My Monkey Princess

AnnMarie was a sweet little monkey princess for her end of school year program.  It was adorable.  The auditorium was packed.  She was the only monkey in her group wearing pants!  Oh well.  (I must’ve misunderstood the pattern.)  No, I didn’t make her costume - I wish!  I was so happy to find Dora - the seamstress who made her costume for me.   

AnnMarie was really getting into her dance.  I was a proud mama for sure.  I tried to video a little, but I was pretty far back.  (The change in lighting caused some blur, but it’s still cute, nonetheless.)

AnnMarie’s End of School Year Program 2011

AND…a Happy Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Burdens or Blessings?

Most of the time, life isn’t exactly what we planned it to be.

BUT…I really believe that when we choose to see our burdens as blessings, life is actually better than what we planned it to be.  The un-expectancies of life can become vey rich experiences if we let ourselves embrace challenges as the great opportunities that they are.

Scenario 1: The primary at church here has never had a nursery or music time.  Up until we arrived, there was one teacher for all 15 children ages 2 – 11. 

Two hours of complete disorganization = absolute circus.  Burden?

Blessing! What a great opportunity to start music time & start a nursery.  Since there are no children in the branch ages 4-6 besides AnnMarie, I have taken it upon myself to appoint her as the official nursery assistant.

The new Venado Tuerto nursery: Gabana, Carlie, Rhenata, & AnnMarie.  (Missing is 3 year old Martina.)

Don’t mind me, just trying to count my blessings this week…

Duck Tales, Woo-ooh!

Who doesn’t remember Duck Tales?! We received a package from my Mom & Dad several weeks ago – definitely a welcomed surprise.  Volume 1 of the “most memorable” Duck Tales episodes were in it…all 27 episodes!  Woo-ooh!  My husband is loving this if you can’t tell by the picture.  (After 20+ years of suspense, all those episodes that were cut-short from doing chores can now be resolved…without commercials.  So funny.)

Unfortunately, the package didn’t come straight to our door, BUT we did receive it in one piece just before Halloween, fruit snacks & all. 

THANK YOU Mom & Dad! 

We loved every bit of it!

A Day In The Life…

Seasons are a wonderful thing.  I must admit, my mind has been favoring colored leaves, the scent of homemade pumpkin pie, turkey crafts, & family togetherness.  I even have a few measly autumn-ish décor items around our apartment, but when I open the window to a blazing sun coupled with dirt in the face, it’s a little hard to get in the holiday spirit.  Is Thanksgiving really almost here?  Oh, it’s hard to believe.  (I think I’ll make a pumpkin pie out of squash & invite the missionaries over.)

These days it’s all about the end of school in sight, sunblock, swimming, visiting the farm(s), & looking for iguanas.  (That hole behind Carlie is an iguana hole.  Um, what?  I didn’t realize that until after I took this picture.)

We didn’t see one, but maybe next time.  Jared said they’re all over the place.  Carlie had fun picking flowers in her MC Hammer pants & penguin shoes that I can’t get rid of.

On the other hand, the farms are in full swing down here.  Wheat harvest is right around the corner…corn & soy beans were planted several weeks ago…it’s a beautiful time of year.

AND last but not least, I present to you an old shelter used during the annual youth treks.  Yes, yes…very authentic looking.  It makes me want to wear a sombrero & ride a mule.  (Hmmm…maybe I will.)

I Love America

America, the abundant, the place I was born
I'll cherish till the day I die!
Where the bones of past heroes lie buried in the ground
Who loved her the same as I.

That flag on the hill with red and white stripes
Proves America's dreams come true.
A country of heroes who line up to protect
The past, the present, and the few.

I’ll never be afraid to be proud of America
I’ll march with the brave and the just!
Refusing to submit to the will of our enemies
Standing firm to preserve what we trust.

(Excerpts from “Proud To Be An American” by Tom Zart)

Happy Veteran’s Day to all who have sacrificed their lives & time in preserving America, the greatest country in the world. 

We cherish you.

My Friend Gabriella

Last week one evening after school, my friend, Gabriella, invited my girls & I to her house. 

Her daughter, Pilar, is in AnnMarie’s class, & she is so so sweet to AnnMarie.  All of the moms from school have been extraordinarily kind to me, but Gabriella has especially reached out to me, even though she doesn’t speak any English.  My Spanish is getting a little better each day, & I owe it in part to friends like Gabby.

They live on a small farm full of animals.  Both her & her husband are veterinarians.  We had to be a little careful because there were animals around every corner, literally.

Check out these cute little guys!  AnnMarie gave them all names, of course (Felix, Rose, & Brittany).

This next picture makes me laugh.  What are they feeding that horse anyway??

Notice Gabby’s thermos?  We drank mate (pronounced mah–tay) while the kids ran around the backyard.  (I’ll explain more about mate later).  I’m looking forward to having their family over soon.