Three Boys and a Princess

Camping Howard Prairie Lake

2011-08-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Finally, the first camping trip. Pablo couldn't stop talking about camping for days before the trip. Antonio just repeated what big brother said not really knowing what the trip would be all about. Less than an hour away from home, Howard Prairie Lake sits in the Cascade Mountains just on the border of Jackson and Klamath counties.

Sleeping bags ... Pablo had a sleeping bag but Antonio didn't, until we went to Goodwill the day before the trip and found a small Thomas the Train sleeping bag: Antonio's favorite character. For a while we were concerned that Pablo would want the much newer Thomas sleeping bag, but when we laid them both down in our living room, Pablo immediately pointed out that the Thomas sleeping bag had to be Antonio's because it was his favorite movie.

Driving ... The boys are really good in their distance driving mode. I don't remember any of them complaining. They have a bag of toys between their seats so they keep entertained. The road winded through Dead Indian Memorial Road into the Cascade's. Here's how the road got its name. The pine and fir forests were amazing although pretty monotonous for a 4 year-old-boy so he went on pointing out the road signs: "crazy turn", "careful with the dear", "careful with bicycles"-depending on the sharp turn sign, dear crossing and bikes warnings, etc.

Camp ... Pablo helped with the tent poles and Antonio hammered the hooks into the ground with his orange hammer. Pablo picked up sticks for the fire and Antonio broke the thin ones in half. They ate hotdogs and roast, ran up and down the designated area ... careful not to trip on Grandma's dog Alex. Although Grandma's trailer was a steps away, the boys liked to keep outside where all of us were. Best of all they loved going for walks, so we took frequent trips to the bathroom walking around the forest.

Swimming ... The lake shore was fairly shallow so it was easy to walk in the water. But the bottom was sticky dirt, so it felt strange for the boys to walk up to Daddy a few yards into the lake. With a little help they got waist deep and began building a relationship of trust with the water. Their favorite activity was to lay their bellies on their floating board and have Daddy pull them in circles. They played in the water for about 30 - 45 min until it got too cold. Then they went for a towel with Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa. But Daddy stayed in the water so they always came for seconds into the lake. Then back out for the towel.

Mommy and Me Day!

2009-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Pablo and I went out for a Mommy and Me Day yesterday. We got up, ate french toast (as usual) then decided to plan our day. We started out around 10:00am walking down the hill for a taxi. We're so lucky that a neighbor was leaving at the same time and gave us a ride all the way to Las Americas (its like a small mall). To us that is like a huge service, its really hard to get around sometime in Venezuela, not to mention how expensive it can be just to drive for 5 minutes.

So went to buy Pablo some Buzz Lightyear shoes but too bad they didn't have them in his size. To our surprise they did have Spiderman shoes that lite up. At first he just stood there like a statue and refused to walk. After a minute he took some steps like his feet weighed tons. Once he discovered that every time his foot stepped down the lights went off, it wasn't long till he was jumping and have a great time.

Now that Pablo had a little distracter I went to get my hair cut. He did really good sitting where I told him, playing with his airplane and a bubble pack the owner gave him. Pablo would get up some times and come hold my hand like I did with me. He would reasure me that I really looked great. We even talked with a hearing impaired lady. When the man handed me the mirror to look at the back Pablo came and stood next to me saying " Mom you really look great, done? Let go now, OK?" He really has a way of healing people.

After that we went to The Language College to see our good friend Yurima. She really loves our boys. She has gave Pablo all of her sons old clothes, bed sheets and toys. Everything that little boys are into. I'm talking about really Tonka trunks like we had growing up. So cool. Pablo was so excited to show her his shoes. Yurima even turned off the lights in the school so Pablo could see his shoes glow as he run around the office.

It was around 1 or so and we were getting hungry so we ate a fresh Mango off the tree. Sooo good.

Talked with our friends for a while and then come home. Pablo feel asleep in the taxi right before we arrived. Took a great nap.

Now tell me that doesn't sound like a cool Mommy and Me Day!!

Cars and Hills, How FUN!!

2009-05-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Pablo got this car for xmas. He is learning to pedal, steer and use to brakes. Pablo and I went out to the street while Antonio was sleeping, to have a little fun. Enjoy the video.

We are having technical difficulty at the moment, please try again later... as in after Bob helps me find the video. sorry ;.)

A Brothers Love

2009-05-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Pablo is a great big bother. Antonio really likes to watch everything he is doing. Absorbing all the information he needs, to soon really play together. Pablo helps him with stuff but then still the 'MINE' stage is beginning. When Antonio was littler and Pablo heard him cry, he say to me with his arms stretched out, "Mommy let me have him". Then when Antonio would stop crying even for a second he would say, "I fixed him, see he's better". I hope we remember these things forever. Antonio will be 8 months old on the 28 and is trying to crawl, just can't quite get his head up when everything is up. He does have a walker that he can get around in very well (now that he has a forward direction) before it was just circles. Almost forgot he got his first tooth and he is learning about the bottle, haha. Watch out Mom.

We are so thankful every day that we have been blessed with these two miracle spirits. It's really a lot of fun to see them loving each other.

I'm a big BOY now!!!

2009-05-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

On Monday Pablo and Mommy went out on a special day. It has been so hot that Pablo just sweats like crazy, even in the air conditioning. I thought that if he got his hair cut he would be a little cooler. I usually cut his hair while he is asleep just so that he doesn't get upset. He is very sensitive to sounds. So we went to a store that only cuts little kids hair. They have chairs with a horse head, TV's with the Disney channel, suckers and very important quiet hair clippers!! Pablo was a champion. He just sat there (holding Mommies hand) but didn't cry. His reward ... Cheetos. Now everyday he says "I got a hair cut, I like it, feels good!" It was great fun.

Languages...

2009-04-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

These pictures are of the little kids that I taught English to when I first got Venezuela. We had been here probably about three months at the most. I met a friend of the family that is now a great friend to me too. She got my connected with a college that teaches all languages. At first they started me teaching a group of adult that had a good base in English and where taking an intensive course that was only 6 months long. Soon after that, the college asked me again if I enjoyed children. Of course I said yes but little did I know what lay ahead.

When I started I could barely speak enough Spanish to stop the bus. I was a little nervous because these kids are all in the age range of 2.5 to 6 years old. I had 2 classes a day, twice a week. First the little kids then the older ones. The first couple of days where great but then they started acting out. When the word got out that there was a native English teacher working in the private school, everyone want their kids to be part of it. One problem, the classroom was the size of a closet!! No joke. Imagine 10 to 12 kids in a closet. See, now you understand why they started acting out. I soon request a bigger classroom and a helper. WOW !! I remember when it was time to go home. I would wait for their parent to pick them up and I would leave crying. This when on for 2 months.

Well you can imagine I quit soon after that. Well I felt bad about leaving but I gave it everything I had. The first teacher they hired lasted a week and she spoke Spanish. I really enjoyed the kids it was just the lack of preparation by the college and the private school. I know in my heart that it would have been a huge success if only I had received the support, materials and space.

Shortly after I left, the director of that program told me how sad the kid where that I left. One mom told her about her daughter. She would go home and ask her mom how to say this or that just so she could talk to me . Their parents reported that they would come home singing in English and pointing to pictures of animals teaching the members of their family the words they learned. I thought that they weren't getting anything out of my classes.

I watch Pablo very close and the way he communicates is the most incredible thing I have ever seen. He is 2 and is perfectly bi-lingual. If he is talking to me it's always English. Even if he says something to me in Spanish he immediately repeats it in English. We teach a couple English classes together. It's just amazing that these little kids know only a few words but want to know so much more. We teach for 1 hour and then play for about 10 or 15 minutes. After we leave they ask their parents how to say this or that and want to speak English in the house. Pablo makes them feel comfortable. He is such big help. He doesn't translate or ask questions about grammar. He just gets it by speaking it. I think that most important thing about us being here is that Pablo and Antonio will be able to serve the people of this world better because they are bi-lingual. I strongly erg everyone to help themselves by helping their kids be all that they can be. It's not hard, it's all about consistency. My point is nobody really understands how children can learn so much so fast, but you are doing them an injustice by not helping them achieve their highest potential!!!

This blog spot is now my memory pad. I will be scribbling my thought of evens that happen as they happen or past events I want to remember.

First Family Photo!!!

2009-04-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

That is one good looking family if I do say so myself! The boys are so big now. We are amazed by the beautiful miracle of life. April 2009

Bob took time out of his busy day in the Hospital Central to do this for us.!! He always makes time for us.

Adventures in Caracas

2009-04-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

A.M. April 24 2009

This week we have tried everyday to find a way to get to Caracas. Well today I think it will actually happen. I am very nervous but on alert, do to the fact I'm going by myself. Will my Spanish fail me or will my survival instincts kick in?

P.M. April 24 2009

Left for Caracas 9:30a.m. I immediately started going over in my head what to say. Shortly after that I got so car sick I had to sleep. Antonio was already sleeping really good, this was his first time on a trip. We got to Caracas at 12 p.m.

Okay, so here we are driving around looking for a garage to park to the car. Telmo (Roberto's good friend) the taxi driver was never to leave me alone. But I had to what a line to pick-up this paper so the sooner you get in the better. Well NO parking available so I told him to let me off in front of the place and he can come later. I was pumped to handle whatever came my why. I walked right in speaking Spanish to find out where to go. The guard was really nice and took the time to answer my questions and give me directions. So far so good! I sat down next to a very dark skin, beautiful young girl. She was holding a paper that read at the top Department of United States of America. So I asked her if this was here for her Visa to travel. She told me is got married 1 year ago and her husband is N. American. Well to make this short. He was a missionary in Zulia, Maracibo, Venezuela. He came back for her and now they are try to go to the states to live in Utah. Small world!!! My prayers where answer in so many ways today. Safety, speaking and a safe return home.

So talked while waiting and when the windows opened the 8 people ahead of me let me pass ahead because I had Antonio. Was out of there 10 mins later. The lady at the window was even nice and smiling. Wow this is not something I had experienced in Caracas yet.

The most important part is that I received the birth cert. of Antonio with the stamp. As Pablo says 'I got some good news and some bad news.' The good news is two more offices to go and we can get Antonio a US passport!!!!! The bad news is that it takes at least three trip to get it done. BOOOO!

Get ready for Christmas...

2009-04-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

I know that it sounds early but I always wait too long and never have thing ready to sell for the holidays. So I have started making little figures using this clay made out of glue. I will soon try to start making my own shirts, seeing as I have NONE. Crafts are my addiction and I LOVE IT!

The boys are doing great (all three of them). Bob is in the surgery rotation. He and Pablo when to class today in the Hospital Central to practice putting on casts. Pablo just loves being with his

Daddy. Pablo is totally into Toy Story 1 & 2. Watch what you say he repeats all the words from that movie with action figure in hand. Antonio is practicing sitting up and moving around in his little walker. His feet now match Pablo's BLACK BLACK BLACK! We are learning that he has a voice when he doesn't like something or is hungry. He has been stealing food off my plate, so we started giving him squash, potatoes, baby juice jars, bread, oatmeal and still mom's milk. He is growing so strong!!

Sometimes in the hot season people set the mountains on fire... so sad. Well that explains the black feet.

Pablo and I have gripe but not too bad. Just so tired. Yesterday Pablo took a long nap but Antonio didn't so of course. So today you can guess Antonio took a really long nap and Pablo didn't. My recovery maybe a longer now.

We met Bob down on the main avenue the other day so that we could get our FIRST family photo taken. So fun! They turned out really nice so I will be posting them ASAP. (First I have to learn all this stuff) haha!

That is all for now... more to come.

Birthdays

2008-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

My birthday and Pablito's are only two weeks apart. Emily had the horrendous idea of having only one celebration, which means only ONE birthday cake. Fortunately it wasn't a long living idea, so we had two birthday cake. I had my carrot cake, just like last year: my favorite. Emily made the cake into a venezuelan flag: yellow, blue and red with EIGHT stars. She later noticed the mistake, well, yes Chavez changed the flag to hold eight stars instead of the original seven. The mistake was to put eight stars on my cake, knowing that I am loyal to the seven stars and the horse looking back.

Pablito's birthday was beyond amazing, he had a cake shaped like a toucan, the venezuelan national bird. The cake had two candles and he would ask over and over for the Happy Birthday song so he could blow the candles out. He laughed and asked for more fire on the candles ... and off we would go singing. He would sing too, he knows the song. We probably did that seventeen times until we had no more candles left for the exercise. He is the most amazing boy I have ever ran into. Who would know such a child could happen to us.

Antonio is two months old, he is learning to hold his head, hasn't mumbled yet, but is able to focus his gaze on people. He smiles occasionally. He has a great grip and moves his hands and legs freely. He is starting to gain weight, so we may take him to the Hospital Civil to get his first vaccines: they don't give shots to kids under 2.5 Kg. He is a really healthy boy, no runny nose, only once, right out of the hospital he picked up a virus, probably RSV, that gave him a fever and cough: bronchiolitis, probably. Not bad enough to see a doctor, his fever was never high, his cough never breathtaking-so nothing that a doctor would've done that we couldn't at home.

The kids health contrasts sharply with what I see every day at the pediatrics ward and emergency room during my pediatrics rotation. Lots of croup, RSV, diarreas and pneumonias in children under 2. The majority of kids over 2 come in from traumatic accidents or Dengue fever. One baby-6 weeks old-died saturday from respiratory arrest due to viral pneumonia. Had never breast-fed. As is the case of most hospitalized babies. So: Good job Emily for being such a wonderful mother to these two boys. She has saved their lives.

Election year.

2008-11-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

The local newspaper had an article on the conditions of the city at the end of the incumbents' term: all the counties are in such a social disaster, people are starting to wear the shoes for it. We also saw the US presidential race up to the win. Towns look so clean, red-white-and-blue flags everywhere the camera turned and a real love for country family and-in most cases-God. Our city is paved with dozens of politician's faces on a hope for the local government chairs hanging off every standing light-pole, and no sight of a venezuelan flag waving over the trash, holes and fancy new cars. Chavez has his candidate and the opposition has their own. History has taught us that things won't change for the better, regardless of who will win. It's a people without leadership, without identity and purpose.

I took Pablito to church this morning, mom and Antonio stayed home recovering from a little cold. We sat in the front pew, Pablito and I, and he had no problems sitting still through the hour long meeting. He ate his snacks, stared at the deacons passing the sacrament and then soiled his diaper. I felt the smell and checked in his diaper. Then I looked him in the eye and he sort of lowered his look with a small smile that made me giggle and love him a tad more towards forever. He is so mature, so sweet and filled with quiet dignity despite his two years.

So, what does cities, politicians and a two year old boy have to do with each other? I live in a daily world of concern for the boys' future. I want them to be smart, to be socially sensitive and spiritually uplifting and so I feel that we can accomplish that in a community where there is, well, love ... for oneself, the neighborhoods and for the future.