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.     

Same Soil

Twelve & a half years ago, my older brother Kyle received a mission call.  I remember it like yesterday.

Our little family was gathered in the living room with anticipation.  I could hardly stand the excitement.  When he read the words, “You have hereby been called to serve in the Resistencia, Argentina Mission,” my mom did the famous, “Are you serious?!”  number with the super-fast hand slap on the arm of the couch.  I was in awe  & extra proud to have a brother embarking on a mission for the Lord. 

I knew he would be a great missionary, but he ended up being much more than just great.  He weathered some unbelievable storms that to this day, stand as a testimony to me of the power of faith & the priesthood.  Kyle was severely burned on his mission and was treated by a Peruvian specialist here in Argentina.  His recovery included 2 months of complete isolation (with the exception of his specialist entering twice daily to care for his wounds). 

Elder Jackson, my brother, is on the right.

Little did I know that I would not only see some of the same soil he trekked through, but I would LIVE in his mission country.  Resistencia is further north than Venado Tuerto.  When we drove to Iguazu Falls last month, we passed through a town next to one of his old areas. 

It was amazing to see the differences between Northern & Central Argentina.  The people are much darker up North.  The soil is red & clay-like, and it’s hot, hot, HOT!  In general, poverty seems to be the standard; we had to be cautious of thieves. 

In this next picture you can see how truly uncomfortable my girls were.  We had been in the truck for a LONG time and the sun was strong.  Notice the man on the left.  He approached Jared twice for money.    

Lots of trucks everywhere…

More Northern country and proof Jared still has his wedding ring… 

As for me, mine’s a goner.  More on that later, but before you have a heart attack, my real wedding ring is secretly hidden away in the United States. :)

Every single day, I’m grateful for my brother’s example.  It’s been nice to get-to-know Argentina, his old stomping grounds.  I wonder if Argentina must have something to teach our family, because hmmm…we keep finding ourselves here.