Christmas in June

Yesterday marked the beginning of a countdown.  Instead of 25 days ‘til Christmas, it’s 25 days ‘til change, and around these parts, we believe change is a good thing. :) 

Since June is the coldest month in Argentina (we’re dead smack in the middle of winter here, and yes, it’s very cold), I thought it would be appropriate for our little family to have what I’m calling Christmas in June. 

My sole intention is to bring in the Christmas Spirit.  Both Jared & I have a tendency to anticipate change to a fault.  We need our last several weeks here to be savored, not watered down with everything else to come!  The Christmas Spirit is real, and I want our family to slow down by remembering Him, our Savior, right now – really remembering Him.  I feel like this approach will best help my family to finish out our time here strong.   

Last night we finished our poster board which is now hanging up next to our dinner table.  We have 24 little gifts (simple magazine cut-outs) scattered around the board.  It’s nothing fancy – in fact, it’s pretty un-fancy to say the least, but the kids did almost all of it, and that’s what matters.

Under each gift is a scripture coupled with something to do that night – something special that will invite the Christmas Spirit into our home.  Tonight was our first official gift opening….. ‘As a family, pray for someone with a special need (Alma 34:27).’  The girls’ suggestions surprised me.  I learned something new about a classmate and felt inspired to serve.  

We’re all looking forward to the next several weeks as we seek the Christmas Spirit with our whole hearts.  We’ve been playing Christmas music, making lots of yummy soups, and trying to think a little less about ourselves, our to-do lists, and all the busy stuff that comes with change. 

It was a little ironic though that right after we finished our poster board, a neighbor brought us a loaf of fresh bread wrapped in a Christmas napkin.  That’s only happened like never.  What are the odds?!  Ha!  

(Carlie & I at AnnMarie’s school program enjoying the last warm day in May.)

Happy Birthday Carlie!

The past few days have been filled with celebrating this sweet daughter of ours.  Carlie is the epitome of ‘little girl, and she brings so much joy into our lives.  Even though I’m always telling her to “talk softer please,” her cute chipmunk voice brightens my day.  She loves to “dress-up like a princess,” build forts, and scare me to death (jump off of high things, do front hand-springs on couch cushions, & play monkey on her top bunk just to mention a few).

But Carlie is very feminine.  She’s easy to please, and she loves life.  Her hearty laugh is so contagious, and everyone that meets her just loves her! 

We started off her big day with a tradition I always looked forward to growing up.  Every birthday morning, I awoke to a wrapped gift at the end of my bed. 

It’s been fun to continue this tradition with my own children.

I took her to a local beauty salon later that morning which was a big success…other than the fact that I walked up & down the same street at least five times until I found the place.  Sometimes the street numbers do not make sense here – it’s so funny. 

But I think she felt like a princess. :) 

Gabe was a sweetheart.

She enjoyed a daddy daughter lunch date

while I hurried back to AnnMarie’s school for the annual mini-marathon.  That was an experience to say the least, but I’m just grateful she finished.  We had major bike issues, but luckily a really nice mom stayed with Gabe while I ran by her side the last leg – all while the sidelines chanted “AnnMarie”  in castillano style.

 

Finished party preparations…

and then enjoyed an awesome evening as a family…with the missionaries.  We love their company on special occasions, and birthday cake always tastes better when it’s shared.

I started a new tradition by drawing a little illustration of how I depict the two of us this past year.  I’m calling this one, My Happy Helper, because she’s been such an eager helper ever since Gabe was born.  (I need to color it, but I’m going to experiment with my pastels, and it could get interesting.)

Love you Carlie.

Invest in the Best

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but something I love about living here in Argentina is the lack of technology distractions.  We have a big phone with a little cord that does not allow for multi-tasking while talking on the phone.  When I talk on the phone, it’s usually short, sweet, & to the point.  I have to be present for my kids 24/7 down here.  It’s not that I would have it any other way, but as a mother in a foreign country, it’s especially pertinent to me.

In a relatively small apartment with three children ages 5 & under - all hard floors (had to throw that one in there again – you can tell how much I love hard floors) and no yard, it’s up to me to keep things rolling – household jobs, responsibilities, meals, entertainment and learning opportunities – not  to mention the cultivation of their physical, emotional, cultural, intellectual, & spiritual development which I’ve been worried about even more so since we’ve lived abroad. 

Giving them my full attention is a heck of a lot easier without all the distractions most people can’t live without, and in a nutshell, it’s something I’m SO grateful for.  It’s taught me patience & creativity.  It’s taught me how to really listen because I can.  It’s taught me how to enjoy slow days.  

I came across this article titled ‘Distracted Parenting’ to which I saw AMEN.  It describes my sentiments exactly, and I know it will be worth your time. 

AND since it’s the Sabbath, I thought I’d share this beautiful picture of the Buenos Aires temple. 

The temple has always stood as a reminder to me of the importance to invest in the best – my family, especially each of my children, giving them my ALL here and NOW because “there are no do-overs,” and I truly want to be with them and my husband for eternity.