tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923638247203109162024-03-12T19:31:03.369-07:00The Oregon CarpentersZach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-36570628928812224592012-03-30T16:25:00.003-07:002012-03-30T16:25:42.055-07:00Life Update!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yL21aFv2vp8" width="560"></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-8937648645357770152011-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:002011-08-23T11:50:20.355-07:00Zach Climbed A Moutain<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PMD0_TyaZmk" width="560"></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-32978606987483457952010-08-26T21:44:00.000-07:002010-08-26T21:49:12.415-07:00Zoe's 1st Birthday!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyB88p6bLC6VXPWpppiXJfvAwYUg3PAzJ6naEl-UvblbWi1Xgw_IfI8N5OsTNP_gpG5Cb6MMeRHIVRGb_fTuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-58489297007757524252010-05-01T18:15:00.000-07:002010-05-01T19:01:47.020-07:00Hey Ryann! (and everyone else)<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyT1a43JtnLUkbaBsobpKCtu_DtDEuAC6k1Jrtg1nrDgF4NKJ5Bsyprbx_ffm_e7GSJ0HFmX8El0wa_4iy2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-74363456809362718322010-03-02T20:48:00.000-08:002010-03-02T20:54:37.441-08:00Video For R-Y-A-N-N & Zoe!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9eZCMu8uIAWhcEaUClEciBC7QG4EkH9pLpSpcxnEwlw7AIMSe6Bc5EJm0BU_7_x0_w896Zfc6lX-ToBI_Ww' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-79703027699074349712010-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:002010-02-08T12:40:16.734-08:00The Creative Side Come Out<div>As I am doing homework and using the computer, Laura decided she wanted to start a hobby to fill her time while I am busy. This is a sweet stuffed owl she made this weekend. Isn't she amazing?</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnAYh4M5lNsXnUjW3TjMHDWi4Dqa97xgsIBg9Y1AVeaPmCfMEaJ7WV8mdV3h44JE8aKxqwLMByYPa3HcCf4Vx2eslhaxqSvr6fA_XAmDL8AMW38ySLllh-HhYWXeSPfsLl9fMtYfL2TI/s1600-h/IMG_9378.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnAYh4M5lNsXnUjW3TjMHDWi4Dqa97xgsIBg9Y1AVeaPmCfMEaJ7WV8mdV3h44JE8aKxqwLMByYPa3HcCf4Vx2eslhaxqSvr6fA_XAmDL8AMW38ySLllh-HhYWXeSPfsLl9fMtYfL2TI/s400/IMG_9378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435975102008819458" /></a><div><br /></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-61172843325405978282010-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:002010-01-06T10:15:55.117-08:00California Christmas<div>For the next few days Laura and I get to spend some time with our family in California. We are celebrating Christmas in January. Here are some pictures from our fun times.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra59WjpC6ntnHZJ7o_bfbxvSAXSqSCoNx6wRl0s-hL34j4mtjrNw_wFccO-6-TlNSXi7bIJ7XdSTpMwQD86XS20XR6ojLhdY5-iBgC8yJ5CD9Fd0V8JLLWkt73vH73SSpbUMaoal-_Sc/s1600-h/IMG_9347.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra59WjpC6ntnHZJ7o_bfbxvSAXSqSCoNx6wRl0s-hL34j4mtjrNw_wFccO-6-TlNSXi7bIJ7XdSTpMwQD86XS20XR6ojLhdY5-iBgC8yJ5CD9Fd0V8JLLWkt73vH73SSpbUMaoal-_Sc/s400/IMG_9347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423691484043787522" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">This is our new Niece, Aubrey Noelle Carpenter.</span></div></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra59WjpC6ntnHZJ7o_bfbxvSAXSqSCoNx6wRl0s-hL34j4mtjrNw_wFccO-6-TlNSXi7bIJ7XdSTpMwQD86XS20XR6ojLhdY5-iBgC8yJ5CD9Fd0V8JLLWkt73vH73SSpbUMaoal-_Sc/s1600-h/IMG_9347.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9zCd5mPfNh8AEpv21HK-ueZEj2ayrzNb_ZJtMg0pp-epc0tzvlzvoDvDEoUmisYJ9nWnwOImdcwYjwi8Xz4xrhiht7vCr4cXV0GwkknO5Gmj6FXPn9pnYDDruDe8c2X3wB2vLE5hlWs/s1600-h/IMG_9346.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9zCd5mPfNh8AEpv21HK-ueZEj2ayrzNb_ZJtMg0pp-epc0tzvlzvoDvDEoUmisYJ9nWnwOImdcwYjwi8Xz4xrhiht7vCr4cXV0GwkknO5Gmj6FXPn9pnYDDruDe8c2X3wB2vLE5hlWs/s1600-h/IMG_9346.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9zCd5mPfNh8AEpv21HK-ueZEj2ayrzNb_ZJtMg0pp-epc0tzvlzvoDvDEoUmisYJ9nWnwOImdcwYjwi8Xz4xrhiht7vCr4cXV0GwkknO5Gmj6FXPn9pnYDDruDe8c2X3wB2vLE5hlWs/s400/IMG_9346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423691477971551650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">She peed on Laura within 15 seconds of her holding her for the first time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MERRY SECOND CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-54749128913807876072009-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:002009-12-31T11:50:35.865-08:00Christmas Adventures<div><br /></div>Here are some pictures from our Christmas adventures.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1k7nfPvDOZPUb654R0cB0Ug0QT-TBnfLqWTaajXNrsaoIhlN0NWbrfmOVs4eFCi0sGa0xrVtb-UiaUCWUytdMTX38IH9473Qp4KdXZk-sAWx0L4bpt7VlRdYMuG1ZKcfylkeI357qnc/s1600-h/IMG_9338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1k7nfPvDOZPUb654R0cB0Ug0QT-TBnfLqWTaajXNrsaoIhlN0NWbrfmOVs4eFCi0sGa0xrVtb-UiaUCWUytdMTX38IH9473Qp4KdXZk-sAWx0L4bpt7VlRdYMuG1ZKcfylkeI357qnc/s400/IMG_9338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421489404371409362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A lot of snow!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuLrySV7BXPCGPduPYw7nlGJkgv0oTZiiEPpq-jJwepOYkq6i42nYXukZ4ClU-vEKkt0_PjXsO6gRZwQ095hrMi5e704mrIwGg3WvqRodi2xeT2QUBhqQHPZNdajUCyE9oPkmRzbOKJs/s1600-h/IMG_1980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuLrySV7BXPCGPduPYw7nlGJkgv0oTZiiEPpq-jJwepOYkq6i42nYXukZ4ClU-vEKkt0_PjXsO6gRZwQ095hrMi5e704mrIwGg3WvqRodi2xeT2QUBhqQHPZNdajUCyE9oPkmRzbOKJs/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421489397203698722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We went on a walk in the snow.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZkvqytfbX8MvVOHR_l3cnt0oTNjvYk7yEIAJayIg6nlZsXURNQOpcb-krwjwVS37LVTjm2jNC35AVIrdoA269IOq-sxMspRo4FDejgOpOG628HZY6Y7NbWp7K3X8T5GrqJPbAwMV-Y/s1600-h/IMG_9326.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZkvqytfbX8MvVOHR_l3cnt0oTNjvYk7yEIAJayIg6nlZsXURNQOpcb-krwjwVS37LVTjm2jNC35AVIrdoA269IOq-sxMspRo4FDejgOpOG628HZY6Y7NbWp7K3X8T5GrqJPbAwMV-Y/s400/IMG_9326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421489387365897842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We made some delicious Chili!</div></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-16850872270078074652009-12-25T11:15:00.000-08:002009-12-25T11:17:11.248-08:00It's A White Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8PkMJSJghQsTNhuSuftitMHAZcMstVOtDUKORRVDSyPoRYzsMF_Rjd-_3PevBlXU2MC0AyaTU0Wa0VHO2agoFg1zzS3QcKYjcHxdYZXrNm5EkDFM0pPrK8o_JbFUn2gAH_YAIMXAMbU/s1600-h/52375451.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8PkMJSJghQsTNhuSuftitMHAZcMstVOtDUKORRVDSyPoRYzsMF_Rjd-_3PevBlXU2MC0AyaTU0Wa0VHO2agoFg1zzS3QcKYjcHxdYZXrNm5EkDFM0pPrK8o_JbFUn2gAH_YAIMXAMbU/s400/52375451.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419254945481243042" /></a>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-23005572953854320042009-12-08T21:13:00.001-08:002009-12-08T21:17:28.064-08:00First Snow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX6uzykepz2nSwOWbJvtJJsl5-AifDX5bdjlVyRqJCatXGNsPDNEbyaNFtD7ge1AhNIYCq8pg5XPl7SOfE83xWT_0-EAft-u9lDXZdgIiI-pmZbWYhOiFXT0fIcmu6qHgwmsBML-rIC8/s1600-h/IMG_9316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX6uzykepz2nSwOWbJvtJJsl5-AifDX5bdjlVyRqJCatXGNsPDNEbyaNFtD7ge1AhNIYCq8pg5XPl7SOfE83xWT_0-EAft-u9lDXZdgIiI-pmZbWYhOiFXT0fIcmu6qHgwmsBML-rIC8/s400/IMG_9316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413100917986723138" /></a>It finally snowed here in Kansas City. I always love the first snow of every season!Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-58519929721511413812009-12-08T17:21:00.000-08:002009-12-08T17:23:03.324-08:00New Blog Layout!That's right everyone. We have changed our blog layout. I hope you like it!<div><br /></div><div>Sorry we have not been blogging a lot. We will try and share what is going on in our lives a little more as the year goes on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love you all!</div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-15344471988451379882009-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:002009-09-21T08:51:51.027-07:00KC Vlog 1<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnQ1D_6OZNgb0kcrQqRLPT83LBxKTuanXcpE61BRJoS2H4Muvl01epmejX5SVCmSinUZ7JZ-UuIOuCHxuYfA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-38585135503967377202009-09-05T18:29:00.000-07:002009-09-05T18:36:22.039-07:00Kansas Symphony In The Park<div>We heard on the radio about "music in the park". The Kansas City Symphony was playing in the park. It was some good times and good music.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWU2jJsyeAP0SewR1mzcg9QLnFDZQb5ueBX56xbOn_gJ4CJR6V-MjoS2ni7PJWlhn_VPkjX9S_Rz9XIzfTgsllql2LvHJOgZmcCTM1YwoVjivFiVHGku8RewvJobYDAphhMIE7U4I144/s1600-h/IMG_9247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWU2jJsyeAP0SewR1mzcg9QLnFDZQb5ueBX56xbOn_gJ4CJR6V-MjoS2ni7PJWlhn_VPkjX9S_Rz9XIzfTgsllql2LvHJOgZmcCTM1YwoVjivFiVHGku8RewvJobYDAphhMIE7U4I144/s320/IMG_9247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378162138136523042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8O3c_kghnL1W2tFOxUqI0R2ICvI8JrOCS2YbnfdK9OnRlRqhVUr7L4v_fKCa4V7gCq5GHWVEYed5CYrq9_xh-LER78aEBGkGWyHZ0LfxAXVGYqFcflQ4oSXNHJM3oOl0Z4W8pEL6Vbk/s1600-h/IMG_9252.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8O3c_kghnL1W2tFOxUqI0R2ICvI8JrOCS2YbnfdK9OnRlRqhVUr7L4v_fKCa4V7gCq5GHWVEYed5CYrq9_xh-LER78aEBGkGWyHZ0LfxAXVGYqFcflQ4oSXNHJM3oOl0Z4W8pEL6Vbk/s320/IMG_9252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378162129763922306" /></a></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-28175620903257323282009-09-02T12:44:00.001-07:002009-09-02T12:46:54.269-07:00Our Kansas Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtRX_eD1cdzMPGNNVE1cBjK9JLqiXL4Sk53AvB7ZIt7uiXFcDYttL5xMgajhS24IexKbWa95QsYhY23H_HbO0oWYA2X_TsBHzxWKuziysjMx2MeBTSJkMQd9N2UomnVuIkaCdGyfWZdI/s1600-h/600px-Great_Seal_of_the_State_of_Kansas.svg.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtRX_eD1cdzMPGNNVE1cBjK9JLqiXL4Sk53AvB7ZIt7uiXFcDYttL5xMgajhS24IexKbWa95QsYhY23H_HbO0oWYA2X_TsBHzxWKuziysjMx2MeBTSJkMQd9N2UomnVuIkaCdGyfWZdI/s400/600px-Great_Seal_of_the_State_of_Kansas.svg.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376958923000671106" /></a><br />We have posted some pictures of our new home. If you would like to see them just go to <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/KansasApartment#">http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/KansasApartment#</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-61608873453906354682009-09-02T11:58:00.000-07:002009-09-02T12:08:16.605-07:00Driving To Kansas<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxmj9UcXaxp_uqGOZ7S68nMkaF6ktnQHNmqGGq89cqnnCD67NiBgYqU2ZpCG-5SLi8Op0a0i8jRg7K3vnDYfA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-22053333623124098862009-07-06T04:38:00.000-07:002009-07-06T04:57:50.400-07:00Our Last Taiwanese BlogIt is hard to believe that it is our last day in Taiwan. This year has gone so fast. It feels just it was just yesterday that we were telling people about our adventure we were preparing for to Taiwan. To celebrate our last Taiwanese Blog, we thought we would make a Top 10 list of the most memorable things. This is not a serious list. This is the funny list. Unfortunately, each story would take a long time to tell. So, we are just providing the list. If you would like to hear a specific story from this list, ask us to tell you the next time you see us.<div><br /></div><div>Top 10 Most Memorial Things</div><div><br /></div><div>10. Long live the 80's! </div><div><br /></div><div>9. "You married? So young!!!!....... Do you have baby?"</div><div><br /></div><div>8. Taiwan's one traffic rule: Don't get hit by a bus/don't die.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. City-wide Practice of... "China is invading!!!" </div><div><br /></div><div>6. Company Mascots (Please ask to see our debit cards)</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Random conversations with strangers.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Medical advice from strangers (after a physical examination in Starbucks)</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The Opera Tennis Player</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Communication issues.... (the purchasing of a mahjong set)</div><div><br /></div><div>and our most memorable thing is...... (imagine a drum roll)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>1. The MOS Burger Stare Down!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank you for praying for us this year. We have been truly blessed this year, and please continue to follow us, on our blog, as we begin the next chapter of our lives. </span></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-74494113934603565232009-06-19T06:25:00.000-07:002009-06-26T06:43:47.720-07:00Laura Is Famous!!!!<div>We are sorry, but apparently Laura's fame needs to be kept secret in Taiwan.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will be getting a dvd of the Joy English commercial, that Laura is in, later. At that time we will put the video back on our blog for people to enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry. </div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-63917708368383900012009-06-07T02:36:00.000-07:002009-06-07T02:53:51.290-07:00Vlog Vacation!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwrVAumukjFkVDkSKTZ9bJHX8vzMXDcP0fM4dcInhud5McDSqi3PthASpAXFZYTKihCWfn6pzHefofcDOuTaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-91679086751402103662009-05-18T22:52:00.000-07:002009-05-18T23:20:22.993-07:00Things We've Been Doing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJHYxiiTgju2hW8f5Z6lzJFpUZGmV40RmOZkVXP8jdYxVqTOkk1OnZ5KWoXipRd-OGgMWOwBQk-2w9qqZTEqmjVHTClWFbezBqAhgeOIv6ZqZpdgl3_bo3C9xaL9oMt1hHbWHGWmaUo0/s1600-h/IMG_1446.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJHYxiiTgju2hW8f5Z6lzJFpUZGmV40RmOZkVXP8jdYxVqTOkk1OnZ5KWoXipRd-OGgMWOwBQk-2w9qqZTEqmjVHTClWFbezBqAhgeOIv6ZqZpdgl3_bo3C9xaL9oMt1hHbWHGWmaUo0/s200/IMG_1446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337410619377590706" /></a> Our wonderful host family took us to a fun city called Ying-Ge. While there, we were able to eat some amazing food. Including (as pictured) our delicious pouch of green stuff with a huge oyster in the middle, fresh and fried cut up mushrooms, cooked robin eggs, graded taro, and some sour/bitter plum juice. Talk about a feast. This place is well known for its history in pottery. There were many shops set up to let visitors make their own potter or just buy it. Laura and Essence felt that it was the perfect day to make something.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQoDomHPMt54dNCoSYkASfZEYjMf6w-jS6hzafzXHFc2VnHThBiXBATZBbXprjM5_-kUK9tATVs1aRBbXUps_HwyOJsu_HInWxeWtVI3z1Dx3ARQi8gVugE28PcGzWwQyDFIOt5OSxC0/s1600-h/IMG_1456.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQoDomHPMt54dNCoSYkASfZEYjMf6w-jS6hzafzXHFc2VnHThBiXBATZBbXprjM5_-kUK9tATVs1aRBbXUps_HwyOJsu_HInWxeWtVI3z1Dx3ARQi8gVugE28PcGzWwQyDFIOt5OSxC0/s200/IMG_1456.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337410617301199378" /></a> Just like riding a bike. Laura was the master of the wheel. They were able to make two pieces, and any day now we should get them in the mail, glazed and ready to use. They both had a lot of fun making their creations. The owner of the shop was talking to someone about Laura, while she worked, but we don't know Chinese so we can only hope that it was good. The rest of the day was great. We were able to walk around and see some amazing pottery. We finished the trip off with a good meal then headed home.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rTI85YXzpiuuNc2NYZf35sHt9Y6yKUYlfUNzsnmlxLN0lPGbwBRPBJ6ahyphenhyphenvA0q7z9Bg241coosfReXvbvcoNNk-CXqYcevWpJkDbH9EJXnYF9BZ5rR5jF_MYB1CXsfcPiuI_BKltc2U/s1600-h/IMG_1483.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rTI85YXzpiuuNc2NYZf35sHt9Y6yKUYlfUNzsnmlxLN0lPGbwBRPBJ6ahyphenhyphenvA0q7z9Bg241coosfReXvbvcoNNk-CXqYcevWpJkDbH9EJXnYF9BZ5rR5jF_MYB1CXsfcPiuI_BKltc2U/s200/IMG_1483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337410614683235634" /></a> It is not often that we both get a whole day off together. So when those kind of days come around, we make the most of them. This was one of the most beautiful Saturdays we have had in Taiwan. Zach decided to take Laura on a date. We got some lunch and ate it in the park. Then we relaxed for a little while as we walked through the park. Then we were able to do something we had wanted to do for a long time.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlVgUDmmGOa64jZnn8pWKbVmcrb7ZB4c6n1gSv0wFGQSxMsA_fZWLEdieHGC375azykUKu0iw2FIDXuwpc6EXh4HZmPQTHFBA0betvrsG1vdHLwpsN92_2MGQlQUQ_jh8NFrE1C5oMtw/s1600-h/IMG_1485.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlVgUDmmGOa64jZnn8pWKbVmcrb7ZB4c6n1gSv0wFGQSxMsA_fZWLEdieHGC375azykUKu0iw2FIDXuwpc6EXh4HZmPQTHFBA0betvrsG1vdHLwpsN92_2MGQlQUQ_jh8NFrE1C5oMtw/s200/IMG_1485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337410610678724482" /></a> We went on a bike ride along the river by our apartment. After picking out the two most perfect bikes from the rental shop, we began to follow the skinny bike path, along with a dozen other Taiwanese people. It was a very warm day but it was great to be out and enjoying the weather. Our wonderful date ended with a stop by the Apple store and some delicious Cold Stone. What a perfect Saturday.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have missed some of our adventures or want to see more of our pictures go to: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/Taiwan#">http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/Taiwan#</a> </div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-16157187341854309212009-03-05T04:36:00.001-08:002009-03-05T05:11:36.169-08:00Shrimp Fishing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb9GnCR6CTAP0WbqR2HpUjbdLqG5EdG_x091JOExYO1Zeii3FJln2S7AYmRBupBXyoAbH9fAESEWgprOOiHIBBTBzleK1OK58K9pjXXBFPxQ_fyWLnd6rtsO3GtWCrpU2rNxGxUJ2UiA/s1600-h/IMG_1399.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb9GnCR6CTAP0WbqR2HpUjbdLqG5EdG_x091JOExYO1Zeii3FJln2S7AYmRBupBXyoAbH9fAESEWgprOOiHIBBTBzleK1OK58K9pjXXBFPxQ_fyWLnd6rtsO3GtWCrpU2rNxGxUJ2UiA/s200/IMG_1399.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309683471886611666" /></a> That's right, you read it correctly, Shrimp Fishing. This is by far one of the most unique Taiwanese experiences we have had. Zach's language exchange partner introduced it to us, and took us so we could experience it for ourselves. You may think that you can only fish in the ocean or a lake, but Taiwan goes against that stereotype. It is pretty much a small room, with a three foot deep swimming pool, which is taking up most of the area. You pay by the hour and the owner provides you with a miniature poll and mini-shrimp for bait (which is a little cannibalistic if you ask me). You bait up on two small hooks. Then you throw it in, watch the small bobber in the water, and wait for it to bob. Yong-Da showed us the secret techniques to catching the big ones. Once you see the bobber start to move, you know there is a big shrimp eating the little shrimp on your hook. You may think, "SET THE HOOK!!!" but you must wait and let the shrimp eat.<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO6x3ZK-3u3afFHFp-zKE8rgbaDTSed1ff1ode7434BNXkk3psrttyDi0nCvJK3eRe39wMNqSPnCWwa0-BclqZuikn7smN_O-1C44_KTjOAeaXG-qq5FIvxV2qeZ4PU8i3hfsw5krjEU/s1600-h/IMG_1422.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO6x3ZK-3u3afFHFp-zKE8rgbaDTSed1ff1ode7434BNXkk3psrttyDi0nCvJK3eRe39wMNqSPnCWwa0-BclqZuikn7smN_O-1C44_KTjOAeaXG-qq5FIvxV2qeZ4PU8i3hfsw5krjEU/s200/IMG_1422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309683463732234114" /></a> Once you have waited a significant time (30 secs), you pull it up and swing it out of the pool, so it cannot fall back in the water. This is when our nice friend Yong-Da proceeded to grab the shrimp and take out the hook. This was so nice of him, because these shrimp have killer claws of death and destruction. In our pictures on Picasa, you can see the bright blue death claws. Some shrimp fishers immediately rip off the claws, but Yond-Da doesn't like to hurt them (until later when we eat them). After two hours of fishing, we caught a whopping 15 shrimp. "What do you do with them now?", you may ask.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_WR8fMc9xWAMo3ODqKcIuDKhCkVwurd-7-u26vV8KOziIcVhOXzLP98O5psrotp8LbYS78VMwh70jvVnO9QsUy4fhdwjwkyMQ7zJIVTbL9mOknjPBWmAOf1bXwwI6EfJjyqGl1l6aNE/s1600-h/IMG_1429.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_WR8fMc9xWAMo3ODqKcIuDKhCkVwurd-7-u26vV8KOziIcVhOXzLP98O5psrotp8LbYS78VMwh70jvVnO9QsUy4fhdwjwkyMQ7zJIVTbL9mOknjPBWmAOf1bXwwI6EfJjyqGl1l6aNE/s200/IMG_1429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309683450318886802" /></a> Now we are responsible for cleaning, de-clawing, and skewering each shrimp. You then HEAVILY salt them, and place them on a grill. After flipping for about five minutes, it is eatin time. The Taiwanese really like to eat the shrimp's brains, Yong-Da told us. We both tried them, decided they tasted like burnt peanuts and avoided them the rest of the time. It was an amazing experience that everyone should have. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, you can see more of the picture from shrimp fishing and our other adventures at: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 6, 0); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/Taiwan#</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-14702291354012521542009-03-05T04:02:00.000-08:002009-03-05T04:31:13.889-08:00Vlog Number...?<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyI89JTIEYE8rzsO_Tj5OSh6nLbv78TyypsXQPxeFiKR8ng7Jqf2m_bHDLe85WilYlSBC_qiayxsq90vqpWAA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-43544543598366114672009-03-05T03:52:00.000-08:002009-03-05T04:02:34.538-08:00Just for Ryann!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2GFo1xGpk78FZIISQ9Gb8RVdmyg5dsTXxfYcQjl5Oc1a1eXXZhz5K0C4mE_RcKQRSK3Uz17jpdPC1AavsBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-42461502658429017052008-12-18T05:30:00.000-08:002008-12-18T05:36:29.228-08:00New Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">We loaded some more pictures to our picasa page. Check them out!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraRCarpenter/Taiwan#<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jvCBrmyruUaJpphpghyXZ7AhWGsefK3Z2N14rFSceKdxO1EGLseUoI_8qZENFUuz8DtUZY27tuszxyn6-DxHbpvAOVG2u9kXTIGpwaHD_k30-072BzPLF9Z0Kz9prLaWYsX8pM_zUe0/s1600-h/IMG_1170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jvCBrmyruUaJpphpghyXZ7AhWGsefK3Z2N14rFSceKdxO1EGLseUoI_8qZENFUuz8DtUZY27tuszxyn6-DxHbpvAOVG2u9kXTIGpwaHD_k30-072BzPLF9Z0Kz9prLaWYsX8pM_zUe0/s200/IMG_1170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281122578408401122" border="0" /></a><a id="saveButton" class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['stuffform'].saveDraft;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}"><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner">Save as Draft</div></div></div></a></div>Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-55882282302620813652008-12-14T05:24:00.000-08:002008-12-14T06:16:25.306-08:00Some Stories We Forgot to Tell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ATxhBXMFQNVNYmugL4SFLwvF78U3Sz76fByorODUFafeGAoqf511kh7kz6AEF6tLQmp3RtK2FOLkanc94U5UP9_k6nk0Vmg4KmfO6J4nxsDk_H_F_qEcU4J66lNADoe9oBafol3UyI/s1600-h/IMG_1084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ATxhBXMFQNVNYmugL4SFLwvF78U3Sz76fByorODUFafeGAoqf511kh7kz6AEF6tLQmp3RtK2FOLkanc94U5UP9_k6nk0Vmg4KmfO6J4nxsDk_H_F_qEcU4J66lNADoe9oBafol3UyI/s200/IMG_1084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279640424716677362" border="0" /></a>ALL YOU CAN DRINK BOTTLED SODA!?!?!?!?!?!? That is right my friends! We were invited by a friend of ours to go out to eat with her and some of her friends. It is called "hot pot". It is one of the best ways to eat in Taiwan. You have a big pot at your table, with boiling water in it. You then go up to the buffet of frozen raw meat, vegetables, and things we have never seen before (the mystery foods). We takes those back to our table and proceed to cook them in our boiling pot. Finish it off with some heavenly garlic and soy sauce mixture, you have perfection. When we did think it could get any better. Jenifer told us there was free ice cream and free soda. JACKPOT!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo0BRq-LbRT5QqMxITvV7asr0S3KcwituuLyg2D3N243JcJiFSD5gs_0ourOdETVmYo9neOB9DXWM-CbZf3zD0WyOhtPKqKHQkVXUvFAQ22IY9FWeIraRzTAY2HSaL3ghloh-o2W8zJM/s1600-h/IMG_1082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo0BRq-LbRT5QqMxITvV7asr0S3KcwituuLyg2D3N243JcJiFSD5gs_0ourOdETVmYo9neOB9DXWM-CbZf3zD0WyOhtPKqKHQkVXUvFAQ22IY9FWeIraRzTAY2HSaL3ghloh-o2W8zJM/s200/IMG_1082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279640420984392482" border="0" /></a>Although Laura and I were master chiefs back in America we had not had an opportunity to use our skills until one glorious night. We discovered a lonely box of pancake mix in our local grocery store. It was begging us to take it home. We said sure and it said we had to bring its friend Maple Syrup with it. SO WE DID! That night we had the ultimate pancake feast!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDwGZQ9y4rJRRSEf8Uh3UMNjpaeENmy3LFuVjLvx71zqda9WKW-vIHz1IOJDDtclJy-Rp4Pty1eUrlLp9nfZcc6Dbal4T-Wjl4XZ4zUV-9z2Eij5ibs5EbQoIRuF8LgsGXpxFvhUwylQ/s1600-h/IMG_1146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDwGZQ9y4rJRRSEf8Uh3UMNjpaeENmy3LFuVjLvx71zqda9WKW-vIHz1IOJDDtclJy-Rp4Pty1eUrlLp9nfZcc6Dbal4T-Wjl4XZ4zUV-9z2Eij5ibs5EbQoIRuF8LgsGXpxFvhUwylQ/s200/IMG_1146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279640415806997010" border="0" /></a>One thing that we have learned here is to never take anything for granted. This includes a lot of things, but one that you might not think of is weekly laundry. We were blessed with a washing machine, outside our apartment and down the hall. Sadly though, it is the Taiwanese way to hang your clothes up outside to dry. It is amazing how much you will appreciate the way your clothes used to fit after going through the dryer, when your entire t-shirt collection is two sizes larger than they used to be. This prompted us to have an exciting adventure to our local laundry mat. Good times were had.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCsQlHpMLfIbj3NMG_SqjmsE7BR30XIOlzxxuERIuVRMjR0BjMp9mlUvvil4-bXWHadUs9_8Szs3ZXwntfx5wlryvsZIr4WZOzL71wIG238tR5S19rYCXOoDpVg0mkZ7RjspQTLSZS0s/s1600-h/IMG_1123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCsQlHpMLfIbj3NMG_SqjmsE7BR30XIOlzxxuERIuVRMjR0BjMp9mlUvvil4-bXWHadUs9_8Szs3ZXwntfx5wlryvsZIr4WZOzL71wIG238tR5S19rYCXOoDpVg0mkZ7RjspQTLSZS0s/s200/IMG_1123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279640411193480258" border="0" /></a>Our final story we want to share with you is about our trip to the beach. Our wonderful friend, Terry, had invited us to ride up to the north coast with him on our scooter. It was a beautiful ride and we brought our swim suits for a grad adventure. Unfortunately, the beach we went to had a "no swimming" rule. Oh well. I built a sand castle around Laura's feet instead. It was a relaxing day, and it was nice to see the ocean and its vastness, compared to the forever busy Taipei.<br /><br />Update from the church: Last night we attended the youth Christmas service. There was a great turn out of new students from the ages of 13 to 2oish. The Youth group presented Christ in an amazing way through song, skits, and games. Toward the end a local youth pastor spoke which is when many new people came to Christ. Please keep all of them in your prayers, and also thank you for your continued prayers for us.Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192363824720310916.post-9547696985222052612008-12-09T07:02:00.000-08:002008-12-09T07:32:19.380-08:00Christmas Miracle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa_SDfH9pjnN46IMZYjpw9GrRb5ZtL7KMG8cJVOpgdcAM53zO_NB3jmNbJcCSnwitvLR0TshIxHQjGJhDozbXFPkZKKpr7M8U6piqQaJRSiFADb_r4ai7Yh31TDwW44IGogf5oBwoBdg/s1600-h/Photo+72.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa_SDfH9pjnN46IMZYjpw9GrRb5ZtL7KMG8cJVOpgdcAM53zO_NB3jmNbJcCSnwitvLR0TshIxHQjGJhDozbXFPkZKKpr7M8U6piqQaJRSiFADb_r4ai7Yh31TDwW44IGogf5oBwoBdg/s200/Photo+72.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807980899342850" border="0" /></a>Here is the amazing Christmas miracle that happened to us this week. Laura and I were starting to feel like we were missing all of the Christmas fun back at home. This was beginning to make us a little sad. Amazingly, when we got home from teaching English at the church tonight our apartment had a Christmas tree and Christmas lights. IT WAS A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!... Okay it might have of been a surprise that I set up for Laura, but still a Christmas miracle all the same.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyhbHVsYRLiIPPqR9JR6MA4Sp-v-kXjxVa-lnZlcQvW8pQzsNi29rTT3PtBD1ztbEoUpEX2Kn7OShe_5ih7D8EtUeanoNWovd2CuilFbTv-BcpXtU0lRr_gGrQGMsOGYLxUtPcisRLa0/s1600-h/Photo+62.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyhbHVsYRLiIPPqR9JR6MA4Sp-v-kXjxVa-lnZlcQvW8pQzsNi29rTT3PtBD1ztbEoUpEX2Kn7OShe_5ih7D8EtUeanoNWovd2CuilFbTv-BcpXtU0lRr_gGrQGMsOGYLxUtPcisRLa0/s200/Photo+62.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807976262938866" border="0" /></a>So, we had our tree and it came with a pack of blinking lights. We had to use our Mcgiver skills to think up some other decoration ideas. I had bought a thing of popcorn. It was sort of like Jiffy Pop, but no top to catch the kernels as they popped. It was a mix of excitement and fear. It was like war but with the smell of butter... Laura may have some butter burns. If you mix popcorn with our sowing kit we bought at 7-11 you get..... POPCORN STRINGS!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWsF1891lSqv2TLXjJLj1Yw9vf6HAhHDnjcugpHgWWaJd1dMqH7SLUZFthriF-apL-FwnHlkUZk6R-uGJIoVAC__IS6qrGWji7VvTaJ3187ySiNluPc-Gzz-7wRXGnqcPl043DQg8l4s/s1600-h/Photo+81.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWsF1891lSqv2TLXjJLj1Yw9vf6HAhHDnjcugpHgWWaJd1dMqH7SLUZFthriF-apL-FwnHlkUZk6R-uGJIoVAC__IS6qrGWji7VvTaJ3187ySiNluPc-Gzz-7wRXGnqcPl043DQg8l4s/s200/Photo+81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807967217084530" border="0" /></a>Finally, we found some colored beads and string. With these two tools we fashioned ourselves some make-shift ordainments. They remind me a little of those bead keychains we made when we were in the 4th grade. The picture on the right is a picture of our first glorious Christmas tree together as husband and wife.<br /><br />We are definitely going to miss our family a lot this Christmas season, but it is nice to have a little bit of Christmas here. We love and miss you all so much and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas season.Zach and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01284447923428517796noreply@blogger.com1