Monday, December 29, 2008

Birmingham Saipan Christmas 2008

It was a great Christmas in the Birmingham house. Amaris was the first to wake up and ran down the steps to see her new pink scotter (see YouTube video) Clark got a skateboard (with protection)and a real basketball (we are having a basketball goal installed next week). It will not be sturdy enough to slam dunk, but if he's doing this, were moving back to the States and contacting the NBA. Amaris tried to sneak a "Santa Cookie". Santa might be better off if she did, but that's another story. They also got one of those dance games you hook up to the TV. Clark seems to have fun with it. We did our usual trip to the suicide cliffs with a Big New Yorker Pizza from Pizza Hut. The played with their toys. In the afternoon we went to see "The Tale of Desperaux". We all went to bed about 8:30pm and had a good night's sleep. Again, another great day on Saipan.


















Tuesday, December 23, 2008

December 2008 Happenings









It's been a busy December. MCV Broadband had it's Christmas Party at the World Resort. Employees brought their families for the noon buffet and all day passes at the Wave Jungle Water Park! Clark went down the slides for the first time. He was little scared at first, but, as usual, once he did it once we couldn't keep him off. Amaris liked the kids area. We have gone several times, but this was the most fun they (and us) had. Video of Mom and kids going down the "lazy river". I got there early and had about two hours of swim time before they came. Also, pictures and video of Amaris's class party on the last day of school before Christmas. I also read to Amaris's and Clark's class the pop-up book version of "A Night Before Christmas". We also have some pictures of Carolers from Grace Christian Academy. They came by Friday night and did about a fifteen minute show. We were up on the balcony. Clark went down and starting banging some old toys together to keep time with the music. Christmas is in two days. I told them that bad kids only get a stick and a rock for Christmas. Well, it works for a while!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Grace Christian Academy Christmas Production











Clark and Amaris both had parts in the GCA Christmas Production. The K4 class goes first (they are not going to wait)and they sang a song. Clark did a dance. Both were good and each got a cupcake and juice after the performance, so it was a VERY good night. I have included the rehearsal video instead of the actual performance of Amaris because you can see it better. One his her singing and the other is the "diva" getting ready. Note: She acted better in the production.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Doris's Thanksgiving Trip to Guam















Doris left for Guam on Wednesday morning right before Thanksgiving. She had a great time. Just look at the pictures. I was at home with the kids. We went to the Suicide Cliffs and ate Pizza for Thanksgiving. We went to a Birthday Party on Friday. We went to see "Bolt" on Saturday. We also saw, for the first time "The Little Mermaid" (the Sea Witch scared Amaris and she ran over and grabbed me) and "Ice Age". We did other things to and had a good time. Doris bought a bunch of stuff on Guam. Thanks to Jeanette and Brian for letting Doris stay with them. To Margie and Patrick for the annual party (wish I could be there, but I doing real work for a change)and Katherine (thanks from Amaris) and Bob for... well, for just being Katherine and Bob. Plus, some shots of Clark and Amaris dressed for Church.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Obama will be President

Well, it was an historic election. The idea that the USA could elect a black man president says more about the USA than Obama, and I mean that in a good way. I do understand the pride that the black community must feel.
There are as many ways to look at Barak Obama as there are people looking.
My main concerns are the following:
First: Forget the fact that he's African American, he's a liberal democrat which is scary for anyone that wants to get ahead in the world. His "redistribution of wealth" (his words) already has the stock market moaning. Those evil rich people! I guess I could agree because I'm not rich, but it's the Democrat definition of "rich" that should have everyone concerned. Although the Dems won't say it, if you have a job, your rich! If they CAN take money from you they will. After all, they need to give to the people that have nothing so they can have the good life also. Nevermind that they don't work or do anything else for society. It's someone elses fault that they are in the shape they're in. And the Democrats are there to make everything better. And to give them a ride to the polling places.
Second: This financial mess that we are in is not his fault, but he will be the one responsible for cleaning it up, which is a bit unfair, but hey, that's the way it is when you're President. He can blame the actions of the former administration, which may be true, but in the long run it does'nt give you a free ride. He has promised alot, but I don't really think he will be able to deliver and I will hold his feet to the fire when he does not. It's not OK for a politican to say anything to get elected, but get elected they do. Getting re-elected is a hard thing. And you better believe, like ever other President, he started to run for re-election on November 5th.
Third: How far to the left will Obama move to serve his radical constituancy? We already have nationwide protests for gay marriage. They feel more bold now that their guy will soon be in the White House. This is the part I fell best about. I think he will move to the center. Bill Clinton governed from the center and did a good job for eight years. I don't like the Democrat agenda much, but I would probably vote for Bill Clinton again.
I don't feel bad about Obama as President, but I don't understand why some people are just so gaga over him. For black americans this would be understandable just for the fact that he was black. I would say that he has basically a cult of personality feel about him. Let's face it, the real competion for Obama was not John McCain, but Sarah Palin, which is why the media and other Democrats treated her so shamfully. What about Joe Biden? He has promised that America will be attacked, and soon. The man is a human gaff machine, but the media did not seem to care. And now the McCain staffers are coming out with negative things about Palin. Why? Because they are scared of her to. Remember, most of the comparsions in the elections were made between Obama and Palin. What does that mean? Forget what she did in this campaign. The only reason that McCain did not get beat by 10 points was because of Palin. She will be back and she will bring her A game.
Am I worried? Not from the perspective of Obama being president. He is a smart guy and I would expect him to the smart thing. I really hope he is successful.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Sunday with the Birmingham's






Doris and Amaris get ready to go to Church. Amaris and Clark have their weekly "Pala Pala" race on Sunday afternoon while I watch College Football and grill Chicken, Ribs, and Fish.