Happy Birthday, Kelly!! My husband is now officially over the hill. Kelly is 40, wow we are getting older! When we met we were in our 20's. It feels like time is moving faster with each year that we age.

Kelly, you are my "knight in shining armor", my better half and the love of my life : ) I am so glad God made you!! We fit very well together as man and wife. Where you are very laid back, I am a little more tightly wound. We compliment each other on so many levels. You are such a special father, I am so impressed with the grace and love you show our children. They will form their image of God from your example. You are the kind of father that reflects Jesus' love to them. I praise God for you, Kelly!! Thank you for choosing me, thank you for being a man of honor and thanks for always being able to make me laugh out loud. Happy Birthday and may God continue to bless you in the years to come. With all my love and respect~

Yes, it is the month for celebrations in our home! Last week we were excited to celebrate our first son, Luke's birthday. Luke is now a big five year old! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were picking him up the airport in Chicago to bring him into his home and family. He was a little guy for seven months. He would drink 15-16 ounces of formula the first few weeks. He got bigger very quickly and now compared to that little baby we met for the first time in September of 2005, he is downright huge.
Luke is fun, very funny, full of questions, has a sweet heart, is very inquisitive and very kind to his siblings. He reminds very much of his father. He is VERY patient. He has the ability to entertain Hope and keep her happy for longer than even myself. I think he will become an Engineer or a Physician. He tells me he wants to be a Doctor, but he is determined to figure out how everything works. On a carousel ride, recently, he was engrossed by the workings of the machinery. Most children are just enjoying the wind in their hair while waving to family members. Luke is determined to understand the inner workings of the machine.


Luke, I cannot believe you are five years old! Time has gone so fast! You are a charmer my son and you have won my heart. You are often the first here in Kuwait to greet all the locals with an "A Salaam Alakum" (Hello). I am proud of you as you become a young man. You are very chivalrous to me and your sisters. You look out for us as a man should. You are commonly holding doors for me, pulling out my chair and bringing me an endless supply of coffee and diet coke : ) You are one of the least lazy people I know. You are always willing to help, even if that means climbing six flights of stairs in order to do so. You have started Ju-Jitsu and have had the instructors(Senseis) laughing out loud. People always say "Luke is quite a character!" I totally agree a character that I absolutely adore.

Keep asking questions, Luke. Don't ever stop thinking about the how and why of all situations. You are so amazingly gifted! You are also very inquisitive when it comes to all things spritual. Before we moved to Kuwait, you asked "Mom, do we have to worship their God?" You think so far ahead.

I am so blessed to have you as a son! Thank you for being such a sweet, loving, forgiving son. You are the best son we could have ever dreamed of, you are so special to us all. Though you do not look like your father and I we know that families are made up of more than flesh and blood. They are made up of love for each other, commitment to one another and dedication to all the members. My prayer is that we reflect each other where it counts, in the heart. I pray commonly that the desires of my heart are God's. I know back in 2004 when your father and I started the adoption process that this was God's desire placed in our hearts. You being in our family is his desire for us and you, Luke. God has changed me so much through your addition to our family. Luke, I pray that you seek God with your whole heart, that will always know that we (your family) love and treasure you and may you always reflect your father's (both earthly and heavenly) heart. You are going to do great things for God, Luke. I praise God that I was blessed with the privilege of becoming your mother!!!! Love and Hugs~ Mommy

I cannot believe that eight years ago today my life changed forever. Grace was born at 9:00am in the morning after a long labor. She has been a joy since that first moment. I did not know true responsibility until I became a parent. That first night after her birth we both just lay awake staring at one another. I remember feeling so much excitement that I couldn't go to sleep, I couldn't take my eyes off her.

She has always been fun, sweet tempered and full of smiles for all. She loves to giggle, dream of having a pet kitten and to crack jokes. I cannot believe how mature she is getting and how funny. She has her father and me laughing out loud often. She understands many large anatomical concepts that most adults have no clue about. This may be because her parents both have medical training and have talked shop in front of her for years. She has also become an invaluable helper to me. She helps to play with the "twins" and she can entertain Hope when I have other things I need to accomplish. She is quite the "little Mommy".

Grace,

I love you so much and so does you Daddy. Never question this for a moment! You are special because you are created in God's image. You are a beautiful girl on the inside and the outside. I am so glad God blessed our family with you! You are the best snuggler and giggler. You love God so much. I am amazed at your questions about God. He has blessed you with faith. You have such a sweet heart and you think of others before yourself often.

I feel like I am still staring at you like our first night together, only now time is moving so much quicker. I wish I could go back to that first night sometimes, but alas time is a cruel master. I cannot go back, I can only treasure today. That is all we will ever have while living in time, the present. I feel like your time with me is moving faster and faster. I am suspended and you are running, to your first date, high school graduation, first real job, your wedding, the birth of your first child. I am able to watch, while you run through your young life. It is like I get to stop, Grace, to watch you live. I am still aging, but I am not concerned about me. I am only focused on you and your run. Always remember, sweet girl, as you run away from my arms, my home, and your family. I am behind you standing and watching. I am always cheering, praying, and hoping for the best. For now I am also in time, but I am so glad to know that someday we will spend eternity together as well. The running will stop. We will be free of time, praise God! Don't ever forget as you move forward in time to look back , I am always on the sidelines watching your run through time. Happy Birthday, sweetie pie, I love you so much!!!!!! Love and Hugs, Mommy

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9 :24

Hello All! Timmy is now officially three. We had a party for him last weekend at a great indoor amusement park for kids, Magic Planet. Magic Planet is located at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait. It was a great family time. Watching the kids enjoy themselves is always fun.

We arrived at The Avenues early Friday morning to beat the rush. Most people are either sleeping in on Friday or at the Mosque. The Avenues Mall is beautiful. Before we enjoyed riding all the rides we stopped to see giant fish tank near the food court area. The food court has all the normal American eateries. Can you name the Restaurant in the fifth photo? This will be the first installment of name that American chain. Soon I will post another installment.

We are really enjoying Kuwait! True, we have yet to live through a summer in the Middle East. I am already preparing for the summer like we prepare for the winter back in Michigan. I find myself thinking up things that will keep us busy during the long HOT days.

This past week we have had a yucky upper respiratory bug going around. Four of the kids have had high fevers, sore throats, terrible coughs and runny noses. The girls are dying to get back to school each morning, but come afternoon their fever spikes and the coughing gets worse. I am hopeful that quickly they will be back on the bus, smiles on their faces trying to peek out the window to wave goodbye to me.

We had such a great time celebrating Timmy!!! Happy Birthday big buddy~

On the 20th of January Timmy turned three! We have not really celebrated because Kelly has been gone. It is no fun to open birthday gifts without Daddy to help build the excitement. Besides, Timmy doesn't really understand what a birthday is, so don't worry he hasn't missed it, yet.

Timmy, you are an amazingly sweet little man. You are extremely patient, fun loving, sweet to your "twin" sister, silly, a great bike rider and a wonderful snuggler. We are so glad God added you to our family! I can't imagine my life without you. Who would say " You funny, Mom." or "I not say that!" when we tease you. Who would come to hug me when I cry and say "Mommy, sad?" You are the best, Timmy. The first photo was taken of you dressed up by big sister, Faith. She said you were graduating from Medical school. The others are of a birthday present from Mommy, Daddy and the bunch. You love it! You especially love hiding in it and scaring anyone who happens by. You remind so much of your father. You both optimize patience and unconditional love. Lastly, Timmy you have an amazing throwing arm. You can throw a ball better than most children I have ever seen. I picture you playing a fullback in football someday, you are tough!!! Just remember keep your head down! Love you little man~ Mommy

Happy almost Birthday to our sweet daughter, Hope. She will turn two officially while we are in London. Because of being forced to travel on her birthday we decided to celebrate her day sooner. Last Friday we had a party with my mom and all the bunch. I cannot believe THIS baby is turning two!

Hope, you are truly our joy! We have been surprised by Hope since we found out she was baking in my tummy. We named you Hope because our hope is in Jesus and him alone. It is interesting to be inside the beltway and see everyone with their "Hope" bumper stickers. Without getting too partisan or political, that Hope is not at all what you are named after. I pray someday your hope will be firmly placed in our Lord and his redemption for his people.

Hope you are so cute, fun loving, funny, and full of spunk. You are a 5 year old trapped in a 2 year old body. You think you are one of the "big three" and heaven help the person who tells you that you are the youngest. You love your older siblings, each has a special game they commonly play with you. You are truly a Mommy's girl. You just adore me, and don't ever like to be farther away than a couple feet. You are very good at climbing anything, swinging on the big swings at the playground and eating black beans, which are your absolute favorite. Your father and I adore each of our children, but I think we have been the best parents to you. We are experienced parents and are much more relaxed with you. We know what will fatally wound or maim you, and everything else is fair game. You are much more free to explore and play. I have loved parenting you and I wish I could have relaxed more with Grace and Faith when they were your age.

You are an interesting mixture of a happy go lucky girl with a spit fire of a will. You are uniquely your self, but I see flashes of Grace, Faith and Luke come out commonly. This picture was taken of you on our recent Capitol tour. You had been a trooper, but in this photo you have come to your end. If you were my first child I would have been horrified, but no sweet girl you are the fifth. I thought it was cute photo so I began snapping away. I am sure the gentlemen watching both you and me thought I had gone crazy. Oh well, maybe I have, I'm crazy for you!!!!!

We can't wait to see you grow and change over this next year in Kuwait. We thank God for making you and allowing us to parent you!!! You are so special to us~ Love Mommy and Daddy~

Hello All! Last night I typed up this sweet tribute to my mother in law, Grandma Briden. I forgot to save it on blogger and lost the whole blog post. UGHHHH!



Here is is in a nutshell. My mother in law turned 74 while with us this past weekend. We go to enjoy her day with her and that was a treat! We went to Arlington National Cemetery. It was a beautiful day that was full of reflection about all those we have loved who have served in our military. Thank you everyone who has served, without you we would not be living freely in this great country of ours!



We got to see the changing of the Guard at the Tomb Of The Unknown Solider. Grandma Briden in all her trips to D.C. had never seen it and I think she really enjoyed it. We also had a celebration dinner topped off with Chocolate Decadence cake, YUM.



Grandma Briden went home to New Mexico on Sunday. She was such a blessing while here. She did load upon load of laundry, washed mounds of dishes and read books aloud for hours to five kids who love to be read to. Thank you, Mom Briden! I missed you like crazy today, but I know I must take it from here. I wish you could have seen the new park we visited today. It was much fun. All five of the kids miss you and Granddad, please come to Kuwait soon!!!!!!



On Sunday we went to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home in Northern Virginia. I loved it! It was a beautiful day and we had a picnic on the banks of the Potomac river. I am in awe at times of the beautiful country God created here. I could have easily retired up the road from Mount Vernon. When I returned home I surfed the net to see how much houses Alexandria cost, YIKES! I have such sticker shock here. How do people live in homes and pay them off that start at 1 million dollars? So, sadly I don't think I will be retiring near General Washington's old homestead, but I have a season pass. That means I can at least visit when I want and sit on the porch over looking the river, hey I can dream!



The kids favorite thing at Mount Vernon? The Blacksmith house. We returned there three or four times. All our children love fire and building things. All in all a good weekend, but we miss GRANDMA!!!!! Blessings to you all~

Hello All! I cannot believe my sweet Faith is six today. Time has gone way to fast. I remember I was pregnant with Faith at the same time as our close friends from Bolivar, Missouri. Jeff and Jacki, and Brian and Christy both had girls in October of 2003 and we loved to watch them grow into toddlers together. I was thrilled to have friends who had babies doing the same things at around the same times. I miss those girls and my friends as well.

Faith, you are a joy! I am so glad God made you!!! What fun we have had in these six years. You are always a fun filled bright spot in my day. You have a zest for life that is unmatched in our family. I am thrilled to say that you know God and you love him with your whole six year old heart. You have a thirst for him and for helping others in difficult situations. Today we went to the National Zoo in Washington D.C., you loved seeing the Cheetahs, Elephants, Orangutans, and Guerrillas. What a great day! We spent it with our whole family, Grandma Briden and Uncle Jeff. We have so enjoyed Grandma Briden being here in D.C. to help us with this major transition. She has enjoyed reading and teaching you. Uncle Jeff also has really enjoyed you all, but it was so sweet to see you snuggle him today. I think snuggling people is truly your gift, Faith! You can warm even the coldest heart!!!

These pictures were taken today, the first of you, my little Fay Mae big six year old. The second is of a beautiful flower at the National Zoo, representing the perfect day we had. Lastly, is a photo of all the Briden Bunch children, Grandma Briden and Uncle Jeff. Good times, good times!!! In closing my letter to you, sweet Faith, know I love you with all my heart and so does your father! We praise God for you and for who he is making you into. God Bless your next year baby~ Mommy

Hello All! This weekend Rick and Kristin (My baby brother and sweet sister in law) are hosting a going away party for us. I am very excited to get to see a majority of our family before we take off for D.C.

This was the neat invitation that Kristin created for our send off. Great job, Kristin and thanks for thinking of us!!! We love you so much and will miss you all terribly. We appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness!!

It is still somewhat surreal that we are going to be oceans away from our extended families. I wonder who will come to visit and what will happen here in the U.S. while we are away. I wonder what perspective of the world my children will have. What perspective will they have of the United States? They will most likely be hearing another language most of the time while we are going through our normal days. They will become Third Culture Kids (TCK). I have been reading this book and trying to prepare for the unique challenges TCKs face. TCKs are commonly Missionary kids, children of men and women serving in our Armed forces, Diplomat kids and more commonly now with the world becoming a global marketplace, American children who's parents are working for businesses abroad.

Our family is already "different" from our home cultures perspective. Now we will increase the different quotient. I can hear someone asking Luke someday, "Wait, your sisters are obviously white, you speak Spanish and your parents home is currently in Bangladesh?" That would confuse almost anyone, eh? But I feel like if you are going to be "different" you might as well go all the way, right? People stare at us currently in the U.S., imagine the stares in Kuwait! I am up for the challenge, God has truly prepared and groomed me for this. With His help, I feel I am up for this challenge and lifestyle. Will it be hard, yes! Will it be exciting, yes! Will it be tiring, yes! Will it be FUN, YES! Please remember us in your prayers as we tackle this new lifestyle and a major transition, thanks!

In other exciting news I got my Birthday and 10 year Anniversary present today. Here is a picture of my "Mommy Chair", I love it!!!!!! It is a Devonshire chair from Ethan Allen and it is covered in the fabric "Reef Espresso". I have wanted a "Mommy Chair" for many years. My feet rarely touch the ground in big rocker recliners and I can't stand that! It makes me feel like a child when I sit there my legs hanging in the air. I am not a diamond lady, this is my treat, "The Mommy Chair" : ) I am sitting in it no as I type, it is like a little bit of heaven! Thanks, Kelly for the best gift ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to go organize and pack for our trip to Kalamazoo. God Bless your weekend~

Hello All! Well, Luke had his tonsillectomy today. Our family used to call him 'Super Tonsil Man'. Can you still be called that when you don't have them anymore?

He is doing great, Thanks for the prayers!! He just ate two bowls of Orange Sherbet, one bowl of applesauce and one pudding cup. He has now fallen fast asleep : ) I missed him so much this morning, I can't stop kissing and hugging him! He is a trooper and he will always be Mommy's little baby boy. Tomorrow he gets soup and some real soft food. Thanks again for praying!

Today is also a big day in Kelly's life. He turns 39 years old today!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I can't believe it! Happy Birthday to you, Kel : ) I love and respect you so much. I am so glad God made you and your parents raised you to love God. You are an amazing man and I am thrilled to have been with you now for ten of your Birthday celebrations. Thanks to Mom Briden for the pain she endured having him, thanks to Dad Briden for raising him to be a man after God's own heart, and thanks to God for sharing his wonderful creation, Kelly, with me : ) Tonight I am making Lobster tails, shrimp, and Parmesan encrusted flounder for the birthday boy. For dessert we are celebrating with cake and chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Luke is thrilled about that, he doesn't want to miss out on the celebration even with his painful throat.

On an unrelated side note. Go over and check out this website if you would like free tea shipped to your home. I am a fan of tea as well as coffee. Coffee is first, but tea comes in a close second. I traveled to England with my sister, Heather, just to have the whole 'cream tea' experience. We didn't end up with that experience, but an adventure all the same : ) The Tropical Tea Co. has a FREE TEA CLUB and they will send you there free tea samples in the mail to sample. How cool is that? Pretty Awesome! But, making it even more special, if you buy tea from them 'every order helps give a child in Africa clean drinking water for 1 year'. Yeah, that is so neat!! I love to buy tea and help a great cause in the process. Go over and check it out if you have time. Gotta run, I need to feed to the mini man more sherbet. Blessings to you all~ Crystal

Hello All! February for the Briden Bunch moves from one family holiday to the next. Today our first son, Luke turns 4 !! Happy Birthday to Luke the Duke : ) Luke, you are such a blessing to us all. I can't imagine my life without you. You are a sweet little man, patient, funny and an awesome big brother. I praise God that he made you and added you to our family!! You are a little boy that loves God and loves others. You ask to see the country of your birth, Liberia. I hope someday to take you there. You tell me daily I am beautiful, a good "cooker" and a great snuggler. I love you my son and so does your daddy, we always will. You are so much like your father in many ways and it is neat to watch you become like him. You are patient, FUNNY, gentle and love to laugh : ) My favorite thing you say lately is when playing a game you will whisper to me " Mommy, I will win this game for you!" The girls have NEVER said this to me. You are all boy, full of chivalry and honor. I love you buddy!!!!!! Love and Hugs~ Mommy

Hello All! This year for Grace's seventh Birthday celebration we had a Masquerade Ball. It could be because Mommy loves the Phantom of The Opera and has always dreamed of going to a ball or the fact that these masks are everywhere right now for Mardi Gras. Anyway, Grace said it sounded like a fun idea and chose if for the party theme. Everyone dressed up in their "formal" clothes and wore their special mask they choose. The rules were while the mask was on you had to refer to the masked person by their "codename". Grace was "Peacock", Faith was "Monarch," Luke was "Grape Crush", Timmy was "Orange Crush" and Hope was "Sweet Pea". It was a great time as we danced, had a treasure hunt for Grace to find her gifts, enjoyed party games and ate some good cake. I can't believe my baby is seven!!!! Wow, she is getting too old. We joke with her often that she needs to stop becoming so smart or she will have to go off to college too soon. She often says, "I want to stay with you guys forever! I am going to miss you." I wonder if this will be her attitude in another seven years, I hope so : ) We love you Gracie Goo Goo~ XXXXXXOOOOOO Love, Your Bunch