Family Life

Here's a random gallery of family photos taken from July - August:

Home From School & Guest Blogger

We've had two days absent from school already. Unfortunately, Liam and Isabella (and now me I'm afraid) are under the weather with fevers and sore throats. So, Liam's been home with Isabella and I.

Edilberto just came home very tired working hard in the heat.

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Guest Blogger, Liam, a story as dictated to Mommy:



Lightening Liam's Greatest Day of the Week

Once there was a planet that was broken into pieces from a meteor. It was broken from a meteor. And when the meteor broke, Lightening Liam saw that meteor hit that planet. And when it broke, Lightening Liam zoomed into action. When he saw that, he started to go and put the pieces together of the planet. And then, once when he was done, the planet was perfectly like that. And then it happened to another planet, and he did the same thing. But he didn't care. He started to go back to his house and then he started a video called, "Lightening Liam." And then, in the show, Lightening Liam was a team of all of the Lightening Stop. Lightening Stop is the whole super hero family together. And then, when earth broke into pieces, he fixed it! And then he started looking at that L-I-A-M. He thought he just wanted to put his name "Lightening" and so he put Lightening only for his name. Then he started to think that name was kind of funny. He changed his name to "Power Jet." And then he turned his name back into "Lightening Liam." And that's the end of my story and the video. Bye Bye!



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And now a contribution from Isabella:



A Butterfly Went On A Flower

A butterfly go'ed on a flower, but it got away. The blue one got away mostly. And there was a whistle on the train, because it had the whistle up. There was an airplane on the top and I couldn't see it. And people was down there and they couldn't see me. And I went down the hill and up the hill to get a blueberry to put it in my pail to make a banana pie. And I walked down the street to sit down on the grass and got my kitchen and hurried-up and hold my kitchen very tight. I got a chair for me and my dolly. I got a picture and my mommy go'ed out with me and took a picture and I got my pillow and I got the yo-yo and Liam was out there and I got the flower and a butterfly for my mom. I buyed it because I was making interesting thing. and I took my baby doll and I got a ball of Liam's and Liam played with it. And Liam got it. And then, I got my other baby doll, and I got my frisbee. And I got a the toy elephant and I got my chair another chair that was a butterfly one. And I got my jacket and put it on outside because it was a windy day. And I go-ed out in the rain and Liam got his hat to go in the rain and he stepped in puddles and he loves stepping in the puddles. He played in the backyard with his bike and he played on his bike. He go-ed on the grass and Daddy is teaching me how to do my bicycle with holding on and looking. I got a whistle and I whistled without the whistler. I got a robot and fixed the robot and I went in his car and I fixed the car. I got mommy's computer and I got a heart for my mommy, a paper heart. And I love my mommy and I got my mommy a flower. I got Pepper and Daisy (the cats) outside until she slept on mommy's bed. And Liam was there. The End.

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Anything to entertain them when they're home sick!!!

The Goofy Goober Girls

Hanging-out together this afternoon, Isa and I goof around with the computer camera:

Computers Everywhere!

Funny the weird things that happen when you just don't have time. Today, I got two phone company representatives come to the door. From the SAME company. They didn't know the other had been there. They wanted to sell me their phone plan. I told them I didn't like the company they work for and that I was fine with the company I have. I didn't oblige them with and answer to "How much do you pay for your phone bill per month..." I didn't go as far as to say it was none of their business!

Another knock at the door was the Fed. Ex. guy with a box. I looked and noticed the brand of our computer on the box. I knew exactly what it was. It was my first computer that we had returned to the store because it had a problem. The store obviously had it sent back to the company. The company had our problem on record and thought they were supposed to repair it and send it back to me. In the meantime, I had already exchanged it at the store for another new one! Now I have two for the price of one. Tomorrow, I will phone the company to tell them what happened and see what they want me to do.

I still haven't had time to set-up my e-mailing program to begin to properly communicate with people. I feel terribly about this, but life has just been so busy with settling (and now settling into a school routine with Liam and all that he's going through with the new long hours of the day), and all the computer situations that we've had since we arrived. I apologize profusely to everyone who's been waiting to hear from us. We really miss everyone and look forward to being in touch again. We love and appreciate you!

Sunday - and a new week begins!

When one enters a new week, one wonders what the week ahead will hold. Liam was funny this evening when I told him school was tomorrow. He said, "Finally, it's a school day again!" I was happy to hear that.

I didn't post on Friday, but we've already had a note home from the teacher. It was the situation I mentioned in a recent post about one girl who had her arm around Liam while waiting for parent pick-up after school. I knew I should have spoken with the teacher the next morning. That afternoon, Liam sat in the backseat reading the note his teacher wrote to us. "Mommy, what does K-I-S-S-I..." My reply interrupted him, "Kissing?" I knew right away what the deal was.

Yes, I had to talk with my son about hand-holding and kissing and how it's not appropriate at school. At the tender age of 6 years old! I returned alone to the school to talk with the teacher after dropping off Edilberto and the kids at home. I wasn't going to go through the weekend without talking with her and explaining my reservations at seeing the little girl's arm around Liam. The following morning too, she had been waiting for him and latched onto him the minute he entered the playground before school started. I didn't talk to the teacher then because Isabella was having a fit wanting to stay with Liam at school, and I was dealing with her and it distracted me.

We had a good talk with Liam telling him he did nothing wrong, but that he just didn't know the boundaries and that now that he does, he knows he shouldn't do those things. So hard to explain to a six year old. I just kept it simple. He was mortified and embarrassed on Friday, but by today, Sunday, he was very relaxed while talking with me. I reminded him of the rules at school. He seemed to understand.

I'm really hoping for a normal week at school with no incidents. I need a breather after last week. Please please!

Crazy Week!

Two days before Liam's school started is when we found out we'd get a pastor/minister's discount on his tuition. That is, therefore, when we registered him, and when I received the list of school supplies to purchase. That is when too that I knew he'd need to have uniforms to wear and books to be purchased. TWO DAYS before the first day of school!!!

The whole time I kept wondering if we were doing the right thing. We really can't afford to send him to private school. It is a step of faith for us to be doing this. It is already extremely difficult to live in Florida with the high cost of living. It has been a challenge for us to say the least.

After handing over a check for registration and first month's tuition (faint), I went into the room where they have donated uniforms. I'd been in there before but there wasn't much in Liam's size. This time, however, there was a huge bag full of every kind shirt, pairs of shorts, pants, P.E. uniforms, and even baseball jackets in his size! All in brand new or barely used condition. I was teary eyed when I saw them there. I felt it was a sign that we were O.K. and it was a good thing what we were doing. Had there not been anything there for him, I don't know how we'd have had uniforms for him within two day's time for his first day of school.

I had some used books on hold in the office and I picked those up a couple of days later. We have almost all of his books. I got a couple workbooks brand new on Ebay. That saved me at least $30.00!

Yesterday was his first day. He was actually giddy in the van as we pulled into the parking lot and he saw all the other children walking in. He was cute sittng in the front row and introducing himself to all the classmates who sat in his vicinity saying, "We're in class together!"

There are 17 kids total in his classroom. His teacher is very nice, young and energetic. He likes her.

Today, his second day of school, he didn't want to go this morning, he didn't like wearing a belt. School was too long. On and on he went. He relented and got into the van. When I picked him up this afternoon, he said he didn't want to go home yet. He wanted to stay a little longer at school! Apparently there's this girl, who had her arm around him while they sat on the bench with their class to wait for parents to pick them up. I saw her there when I pulled-in with the van. He told me tonight at dinner that she told him he was cute THREE times. He's 6 years old! I think I need to talk to his teacher! Hmm...

Anyway, I notice he is more attentive when I talk with him. There seems to be a new sense of responsibility in him. He is loving this new big boy status of being a part of a class. I feel that we are doing the right thing for now. I can see him thriving in this situation. I am open to homeschooling if in the future something changes and we decide that at that time it is best for him.

I'm also really enjoying my time with Isabella. Today we read books, did puzzles and had some nice chats. She and I will be volunteering in Liam's classroom soon and often.

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EDILBERTO'S LATEST NEWS: Yesterday was extremely frustrating as he and two other guys were loading a very large container to be shipped to Haiti this weekend. The two tractors they use BOTH broke down. It was a sweltering hot day. Frustration mounted as time was limited to get the job done before the container was to leave. Today, after persistance and prayer, they got the tractors working, worked late, and got the container filled and ready to go! We are very thankful they had success. The ministry in Haiti will be very thankful to receive this shipment. I will try and post photos and more details later.

Sunday Night

It's late but thought I'd check-in here. A very busy week ahead, which I tried to put out of my mind this weekend. I felt like living in a safe bubble of denial of all the things we face this week so I could enjoy the weekend. Liam could possibly be starting school on Wednesday. Our lives will change radically if this is the case. It is all pending on whether or not we get a minister's discount or not. I don't remember if I'd talked about this yet or not. Homeschooling is still an option. Either way really. He could do the private school for a time, and then homeschool if we all feel that's a better option for him. We really want him to have this classroom experience though. I think he'll really enjoy it. And I'll be there in his classroom a lot volunteering (which, I am happy to say, is required!!!)

Anyway, we will probably know tomorrow if we qualify for this discount or not. It's nervewracking as I will have to scramble for the rest of Liam's books and uniforms by Wednesday!

We went to another church (have been there twice so far) and think it might be a fit for us. They are a fairly new group (having been meeting for only about a year) and it is small. The only other children are the pastor's children and a baby and a couple of babies on the way! Our children have really enjoyed attending though and have felt welcome there.

I met the pastor's wife for the first time tonight. She immediately invited us over for dinner. We scheduled for the week after next. We found out about them through internet searching. They are a church that welcomes people from every level of seeking (from doubters, to committed Christians). They are focused on loving and serving the community. They are about meeting and loving people where they're at. Kind of right up our alley I'd say. I also like that they meeting early on Sunday evening. It's nice to have all day Sunday to hang-out as a family and then off to an evening gathering to finish the day and begin a new week.

One thing I thought of the whole evening was that two years ago on the second Sunday in August, my father passed-away (even though the actual day of the month was the 14th). I remember that Sunday as we agonized all day knowing it was happening. Then at around 6:30 p.m., he left us.

My Son Hates Going To Church

My son hates going to church. And I can't say that I blame him. It's hard to find a church body where kids aren't perceived as an inconvenience to be shuffled-off to Sunday school. Do you think they know they're not wanted around the adults?

Here's what I know to be true....When a child has committed him or herself to following Jesus, and invites the Holy Spirit into his or her heart, the Holy Spirit is the same size inside that child's heart as it is in any adult's heart. That child can and should be nurtured in their faith so they can grow in maturity. That would mean they should know that they too can hear God speak to their heart, obey Him, pray for someone in need, have a word of encouragment for someone, and generally display the love of Christ in an outward way to those around them.

What happens in most churches (meaning groups of believers meeting together) is that those children aren't looked at as equals in the faith. Granted, there is a lot of maturing to do physically, emotionally and spiritually. But it is important for that young child who has faith to be free to express their faith in many ways and taught to do so. In doing so, they are having their own experience with Jesus and not relying on only knowing Him through his or her parents' relationship with Him. They will have their own story to tell about how they know Jesus.

Children can oftentimes more effectively show the love of God to others without inhibition and with a greater level of sincerity and innocence. Faith like a child is something to aspire to. Hearing a child share about God's love and their own story of what He means to them can be very profound and touching. It can soften the hardest heart. It can break down the highest walls.

I've seen it in action. At the nursing home. I sat next to an elderly woman who immediately said, "I don't need to talk to anyone. I'm fine." I said, "Oh, no problem," and turned to the woman on the other side whom I had already been talking with, wanting to respect the first woman's desire to sit quietly with nobody talking with her. Isabella, my 3 year old, came along and touched the unsociable woman's arm. She has a way of looking deeply into someone's eyes. The woman was surprised at her intensity and kind smile. She immediately started engaging in a conversation with Isabella. Isabella got very close to her and was reaching her hand out to her, which the woman took in hers. The woman's countenance changed. A smile broke out on her face. Soon, the three of us were chatting away. She began to share her life with us. Her company was a joy. And I felt she thought ours was as well.

Flashback to Sunday at church. Liam had questions regarding communion as it was being taken. Apparently, we should have shuffled-off to a "crying room." Now, if my son was just goofing around and making lots of noise, I can understand the glares from the woman in front of me and consequent "suggestion" that we move it into the crying room (which I never even knew about as we are new and don't know all the "rules"). However, my son had some very legitimate questions, I replied to them in his ear, we were sitting in the very last row. I had no idea that teaching my son was somehow disruptive. It is the general consensus as that Sunday was the very first time they were trying out having the kids with the adults for the worship time (and the other children stayed in a group in the back corner of the room with their Sunday school teachers rather than dispersed to sit among their own families. That might have been a little too much!)

We have been looking for a church body to be part of in our new town. We have a lot of new friends at this church, and they've always welcomed our children very lovingly outside of the actual church service. I know this is just one person's bad response (the tone was not loving, but I also know too that she had no idea of the issues we've been having with our son's dislike for church). I find this is an all too often a typical attitude towards children in the church. We plan to maintain the friendships we have made there, but will find a church group to commit to where we are sure our children will know they are welcome and will look forward to being active participants.

Having to Decide About Your Child's Education

I am in a dilemma regarding Liam's schooling. I feel I have two wonderful options, however, both with their sacrifices, both with their benefits. One being the private Christian school that we've been thinking he'd be going to, the other being homeschooling. Public school in our area is not an option.

I have always wanted to homeschool my children. However, as I know my son, I realize that he is happiest when he's in a small group setting. He was really against being homeschooled. Lately however, he seems to be content with the idea. He seems to feel the same as going to the private school that he's come to know from several visits there.

We thought we'd be getting a bigger break in the cost of the private school than we were offered. There's still a possibility to get a bigger discount on tuition, but it is still up in the air. The positive about homeschooling is applying the money we'd be paying into tuition, to a lot of extracurricular activities like piano lessons, athletics, science camps, etc. I have also discovered a very organized and supportive homeschool association network in this area. They have organized get-togethers throughout the year. There is also an athletic association for homeschoolers that offers many types of sports.

When I met with the principal of the private school the other day, she was very excited for us to be a part of the school. She wanted us to bring a very missional aspect. I told her about an idea I had to mobilize the students of the entire school to adopt a clean water project. Fund raising and bringing clean water to a village in a country that needs it. Perhaps even taking some students to Africa to build a clean water system for a community. She was thrilled to hear of some of the ideas I'd been thinking about. I was thrilled that she was so desiring this type of thing for the students. She stated that academics are important and that they have very good academics in the school. However, she said that they really want the emphasis of the school to be outward in focus, for the students to learn to be selfless and to serve those who are in need. To be world changers in that regard.

I believe the same thing could happen with a homeschooling association. I just have to figure out what God wants us to do in all of this. Whether it be working with a school, or with a group of homeschooling families. We want to be an influence in our community. To love and serve those around us who the Lord brings our way. To make a difference where we are. To be in an environment that would nurture these things in our children. There are so many decisions to be made. We have to know soon as the school year begins in mid-August here in Florida!

O.K., So the van broke down....

It all happened on our way out to what was supposed to be a birthday lunch for me on the waterfront somewhere. I had chosen Thai food. We ended-up at Subway in a not so nice shopping center. The van had decided to break down on our way to lunch.

Edilberto pushed the van with me and the kids in it, off the road and into a gas station. At least the van was courteous enough to decide to stop right in front of one. We took the kids to the Subway sandwich shop to get something to eat and into an air conditioned environment (it was 90+ degrees F. today), while Edilberto met the tow truck that eventually showed-up, got a ride to our house to pick-up a second van that, thankfully, we are currently borrowing, came back to get us, we all followed the tow truck about 15 miles to our mechanic's shop (who by now, unfortunately, knows our van well), dropped off the sick van, and tried to proceed back to our original destination in the borrowed van.

It was a long drive back. We were all thirsty and tired. We never got to our Thai restaurant as none of us had much of an appetite anymore. We decided to check-out an upscale mall that we'd never been to. The shops were the usual, but the food area was beautiful, marble, Italianish looking decor with nice lightening. I had a very well made, delicious and refreshing strawberry/banana/vanilla yogurt smoothie, and the kids had gelato. A nice family moment was had at last.

Back home, Edil made me a nice dinner, against my wishes we had cake and ice cream and heard the "happy birthday" song (I wasn't in the mood. By then, we were all a bit cranky and exhausted).

Thankfulness kept things in perspective. Thankful that we're all healthy and together. Which makes it a happy birthday after all!

A Floridian? Who me?

Well, today was the day I gave up my Washington State driver's license for a Florida State driver's license. They wouldn't even punch a hole in my old license to let me keep it. "Not if you're becoming a resident in Florida," I was told. It felt very odd. All I've ever had since learning to drive was a Washington State license.

I was not surprised to see at the department of licensing, due to what I've observed on the road, the steady stream of traffic violation payers who were coming in to pay. Several with suspended licenses. South Florida also has the worst record for road rage in the nation.

Which leads me to the observation about the way many populations of people drive here. I often see people driving leaning on one shoulder against the door in a slumped position, talking on their cell phone, or just plain acting like they'd like to figure-out how to take a nap while driving, all at accelerated speeds racing to the next red light. It's simply baffling to watch. And no, it's not the retired population who seem to drive this way. It's probably hard to imagine for anyone who's never been here to know just how badly people drive in South Florida!

So, here I am. A Florida driver. Let's just hope I don't form any bad habits on the road. That's doubtful. I probably drive more like the retired and age-ed Floridians who've moved here from the Northeast. I refuse to pull-out onto the road until it is clear. So stop honking your horn back there already or I'll shoot! (just kidding)

Been a bad blogger lately...

It's Friday night and I thought I'd stop by and say hello to anyone who may pop-in to see if I've updated here. Sorry to say, I haven't had much to say the past couple of days that would be very interesting to read about.

Hmmm...what about the weather? It's been very hot here in South Florida. Humid, 90+ degrees.

Ministry News: At Missionary Resource Network, there was a boat donated a long time ago that was supposed to be getting repaired by someone. That someone was paid and didn't do the work. That has finally been sorted out this week (after a long battle) and the boat is now being repaired by another person. This boat will be sold as a fishing boat and the money will be put towards the purchase of a boat that will be used for mercy ministry in the Amazon Region.

The kids did great

The kids and I took our first trip to a nursing/retirement home on Saturday. I'd been wanting to start taking them for some time, and there was an organized trip for the kids from church. Edilberto wanted to come but it was his Saturday to work at the store. It all worked-out well going with the group from church initially. The need is great here in Florida to visit those who have nobody and are nearing the end of their life. Having already had this in mind, I was glad when I heard the kids were planning this visit and we could join in.

Isabella did very well, as I knew she would. She is especially wonderful with babies and old people. She is very caring and has no reservations in reaching-out to others. She very quickly engaged in conversation, reaching out to hold someone's hand. She delighted the grandmas and grandpas there with her smiles and hugs and willingness to talk!

Liam was very reluctant, as I knew he would be. At first, he seemed completely resistant to the whole idea of going. I soon realized that he was anxious and a bit scared about it. On the way there, I assured him that he didn't have to say or do anything. He could just stick by me. That seemed to help him.

Liam warmed-up to the program when he saw a boy, who he knows and is a couple of years older than him, very enthusiastically visiting with the residents of the home. He asked Liam to come and meet one of his friends (a very sweet old woman he knew there). Liam wanted to tag along with this boy.

Isabella and I were engaged in conversation with a very nice woman named Irene, when Liam came to me and asked if he could go with the group to another wing of the home. I heard that they were going to visit the Alzheimer's wing. I didn't think it'd be a good idea for him since he had been anxious about the whole visit to start with. One of my friends in the group said she'd watch him when he said to me that he really wanted to go (after I mentioned to him that he might not feel comfortable and maybe shouldn't go). I agreed to let him go since he was so enthusiastic.

He came back a while later seeming very happy and content in participating. I was relieved. He had had such a big change of heart! I was proud of him.

We plan to return to visit the people we have met during our first visit. I am definite that a couple of people Isabella and I talked with will not remember us when we return. I know that some of them will though. And even if they don't, if we can bring some moments of companionship and love to someone, we will have done what we set-out to do.

Some Recent Photos

Busy with her babies!


Daisy & Pepper

Narrows Bridge - Gig Harbor to Tacoma

"Galloping Gertie" - 1940

As a 7th grader in Southern California, I once saw an old film in our school library about a bridge that buckled, twisted and fell to pieces in the wind over the waters of the Puget Sound. Its nickname was, "Galloping Gertie." A second bridge was built to take its place, which stands today, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Little did I know at the time, that I'd soon be living in Gig Harbor, Washington, and using that bridge all the time!

We were in Washington State during a large portion of the construction of a second Narrows Bridge (that runs parallel to the other bridge)to accomodate the growing traffic flow between the Peninsula and Tacoma. We watched with fascination the process of this huge bridge being built. It was the largest construction project happening in the United States. It was a painful process for the community with gridlock, long-delays and constant changing of lane configurations. Today, the bridge is opening. We know lots of people who are attending the opening ceremonies. Although we're not there to see it, we can get a glimpse of it on live webcam!

(Click on the post title for link to the webcam.)

The fish are looking happy!

I'm sitting here watching the four remaining (yes there were five - one departed last night) fish enjoying their evening feed. I'm happy to see that Onion and his (or her) friends have the energy once again to swim to the top and chase the flakes around. Liam named the little black bubble eyed fish "Onion." (I don't know why he did, but it is a cute name for him.) I took a trip to the fish store, bought new filters, and an aeration rock and a pH tester. I think we're good now. Hopefully! Probably nobody cares about any of this, but for me, I was glad to see the little guys doing well again.

We went to a beach BBQ/baptism today. We took our neighbor and her foster daughter. The kids had a great time with her. The party continued back at our house in the new kiddie pool out back. All kids were exhausted by the end of the day.

Today was a blur...

Woke-up with a lovely migraine. What a way to start the day. The kids were stir-crazy having to stay inside with me, their cranky mother, all day long. Took some strong migraine meds. and the worst of it was over about an hour later. Still, the medication made me feel groggy. I didn't have much success at anything today. I feel sorry for my kids as I wasn't in the greatest of moods. Tomorrow's a new day.

Edil went to Costco yesterday to pick-up the new computer (exchange). I haven't even had a chance to take it out of the box yet. Today wasn't the right day with my head hurting. Also, the computer guy has to put all of our software onto the new computer. He's away due to a family emergency. At least I have a so-so computer to use until we finally get onto the new one!

I saved our fish today. They were looking very lethargic (we have 5 of various goldfish varieties in a 5 gallon tank). A couple of them were looking blue just hanging-out near the top of the tank. I replenished their water supply with some fresh H2O. They have all perked-up. I also took out some rotting plants. I'm sure that helped things out in there!

What I'd like to do in heaven

surf with the dolphins...




Woohoo!

The Computer Verdict at Costco

I'm thrilled to say that everything went well at Costco. They were very helpful, no detailed questions, gave me a full refund, and even got on the phone to find the nearest Costco that carries the computer we want to exchange (unfortunately, they didn't carry them there). They were, in every way, very helpful! The Costco we need to go to now is 40 minutes further north from the Costco we were at (which is about an hour from our house). A bit inconvenient, but best option compared to any other options of getting another computer. We are going there tomorrow to buy it! Thanks again, M & M.

The Jig for Monday

It's the end of the day here and I thought I'd just jot down some very random thoughts from the day.

To all you from our church who read this blog...just want you to know that we pray for you and especially for the prayer requests that come through via e-mail.

Didn't make it to Costco today to exchange the new computer because the computer guy brought the computer here (the one to be exchanged) after lunch and I wasn't able to go in the afternoon. Hopefully I'll get there tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes!

Had an emotional moment this afternoon when I showed photographs to my kids from a friend's website of starving children in Africa. There were a couple of very shocking and graphic photos that got the kids asking a lot of questions. They seemed stunned and shocked and wanted more information. They've seen kids who are extremely needy whom we've worked with in the past, but of course, the photos of the children in Africa are hard to comprehend. Instantly it puts things in perspective.

Edilberto and I are really missing our friends, so please drop us a line when you can!!!