Summer Vacation - Woodland Park, Colorado

Our first stop was in Wichita at a place called Jimmie's Diner - a retro soda shop.  We stopped for the night in Oakley, Kansas and started again in the morning.  We had Pizza Hut in Burlington, Colorado, drove through Colorado Springs, then on to our Swiss-style home in Woodland Park.  Every evening was spent in the hot tub.  

On trips, Angela and I enjoy reading, sleeping and listening to music. Xavier enjoyed the sunflower patches, wind turbines, and statues of airplanes and helicopters.  Lizet doesn't want to miss a thing!  We can tell she will be our world traveler.  

The next evening, we had dinner at Casa Grande, watched Rush Hour 3, played Chicken Foot, had ice cream, and sat in the hot tub. The hot tub relaxed them so much, Lizet thought it was my evil plan to make them sleepy. 

Earlier in the evening, we shopped at Wal-Mart for some things for the house, including games. Angela was intrigued by a Magic 8 Ball.  She was skeptical at first, but once she discovered it answered the same question in a variety of different "yes" ways, she was convinced it worked. The question:  Is Xavier stupid?  Needless to say, she made the purchase.

The next morning after breakfast, Xavier and Dave went fishing - nothing!  We had grilled sandwiches, watched movies and played games all afternoon.  It rained all week, by the way.  So games and movies were quite relaxing.  Dinner was at Mangia! Mangia!  When we came home, there was a deer in our driveway.  We ended the night with a game of Sorry!, the hot tub, and chocolate ice cream.

Lizet told me that if anyone ever asks us if they are adopted to please lie.  I asked her why, and she said that when I say "yes" to the question people often ask, she says she doesn't feel like my real daughter. Real.  That was such a gift to hear.

There was a piano at the home where we stayed and Lizet asked me about that song she promised Mimi she'd learn.  I started singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and she told me I need to sing in the Baptist choir.  She said if I did, she'd sit on the front row every Sunday. 

On Monday, we drove to Manitou Springs.  The time was 2:22, so Lizet needed to make a wish - I hope it was a good one!  We visited some quaint stores in the arts district and had lunch at a health food-type place, dining on turkey burgers and smoothies.  Afterwards, we purchased various sweets from a candy store and headed to Colorado Springs for a bus tour through Garden of the Gods.  Lizet so badly wanted to climb a mountain.  

On our way back, Lizet was looking at the houses in the mountains.  Since Xavi expressed how much he is loving Colorado, she tells him that he may not have Play Station if he lives in the mountains.  He said he didn't care.  She said he could live in those little houses at Wal-Mart.  Dave reminded her that those were dog houses.  She says to Xavier, "Sorry, tiny brother."  

We arrived at our next stop:  Dinosaur Resource Center.  Xavi has decided he may go to college in Colorado to study dinosaurs and excavating such things.

Angela wrote postcards to her grandmothers, which spurred the others to do the same.

For dinner, we had homemade chicken soup with bread and butter.  

Tuesday, Angela and I stayed home on a rainy day and watched Legally Blonde, Legally Blonde 2, played Chicken Foot and attempted the hot tub.  It was only sprinkling at this point, but I told her the first sight of lightening, we would hop out.  We heard several rounds of thunder and I kept reassuring her everything was okay.  Then, two shots of lightening hit the driveway and startled both of us and I yelled, "OUT!"  She panicked and slipped, falling backwards.  I caught her before she went under and we ended up laughing and hugging watching the rain begin to pour.  

While we had an afternoon of fun, and a near-death experience, Dave, Xavi, and Lizet visited the Dinosaur Museum again and brought us McDonald's for dinner.  That evening, we drove to Colorado Springs to pick up our family friend, Kym McDaniel from the Missionary Training Institute where she will be for three weeks before heading to Peru.  We had dinner at Jasmine Garden, enjoyed a nice visit, and hugged good-bye.  It was great having dinner with Kym on this very day because it was our one-year Adoption Day.  She was with us in Peru when we became a family.  Then we were off to the Denver airport to pick up our cousin Catherine who stayed with us for the rest of our vacation.

The next day, Catherine, Xavi, Dave, and Lizet went to a baseball game in Denver:  Denver vs. Phillies.  Phillies won.  Angela and I stayed behind eating leftover Chinese food, watching Casper and Any Which Way You Can, playing Chicken Foot, and then the hot tub.

On Thursday, Xavi, Dave, and Catherine went to a few more dinosaur places and then returned to take us with them to Manitou Springs where we hopped a train to Pike's Peak.  Before leaving, we did a little shopping in the gift shop (Angela did some Christmas shopping), and Xavi insisted on using his money to buy me a necklace:  a beautiful stone-carved turtle.  He knows how much I love turtles.  He even let me kiss him on the cheek - in PUBLIC!  The trek was an hour and a half both ways and the top was covered with permafrost.  I reminded Xavi that he learned about that in science last year.  After a "world famous" cinnamon and sugar donut, which has been featured on the Food Network, a bathroom break, and some souvenirs, we hopped the train again.  Our tour guide told us that if we missed the train back, our body would do something magical...  It would turn into a hiker.  I couldn't let that happen!  We had dinner at Maximillian's Cafe on our way home.   

On the last day, Xavi and Dave fished with the girls. Again, nothing.  But, they did get to feed some squirrels.  Dinner was at La Fiesta Mexicana and as usual, the night closed with an hour in the hot tub.

Saturday morning, we dropped Catherine off at the airport and started our nine-hour drive home.  We stopped at Gambino's Pizza for lunch in Goodland, Kansas.  Several hours later, Dave introduced us to Carlos O'Kelly's.  Later, we found ourselves quite comfortable in a brand new hotel in Salina, Kansas.  The kids and I enjoyed the pool and sauna.  I actually made them dry off in the sauna since hotel rooms are so cold.  

The next morning at 7:00 a.m., Angela, Xavi, and Dave went fishing.  We showered for the day, packed, checked out, and drove home.  We stopped at Dairy Queen to fuel our stomachs and made it home by 4:00, and that included picking up Fletcher, too!  It was a great trip!

  

 

 

Camp Nelson and Grammy & Gramps

The kids spent two weeks with both sets of grandparents in Texas.  They started off with the Nelson side in Plano participating in things like: feeding horses, riding the DART to visit the Dallas World Aquarium, going to the movies to see Mr. Poppers Penguins, painting birdhouses, bowling, shopping, Dave & Busters, and swimming every day.  Xavi was thrilled to buy a shark's tooth from DWA!  They were also able to visit their cousin Parker and visit with aunts Kim and Kelly.  

I flew in and was picked up by my kids and parents.  Our week was spent doing things like:  watching Wild Ocean at the Omni IMAX in Fort Worth, going to see Harry Potter with Gramps and Uncle Eric, visiting the Farmers Market for fruits and veggies, watching home movies which entertained them immensely, reading Bible stories, visiting Lifeway for books and music, having lunch at On the Border, and visiting great-aunts, great-uncles, and great-grandmothers; which resulted in receiving a nice stash of cash.  Mimi even included a framed picture of butterflies from Brazil for Angela and inscribed a sweet note to Lizet in a Baptist hymnal which Lizet has promised to learn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" for Mimi.  We also played several games of Chicken Foot and the kids got to see where Gramps teaches English.  The minute we arrived however, Lizet received a mani/pedi from Grammy.  I couldn't believe Grammy was okay doing that at 11 p.m., but she did! Beautiful taupes and mauves look so pretty against Hispanic skin.  

 

  

4th of July Weekend & Camp Wah-Shah-She

Fireworks, Slip 'n' Slide, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili sauce, banana pudding, chips, French fries, lemonade, sweet tea, playing the piano, more fireworks, more water fun, bike riding, movies, Uno, Connect 4, and a trip to the mall to see the movie, Monte Carlo with the girls.  Then, more fireworks! What a terrific weekend!!!

Last week, Aunt Cathy flew in for a visit and stayed for four days.  Upon arriving, Cathy and I went to pick up Lizet from Girl Scout Camp:  Camp Wah-Shah-She.  I’m certainly glad this was just a weekend getaway, and I think Lizet felt the same.  She loved it, but has some suggestions for future camps.  For instance, she says next time she needs to bring a wheelchair because 10 miles was too far for a walk.  I seriously doubt it was that long, but strappy sandals she insisted on taking probably wasn’t a great idea.  She also realized she didn’t need her stuffed monkey from the Tulsa Zoo, which was half her size.  She did make a friend who was from Guatemala.  So, she had to run back for one last hug.  She also taught us a song called “Bazooka Bubble Gum” they sang around the campfire.    

We had dinner at several restaurants in town, went to see Soul Surfer, played games, and bought an old Don Knotts classic:  The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.  It was tough to see Cathy go, but we will look forward to her next visit! 

Next year, I hope we can find a Vacation Bible School that complements our summer.  Between Girl Scout camp, Boost Reading, swimming and vacations, it's hard to find one available during the day.   

  

Father's Day and Pool Days

Dave received two shirts and a wallet for Father's Day... And a couple sweet cards!  We had breakfast and enjoyed a day just being home. Movies and games filled the day.  

Last weekend, Dave took the kids to Pittsburg, Kansas to visit his grandparents and attend St. Mary's reunion.  He gave me a 24-hour reprieve.  A solid day of silence.  It was a little too quiet. Before leaving, Angela took my number in case she needed to talk before bed.  Xavier told me, "Mom, I can't believe you're not going... It's going to be boring without you."  (I know it's not true, but it's still nice to hear.)  Lizet called to tell me she loved me and to have sweet dreams, but FIRST, she needed to tell Fletcher goodnight.  So, I sniffed rather loudly into the phone and heard her say, "Ah, baby... Good night my sweetheart!"  When they returned, Xavier jumped out of the car and ran to me, yelling, "Mom!  I missed you!"  Angela couldn't wait to show me the video she took of the hotel room, complete with toilet.  And Lizet had to be carried in because she slept all the way home.  

Lizet has been in the Boost Reading Program in the mornings while I practice English with Angela and Xavi.  Their reading is really improving while Lizet's principal of her program called to tell me she's the best reader in the class.  Last week, Lizet attended her first Girl Scouts activity: Glam and Glitter.  It was devoted to being a princess, complete with fashion show. They had manicures, chocolate-honey-oatmeal facials, dress-up, making their own tiaras, decorating their flip-flops, having her hair French braided, and snacks.  Dave enjoyed buying her new dress for the event the night before. In fact, her sweet dad bought three so she could choose.  So, while having dinner, Lizet checks under the table and says to Xavier, "Xavier, a proper gentleman wears shoes to the dinner table."  His response, "Shut up, Lizet."  

One day, Lizet asked if we could please brush Fletcher's teeth professionally sometime before he dies.  I told her that we could, of course.  She said, "Great... Because when he dies, I want to make a necklace out of his teeth."    

Lizet is hooked on my new Mandisa compact disc - and she got her brother and sister hooked on it, as well.  So, here we are jamming to Christian music while playing Monopoly.

Xavi frightened Lizet in the hallway, scaring her to tears.  He made up for it though... He gave her permission to spank him with his belt six times. He kept telling her she could do it harder, but she couldn't stop laughing as she was flailing the belt around.

Lizet told me she wants me to live as long as she does, but she told me she won't worry about me when I die, because she knows I'll be with Jesus. She said, "Mommy, you're such a good Christian."  She likes to ask questions about Heaven and Jesus while taking a bath... I guess that's why... and the Christian music.

I rescued a turtle on the way home from taking Lizet to school.  I almost got hit by a UPS truck, but I was determined to get this turtle!  We didn't keep it, but I had to show the kids.  We took it to the creek.  It looked like it was searching for water and I knew across the street where I found it, had none.  

We're planning to see some movies again soon.  Angela and I have seen Rio and all the kids and I went to see Kung Fu Panda 2.

Angela and I had a 4 o'clock treat at Luigi's one afternoon.  We just went for dessert.  She ordered a slice of Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake and I had a piece of Berry Lemon Mascarpone Cake.  I placed a piece of mine on her plate, and she followed in kindness sharing hers.  She intends for us to go again, to try their Tiramisu and Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake. She's such a planner.

Lizet now has all the Cooking Mama DS games... Thanks Annie for starting her collection!  She loves them and is making 100s almost every time.  You hear it say, "That’s better than Mama!”

I'm researching horseback riding lessons for Angela.  That has become a big interest to her and we share a love for horses.  One afternoon, we went out for Mexican food - she loves Mexican food!  Afterwards, we went for a drive in the country, gazing at cows, horses, and donkeys.  We like simple things.

Lizet and one of her friends has been to Sooner Park's pool.  This is a large public pool with a splash pad for young children.  One day, Xavi and Lizet went to Frontier Pool for a couple hours.  Xavier told me he was nervous since it was his first time at a public pool.  But as I got in the car, I saw him going to the top of one of the water slides.  I turned the corner just in time to see him come up from the water, smiling.  I was confident he would have a blast!

I think it was Count-the-Tattoos-Day at Frontier Pool.  Saturday, Lizet and I went to Frontier for four hours.  Dave took us so I didn't have to worry about my purse and keys out in the open. We sprayed one another with 70 SPF and organized our bag of things.  We had a great time!  I actually went down the water slide!  Me!  As I was sliding down rather rapidly, I had time to consider climbing back up, then figuring I couldn't, said a quick prayer to Sweet Jesus! Boy, chlorine certainly does burn the nasal passages at that momentum!  And thank goodness I didn't lose my contacts!  Then, I got sucked into the whirlpool... It feels more like a log ride, but you're the log.  They also have a large bucket holding who knows how many gallons of water, that tips on you once it reaches a certain weight.  After looking around, I realized I was the only adult NOT adorned with tattoos.  Not A tattoo... TATTOOS!  From conversations I heard, these very people with iPhones were waiting for their next government check.  You’re welcome.  My sweet girl visited the concession stand, surprising me with chili-cheese nachos, a cherry snow cone for herself, and a stick of grape Laffy Taffy to share.  She shared her snow cone, too.  And I gave her some nachos. A fun day!

   

  

  

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was lovely - a day I thought I would never experience.  Sunday morning I was greeted with kisses and hugs, mums, calla lilies, and roses.  Russell Stover even attended the celebration.  Lizet presented me with a ceramic cupcake she painted in art class. I also began wearing my beautiful bracelet from my in-laws;  a silver charm bracelet with the children's silhouettes, etched with their names on the front and birth dates on the back.  I thanked my "Baby Doll," "Angel Face," and "Butter Bean" with hugs and kisses and then we got ready for church.  I wanted to visit First Baptist Church and that we did.  I received more gifts at the end of the service. Next, Dave prepared one of my favorite Peruvian dishes:  Lomo Saltado.  Then, I took a nap while they cleaned the house.  It was a great day!

Lizet likes to break the tension by saying, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch."

Lizet has a heart for others.  One of her friends in class had a birthday.  Lizet wanted to spend her money to buy her a beautiful jewelry box.  It looked like a miniature armoire.  She asked if she could buy something for a boy who is also a friend of the birthday girl's, because he didn't have any money.  So, what does she do?  She signs his name on the card, too!    

The girls were antagonizing Xavier at dinner one night...  He wasn't in a good mood...  Dave said, "Don't poke the bear."  What does Lizet do?  She gets up from the table and does a "don't poke the bear" dance.  Luckily, we were at home.  And fortunately, it cheered up Xavi.

Lizet and Xavi were playing outside one day...  Lizet rang the bell because she missed Angela. Angela opened the door and Lizet says, "Hello ma'm.  Did you order a pizza?"  She got the door slammed in her face.  Then, Angela laughed - mainly because Lizet had her hands on her hips.

The kids have a couple new favorite shows...  Avatar: The Last Airbender and  Ben 10.  

The girls are both working on their embroidery projects.  

Angela and I have been practicing badminton.  She's pretty good.  She thinks I'm pretty good. We tire out about the same time.

Lizet loves to sing "We Are Family" while we’re cooking.

In fact, the other night we made a chef salad together for dinner.  I washed and chopped the lettuce and washed all the toppings that she wanted to chop, putting them in individual bowls so everyone could top their salad with what they wanted:  hard-boiled eggs, pepperoni, cucumber, tomato, cheese, turkey, ham, and mushrooms.  Croutons were added, and the table was set.  As we're eating, Lizet's hands danced beside her eyes as she says, "Xavvviiiieerrrr....  I made your dinner with these disgusting hands."  He played up a gagging sound, but grinned.  She giggled.  Then, "Brother, I hope you enjoy your delicious salad."  He did.

     

Easter (Pascua)

Easter baskets were filled with Russell Stover Jesus fish, movies, games, Cadbury eggs, and Easter eggs (which we couldn't "hunt" because of all the rain).  My sweet gift from Lizet was a little bear wearing purple pajamas, kneeling with hands clasped and eyes shut.  You press the stomach and he says in a little voice:  "Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.  Amen." 

We're enjoying our new Ford Explorer, so hopefully we will have frequent trips to Texas in the future to visit family and Christ Church.

The Royal Wedding was beautiful.  The girls were fascinated at various moments, especially once I told them I am related to the Royal family. (Princess Diana and I share lineage ten generations back.)  But, I'll take it!  Don't judge me.

Tonight we attended Anglican Church of St. Paul.  It was a beautiful service about forgiveness.  After studying my genealogy on Ancestry.com and confirming it through my relatives who are historians and genealogy buffs, I found I actually have an ancestor through my maternal grandmother, who was an Anglican vicar ordained by the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral.    

Spring has Sprung

The children love gardening!  Xavier and Dave have cleared the vegetable garden, readying it for bounty aplenty.  Angela enjoys planting plants and flowers while Lizet supervises.  She gets her hands in there as well, but she really has a gift for being "the little general".  

We are discovering that Xavier excels in all sports.  Now, baseball seems to be a talent.  I just wish he would commit to one so he can perfect something.  

This last weekend in Texas, I had the privilege of teaching my daughter, Angela, how to swim! She is so excited to no longer be afraid of the water and is able to swim alongside me.  

On our way to Texas, we saw an 18-wheeler on the side of the road that had burned to a crisp! Lizet was concerned that it may have held toys or chocolate in its cargo.  But she really flipped out when she thought it could've been makeup!

When we entered Texas, Lizet announced to Xavier:  "Welcome to Las Vegas, Xavier!"  When entering Dallas she said, "Welcome to Hollywood, Xavier!"  Poor Xavier.  Lizet gives him such a hard time when he asks if we're in Texas yet.

I'm thrilled my kids like my cooking.  In fact, when we went to a restaurant, Lizet asked the waiter which salad had little pepperonis.  He said there wasn't one.  She frowned and said, "Well, that's how my mom makes salad."  NOTE:  I realize making a salad doesn't equal cooking, but that's the latest example of them liking something I make.

For a special after-school treat for Angela the other day, I washed and removed stems off strawberries - enormous ones at that!  I set them in the refrigerator, and on the counter I had a bowl of powdered sugar.  She thought I had just handed her a million dollars!  

Lizet thinks it would be great if all her grandparents and the five of us lived in the same house.  She asked Dave if this was possible.  His reaction:  "Well, Lizet... We don't really have room."  Her solution:  "Well, Dad, it's really simple.  Buy a castle."  

Fletcher is eight years old today!  Did we have a party?  Well, Lizet is in our family, so…  We had ice cream and Fletcher got a stuffed whale for a gift.  Lucky little buggy.  

When leaving Texas, Lizet took the time (a lot of time) to say good-bye to things.  "Good-bye little curb.  Good-bye little tree that is green.  Oh, good-bye little sidewalk that takes us to the car."  Lizet, enough!

Remembering Father Ron Robertson

Our dear "Padre" Ron has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought this disease with strength, integrity, and most importantly, faith.  His wife, and our friend, Vicki demonstrates her faith daily through helping others and sharing Christ's love to family and friends.  We will always remember Father Ron, lovingly.

A couple days before his passing, we told the children he didn't have much time remaining. Angela and Xavier took it the hardest while Lizet asked questions like,  "Why does everyone we love die?" Some questions were easy to answer, but that was one of the more difficult ones.  Once Father Ron was in Heaven, they felt at peace.  I suggested we go out for ice cream to celebrate his new body and his eternity in God's Kingdom.  They thought this was a good idea and we agreed Fr. Ron would approve.

Our ultimate closure was his memorial service at Christ Church Plano on Monday, April 4th, 2011.  It was a regular church service with beautiful music, a sentimental homily, and a solo - the lyrics written by Fr. Ron.  After the service, we proceeded into the fellowship hall to visit with friends and our church family.  A slide show presented wonderful photos of Fr. Ron, family and friends, most of them covering many years of ministry, including Peru.  

We will always have fond memories of living in the home that was Ron's and Vicki's during their ministry in Arequipa, while going through the adoption process.  And the children will always have loving memories of Fr. Ron and his connection with Casa Hogar.  We love you, Padre Ron.  

The Little General and El Ratoncito Pérez

Lizet has a special gift of being a little bossy.  So, we've affectionately named her "the little general".  She seems to like this title, so she often reminds us of it, jokingly. For instance, when in a restaurant she will wink or grin and say, "The little general would like chicken tenders, please."  She even played doctor with Dave the other day.  She checked his eyes and said he needs more sleep, checked his ears and told him to keep using cotton sticks (Q-tips), and patted his belly explaining he may need to cut back on candy.  She signed his form LG and had me sign the bottom (since I brought him to the "clinic").  We asked if the G was for her married name.  She said, "No, I'm the Little General, remember?"  

Lizet lost her last baby tooth!  She was thrilled since it had been bothering her for several days.  Finally, Dave was able to grasp it with a small towel and pull once.  We had her swish and rinse her mouth with warm saltwater.  Then, she placed her tooth in a Kleenex and put it under her pillow.  Along with the tooth was a sealed envelope.  Dave brought it to the room and opened it.  On the front of the card it read:  Dear Mouse.  Inside the card… 

WHERE: bed  

WHEN: 12:01 a.m.  

She decorated it with hearts and signed it: I LOVE YOU MOUSE!  

After researching this new object of her affection, we found that in Spanish-speaking countries, instead of a Tooth Fairy, it's a little mouse who runs up the bed and takes the tooth, usually leaving a coin.  This is Ratoncito Pérez.  Dave left a $5 bill.  That's some mouse if you ask me!

     

Spring Break

The kids and I spent a few days of spring break in Texas visiting family and friends.  We stayed with Grammy and Gramps for a few days while enjoying their great-grandmothers, as well.  Gramps bought an Easter egg-dying kit for the kiddos and they so enjoyed experimenting with different colors and designing with the additional "bling" that was included in the kit.  Grammy let the girls make their own brownies and Lizet cooked a lot with Grammy.  She is still saying she is Grammy's kitchen assistant.  She was just sorry she left her apron at home.  Uncle Eric enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephew and they think he's great, too.  

At the end of our time, my parents dropped us off at Love Field to catch our flight to Tulsa.  The next few days were spent playing games, playing outside, watching movies, having McDonald's, and playing Play Station or Nintendo DS.  Although the kids find these things fun, they still play the piano.  In fact, the other day, Lizet composed her own song.  

Dave also unveiled another surprise from his recent mission trip to Peru: DVDs of Al Fondo hay Sitio... 20 episodes each (he bought four, but will reveal them slowly).  

We ended our break with a brief visit to Kansas to visit with their Grandma Marilyn and their great-grandparents.  On our way out of town, we stopped at what is now Xavier's favorite restaurant - Pichler's Chicken Annie's.  We told him it was good!

   

This and That

Xavi had such a great day at school today;  then, when he got in the car, I told him I set up the Play Station for him.  This made him even happier.  Then, he asked what we were having for dinner... I told him corny dogs.  He said, "Wow! This is the best day!!"  

They didn't think they would, but it turns out they DO love Mary Poppins, Annie, and The Parent Trap (the original)!

On our way to pick up pizzas, Angela, Lizet, and I saw this adorable little dog running along several yards.  We pulled over, and this well-kept, collar-free pup joined us.  We went to get our pizzas and I realized it was too late to go to a vet clinic to have this dog scanned for a chip.  My next thought was that I do not want to take home a dog, especially one that so evidently belongs to a family. Lizet was in agreement with me that we needed to reunite him with his family.  Angela on the other hand, wanted to keep him.  After picking up our food, I decided to go back to the street where we found him.  I went to the houses with cars in the driveways, to see if this dog looked familiar. Some said no, but one said to try the house on the corner.  We did, and sure enough he pointed us in the direction of the house across the street.  We learned from the owner that it was a Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix - or, a Pomehuahua.  The owner was thrilled to have Oliver back in her arms.  Lizet thought it would be a good idea to tell one of those who helped us (and who seemed concerned) that we found its owner.  This elderly woman was so appreciative that we came back to tell her and naturally, Lizet said good-bye with a hug.

Angela was grooming Fletcher one day;  brushing, combing, and cleaning his eyes.  While doing so she was talking to him in English.  I came in (after listening at the door) and said, "Angela, your English is beautiful, but why are you talking to Fletcher in English?"  Her response... "He doesn't speak Spanish."

Lizet has been working on (actually they all have) avoiding giving her siblings "the finger".  Dave told her any time you want to give someone the finger, just imagine it in your head.  So, a few days later, she was really frustrated with the fact that Xavi now has more money than she has in the bank.  This of course is due to his birthday money.  She told him she was upset with him for having sixteen more dollars than she has and "there is a finger in my head."

One of our very special friends who the kids call Tía Annie, came to visit us from Texas. She gave Lizet a DS game - Cooking Mama.  What makes this funny is because every time she plays this game, she has to go put on her Kiss the Cook apron. She's always prepared.

One night we had a terrible storm;  lightening, thunder, heavy rain.  The kids seem to love it, but it frightened Lizet a bit.  She ran in to me while I was finishing up some things in the kitchen, threw her arms around my waist and said, "I'm scared, Mommy."  I told her (sounding like my mother) that she didn't need to be scared and that it was just the angels bowling. 

Lizet made a 100 on her state capitals test.  She learned all 50 in a couple hours.  She thanked me for helping her study and told me that she thinks I'm such a good teacher since I made flash cards. Ha!  Flash cards DO work!  We even worked on her pronunciation.  She loves to study.  

One night, the girls and I were watching a movie.  Two teenagers were sharing a kiss.  Angela runs to her room and brings back their eye masks, throwing Lizet's to her.  They put them on their heads, ready to pull them down if they saw any more kissing.  Well, it seems they don't want to grow up any faster than I want them to.  Thank goodness!

One evening I was studying for my Bible study class.  Lizet brought me a cup of hot cocoa and four Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies... wearing her apron, of course.  

One afternoon, Xavi was playing Play Station - Resident Evil.  He really enjoys zombies (and seeing their heads explode).  I heard him say, "Oh my God."  I said softly, "Xavi, we don't say God unless we're praying. Are you praying?"  He said, "No, Mom.  Okay."  Then I heard him whisper, "Sorry, Jesus."

The kids and I survived ten days without Daddy.  He had a wonderful trip to Peru, enjoying the children at the Casas.  We received some of our favorite chocolates and the girls got t-shirts; Xavi, a soccer jersey.  And Lizet had prepared a pan of brownies for Daddy.  It was a wonderful homecoming!  

  

We're patiently waiting for the timer to ding to see Angela's new hair color... dark, dark, dark brown.  

 

 

Xavi's 14th

Xavi's request for dinner was having McDonald's at home.  So, Dave picked up a sack of sandwiches and Happy Meals.  After dinner, Xavi spent about thirty minutes opening gifts.  Play Station games, Indiana Jones movies, clothes, fishing gear, baseball and catcher's mitt, t-shirt, remote-control boat, ball cap, money, money, money, GameStop gift cards, Sonic gift cards, and a lock box.  After gifts, we had two small chocolate cakes with fudge icing, decorated with flecks of red hearts.  I presume they were leftover Valentine's Day cakes, but there was nothing for a boy over ten years old.  Plus, he requested chocolate cake, so we're good.  One cake had the "1" and the other, the "4".  Angela kept telling me that in December it would be "4" and "1"... yes, I'm aware.  Next... movie time!  Indiana Jones and... the one about the Ark.  I forget... after all, I'm 40.    

Valentine's Day

Lots of pink, purple, red, and white...  Those are the colors adorning our kitchen table right now! Chocolate, jewelry, socks, pencils, chocolate, stickers, makeup, chocolate, stuffed animals, Legos, movies, chocolate... You think our kids are happy?  Thank you family for the wonderful additions of Valentine goodness to make our kids even happier.  I even made them a spaghetti dinner.  I didn't figure we needed dessert.    

Miscellaneous Funnies

My kids love Tom and Jerry, especially Xavi.  I personally don't get Tom and Jerry.  Tom will scream bloody murder if he sits on a pin, but getting split in half with a sword by Jerry's hand, a shoulder shrug.  Go figure.

I don't recall reading anything in the adoption books about "girl drama".  Lizet came home with a strongly worded letter from another girl asking if she's decided whose BFF she's going to be.  A three-page letter!

When I picked up my middle-schoolers the other day, I wore Xavi's dilation sunglasses from his eye doctor visit.  He and Angela were both fighting laughter, but when Xavi got in the front seat, he tore them off my face, yelling, "¡Mamá!"  I told Lizet later what I had done and she smiled and said, "That's what I love about you, Mom.  You're so fun and funny - other mothers are so serious."

Lizet has given Fletcher the name Husband, as many of you know.  But today, she started calling him Lucky Ducky since he gets to ride with us to school.  

Xavi loves breakfast for dinner, so I established "huevos los jueves," or Eggs on Thursdays.  He looks so forward to breakfast-for-dinner day.

Lizet came up with "new technology".  We asked what this new technology is and she showed us that she is beginning to hide her candy in her music and jewelry box.  So now, anytime someone snatches her candy, the dancing ballerina lets her know.  Clever girl.

Every other Friday, Lizet's school has a fundraiser called Popcorn and Pickle day.  She takes a couple dollars for this HUGE dill pickle enclosed in a vacuum-sealed package with all the juices, which she loves to drink, and a small popcorn.  I didn't have change one day so I gave her a five dollar bill.  She was so excited, I received about fifty kisses.  As she approached kiss number thirty, she stopped and asked if she could finish later since her lips were tired.

I made a big mistake... I introduced my children to Starbucks!

Dave and I discovered a restaurant in Tulsa - a South American restaurant called Mi Tierra.  It features foods from Peru, among other South American countries.  It also has a market.  The kids were speechless - well not Lizet.  Lizet is never at a loss for words.  Our waitress was from Peru and dressed in the traditional attire.  The girls had their favorite drink, Chicha Morada, while Xavi and Dave had lucuma juice.  We had a variety of Peruvian dishes; lomo saltado, tacu tacu, relleno de pollo, and plantains.  Our waitress asked us if we were familiar with Peruvian instruments and I said, "Xavi can play the zampoña!"  She immediately went to get one and Xavi, sitting across from me begins repeating, "Ma, please.  Please, Ma."  I guess it's official.  I know how to embarrass my children.

Of my children, Xavier is my vegetable eater.  He will even eat turnip greens!  The girls seem to only eat them if they are in a casserole with cheese or in a soup.  The day I made buttermilk cornbread, black-eyed peas, and turnip greens, the girls asked me if they were being punished.  

I walked in the girls' room one day and Angela was wearing my wedding veil.  She asked what it was and I told her.  She asked if she could wear it one day... Yikes!  That question came fast!! She looked beautiful in it, too.

We found a cool activity in town!  The Rock is a fun place for youth which is operated as a ministry.  It has Wiis, arcade games, billiards, and skate boarding ramps.  BIG skate boarding ramps.  Xavi took his board and helmet and had a blast!  This 40-year-old woman even ran up the ramp three times to join my girls, sliding down on burlap sacks... FUN! I'm thrilled I was able to get Angela to do it, too.  After a few tries, she did it solo.  After pizza, sodas, and cookies, we were ready to head home.  

We are waiting on snow...  Expecting 14" tonight!  

  

School Projects

Xavier has finished his Science Experiment - board and all!  His experiment was testing different kinds of popcorn and graphing which popcorn pops the best - basically, kernel counting.  

Lizet has been reading about Martin Luther King, Jr., for her book report project, which was making a “bust” out of a 2-liter bottle.  Her choice of bottle:  Inca Kola.  I found a styrofoam head (for wigs) at Hobby Lobby - it even has a hole in the neck and fits perfectly on the bottle; Dave used some brown shoe polish to color the head, and Lizet applied the black yarn for the hair.  I made a minister's robe and tie.  She also filled out a 5x8 index card full of facts.  She's ready to go...  Her choice was based primarily on the fact that we were out of school on his birthday - she wanted to know why and did some investigating.

Angela has been busy knitting.  One of her teachers has taken her under her wing, letting her eat in her classroom while she has no students.  Angela is very much an introvert and hates noise and crowds.  This teacher has taught her how to knit and has lent her yarn and knitting needles.  I was so excited for her, I bought her own set of purple needles and purple and white yarn.  She is currently making a scarf.  It's beautiful.  She's trying to teach me how to knit.  She's a very good teacher.  Very encouraging and reassuring... Angela is an absolute doll!

   

Snow Days

I couldn't wait to post these pics for our Peruvian friends who may, or may not have ever seen snow. Our kiddos had not!  So, this was especially special!  The fact that there was no school was even better... So far, we've missed two days of school this year due to snow.  I was able to teach them how to make snow ice cream...  Gather clean snow off the top, add a little sugar, a little vanilla, and a splash of milk... They loved it!  Again... You'd have thought I'd invented the wheel!  

Movies, blankets, hot chocolate, and playing in the snow made the day SO much fun!  Of course, no day is complete without eggs (whisked and cooked in the shape of a tortilla) and toast.  They even whipped out some Christmas movies.  I think Elf is the favorite one so far!     

Lizet's 11th

Dave purchased two princess cakes for Lizet. One was Belle, and the other was Cinderella.  She received a carrier for her "baby," a portable DVD player for all those road trips (now they each have one and don't have to share one using a headphone splitter), new boots, and movies galore!

Her choice for her birthday dinner was Rib Crib.  To top it off, Dave bought a tub of the margarita mix.  She's always wanting a margarita when we eat Mexican food... Naturally, we veto anything containing tequila.  So... They ate it like a granita.  That works!    

Throughout the week, she received lots of cards, gifts, money and love, love, love...

Thank you family and friends!  

Christmas Trees and New Year's Day

Dave and I arranged for the kids and me to fly home to spend time with family and friends.  On the way to the airport, Lizet began singing "Santa is Papí, Papí is Santa!"  After the girls packed their suitcase, they informed us that they discovered the very stickers that Santa used on his presents.  Oops!  We told them it was quite a big coincidence that Santa and Papí shop at the same store.  They didn't buy it.  But somehow, Lizet insists on believing in Santa anyway.  Angela isn't so sure, and Xavier couldn’t care less.  

We flew down on Wednesday night (a 41-minute flight) and Grammy and Gramps picked us up from the airport at Love Field.  We were greeted at the house by Grandma, Eric, and Tony.  Their air mattresses were ready;  so, after a few finger sandwiches of turkey or peanut butter and banana, they hit the beds.  Of course, not until putting on their pajamas.  Xavier - Perry the Platypus (Phineas and Ferb), Angela - Westies, and Lizet - stars and more stars.  Lizet missed her Michael Jackson music that lulls her to sleep.

    

The next couple days were filled visiting friends, going to On the Border, and seeing Mimi and Tía Kathy.  My best friend Lisa, and her girls Kylie and Maggie came over to meet the kiddos, along with  my fake aunt Carla (a longtime family friend), my parents’ friends Bruce and Brenda, and their daughters, Julia and Jacquelyn, Tío Marty and Tía Cathy, and Nazee, a family friend.  We snacked on Christmas treats, ate Mom’s lovely dinners, and shared lots of laughter.  Gramps also introduced them to his Marshmallow Blaster a student gave him for Christmas.  That was hours of fun!     

Saturday finally rolled around with Dave arriving around 8:30 with all the presents, which filled the Chevrolet Suburban he rented.  We had a quick breakfast of Shipley doughnuts and then it was time for presents.  It was so fun for the kids to see their family open the gifts they picked out and purchased.

  

We had a GOOD LUCK lunch of Hoppin' Johns, Cornbread, Mexican Fudge, and Iced Tea.  Mom and Cathy made the lunch and it was delicious!!!  

We headed to Dave's family in Plano around 1:00, arriving around 1:45. About 3:00, Tía Kim and Tío Russ arrived, then Tías Kelly and Amy and baby Parker.  We had a dinner of many different kinds of pizzas, dips, chips, and sodas.  Next, we all headed to the tree.  Baby dolls, art supplies, clothes, remote control cars, and more makeup were added to our additional baggage.  Everyone had a great time!          

After we had lots of time with the baby, Abuela Marilyn brought out a birthday cake to celebrate Lizet's birthday a little early!  After a full day of fun, family began leaving and it was bath time for the girls in the grandparents’ jacuzzi.  Bubbles galore!  The kids also adore Stormy, their grandparents’ Cocker Spaniel.  They're so lucky to have three dogs in the family - that they KNOW of - they haven't even met Coco, Murphy, or Vegas, yet!  

The next morning we visited Christ Church, enjoyed a meaningful service - which included a sermon from Father David about being adopted into Christ’s family and weaving our story within it - and visited with all our Roof Dog friends in the Fellowship Hall. Later, Grandma and Grandpa treated us to Mexi-Go for lunch and we headed to Oklahoma around 3:00. 

This has been the BEST Christmas I've ever experienced!