¡Feliz Navidad!

The anticipation for Christmas morning began at 11 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal. The candlelight service was beautiful - scripture readings, carols, and communion. After the service, we helped ourselves to egg nog, hot apple cider, and cookies in the fellowship hall.  We headed home and the kids hit the beds.  Once they were tucked in, Dave left to go to our storage unit to retrieve the bicycles for the kids from Abuela Marilyn and Abuelo Mike.  We placed cookies and milk out for Santa, wrapped a few more surprises, and headed to bed around 2 a.m.  The morning came early with Lizet entering our room around 6:50 whispering that Santa had indeed visited.  He even ate the cookies!  

Presents included:  American Girl dolls (Josefina) from cousins Kim, David, Catherine, and Gabriella;  a Razor scooter;  Play Station games;  digital cameras;  engraved NIV English/Spanish Bibles;  clothes;  makeup;  watches;  DVDs and CDs.  Stockings were an additional treat filled with many types of candy.  After cleaning up, we watched a few of the new movies and shared a Christmas lunch of ham, scalloped potatoes, and green beans.  

Our evening was traveling to Kansas to spend time with Dave's grandparents.  We had a good time with them and additional family, dropping in at various times.  

We asked our children what their friends at the orphanages would like for Christmas and they told us a movie and dinner at a restaurant.  This was something they always thought was fun. Our little family decided to send some money to the two orphanages in Peru so this would become a reality.  We heard from our missionary friends, Sandy and Gloria, that the children were elated and even had a little over a hundred soles leftover.  They were able to enjoy the new Narnia movie and a roasted chicken dinner at a local restaurant.  

   

"Christmas Came Early"

I have a very special person in my life… Aunt Cathy.  We have always been especially close and she is extremely dear to me.  She writes an annual Christmas poem, but this year's is very personal and you will see why...

"Christmas Came Early"

Christmas came early!  Did you know it?  Did you hear?

A gift of three children whose sweet hearts we hold dear.

Emily, my niece and her husband, Dave

Began a journey and of their hearts they gave.

With months of praying, planning, and such;

Many forms, meetings, legalities...so much!

They persevered and by August all was complete;

Xavier, Angela, and Lizet at last they would greet!

So, off to Peru for a month they stayed;

The vision of God's plan at last was displayed.

A family was formed, an extended family grew,

All through God's guidance to an orphanage in Peru.

Xavier, the protective brother, so much kindness in his heart;

A soccer player, a friend, and a talent for art!

Angela, the eldest sister, with a quiet, kind smile;

Loves time spent with Mamí to chat for a while.

Lizet, the youngest, is becoming a chef;

She is clever and fearless;  her next plan is anyone's guess!

These precious children God placed in our lives;

Have given us more than they realize.

A reminder of blessings through God's special plan

When He gave His son in the form of a man.

These children we will cherish, protect, and love;

The example is given from our Father above.

Yes, Christmas came early and the love is overflowing;

Three children, three hearts, God's gifts are ongoing.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños a Mi!

The morning of my 40th began as a usual school morning, except Lizet had me open my gift from her, then put it back in the bag nestled in tissue paper, and asked that I act surprised in front of the others later.  I did just that!  We had my birthday dinner at La Fiesta, presents at home, and then cake and ice cream.

Xavier gave me a pair of light pink Dearfoam knitted slippers;  from Angela, a satin red blouse with faux pearls and gold chains, and Lizet presented me (again) with a gift of bath supplies. Ice cream and cake (and lots of laughter) followed.  From Dave, I received a book by Beth Moore and a Southern Living Christmas cookbook.  A fun day!

Since the kids have been so generous buying Christmas gifts for others by using their allowance, Lizet asked if she could do some things around the house to earn extra money.  She was told she could earn $5 for cleaning their bathroom. She did.  On Sunday, Dave and I were pleased to see her put $1 in the offering plate.  

Lizet wanted to have a matrimonio ceremony for her and Fletcher. Yes, she wanted to marry our dog.  She even put on a dress, and Angela placed a watch around Fletcher's collar, resembling a bow tie.  Oh boy - the excitement never ends!  I tell you this story so you will understand the next one...

As I was dropping off Lizet on her last day of school before Christmas break, she decided she wanted me to help her carry in the bags of her teacher's presents.  So, here I was juggling presents, my purse, locking car doors, and hoping Fletcher wouldn't jump out of the car... Sure enough - he jumped out, running into the school, and she yells, "My husband!  My husband!"  Now, doesn't it make sense why I told you the first story?      

        

Pop Rocks and PEZ

Children make Christmas so much more enjoyable...  We have had so much fun!  I think our tree looks better than it has in years past.  Maybe it's the white lights, perhaps the tinsel, or possibly the ornaments... No, it has to be the way the children decorated it - with their hands, in their own way.  And the angel tops it beautifully.

They have saved their allowance, accumulating anywhere from eighty to one hundred dollars and have enjoyed spending it on their family members. Lizet even made the comment, "I've never had money to spend on other persons.  I love Merry Christmas!"  They are so looking forward to Papa Noel, or Santa Claus visiting us.  Lizet has been hesitant in believing, but now that she's actually sat on Santa's lap at the mall, she's convinced he's alive and well, and busy.  

Dave bought the kids some candy the other day:  Pop rocks and PEZ.  It was so fun watching their reactions to candy popping in their mouths.  They were a little freaked, but in a good way! And now, the girls are interested in collecting PEZ dispensers.

Lizet loves Picante sauce on anything and everything.

Lizet told me I am going to make a wonderful grandmother.

Lizet finally gets sarcasm, and is using it.  Last night we were making tacos and she was emptying cheese in a bowl.  Xavier walks in and says, "¿Queso?"  Lizet stops and says, "No, Xavier, guacamole."  That's our girl.  And we haven't even introduced her to Seinfeld, yet.

I taught Angela how to do the splits tonight.  Yes, I'm afraid I can still do them.  I taught her some exercises that stretch the thigh muscles and she was very interested in perfecting this particular skill.  So she tried again, and what do you know!?  She literally jumped in my arms with joy! 

Something that completely made my year:  The other day, I was cleaning the kitchen and I turned to find Lizet leaning her head against the wall next to the dishwasher just staring at me, adoringly.  I said, "¿Qué cariño?" And she says in perfect English, "I'm very happy you are my mother."  She followed it with many kisses all over my face and mouth and strong hugs.  Yep, I've arrived.