Life threatening...

Life changing...

Life during the revolution.

I think blogging about what really happened during the Tunisian Revolution came about because we had some friends here this week visiting from Tunis.  Spending time with them and talking about what it was like to live during such a world changing event brought back many memories.  I decided to share a few and some pictures I took the few times I left my home.

This is Ben Ali.  Former president of Tunisia and the face that every person in this country could recognize.  His billboards were standing everywhere.  

I'm sure you all know the story of the Tunisian Revolution.  If you don't, here is a very basic breakdown:

A man with a college degree in the south of the country could not find a job.  He opened a fruits and veggies stand on the side of the road.  The gov't came to him and told him he had to close it down because he didnt have a permit (which meant he would have to give a decent share to the president).  He got so fed up he lit himself on fire and died.  The frustration spread and they decided to start demonstrating.  They moved from the south up to Tunis where we lived.  Within days, the whole country was turned upside down.  People were rioting and demonstrating everywhere and starting to fight.

President fled the country and some of his family members got out.  Others were killed.  All their belongings that remained were burned and looted.  Businesses they owned, which was like half the country was destroyed and looted as well.

The military had to pull everyone together to guard the streets.  Many of the police officers were corrupt because they worked for the president.  Lots of conflict of interest.  There were snipers hired by the president to try and gain control back.  They were not successful.  The Tunisians were not tolerating it anymore and together they made a statement... they overthrew their president.  There was also over 1,000 prison inmates that were freed during all the chaos.  This led to more looting and theft aside from the main targets.

One of the things that happened often was destruction of property belonging to Ben Ali and his family.  This Hummer belonged to someone in his inner circle and these people were pushing it out of their neighborhood because they knew it would be destroyed.  They were rightfully afraid that in time it could damage their homes or vehicles that were next to it... so they pushed it into a field and away from where they lived.

The people had no mercy when it came to ruining things that belonged to to the family that stole from them for years.  

 It was very common to see cars burnt up all over.  

The military did an amazing job.  I wish I had all my pictures (from my hard drive) to post because often you would see flowers laying on the tanks from people saying thank you.  We all often took them meals as well because they worked around the clock.  Thank God they were there.

It's crazy that facebook is one of the main reasons they were able to successfully overthrow their president.  Organizing demonstrations, times, places, etc is what brought the mass numbers together effectively.  

They spray painted walls everywhere their gratitude and new freedom!

The billboard that previously displayed a portrait of Ben Ali.  They tore down his picture from every single one.

 One of my favorite outdoor cafes.  This is just a part of it that they destroyed and looted.  It was owned by Ben Ali's wife's family.  They broke all the glass windows and stole everything from the inside as well.

This is my sweet friend Emily who was my lifesaver during this time.  We couldnt really get together too much because you weren't allowed to leave your home, but the few times we did was so wonderful.  This picture was taken the first day that it was safe enough to leave your house.  We went to a cafe and had a drink and caught up.  On our way to this place, we were walking down a path.  We heard loud screaming and chanting and we both stopped quickly and looked at each other.  It was like a crap do we run or what do we do.  So we kept walking slowly and peeked around this corner.  It was a group of like 100 chinese students that were praying and facing the water.  It was something pretty comical but could have been bad.

My home of Sidi Bou Said.  This is also the town where the president lived.  So unfortunately for me...there was a lot of action happening here.  Many of the gunfire wars took place here and a lot of looting.  I had to leave my home and stayed with the Det Cmdr there and his family.  

We had a 4pm curfew.  If you were caught on the streets after that they were allowed to shoot you.  Marshall was restricted to the embassy compound.  It was awful being alone and not having him next to me. 

Scary story...

The one day I went to the marine house at like 11 am until 3:45 pm to see Marshall.  Another marine and his girlfriend were there also.  I didnt want to leave him but it was close to curfew and I knew we needed to get home.  The place where I was staying was a couple streets over from the embassy.  So the other marine, his girlfriend and myself started walking back.  I had boots with a half heel on and a big bag of stuff I had taken to the marine house earlier.  We came up to the first street we needed to cross and as I looked to my right, there was a mob of like 100 people running towards us, waving something, and screaming.  We all freaked out and started to run.  Well I have this huge bag and heels and definitely wasn't moving as fast as I wanted to.  The marine grabbed my bag and was like "Run fast!!"  So we start running but have a little ways to go.  I remember feeling like I was running as fast as I could, but wasn't going anywhere.  Like when you dream about trying to run away from someone but you don't move?  I really felt like that.  My body just wasn't working right.  I dont know if I was just too scared or what.  Anyways... we ended up making it and I collapsed inside.  I was exhausted (and out of shape).  

The same night...

That same night was the worst of them all.  It was the first time in my life that I think I was terribly fearful for my life.  Well every night you would hear gun shots, helicopters, fighting, etc.  Most of the time you could tell it wasn't too close.  Not comforting by any means, but not life threatening either.  This particular night, there was hot action outside our house.  We were near a bank that got robbed and a shooting war outside of it.  So as everyone was asleep in the house upstairs, I was on the computer downstairs where I could get signal and talk to Marshall.  It was about 11pm...the usual time for it to heat up outside.  But this time the shots were VERY loud...and VERY close.  I dont know anything about guns, but I did know that.  I also heard the helicopters hovering over the house.  Not flying in the sky like you hear, but close enough to land on our building.  Super loud.  And the spot lights kept shining through the windows as they were searching the area.  So I knew something was up.  I was on the verge of tears and telling Marshall...babe... I think a bullet is going to come through the window or someone is going to break down the door.  He was asking me what the sounds were like... "ping"  "pop"  "clash"  whatever else...  I'm thinking... I DUNNO!  A STINKIN GUN SHOT IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE!!  He was trying to detect the direction it was going.  He assured me nobody could get in the house (we had metal shutters down).  He said if I really thought the shots were close to get on the floor and lay down.  Which I did.  I didnt want to go upstairs because I wouldnt be able to talk to him and would have to just lay there and listen to it alone... and that sounded worse.  Thank God we made it safely through the night.  I never slept those few awful weeks until about 5am when it all calmed down.  

There are so many stories and memories from the revolution that I hope to share another time.  I can't believe its been one year since it started.  I can't thank God enough for keeping us safe.  I don't know if I'm exactly grateful to have experienced such an event, but I did learn so much during that time.  I think its crazy how you adapt so quickly into survival mode when you have to... and I'm reminded often when I think of those events to not take anything for granted.  You also never know what can happen... even in the safest of places!  It's good to be in prayer and close to God always... not just when you are in trouble!

Hope you had a great Saturday!  Lots of love...

FUN & FLIRTY... FRIDAY FINDINGS

I don't know about you, but I'm obsessed with Pinterest.  I am a newbie, just a few weeks old... but have already added more things to my board than I can complete in 3 years.  But it's good for my soul.  Its like when you shop online at ten different stores, fill your cart up with things you want...and then exit out of the screen.  Somehow there is a sense of fulfillment in that.  Well for me I anyways.  I miss shopping like crazy and having access to create whatever I want.  Here are a few of my favorite findings:

I think her hair is so casually sexy.

Love love love this idea.  Great way to stay organized and save space (and a mess!)

Sweet words to my soul.  Love the picture too.

How stinkin cute are these?!!  The great thing about Malta is you can dress up as fancy as you want, any night of the week, to do anything you want... and you are never overdressed!!!

This saying is going to have to go into our baby's room.  I just think its so precious.

I just love this bathing suit bottom.  I cant even believe I'm saying that.  I've become more European than I realize.  

Isn't this AMAZING!  I'm sure you could re-create it for a decent price too.  So magical!!

How yummy do these look?!!  Who doesnt love strawberry shortcake... with frosting drizzled on top!  Great party dessert!

There is something about outside showers that I'm in love with.  Being outside naked has that rebellious, freeing feeling.  And then under the stars, listening to nature, mix of cool air and hot water... I dont really know what it is.  But I'm going to have one someday! :)

I definitely can use some work with this.  I need to print it and hang it on my mirror.  How easy it is to read but so hard sometimes to do.  

Ok.  I need this dress.  I have no idea where it is from and I think I would give my pinkie finger for it.  It is the CUTEST dress I've ever seen. 

Love her outfit!  The hat would definitely not look like that on me, but I think she looks adorable.  Great dress!

I think this is such a cute idea!  Spread cool whip on a tray and let it sit in the freezer.  Then use cookie cutters to cut out a shape.  So fun!

Isn't this an adorable idea?!  I really need a little girl :)

I love this salad idea.  I don't exactly love salads but I'm trying to eat more.  Like more than one a month.  BUT, I think if I do this... I may be more apt to grabbing this instead.  Check out her blog for the details... they last up to 4 days in this jar!

So hot.  

I think this is a great idea.  I'm actually going to make it this week.  Put a jar somewhere in your house and write down happy memories throughout the year.  During New Years or maybe Thanksgiving go through and read them!  How fun!

Very cool picture.  I somewhat relate as i feel like I'm always pulling a suitcase and walking towards a plane.  Feel so so blessed to be able to travel and see the world but gosh I cant wait to be close to my family again!  I have way to many nieces and nephews coming along and its KILLING me to be away!!

I know there is so much hype and talk going around about Tim Tebow.  I think the guy isn't only a successful  quarterback but the guy has such a huge heart for Jesus.  I love hearing his testimonies and stories about how he lives his life.  Its inspiring to see someone in the spotlight not give a crap about what people think and take a knee when he needs to pray.  We can all learn so much from his bold and humble love and dedication for Jesus.  Heartwarming.

Mother Teresa.  Ahhhhh...  If only we could sit and have coffee with her.  This woman was just simply amazing.  Words cant even describe my adoration for her.

I know this was a lot of random stuff but I was busy with guests today and hadn't thought too much about a blog before 10pm.  I'm trying my hardest to keep up with my New Years Goals.  Blogging has been successful, reading my bible has gone almost perfectly, and working out is at about 50%.  Our friends from Tunisia are here and so I've spent a lot of time with them the past few days.  I know its not an excuse and I'm determined to keep at my program.  How are you doing on your goals? 

I think everyone should check out this party ideas site.  She has pictures and ideas for every themed party you can imagine...and the ideas she has came from winning contestants!  LOVE it all...  Click here 

Have a great weekend!!!  P.S... Remember when we were younger and Friday nights consisted of T.G.I.F...Family Matters, Step by Step, Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Are you afraid of the Dark...  loved those days :)

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS...

I feel like so often I come across things overseas that are just so abnormal. And I always say to myself, I need to write that down so I don't forget.  So here are a few things off the top of my head that I either love or dislike greatly from the other side of the world...

• Siestas.  Closing down the country from 1-5 is just silly.  Americans will never just remember that, and it will be the time they finally decide to get up and go to the store.  

• European style.  I try to fit in sometimes.  I really do.  I bought a few pairs of skinny pants (not even jeans), and am mixing weird colors together.  But some of this stuff...is just weird.  

• On the subject of style... Many Maltese girls are apparently in competition with the Italian girls who come to Malta on who can dress the sluttiest.  I'm not kidding.  I have seen more hoo ha's then I can count.  Its ridiculous.  They aren't just making shirts into dresses now, they are using like tube tops.  It's insane...and sad.   I couldn't find an appropriate picture because even this one the girls are wearing way more than normal. 

 

• Maltese people are SO friendly.  Whenever I have stopped and asked for directions (which is so often)... they have pretty much either offered to drive me, or walked me to a road to lead me to the next.  So great!!  Malta is also the most confusing country to drive in.  The picture below is what came up when I googled Maltese roads!  haha...sooo true!

• Along with driving here, which stinks so much that I dont even want to write about it... the streets do not have signs, there are no land marks, and a million little towns which consist of like 3 streets.  It's really crazy.  Oh, and the houses do not have numbers on them.  Just names.  Like ours is "Heaven Saint"  and then the road name.  So when you try to drive to someones house...you have to leave extra early to give yourself enough time to drive around reading house names!

• There are 365 churches in Malta!  It's crazy!  And the country is only 22 miles by 7 miles.  That is where I live and all the further I can go before swimming.  :)  Also a cool thing about the churches...they all have 2 clocks on the outside of them.  One with the correct time and the other incorrect.  This is believed to deceive the devil from entering because he wouldn't know the correct time!

• I'm loving all the outdoor cafe's and restaurants.  Just today we sat outside in the middle of the street to order drinks.  Its both beautiful and refreshing.  Europe has this down right.  

• I just plain miss Walmart.  Or a normal grocery store...that has EVERYTHING you could ever need.  I cant even find sour cream here.

• I'm loving my new pair of boots Marshall bought me.  I've wanted these for awhile but couldnt find them cheap enough anywhere.  Ebay saved the day :)

• I'm having a hard time taking my Christmas tree down.  It makes our "not too homey" house so nice and warm.  Think I can take off the Merry Christmas sign and just have a winter tree up?  ;)

• Marshall's command (a lot of them!) are coming here in February.  I'm trying to start mentally preparing for what I'll make for dinner so I can order anything I need online now.  Any great recipes or suggestions?!!  Specifically a main course/meat dish?

• I really need to have babies soon.  I found myself wanting to buy a hair bow for a little girl at the store today.  If only we could get married sooner!  AHHHH!! :)

I'm also in desperate need of re-hydrating my hair.  The water here makes it feel like straw and its just getting worse.  Any suggestions?!!

  Sorry about all the corny pictures... I dropped my hard drive and lost everything from the past ten years :(  Every picture I own.  Sooooo I'm super devastated about that.  Apparently our last hope is to pay a couple grand for someone to take it into a vacuum sealed room and try to extract the information.  

Well I hope you are having a great week!  Almost the weekend!! Hugs!!

Who doesn't love cut-out cookies?!!

I really think homemade gifts are so much fun.  Maybe it's because I have too much of my momma in me, or maybe its because I love the personal touch (and taste!!).  So a sweet friend from Tunisia was coming to Malta with her family for a vacation.  (Its awful that the word "holiday" came to mind first.)  I need to get back to the states ASAP!  Anyways, I decided to make her a cookie bouquet since yesterday was her birthday.  If anyone is curious how to do one, I'll try to outline it as best as I can.  Also, if you dont think you can do it...trust me you can!  It's super easy.  

So here was the end product:

I think everyone probably has a sugar cookie recipe that they love.  Mine, I thought was an old family recipe.  See, my mom had an Aunt Ethel.  And every time I would pull her old, tattered recipe card out of the box... I would read "Aunt Ethel's Cut Out's."  So I thought we had the real deal.  Well after I moved away, I remember one day calling my mom for the recipe.  She was driving and just said... "Google it.  It's from the Betty Crocker Cookbook."  I remember saying to her... No...thats not the recipe I want.  I want your Aunt Ethel's.  She started laughing.  Wouldn't you know that the Betty Crocker recipe is listed under "Aunt Ethel"???   Broke my heart :)  So, if you want my recipe here it is:

Ethel's Sugar Cookies

adapted from Betty Crocker's Cooky Book (copyright 1977)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1. Mix butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
2. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Blend butter mixture and flour mixture.
4. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
5. Remove dough from refrigerator and allow to sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
6. On a board that has been lightly floured with a mixture of flour and confectioner's sugar, roll dough until it is 1/4 inch thick. Cut with your favorite cooky cuter.
7. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Top with colored sanding sugar, if desired.
8. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until cookies are a delicate light golden color. 

For the frosting... I love the butter cream icing in the same cookbook.  It's like the real frosting taste, not the fake kind.  Royal icing is very popular with perfect looking cookies, but I just dont like the taste at all....so I try my best to work with the butter cream one.  

Buttercream Icing

Blend together 2 1/2 TBS soft butter and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.  

Add to it:  1 1/2 TBS milk and 3/4 tsp vanilla.

It's so simple and yummy.  Whenever I make the frosting though, I always double the recipe for one batch of cookies and it seems to come out just about right.

So after you decorate the cookies however you like and they dry... here are a few easy steps to put it all together.

I forgot to mention that it's sometimes a little tough to get the candy stick into the cookie correctly.  I do recommend cutting the cookies a little thicker and then placing them on the cookie sheet.  I like to insert the stick with them ready to bake.  Go slowly and I try to spin the stick carefully as I slide it up.  Go about half way up... and make sure to let them cool a little before removing them from the cookie sheet. This all sounds funny I know, but I'm not sure how else to explain it!

All the craft stores have these like longer treat/candy bags.  Put your cookie inside gently and then pinch the bottom and tie it together with a ribbon or whatever you have.

So this is pretty random, but I didn't have access to anything to use for weight this morning when I was making this.  It rained so I couldnt get to the beach for sand (which I prefer) and I was in a hurry.  So I used two bags of Malta's version of powdered sugar.  Although after I bought it and tried it, I realized I would never use it again because I dont know what it really is.  It was way to fine.  Anyways... For this bouquet, I just used a simple gift bag I had.  You can use anything from a bag to a container or be creative!  You just need to make sure you have weight on the bottom.

On top of the icing bags, I cut a piece of floral foam or whatever you call that stuff and placed it inside.  I used the stiffer one (there are two kinds for real and artificial flowers), because I think it holds the sticks more securely.   

Then start putting tissue around the outside of the foam.  I cut one piece of tissue in half, and then kind of pinch the center of that piece and whip it in one direction to make the rest rise up.  If that makes sense?  Or do what you need to do to be able to tuck it into the sides.  Keep the back a little higher and the front shorter.

After you have all your tissue in, put something small on top of the remaining green foam so you can't see it.

This part I think is one of the most important and something I learned by trial and error.  I used to always take the cookies on the stick and push it down into the foam where i wanted them.  This sometimes caused the cookies to come off the stick because of the force when I would push it down.  I also bake my cookies so they are very soft and so because of that, I have to be so gentle when putting it together.  So anyways, as logical as this is... it just took me a while to figure out that I needed to use a separate candy stick to just make all the holes. Then i could just slide the finished product into the foam without applying pressure.  

You can arrange them anyway you like.  I usually do like three in the back, one in the middle, and then two short ones in the front on the sides.  The bigger the container, obviously the more you can do.

Good luck!!!