to meet her :)
We really continue to love teaching, being in Hungary especially now that the sun is out and marriage. God continues to teach us to rely souly on Him and be patient. This summer we are hoping to be here and also make it to the states, but just like this year has been we have to wait and see what the Lord has in store.

Eger

This is a photo of Eger, a beautiful town in Hungary. During spring break we were able to go with the Whites and visit. Actually mostly I sat in the car and looked around while everyone else walked around the town...but hey atleast our little one got to get out of the house! :) So I am finally teaching in the afternoons. I thought I was going to be able to start teaching in the mornings also, but the doctor just laughed and said basically no way. SO I am still at home in the mornings, but thankfully my sister has decided to continue subbing for me, pray for her! :) My mom came this past week, it was wonderful to see her. She brought some stuff for the baby, yeah! It is becoming more and more real. I think I felt my first "punch" in the stomach the other day while Oliver and I were playing Boci ball...already competitive at 15 weeks! But my sister says it was just gas....but i don't think so.
Anyway, Budapest is getting along just fine. Of course school is a bit crazy, especially for Oliver and with the dollar down SOOOO bad it makes life interesting, but God continues to bless us over here and encourages us this is the place for us now. Going to places like Eger makes me realize how much I do love this country.

"Hi"

• Baby Mc said "HI"to us yesterday at the doctors...ok, not really but while we awed at him during the ultrasound he was just a waving his arms! Praise God! It is just amazing to see the little one growing. We are so thankful for our doctor. He is respecting us and we are able to build a relationship with him. He is an Hungarian doctor but speaks English and works with a lot of international pregnant families.
• Another family member...Next year we are hoping to move to a house closer to school. With the move we are going to house an ELL student that Oliver teaches. He will be a senior next year and he speaks at least 3 languages! Robin is from China and we are so excited to have him.
• Easter...Hilarious, Cute and so FUN, PLUS great food! We made it to church and spent the day with the Whites including David's parents. We had a fun time watching a bunch of kids find eggs and then had a Sadar feast with a ham to top it off, wonderful! Great meals make me so thankful I am pregnant because now I can have seconds! :)

Waitin' for the baby

Yes, I have made it to 11 weeks and have enjoyed the visitors. This is my niece Norah and I watchin' Veggie Tales. This is pretty much me all the time. Oliver is still working hard, pray for him because he has a lot on his plate with me being "gone".

(notice the Tums right behind my head :)

An Addition to our family!!!

We can't believe it's been a month so let us update you...
1. Our biggest news....we're PREGNANT! God is blessing us with another little one, due October 5th. Though Pam was again in the hospital for 8 days this little one by God's grace fought throgh and the angels are protecting him. He is healthy and happy and growing fast. Pam is still on bedrest though till her 15th week, which is the middle of April. Now she is just 10 weeks. Thankfully Oliver's mom was gracious enough to come and help out for a week and now one of Pam's high school buddies is here for the next week. She is getting a lot of hungarian tv and relaxation...which we know she'd rather be working but ANYTHING for this baby to be healthy. This of course means Oliver has had to pick up the slack and is working hard in and out of the house. Thankfully all Pam's classes have permanent subs till she returns and God is working His will and showing us His hand throughout this journey.
2. Basketball tournament went very well. Oliver coached ICSB to a 2nd place win. We are also the junior sponsers and that means we were in charge of feeding everyone for the weekend. The teams were from 4 different countries, so we had to keep our minds open about what to serve. With Pam gone, many parents volunteered to help and it was a success.
3. Spiritual Emphasis Week: This is a time for the school to take a break from one class all week and instead go to chapel everyday. The students learned of God's perfect creation and were able to think through the way He created them.
4. Softball: our BIG weekend is coming up and since Pam is out for a while we are praying for people to help. The big softball camp is March 21, 22, 24, 25 and is a great time for the team to recruit new people and to share again the Gospel of God's love. Please pray for the team to be able to have a volunteer coach until Pam is able to join them again. Also Pam is writing the team a letter of what is going on with the baby, etc. Since Hungarians view of abortion, babies, etc is quite different than our own, please pray for them to have hearts of understanding and this to be yet another opportunity to share of God's great creation and love for us.

Thank you for your continued prayers. God is teaching us that "His grace is sufficient" and His will is best. His goodness continues always shines through all times in life.

Good-bye

This past week we had to say good-bye to one of our students who is in Oliver's ELL and history classes. She went back to China and we already miss her. This is a photo of some of the students in the ELL classes along with Minkee and Oliver (the two ELL teachers). We had a wonderful time trying traditional Chinese food. They put a big bowl in the middle with boiling hot water and then added a bunch of food along the way. Then you would put your chopsticks in and pick out what you wanted from the middle pot, kinda the idea of raqulette but not...it was a cool experience and food! :) Please pray for our student as she adventures back to China that she will remain strong in the faith and know she is loved.

Home fun!

For Oliver's bday his family gave him a Wii...I admit I was hesitant at first but it is so fun and popular (which our house has never been so lively with different peers and students!). This next week we are staying with one of the junior girls as her parents go to a conference. The family has been here for 14 years and it is amazing to hear their stories of Jesus working in Hungary. The junior girl and Pam meet one on one to disciple and talk so we're really looking forward to being there for the week.

ELL students

Oliver is blessed to be teaching the high school English Language Learner program. He just loves being with the international students, so eager to learn and to build relationships. This week one of our students is leaving back to China for the semester, Stella. Please pray for her as she goes back to grandparents for the 6 months. We are all going out to dinner on Tuesday for a good-bye party at a Middle Ages restaurant. This is a sad part of our school, so may students and teachers coming and going. In a sense we get us to it, but we just pray that God will continue to have good relationships built at the school even for the short while we have them. It makes us excited for the great Reunion in Heaven someday.

End of the Year

(This is Gil Beom, one of our middle school students from Korea. He is in my class dressed like Joash!)

We are thankful for the many blessings the Lord has given us. The last of the year was full of hardships, blessings and family. Hungary is now home for us and we are back in the swing of things at school. Oliver just had his first home game and they won, yeah! Our Bible studies are getting started and we are glad to be back in Europe. A highlight of our quick time in America was seeing Bibb and Amy get married along with seeing all our family. Please continue to pray for us as we adjust back to life here in Hungary.