Snow in Singapore and a Malerican Thanksgiving?

We've been walking everywhere - mainly due to the fact that we have no car - but nevertheless no matter how much weight I may have lost in these past 10 months, Thanksgiving helped me add some of those kilos (pounds) back on! And of course I'm thankful, right!? :-)

Advent is upon us and the Christmas season is most definitely a global event. Notice I said event and holiday. I'll save my thoughts for another time, but even in the midst of a hot and humid place we found out that it can indeed snow. . . at least bubbles! You can check out the picture here. And be sure to check out the little video at the end of the blog!

God is most definitely doing some crazy things out of His crazy love! We'll share more in the future, but we are most likely in for some more changes and transitions yet to come. . . But then again, what could be more normal than the Whetstones going through

yet another transition?!

We're going to keep this semi-short and sweet. . . and share some more Christmas thoughts in our next blog along with a Christian Chinese Wedding experience and some more December fun times. But for now . . .

• We had a wonderful time celebrating Tim's birthday in a very American way. McDonalds for breakfast (except of course that it was delivered to our door!), and then Sizzler Steak House for an early dinner! Nothing beats all you can eat!

• This past weekend we had a fun time as 10 of Natalie's friends invaded our home for Natalie's 3 year birthday party. She turned 3 on November 30th and on December 5th we had a birthday bash. It was filled with Backyardigan drawings, make your own Christmas ornament, and of course plenty of snacks and even your own personal miniature chocolate cake! Here's the link where you can enjoy some fun pictures and Danielle will be blogging all about it soon at http://whetpebbles.blogspot.com

And of course, if you'd like to come to her 4th birthday party... we won't mind the company!

• Thanksgiving has come and gone... well not all of it from our waistlines. We shared a Thanksgiving evening with some American Nazarene families with food, fellowship, and party games. And then in Whetstone (Danielle) fashion we followed it up with a glorious hosting night at our place. We had a Halal Thanksgiving (belated, yet no less thankful) dinner where we had a total of 14 new friends in attendance.

I felt like I was back with my Puerto Rican side of the family because of 11 of our guests were from one Malay family and Malay's travel in packs as well. It was a pleasure to have all our guests and it was a true multi-cultural Thanksgiving. In fact we call it our Malerican (Malay/American) Thanksgiving! The Sunday night was spent eating, talking, playing a bit of music, lots of laughs, good conversation and a ton of photos. You can see some here, here or here.

• Seven days later we attended a Malay Engagement party filled with tradition: exchange of gifts, conversation and consent of dowries by the fathers, presentation of the rings, and full on dolled-up Malay dress-wear. . . There was a plethora of food, desserts, and of course music which ranged from traditional Malay songs to the officially dedicated to the Whetstone's "Hotel California"! Needless to say, we learned a great deal while having a wonderful time.

On a side note: It's always good to have a party of any sort right next to a playground when you have toddlers wanting to run around! I think this is what Natalie will remember most! If you'd like to see more you can check out any of the three links listed below:
1. Our Pictures

2. Friends Facebook Site

3. Friends Facebook site

Finally, have a glorious remaining Advent season, anticipating the birth of the Christ who came, still comes, and who will come again in full glory! May His light shine so every brightly in and through you all.

Peace be with you this season and we'll be back again soon . . .