It is great to be back with my family. I flew out yesterday and after an uneventful flight, I caught the shuttle to Antigua. I was the longest drive to Antigua I've ever had. Traffic in the city was worse than normal (although it is normally bad) and then when we got into the mountains, where traffic usually speeds up, we slowed even more. Apparently, there was a big accident in San Lucas (where we turn to go back down the mountain to Antigua). So it took about two hours to get to Antigua. It was well worth the wait, though. The kids made signs and had them in the windows and on the door, and I was greeted with big hugs and kisses.
We played outside on the swing and played a little soccer while Jenny unpacked to see what I brought. The kids were excited to have some extra toys and some new reading material. Caroline has already finished "The Missing Mummy" in the A to Z mystery series that I got from the library. Luis has looked through the Big Backyard magazine I bought him three times.
While Jenny ordered dinner from Pollo Campero and Telepizza (they are the same company so you can order both from the same place), I put on the video I made of our street and house. Luis relly ejoyed watching it, especially the parts with his bedroom and our dog Pongo. Then we ate dinner and watched an episode of Pokemon before it was time to start getting ready for bed.
Jenny is still working to get rid of a cough and I was tired so we went to bed right after the kids. Today we will go to church and visit the pharmacy to see if we can kill whatever bug she has picked up.
Victor
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Fun "Fall" Day
Good evening!
One of the interesting things about Guatemala is that there is really only two seasons: the rainy season (April-October) and the dry season (November-March). There really isn't an "autumn" in the way we know.
Caroline wasn't really willing to accept this - she said, "It's November. I always jump in big piles of leaves in November." I said, "OK." There aren't a lot of leaves on the ground here, but you know we're always looking for something fun to do! We found a kid rake on the property, so we worked together to get the few leaves together for a pile. Even Luis was very helpful in our quest, even though I don't think he understood why his sister was so excited!! Here they are after working for about an hour:
Caroline demonstrated the classic activity of jumping in the pile of leaves. Luis ended up wanting to jump OVER the pile. Well, either way, it was fun!
On another note, but still funny (at least to me)....sometimes I don't realize just how quickly Luis is picking up English. So tonight, I could hear him being kind of, well, you know when your child is up to something!!! So I asked, "Luis, what are you up to?" and he said, "Not telling." No doubt we know which two other kids he hangs out with!!!
One of the interesting things about Guatemala is that there is really only two seasons: the rainy season (April-October) and the dry season (November-March). There really isn't an "autumn" in the way we know.
Caroline wasn't really willing to accept this - she said, "It's November. I always jump in big piles of leaves in November." I said, "OK." There aren't a lot of leaves on the ground here, but you know we're always looking for something fun to do! We found a kid rake on the property, so we worked together to get the few leaves together for a pile. Even Luis was very helpful in our quest, even though I don't think he understood why his sister was so excited!! Here they are after working for about an hour:
Caroline demonstrated the classic activity of jumping in the pile of leaves. Luis ended up wanting to jump OVER the pile. Well, either way, it was fun!
On another note, but still funny (at least to me)....sometimes I don't realize just how quickly Luis is picking up English. So tonight, I could hear him being kind of, well, you know when your child is up to something!!! So I asked, "Luis, what are you up to?" and he said, "Not telling." No doubt we know which two other kids he hangs out with!!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday Picnic and Saturday Wild Goose Chase
The weather lately has been gorgeous again. Highs in the 70s and sunny during the day, Lows in the low 60s at night. Yesterday, after we finished our first nine weeks of school, we celebrated with a picnic. We had sandwiches, fruit, chips and juice. Then we just hung out outside for a lot of the afternoon.
Today we took care of chores in the morning, and after lunch, headed out to find La Pena de Sol Latino. It's a restaurant, but today it was hosting a show of traditional folk dances. I'd read about it in our local tourist magazine. The kids weren't that excited about it, but I thought they'd get into it once it started. Unfortunately, when we arrived, nothing special was going on. We were definitely in the right spot, but the hostess had no idea what I was talking about. She told us about a festival in another part of town, which was sort of on the way home. We walked over to the festival, but it was mostly local vendor food (which we don't eat as a general rule of thumb). We did, however, see a really pretty old church, so we took a picture. We also took a picture of the festival with a tuk tuk in the foreground.
Today we took care of chores in the morning, and after lunch, headed out to find La Pena de Sol Latino. It's a restaurant, but today it was hosting a show of traditional folk dances. I'd read about it in our local tourist magazine. The kids weren't that excited about it, but I thought they'd get into it once it started. Unfortunately, when we arrived, nothing special was going on. We were definitely in the right spot, but the hostess had no idea what I was talking about. She told us about a festival in another part of town, which was sort of on the way home. We walked over to the festival, but it was mostly local vendor food (which we don't eat as a general rule of thumb). We did, however, see a really pretty old church, so we took a picture. We also took a picture of the festival with a tuk tuk in the foreground.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Big Step Completed
How did it already get to Wednesday?
On the adoption front, we were excited to hear that the legal department of the CNA has signed our file. Praise God! The next step is for the CNA Director to review and sign off on our file. That, however, may take 4-6 weeks. After that, we'll head to Family Court, and then RENAP (National Registry), get a new Birth Certificate, a Passport, and apply for the US Visa. We're still several months from coming home but we celebrate every completed step!!
When I told the kids the good news that the file was signed off by Ms. Ramirez, and that our adoption was now one step closer to completion, Luis asked, "How many minutes until we get on the plane?" He longs to be home, too, in the United States.
This week has been busy with school. For the Fettes Christian Academy (Antigua Campus), the end of the first nine weeks is Friday. Chris and Care both had science projects to complete and a couple of other things to wrap up.
Today I found a store that will threaten to screw up my budget. My close friends and family will know right away what it I found....yep, an office supply store. My heart beat faster seeing all the rows of binders, paper, folders, calculators......
The kids were happy, too, because the store sells art stuff too (even crayola crayons!)
After gazing in the "papeleria" for a few minutes (and I couldn't help buying just a few new pens and glitter for a science project), we made it to La Bodegona for some actual needed items. ;) I finally got the sour cream for making Luis what will be his first of countless batches of Poppy Seed Chicken. I hope he likes it!!
Victor left 10 days ago, but returns in 10 days, so we are looking forward to being together again. I love my kids a ton, and we're having a ball (a lot of the time, at least) but this Mommy is ready for a break!! :)
Thanks for your continued prayers for our adoption and family! Have a great night!
On the adoption front, we were excited to hear that the legal department of the CNA has signed our file. Praise God! The next step is for the CNA Director to review and sign off on our file. That, however, may take 4-6 weeks. After that, we'll head to Family Court, and then RENAP (National Registry), get a new Birth Certificate, a Passport, and apply for the US Visa. We're still several months from coming home but we celebrate every completed step!!
When I told the kids the good news that the file was signed off by Ms. Ramirez, and that our adoption was now one step closer to completion, Luis asked, "How many minutes until we get on the plane?" He longs to be home, too, in the United States.
This week has been busy with school. For the Fettes Christian Academy (Antigua Campus), the end of the first nine weeks is Friday. Chris and Care both had science projects to complete and a couple of other things to wrap up.
Today I found a store that will threaten to screw up my budget. My close friends and family will know right away what it I found....yep, an office supply store. My heart beat faster seeing all the rows of binders, paper, folders, calculators......
The kids were happy, too, because the store sells art stuff too (even crayola crayons!)
After gazing in the "papeleria" for a few minutes (and I couldn't help buying just a few new pens and glitter for a science project), we made it to La Bodegona for some actual needed items. ;) I finally got the sour cream for making Luis what will be his first of countless batches of Poppy Seed Chicken. I hope he likes it!!
Victor left 10 days ago, but returns in 10 days, so we are looking forward to being together again. I love my kids a ton, and we're having a ball (a lot of the time, at least) but this Mommy is ready for a break!! :)
Thanks for your continued prayers for our adoption and family! Have a great night!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Caroline's "Half-Birthday"
Good morning!
The sun has finally come out today after many days of clouds and rain. It is great to see the beautiful "Agua" volcano again, and even better that the kids can enjoy playing outside!!
We held school again on Friday, and we made "flubber" for the first time! I know Chris and Caroline had experienced "flubber" before at Children of The Woodlands, but it was new to Luis. I am so grateful for all the teacher trainings I've attended over the years at COW because they are really paying off in this season of my life where I am "teacher" AND "mom." Anyways, Luis loves manipulating the "flubber" - it was a hit! Here he is:
This weekend we celebrated Caroline's "Half-Birthday" - she was treated to a girls' sleepover with me and then we made a special trip to Marco Polo for ice cream in honor of her. Of course, there weren't gifts or anything, just a chance to "spotlight" her and make her feel special for the day.
I know this sounds sappy, but I just can't believe my baby girl is 7 1/2 now.... She is already talking about what she wants to do for her 8th birthday!
The sun has finally come out today after many days of clouds and rain. It is great to see the beautiful "Agua" volcano again, and even better that the kids can enjoy playing outside!!
We held school again on Friday, and we made "flubber" for the first time! I know Chris and Caroline had experienced "flubber" before at Children of The Woodlands, but it was new to Luis. I am so grateful for all the teacher trainings I've attended over the years at COW because they are really paying off in this season of my life where I am "teacher" AND "mom." Anyways, Luis loves manipulating the "flubber" - it was a hit! Here he is:
This weekend we celebrated Caroline's "Half-Birthday" - she was treated to a girls' sleepover with me and then we made a special trip to Marco Polo for ice cream in honor of her. Of course, there weren't gifts or anything, just a chance to "spotlight" her and make her feel special for the day.
I know this sounds sappy, but I just can't believe my baby girl is 7 1/2 now.... She is already talking about what she wants to do for her 8th birthday!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
Good afternoon!
It's been a rather rainy week, so we've had more "indoor time" than usual. Fortunately, we're not anywhere near "Ida."
After school today, we walked to the Panaderia and visited with another adopting family who are looking for a place to stay here in Antigua. It was nice to visit with another American family, and my kiddos enjoyed their kiddos.
We opened up the new manipulatives that Vic brought in from Texas: Bristle Blocks. The kids were very excited! They all got to building right away. Here are the master builders:
A "Shout Out" to all the COW ladies today because I've been thoroughly enjoying the notes and encouragement. Thanks again, so much!!! The pretty cards and stationery also add some color to my desk area!
It's been a rather rainy week, so we've had more "indoor time" than usual. Fortunately, we're not anywhere near "Ida."
After school today, we walked to the Panaderia and visited with another adopting family who are looking for a place to stay here in Antigua. It was nice to visit with another American family, and my kiddos enjoyed their kiddos.
We opened up the new manipulatives that Vic brought in from Texas: Bristle Blocks. The kids were very excited! They all got to building right away. Here are the master builders:
A "Shout Out" to all the COW ladies today because I've been thoroughly enjoying the notes and encouragement. Thanks again, so much!!! The pretty cards and stationery also add some color to my desk area!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Dad's in the States again
Greetings from Antigua, where the volcano views are spectacular and the stop signs are a "friendly suggestion."
Sadly, Victor's visit came to an end Sunday morning. He made it safely home but the kids took a little while to bounce back. It rained most of Sunday and Monday, so we stayed close to home. Plus, Chris and Caroline were feeling a little under the weather themselves (too much Halloween goodies?).
I remember when Victor was in graduate school out of state. We'd visit with each other once every six weeks or so. He was at Millsaps for almost 2 years. I keep reminding myself that this time, we're seeing each other more often, and it's only for a few months, not years, plus, we have skype now and all the new technology. But to the kids, this separation is a new experience, so I try to remember what it felt like when my own dad had to go on military deployments for months at a time. Finally, when it came down to it, I just told Christopher, "Yes, I know, it just stinks!" That sums it up.
On a positive note, today we were all conversing on our way to the library about the things we like about Antigua that we don't have in Texas. They thought of the interesting plants we have here, the tuk-tuk rides, and a "cozy, little home." I'm not sure I'll miss our "quaint apartment" but there are certainly aspects of Antigua that are really neat and we truly will miss someday.
We had school today, as usual, and then of course, our library visit. This afternoon the sun has peeked through so we're spending a lot of time outside playing.
Please continue to pray for our adoption. Have a wonderful day!
Sadly, Victor's visit came to an end Sunday morning. He made it safely home but the kids took a little while to bounce back. It rained most of Sunday and Monday, so we stayed close to home. Plus, Chris and Caroline were feeling a little under the weather themselves (too much Halloween goodies?).
I remember when Victor was in graduate school out of state. We'd visit with each other once every six weeks or so. He was at Millsaps for almost 2 years. I keep reminding myself that this time, we're seeing each other more often, and it's only for a few months, not years, plus, we have skype now and all the new technology. But to the kids, this separation is a new experience, so I try to remember what it felt like when my own dad had to go on military deployments for months at a time. Finally, when it came down to it, I just told Christopher, "Yes, I know, it just stinks!" That sums it up.
On a positive note, today we were all conversing on our way to the library about the things we like about Antigua that we don't have in Texas. They thought of the interesting plants we have here, the tuk-tuk rides, and a "cozy, little home." I'm not sure I'll miss our "quaint apartment" but there are certainly aspects of Antigua that are really neat and we truly will miss someday.
We had school today, as usual, and then of course, our library visit. This afternoon the sun has peeked through so we're spending a lot of time outside playing.
Please continue to pray for our adoption. Have a wonderful day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
