The Nicaragua Russells

Home Again, Home Again....

2011-06-13T19:49:00.003-05:00

Rig a jig, jig.

Cheesy, I know, but that is what's stuck in my head currently.

We are comin' home! :)

Beckett is so excited, he smeared beans all over his face!

I'm so excited too. However, in all the prep work that it takes to come home, I am seeing something yucky in myself. And by yucky, I guess I mean - sinful. I get so stressed, so worked up about packing and flying and getting the house ready and on and on. I get cranky and am short-tempered and it's not a pretty sight. I'm trying to figure out why I'm like this. I think it has something to do with the unknown and not being in control. Flying from a 3rd world country is not always perfect. There can be road blocks in the road that prevent you from getting to the airport, flights can suddenly be canceled, the man looking at exit-visas might not be so kind. All of this makes me worry about the what-if. And when I worry, I start to plan how I can possibly prevent all this - leave 4 hours early, check and double-check flight status, be super duper kind to the visa man. It ridiculous!
So, I'm praying tonight that I chill out, that I trust the sovereign Lord that is bigger than all of this, and enjoy the fact that I will be in D-town in a day - enjoying A/C, and homemade food, and love from family!

The craziness

2011-06-06T14:21:00.002-05:00

I feel like I've said this before, but maybe I haven't.

Life in Nicaragua is full. In the states, life is crazy busy and packed. But life here, right now, is very full for us. It's hard to say exactly why, but it is.

Maybe these are the reasons why:

*We have 2 kids now that demand a lot from us. Don't get me wrong, they are awesome and we are thankful for them. But they do take away a lot of previously-had free time. From 6 (or 5:30) in the morning to about 8:30 at night one of our kids needs us. Again, it's not bad at all! It's just limits any major rest time.

*It's the end of the school year. Which means David has exams to make, exams to give, exams to grade - exams, exams, exams! And David doesn't make easy exams - no just multiple choice. They're pack full of short answer, true/false, and essays. This makes him a good teacher, but also a teacher that is grading late into the night!

*David is basically in charge of graduation this year. To type out what all the involves, overwhelms me - so I won't! Just know, it is a ton and takes up so much of his time.

*We are coming home in little over a week! Again, this is greatness !, but involves a ton. When we were childless, it was rather easy. Throw some stuff in a bag and make sure you have tickets. Now it involves - getting a lawyer to say we can take our kids out of the country, going to get 4 exit visas from immigration, packing up 4 suitcases, getting our house ready to have people in it for the summer, and on and on. Typing this also overwhelms me!

So to sum it up - our life is full now.

We are both greatly looking forward to some rest and relaxation while in the States (also for some awesome grandparents that will let us go on some dates!)

Orange Dress

2011-05-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

I have not bought any clothes in over a year. No clothes, not a shirt, not shoes, no jeans - nothing.

Isn't that weird?

When I lived in the states, I probably bought a piece of clothing once a week. It was most likely from Target.

We don't buy any clothes here. For many reasons.

1. There is no Target, so where would I go??
2. I have 2 kids. I don't see how anyone shops with 2 kids. I can just imagine trying on some jeans and Beckett running wildly through the store. Oh, it sounds terrible.
3. Clothes here are just different from clothes in the States. It just not what I'm accustom to.
4. I was never a huge shopper anyways, so it was easy to not go.

We usually buy all our clothes when we go home to the States in the summer and at Christmas time. However, I was pregnant last summer and already had a ton of maternity clothes and we didn't come home for Christmas.

All this to say, I haven't bought any clothes.

Weird.

However, all this changed yesterday.

I bought an orange dress. And it's lovely and fits my post 2 baby body. Praise the Lord.

That is all.

Rain

2011-05-15T14:18:00.006-05:00

The rain has finally come. WOOHOO!!
I'm pretty sure it's officially the rainy season.
As I write this, I'm realizing how funny that probably sounds - to be excited over rain?? Life is different here, though. It hasn't rained here since October. And since October, it has steadily gotten more hot, dry, and still. So when the rain comes, it's like the earth is letting out a huge sigh of relief. The dust is not so intense. Plants come back to life. It cools down significantly. Crazy flying ants come into your house. It's greatness, I tell you, greatness!
But rain can mean different things to different people. We live in a concrete house, with a good roof and drainage system. Many people in Nicaragua are not that blessed. The rainy season to them, must bring worry - will my house flood or my things be damaged.
So, as I am rejoicing in the rain, others are not. I wish that didn't have to be. That they could enjoy the change, rather than worry. How would I feel if I constantly feared what would happen at the next big rain?
Life is not fair. It just isn't.
It makes me hope that the people who live such hard lives here know the love of Jesus and will one day be in a place where there is no worry, no fear, but rejoicing and praise. What a day that will be.

Paint!

2011-05-13T13:33:00.004-05:00

My mom sent down some super fun finger paint for Beckett's birthday and the other day we broke it out!

I would not say that he is super interested in crafts quite yet, but we did have fun.
Or I should say, he's not interested in sitting for more than 2 minutes.

Enjoy the pics.

Grabbing of the Feet

2011-05-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

I absolutely LOVE when babies start to play and grab their feet!

I LOVE it.

I can not emphasis this enough.

Hatley also has a strange ability to make her arms disappear. She's gifted.

NCA boys basketball

2011-05-09T15:16:00.009-05:00

We've got basketball fever around our house! (Umm, did you see the Mavs game?)

Here are some pics of the champions of the Movistar Copa in Nicaragua (NCA, of course!)

We're super proud of the NCA eagles and there 17-0 record!

Matching outfits

2011-05-04T13:43:00.003-05:00

I have this crazy desire to dress my kids in matching outfits - everyday. Is anyone else like this? For example: Beckett is wearing a green shirt today and I got out Hatley's green onesie. I was totally disappointed when I spilt water on it, before I could put her in it.

It's like my life would be more complete if they were wearing coordinating clothing. Weird.

I don't actually ever do it.
1. Because Beckett is a boy and he gets in the dirt and water within .7 seconds of waking up. I would constantly be changing him to match Hatley.
2. David would think I'm a lunatic.

Sometimes, only sometimes, I want our whole family to match (or I'd take blending, as well). Again, David would not go for this!

This is so unlike me.

They didn't even match on Easter. So sad.

(they were cute though!)

My baby is 2

2011-05-03T13:48:00.008-05:00

My 1st baby that is.

Yesterday, we had the huge blessing of celebrating Beckett's 2nd birthday.

I've heard a 100 moms say things like, "I can't believe how big he's getting!" or "It was just yesterday that he was a newborn!" or "How did my baby grow up so fast?" It's mom-talk. And yet, it's so true with my baby boy. I CAN'T believe how big he is. It WAS just yesterday that he was a tiny newborn. How DID he grow so fast?

I can remember the day we had him. It was full of joy and fear. Joy with what the Lord had given us. Fear in knowing I am no way capable of raising this child right! He was so little, so fragile, so dependent. He stole our hearts that day.

Now, he is big (not so big, but bigger than he was!). He is rough and tough. He wants to do everything by himself. And he still has our hearts.

Oh, how I love him.

Eating a doughnut on his 2nd birthday!

Every birthday needs a trip to McDonald's, right?

Opening a gift from Grandma! Thanks Grandma!

Singing Happy Birthday.

Hanging out with Alicia!

We love you Beckett.

The story of Hatley

2011-04-28T16:26:00.009-05:00

I read a few other blogs and it's always interesting to me when they share their baby's birthstory.

Here is Hatley's.

In Nicaragua, you get a sonogram at every appointment. Which is great! So, from about 20 weeks on, I knew that Little Miss was breech. Our first delivery was a c-section and I was trying my hardest not to have another one. However, being breech does not lend itself to a natural delivery. At every appointment the Dr. would tell me to crawl around on my hands and feet como un gato (like a cat). I did this faithfully. Which is not so much fun, especially when you have another baby who thinks it would be fun to climb all over me while doing this. I would rub my belly in a circle, I would envision her turning, I would pray and pray, and I ate some crazy things to try to get her to move. No luck, she was stubborn.

So from week 20 to week 39 and 6 days, Hatley was breech. At my 40 week appointment, I came to the sad realization that she wasn't going to turn and so we scheduled the c-section. I was okay with it, because I knew there was nothing I could do. Breech babies are almost always delivered via c-section. My Dr. asked if I would want to have one more sonogram on the Friday before the c-section (on Saturday). I said no. David, however; thought it could be a good idea. So we scheduled that too.

On Friday, I went in expecting to hear that she was still breech and that we would move forward with the c-section. However, she moved! I remember thinking that it was a gift from God. That even if I did have to have a c-section, He answered my prayers for her to move! I went to another doctor on that day to have a more in-depth sonogram and everything looked good - excecpt that the cord was around her neck and around her shoulder. It wasn't a big concern, but something to keep an eye on.

So we waited. And again I prayed and prayed that I would go into labor. Oh, how I wanted to go into labor. I wanted to feel how it feels, I wanted the chance to try to give birth.

I went back to the doctor on the following Tuesday and got the supreme bad news that I needed to have a c-section. Ugh, I was beyond dissapointed. The reasons for the c-section were: I was "supposedly" a week and a half past due (not exactly sure about this), because the cord was around the neck and shoulder she could not descend low enough to begin the labor process, I was low on amniotic fluid and she was "supposedly" getting too big.

It's such a difficult thing when you hear this. Obviously, you want what is best for the baby. But there is also a huge desire to have the baby naturally. I struggled (really still do struggle) with thinking that I was less. That I couldn't do what God made for women to do. It's so dissapointing. However, when the doctor tell you this, it's close to impossible to say no. You want what is best for your baby, you want her to be safe.

So, after many tears, we decided to go ahead and have the c-section on the next day, Wednesday.

If you've never had a c-section, let me tell you, they are not my most favorite thing in life. I'm sure going thru 20 hours of labor is not awesome either though! :) Suregery is scary, at least to me. I don't like the anestesia, or the strapping down of your arms, or the cutting of my skin, or the blood. I do like the end result of a super cute baby though!

(c-section in process, hope that's not too graphic!)

After I was cut open, the doctor announced she was a girl! What a special moment! When you don't find out the sex prior, it's always a fun surprise! She ended up weighing 6 lbs, 10 oz (yeah, not big, I know!) She was wisked away to be cleaned up and I was taken to recovery. After what seemed like forever, we were finally reunited! She was a great nurser from the beginning (which I am SO thankful for).

(Hatley Michelle Russell)

Although there is a bit of sadness in the way she was born, there is immense joy in having her here. She is a gift from God.

I'm not 100% sure the c-section was needed. I don't know if I waited what would have happened. But I can't really think about those things and I usually don't. I do think about the fact that the Lord answered my prayers of turning her. That he blessed us with a healthy baby girl. That she was/is a great nurser. That even though I live in a undeveloped country, there are some amazing doctors here. I am so thankful for all those things! God is good.

(My sweet baby girl)

There will be no apologizing

2011-04-28T16:06:00.006-05:00

or so Chase tells me.

I know I haven't blogged, but I did have a baby. And if you have kept up with my blog, you will know that I have clearly stated that I am a terrible multi-tasker. Terrible.

Having 1 baby slowed down the blogging a bit. The addition of the 2nd baby, has drastically slowed down the blogging again!

Chase says, I don't need to apologize, but everything within me says to. I'm fighting that feeling...

So let me tell you what has happened since I've been gone.

We had a baby!

Her name is Hatley Michelle Russell (Russell, you know because she's a Nica and Nicaraguans have 2 last names). And we love her tons.

We've been asked many times about her name. So here it is: We heard the name Hatley a while back and have always loved it! What does it mean? It doesn't have a meaning! We just like the name! For the longest time we could not come up with a middle name. About 2 days prior to having her, we finalized Michelle.

We're those rare people that don't find out the sex of the baby prior to delivery. So, having a girl was a big surprise!

She's a sweet baby and we are so thankful that the Lord blessed us with her.

Breech

2010-12-31T11:34:00.002-06:00

Currently, Russell baby #2 is in the breech position. :( Sad, I know.

Our hopes are to be able to have a natural delivery and not a C-section. However, with having a prior C-section and with this baby being in the wrong position - it's not looking good.

So this is my plea that you would pray for this baby to turn. I would love to be able try to deliver naturally and the recovery from a C-section is a beating.

We know that the Lord is sovereign and He can do whatever He wants. So we trust whatever happens is good and in His plan.

That is all. :)

Christmas Time in Nicaland...

2010-12-29T15:20:00.008-06:00

So, this has been our first Christmas to be away from family. Ever. David and I have the blessing of our families living about 10 minutes from each other. So, for the past 7 years we have always been able to see both sides during Christmas and even on Christmas day.

This Christmas is our first not to see either side! It's been a little weird and lonely. We miss seeing all of our friends, going to the candle light service at our church, having an awesome Christmas Eve at the Rushing's, and enjoying Christmas day with our families. We also miss the cold - or at least a change in the temperature (we all know Dallas could be in the 40's or maybe 79 during Christmas). We miss being able to wear jeans and sweaters! We miss hot chocolate. There's just something about Christmas time in the States, with your family, that is so special.

With that being said, we have also enjoyed our time here. We've tried our best to start some fun Christmas traditions. We had delicious home-made cinnamon rolls (yeah, I'm tootin' my own horn)on Christmas day. We've also been able to make some delicious Christmas cookies! This year we have a tree and a fair amount of Christmas decorations! Our family was kind and sent down gifts at Thanksgiving, so we had fun presents to open too! It's also been wonderful to have David home all day (except for today - he's sliding down a volcano at the moment). It's wonderful to not get so wrapped up in the comercialism, busyness, and materialism that is so prevalent in the States. A side benefit is that the weather here is fairly nice - like I slept under a sheet AND a duvet last night!

Here are some pics of what we've been doing...

Beckett helping with the cinnamon rolls.

And here they are!

Opening presents!

My sweet boys! We went to a cute town about 2 hours north of Managua, where there are pine trees, and it's a little cold! Look, they're wearing pants!

Hanging out with my friend Alicia in her Daddy's car!

Boy or Girl

2010-12-13T13:30:00.005-06:00

So this is a test to see how many people are still reading our little blog!! :) It could just be 3 (Orell, Tracy, and my mom)!

David and I are notorious for being last minute. An example of this is, we currently have NO names picked out for our upcoming baby. Like, not a 1. It's terrible, I know. It's just the way we are. (I was never the girl that had my future children's names memorized in high school - just not me!) It doesn't bother us; however, I do think it bothers some of the relatives. :)

So in about a month or so, we'll be adding another Russellsprout to our family and I want to know...

BOY?

or

GIRL?

Let the voting begin!

Opps, Sorry!

2010-12-09T07:16:00.007-06:00

So, it's been a while. Sorry. I blame the pregnancy and the transition of Beckett taking 2 naps, to only 1 nap. Time during the 1 nap is valuable - it's time for me to cook or to spend time with the Lord or to write an email or to take a nap myself!! So blogging got pushed aside.

But, I'm back!

So what's been going on since I've been gone? Lots! Actually I can't think of what I wrote about last and when it was, so I'll just give you some of the highlights. In bullet form!

-Woodcreek, our home church, sent a group of ladies to work with House of Hope. This group of ladies was awesome, mature, fun, and super-servants. They were able to speak hope into the lives of many women that live or are associated with House of Hope.
When your home church comes to where you live, regardless if you know them all or not, it's like family visiting. So we felt honored and blessed that they were here.

2 sweet girls living at House of Hope

-At the end of October, Beckett and I made a short trip home to Dallas. We went because we won't be able to come home at Christmas time because our second baby is due in January and we went to go see our friends, the Lilley's, new baby! Exciting and fun times were had by all!
Beckett went to a pumpkin patch, fed some crazy goats, went to our church's fall festival and was extremely spoiled by all 4 grandparents!
I ate some delicious food, spent time with my mom, searched and found all Beckett's old clothes, and went to Target and Walmart numerous times! Fun times for me too! Plus I got to hang out with sweet baby Evie Claire Lilley!

-In November, a lot of the Russells came for Thanksgiving. This time it really was family coming to visit. We went to Laguna de Apoyo ( a gorgeous lake set in a crater of a volcano) and just hung out and visited. Again, fun, fun!

Ok, so that was just a brief wrap up of our life while I was away - not blogging!

Baby Lilley!

2010-10-14T11:57:00.002-05:00

I don't really know all the details, but ALL the Nica Russells are so excited to have Baby Lilley in our world!

Way to go Jon and Sami!

Can't wait to mee her!

Woodcreek Women!

2010-10-13T15:26:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, a group of ultra cool women from our church is coming here! Woohoo!

They will be working with House of Hope - a ministry that help women and kids ( you read that right) in prostitution or sex trafficking. They have been diligently praying for the women they will be working with and I am really excited to see how the Lord works in this trip!

I've stated this over and over -but it means the world to us that our home church comes to Nicaragua. When we first moved here, we knew there was so much need in this country. We are so thankful that our church in the states would come here and serve in a variety of ways (at House of Hope, at One by One ministries, thru Living Water). We know that there are million places in the world that have many, many needs. We are beyond blessed that Woodcreek Church would come to where we are! It makes our hearts happy!

7 years

2010-10-05T11:41:00.010-05:00

(on our honeymoon, 2003)

Around this time 7 years ago, I was receiving a call from my soon-to-be-husband. I was busy getting my hair done, applying the 5th layer of mascara, and chatting with my closest girl friends. He was calling to tell me that he felt sick. Not just a cold sick, but I'm about to throw-up sick. And when David throws-up it is bad. Real bad.

(Christmas, 2004)

I remember thinking, I hope I see him at the end of the aisle.

(Crested Butte, 2005)

But really I had no doubts. I knew that he loved me. I knew that he already made his mind up about me - that he was going to stick with me forever. I knew he would be there.

(Jeremy and Michelle's wedding, 2006)

I'm so thankful he was there. The best decesion of my life was to marry him.

(Puerto Rico, 2007, one of the top 2 favorite vacations ever!)

I've heard of the saying "The Seven Year Itch" - meaning that around 7 years of marriage you start to get bored and want out. Praise the Lord that is not us! That's not to say we haven't had our really hard times. But I am thankful that God has protected our marriage, kept us united, and increased our love.

(1st semester in Nicaragua, 2008)

It's been 7 years since we vowed before the Lord to stay together. It feels like so much more (in a good way). We have done so much. We've started with only a couch and a bed and slowly we have built our lives together. Now we live in Nicaragua with 1 awesome baby and another one coming!

(1st week with Beckett!, 2009)

Seriously, praise be to the Lord for the blessing of David!

(Summer, 2010)

17 months

2010-10-02T12:02:00.004-05:00

Today my love is 17 months old! He is growing and changing so much it's kind of hard to believe! He is our joy and a blessing from the Lord. We thank God every night for him and pray for him to grow to be a passionate man for Jesus.

Here's what he's got going on!

-He can say - hot (ha), no, 2, hi, bye, Dada, Chase (Cha), cheese (don't you just love him?), Joanna (Jo), please (peez) and probably some others I'm not thinking of. When asked to say 'Mama', he responds with 'Dada'. Not sure what that means!

-He can speed walk that almost is a run.

-He can climb onto the couch and just yesterday he climbed onto the kitchen chair.

-He does a super fun spin move.

-He will give hugs and kisses!

-He says hi to anyone and everyone, especially people in the grocery store.

-He loves the dirt, mud, rocks, leaves. Anything that has to do with being outside and getting dirty

-Lucky for me he also LOVES bath time!

-He is fairly obedient (he can bring you items or put the away)! :)

-He loves to put things in random spots. I have a bathroom drawer that is full of toys, shoes, necklaces and on and on.

-He greatly enjoys putting on other peoples shoes and attempting to walk around.

-He has 12 teeth.

-He loves to play hiding games or run and get you!

I'm sure there is a ton I am missing. You'll just have to come here and see for yourself!

(working on his car)

(looking at the cows. yes, we have cows in our little apartment complex!)

Jo's the Bomb.com

2010-09-28T11:46:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I said it and it's true.

We got to watch Joanna play volleyball yesterday and it was so fun!

A couple things.

1. She's pretty awesome.
2. She starts.
3. She's can spike it.
4. She's got an awesome overhand serve.

Here are some pics - courtesy of Paul, because I was busy holding/chasing a toddler!

About to get an ace! Seriously, I would say, she's one of the best servers on the team.

The 'ready position'. Ignore that guy in the foreground of the picture.

Her fans (minus Paul)! Chase and Julie apparently were really into the game! I apparently was excited about the icecream we found!

Beckett exploring!

Way to go Joanna!

Domestic Me

2010-09-22T16:18:00.005-05:00

Prior to living in Nicaragua, I cooked approximately 4 times in my life. Well, not really, but I didn't cook all that often. David and I would cook together or he would cook.
I know, I married well.
AND, get this? He did ALL the grocery shopping. He even cut coupons. I know, I know - you're jealous and wish you had such a great husband. Sorry, he's taken.
Anyways, since living in Nicaragua, I am growing and learning in my culinary skills. For many reasons. 1. I am now at home all day and he is working all day. Only makes sense for me to cook and go to the store. 2. The grocery stores here are great, but they don't have tons of pre-made foods. For examples: no cut&slice cookies, no frozen pie crusts, no meals in a bag.
So all this to say, I am becoming more domestic! Who knew I had it in me???
This is what I did yesterday.

It started like this - all sticky and gooey and full of this magical stuff, yeast.

Grew to be like this. Yeast, I tell you, amazing stuff!

And then this

And then turned to bread. Which we promptly ate!

And then later on, I made lasagna! My sister-in-law Erin, makes the best lasagna. Ever. It wasn't Erin's lasagna, but I think it was pretty good!

So yeah, I am slowly, but surely becoming more domestic!

And, I hate to admit it, but I kind of like it!

On a completely different note, we liked to send a birthday shout out to this guy! We love you Hudson! Happy 1st birthday!

Gig 'em!

2010-09-19T11:28:00.003-05:00

He bleeds maroon.

Waiting for Dad, looking out our window.

Independence Day

2010-09-17T10:25:00.010-05:00

I love Nicaraguan Independence Day for several reasons.

1. We (meaning David, but me too) get 3 1/2 days off school, resulting in a 5 day weekend. Ahhhh, glorious, I tell you!

2. I always learn something about Nicaragua that I didn't previously know.

3. Nicaraguan dances are tons of fun to watch! Especially if your cute husband is involved.

So every year NCA puts on a huge Independence Day Celebration. The day begins with the 4th-6th graders reenacting some sort of scene from Nicarguan history. Horses are brought it, machetes are out, and guns are fired. Such fun

While this is happening, the 7th-12th graders are frantically putting together their tent. The theme for this year, was Nicaraguan art. So each grade has a tent that they must decorate somehow revolving around Nicaraguan art. For example, the Seniors decorated their tent to look like a common market here. They had hammocks, paintings, jewelry - everything that you could find in a market. They also must do a short presentation to the other grades, administrators, and teachers. The class with the most impressive tent and presentation wins a pizza party!

And then after this, comes the DANCING!! Oh, it's so fun (and hot!)! Every class gets a chance to shake their hips! It's pure greatness! Apparently though, you must be born Nicaraguan to really dance well here. Just saying!

And last but not least is the feast! No Independence Day would be complete without carne asada, gallo pinto, tostadas, and queso! So good!

I love this time of year!

The soccer field full of tents.

The Senior class.

Beckett was there to offer moral support and climb through the palm branches.

9th grade's theme was all about Nicaraguan money.

The chapel/cafeteria/all purpose area decorated for the special day!

World's cutest little girl, Lola.

High school girls dance. On the left, in red, is our pediatrician's daughter. We love them!

These are my 1st graders, who are now 3rd graders. Weird how that happens!

Check out these dresses!

Here's my cute husband. Yeah, he's got a machete in his hands - don't mess with him!

And the finale!

I'm at the akward stage of pregnacy - just looking sort of plump and thick. I know it's obnoxious to say, but I just have to. Pregnancy is weird - you can't really control how you look. That is all, done with my rant.

So there you have it. Nicaraguan Indpendence Day 2010.

Our Newest Russell

2010-09-09T10:35:00.004-05:00

Here she/he is!

That's the head. If you look hard you can see the eye sockets, nasal cavity, mouth, and chin!

And here's her/his arm. I know it's just a arm, but I think it's a super cute arm!

Yes, we officially decided we aren't going to find out. Sorry, you'll just have to wait, like the rest of us!

Ohhhhhh, how we love surprises!

What do you think? Will Beckett have a brother or a sister?

Power - My Friend and Foe

2010-09-08T16:27:00.005-05:00

When the power is on, life is awesome. I mean awesome. We have fans galore, light everywhere, Beckett can start off his nap with a little bit of A/C. It's glorious. When the power is on - it's my best friend.

However, when the power is cut off, we are not friends. We are enemies. I hate the power - or lack of. It's incredibly still, you can't see a darn thing, and my sweet baby is hot in his crib.

I know I being dramatic. And it's not really that bad. It doesn't go off too much and usually not for a long time.

Last night it went off for 4 hours. 4. Hours. From 5PM to 9PM. Right smack in the middle of cooking dinner, putting Beckett to sleep, cleaning up. Last night me and the power were mortal foes.

I took a shower by candlelight. It looked like this.

This was our room. Good pictures, huh?

And this me, so sad that it was hot and sticky and dark. (with a flash, of course)

This ends my rant. I am done with the drama. I will choose to be thankful for the times we do have power, which is most of the time! :)

Junior/Senior Retreat Time

2010-09-06T10:59:00.008-05:00

Joanna (David and Chase's youngest sister) is living with us this semester. -- Not sure if I told the wide web this important piece of information.-- She is studying this semester at NCA as a junior.

I'm real impressed that she would leave the comforts of American life - air conditioning, mom's cooking, good friends- to live in Nicaragua for 1/2 a year. Especially as a 16 year old. She's having to adjust to living with a baby, people speaking Spanish all day, having limited privacy, etc. So yeah, I'm impressed with her.

But that's not what this post is about.

Every year at the beginning of school, the junior and seniors go on a Spiritual Leadership Retreat. They leave on a Wednesday afternoon and return Friday afternoon. So it is in the middle of the school week - meaning they get to skip their classes. I think it's great that NCA puts such a high emphasis on building leadership skills and maturing in faith. So much so, that they are willing to have their student miss classes.

This year, because Joanna is a junior she got to go as well! She said it was good!And everyone knows that when you go on retreats, hiking trips, mission trips that you bond with people and get to truly know them. So I'm thankful she had this time!

Here are some pics of her time there.

Jo in the pool!

Every good retreat has to involve some sort of nasty dare. This one was blending up a McDonald's happy meal.

The victims of the dare.

Soccer must be played - we're in Nicaragua for crying out loud

Worship time. We have some really talented students here that can lead their fellow students in worshipping the Lord.

Just a cool shot of Danni spending time in the Word.

A Day in the Life of a 16 month old

2010-09-02T10:18:00.018-05:00

Beckett is 16 months old today. In honor of this big occasion, he thought he would share with you what an average day looks like for his 16 month old self

Today I woke up around 5:30ish, but Mom didn't get my out of bed until 6:00. So I just sang a song, looked at some books, and banged on my crib. I knew she would get me out after that!

We ate some breakfast, which consisted of oatmeal with apples and a little bit of a bagel. Some days, I'm an awesome eater and some days I much rather play than be bothered with putting a spoon in my mouth.

Because I am getting ANOTHER new tooth, I was a bit cranky. Do you remember getting teeth?? It's no fun. NO. FUN.

I then played with ALL my toys. I mean ALL. (I do realize that my pajamas don't match. My Daddy dressed me last night and he doesn't really care all that much!) My new favorite thing to do is dump all the toys out and then sit in my box. It's a blast!

Around 9:30, Mom put me down for a nap. I intensely protested for about 2.5 minutes and then promptly went to sleep. (I showed her!!) I was exhausted because I woke up so darn early!

After my 2 hour nap, Mom and I went to Subway to get Dad lunch and then we ate with him. I said, "Dada" all the way there and back! I L.O.V.E. my dad. I talk about him all the time!

After we ate lunch, we came back home and I wanted to play outside, so I let my mom know by pointing to the door and signing please. But mom said no, because it was raining. It's been raining a ton here lately, which is a bummer for me. I decided to sit on the couch and play some more!

I can be real focused on a toy sometimes.

After that, I was exhausted, so my mom made me take another nap. I keep fooling her though - somedays I need 2 naps and somedays I need only 1! She never knows which is which! Today, this is what I did instead of napping!

I was showing her the horse, my fav animal these days!

After waking up, I was ready to go! And this is my favorite part of the day! All my friends are outside and I just "run" and "run". I like to push toys, splash in water, eat random leaves, and sometimes go look at the horse! I live such a great life!

The end of my day is so fun too! My Daddy comes home and we eat dinner, play some, and then I take a bath. Time with Dad is the best!

He likes to get me way hyped up before I go to bed! He's fun that way! (Again, with the non-matching pajamas??? Come on, Dad!)

And then it's off to bed!

So, that's my day as a 16 month old boy!

Pictures

2010-09-01T11:58:00.006-05:00

I know, the header looks horrible! Still working on it! But here are some pictures while you wait! :)

I asked Beckett, "Where's your tongue?" This is what he did.

A mama and her boy. (I had just been walking - at 5:30 in the morning, mind you - so I don't look my best.) He's so cute!

We are way into putting on other people's shoes. And by we, I mean Beckett.

Look at those cute legs!

Workin'

2010-08-30T22:08:00.002-05:00

I know! The blog doesn't look too hot right now! I'm trying! Designing a blog is not my strong point. Especially while trying to do that in the short time Beckett takes a nap - as well as clean up, shower, finish a Bible study, eat, etc.
It will be back to normal soon! Be patient with me!

Ok, I'll blog.

2010-08-22T12:31:00.001-05:00

It's a been a while, I know. I didn't blog while we were in the states and I've had a lack of motivation while being back in Nicalandia. But things have changed my friends and I'm ready to get back to it!

So here is 1/2 of the low down of what all we did while in the States. I can't post it all because it would take forever and I must pick up our house and shower. You know, important things.

1. My mom got married! In Las Vegas! If you know my mom, you probably think that is hilarious.
It was a really special, intimate wedding and I'm so glad David and I could be there!

And no, Elvis was not there.

2. We hung out with David's fam over 4th of July in Austin. It was tons of fun! We also got the blessing of seeing the New York Russells and of course, cute baby Hudson.

We also played some water volleyball. I won't lie - when I played, my team won. I love winning, especially when you're playing against trash talkers. It's the best.

(stole these pictures from Julie's facebook!!)

3. Beckett and Hudson became friends!

4. Had a baby shower for our sweet friend Sami. I love that my friends are having babies! It's the best!

This is all the Russell girls (minus Joanna)!

And this is all the girls that are pregnant - in order from least pregnant to a 1 month old.

So that's 1/2 of our time in the states. More to come soon! Get excited and yes, I'll put up pictures of Beckett soon! :)

They're coming!

2010-06-13T17:27:00.003-05:00

Today is the day!!

Our friends from our church are coming today!! We can hardly wait!

Here they are at the airport! Aren't they cute?!?

I stole this picture from their website.

http://woodcreekchurch.com/twenties/nicaragua-10/

Follow them to see what they're up to!

I'm kind of sick of the title....

2010-06-11T11:34:00.003-05:00

.... but not of the idea.

I have been a terrible, TERRIBLE blogger as of late. I'm blaming it on pregnancy. It makes you so blasted tired. All the time. So when I have a free moment, aka Beckett is sleeping, I'm usually taking a nap too!

So when I look back at my blog, I see Thankful Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Thankful Thursday. That means I haven't been blogging very much! So I'm a bit sick of the title, but not the idea.

So this is a Thankful Thursday blog, without that name. There you go!

We are so, so, so thankful for this guy! He makes us beyong happy, joyful, blessed. It is an amazing thing to think that the Lord loves me (and you) like I love Beckett. And even more so. It's hard to imagine. What a great God, He is.

Ah, a sleeping baby. Nothing cuter, right?

I'm also thankful for this. It just makes me happy.

We, David and I, are also thankful for summer break. He just finished grading his last exam! Don't get me wrong, we love teaching here at NCA! But it's great to have a break, to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate!

We're also SO excited that our church is about to be here! OH, how we love them! Not for one second, do we take for granted the blessing of them coming. We know that they are sacrificing money, time, good U.S. food, and much more to be here. We are so thankful they would come serve here in Nicaragua!

13 months and BIG NEWS!

2010-06-02T15:01:00.005-05:00

Our sweet baby is 13 months today!

As he is getting older and older, he's getting sweeter and also naughtier at the same time. Crazy, how that works!

Here's what he's up to these days:

-Around 21 lbs. Definitely not a heavy weight, but I think he's doing good!

-He's way into boxes. Taking things out of them, putting them back in, opening the lid, closing the lid. It could go on and on!

-He can now do the "more" hand sign (basically clapping hands). It's cute because he does it for everything. If I say, please - he claps his hands

-Loves to go visit the horses and goats. He'll give the goat some leaves, but only if he's in a sharing mood!

-He's getting a bit more cuddlier. Occasionally, he'll walk over to me or David and lay his head on our leg. If you're really lucky, he'll stay there for longer than 1.6 seconds. He's obviously our son - we're not big cuddlers either!

-Still loving walking everywhere! If I let him, he would climb everywhere too!

-Babbling more and more these days. Still no words, besides mamamama and dadadada. I think he's too busy walking everywhere to think about talking!

-Knows where our ears and noses are (on a good day!)

-Can throw some might fine fits too!

-Like always, being so ridiculously cute, it hurts.

Are you stil reading?

Are you ready for our BIG NEWS?

We're going to have another baby!! WOOHOO!!! :) Due sometime around mid January!

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-27T21:47:00.009-05:00

Sorry for the blogging break. There are some excuses, but I'm sure you don't want to hear them, so I'll spare you!

So we are back to another Thursday and as I sit here and type, I am reminded that I have much to be thankful for.

I don't remember what number I'm on, so let's just say 13.

13. Fans and lights. Recently the power has been going off a lot more frequently than it ever has before. For example, it went off about 5 times yesterday. The longest period from 9AM to 1PM. When the fans are off, it's just still. And the hardest part about it, is that Beckett has a really hard time sleeping without some air moving. However, because it has been going off so frequently, it makes me thankful for the times that it IS on. This might sound silly, but I am not guaranteed to have fans or lights. The Lord never promised me this. We know many people here that either don't have power consistently or not at all. It's a blessing to have. And I am thankful.

14. Mike. Right now David is picking Mike up from the airport! So thankful that he would take the time, spend the money, and go through 3 different countries to see us. I know David is so excited he's here!

This is the only picture I could find of the two of them. They clearly are NOT playing poker, because that would be bad.

15. The beauty of this country. I L.O.V.E. the mountains. Love them. I feel like I see God's grandness and majesty in the mountains. Again, this probably sounds weird, but when I thought of God's beauty, His creation - I only thought about the mountains. But after living here for about 2 years, my eyes are being open to tons of different types of beautiful creation. And I see the Lord in all of it.

16. Ultimate Frisbee. Every Sunday, about 20 or so people come and play ultimate frisbee for 2 hours in the afternoon. I won't lie, I'm not awesome, but I'm not terrible either (or so I think). Regardless, I think it's so fun! I'm thankful that I get to play and also for Julie and Chase, that are willing to watch Beckett while both David and I are there!

Isn't that a cool picture?!?

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-13T07:24:00.003-05:00

13. How God won't let me just be. That may sound funny, so let me explain. I am a person who doesn't love change - like a lot of people probably. For example, I find something I like at a restaurant and then will ALWAYS order it. Never changing. Really, I don't ever get something else. I like the familiar. I like knowing that it will be good. It's a bit ridiculous, but that is the way I am. So, I tend to be the same way spiritually. I like where I'm at. I think (not really, but it's how I live) that I'm doing OK. No need for drastic measures or changes. But I've come to learn and see that God does not think the same way about me. He desires for me to grow, to mature, to change. And because I won't put myself in a spot to change, He does it for me. I feel like He is constantly placing me in situations to change and become more like Christ. Examples? I hate leading. Well I don't hate it, but I don't feel the need to lead; I'm a good follower. Numerous times, I somehow I get roped into leadership. At my school back home, I was on the leadership team, here I'm on the Women's Council for our church. I feel, no I know, that I need to learn assertiveness, how to lead, and boldness. Which I hate, but am thankful that the Lord won't let me just be. Hopefully, I'll learn these things soon!

14. Cool breezes. I get up early with Beckett, like 5:40. Even though it's dang early, there's something nice about being up then. One of the things that I love is that it's cooler in the mornings. I love standing in our kitchen between 2 open windows and feeling the brisk morning air. It's lovely! I really do feel that it's one of God's gifts to Nicaragua.

[Side note: This morning was not the same. Our little man woke up so cranky. So currently he's back in his bed, screaming (but he needs sleep). So I'm enjoying the breeze upstairs, listening to him struggle. I hope he sleeps soon!! :(]

15. Skype. How great is Skype? If you don't have it, you should get it. I love that I can talk to my mom, that Beckett can see his grandparents. What did missionaries do before skype? It's the best invention in the world. EVER.

16. Sweet moments with my baby. The moments where he's picking up David's basketball and smiling this huge smile. The moments where he let me hug him and he lays his head on my shoulder. The moments when he's pulling leaves off of bushes and trying to sneakily eat them. The moments when he sees David at the end of the day and reaches out for him. Oh, he's so sweet and I'm so thankful for my time with him.

P.S. I think he FINALLY fell back asleep. Praise the Lord!

Some things.

2010-05-11T16:08:00.006-05:00

I'm just going to give you a list of things. Too tired (the power/fans have been off for the past 6 hours) to write a real post.

-We went to Montelimar this weekend for the women's retreat. It was lovely. The speaker was great, the beach was gorgeous, and the pool was so refreshing!

(the pool of Montelimar - it's big and has a fun little food area in the middle!)

-This was also the 1st time I've been away from Beckett for more than a day. I think we both did pretty good. Although, I did miss him something fierce!

-While I was there I went cold turkey and just decided to stop nursing. Pretty sure, you don't care, but I just thought I'd let you know! I won't lie, I'm pretty proud of myself for making it to a year! Those first few months, I thought there was NO way!

-Our friend Mike is coming to visit us on May 27th! He is one of David's very best friends and I'm so excited they get to hang out and just talk. They're good for each other (that sounds weird, but they are). We're way excited he's coming!

-I have started to "run". Be proud of me (apparently,I'm pretty proud of myself recently!)! Don't worry that the running is actually jogging and really the jogging is so slow, I could walk faster. Baby steps, you know?!?

Ok that is all.

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-06T10:28:00.004-05:00

9. Chase and Julie I'm sure you know that we live with David's brother and his wife. They moved down here in November of '09. Obviously, living with someone (who's not your spouse) can have difficulties and hardship. There is an adjustment time and transition. They (unlike David) don't love me with an unconditional, passionate love. And vice versa. They also didn't commit a vow to me to stick with me, to love me, to forgive me - like David and I did on our wedding day. And vice versa. I write all this just to say that there can be hard times and annoyances. BUT all of us have really commited to this. Our desire is to live in unity, to love each other, to serve each other, to forgive each other. I'm thankful for them for many reasons.
-they are another example of people living for Jesus
-they are willing to watch Beckett while David and I go on a date or play ultimate frisbee
-they are silly
-they are different from us and it's good to see how marriages can look different, but still be honoring to the Lord
-Julie makes some darn good cookies, cakes, brownies, etc!

10. This weekend. This weekend our church is having a Women's Retreat at Montelimar. Ohhhh, I'm so excited! Montelimar is an awesome resort place on the Pacific. It has some yummy food, air conditioning, TV, and beautiful sights. I'm also a bit excited that I can sleep in!! You see, David will be staying home with Beckett. Although it will be weird to be without them, I am consoling myself with the idea of sleeping in past 5:30!! Oh, life is good! I'm also excited to hear what our speaker has to say and look forward to worship, the Word, and fellowship!

11. Friends back home. I have some good ones. I have some ones that don't let me be bratty, and tell me the Truth. So thankful for them and how they point me to Jesus. I would be a selfish, selfish, selfish girl without them. Thank you Lord for them.

12. I'm just going to say it, Diet Coke. Have I said it before? That would be bad, because then it might show that I'm a bit of a fanatic for the DC. I'm just glad it's here. It makes me happy. One day, I should stop drinking it. One day.

Almost Done...

2010-05-04T07:49:00.003-05:00

...with the posts about Beckett's birthday!

So on Sunday, was Beckett's official 1 year birthday. He's 1!

I no longer have a newborn baby. I now have a big baby that is verging on toddlerness (well probably not really).

(waking up on May 2nd)

Here's what he's up to these days:

-He is a walking fool! That's all he wants to do. When we went to the pool the other day, he fussed and and fussed because he wanted to be out walking around. I had to put my foot down on this one and make him stay in the water. I mean come on! Who doesn't love being in a pool?!
-He can stand up on his own, without having to pull up on something.
-He can wave "hola" or "adios".
-He is still jabbering away.
-He can eat more solid foods and the same foods that we are eating. He loves cheese (like every good Russell), bananas, toast, beans (like every good Nica), and chicken. Still not so keen on the veggies.
-He is understanding more and more.
-He still does this super cute scrunching of the nose.
-He loves people and kids!
-He wants to be outside 100% of the time.
-He has a great love for brooms, dust pans, and mops.
-One of his favorite times of the day is playing with David. They'll chase each other, laugh, and just be silly!
-He also loves mouths and wants to put his fingers in them.

He's the best and we love him tons!

A Basketball Birthday Party!

2010-05-01T15:46:00.014-05:00

Yesterday we had Beckett's 1st Birthday Party! It was loads of fun!

When thinking about what to do for a 1 year olds birthday, I was having a bit of a hard time coming up with great ideas. I mean, he's 1! It's not like he can tell me what kind of party he wants! So after much thought and deliberation, we decided on a basketball theme. We went with this for a couple reasons.
1. He LOVES his basketball toy Paul gave him!
2. He has a super cute basketball jersey his Lolli gave him!
3. I thought I could make a super simple basketball cake! (This one was the clencher!)

So basketball it was! We were going to have a cute little concession stand that had hot dogs, watermelon, chips, and coke. The silly rains though, ruined my plan!

We passed out invitations about a week ago to all the neighborhood kids and a few friends that live around town.

On Friday, we got everything ready! Bought the hotdogs, baked the cakes, watched the cakes fall apart, baked cupcakes instead, cut up the watermelon, decorated the house, and then watched the rain fall and fall.

Plans changed - the party was moved inside. Yep, we had about 15 kids and 20 adults all cramed in our house. Chaos is an understatement. But it was still fun!

We ate first and I will say that David makes one mean hot dog!

(kids eating hotdogs!)

(Beckett with Nora)

Then we moved on to cupcakes!! :) We sang to Beckett. He was a bit overwhelmed and cried a bit, but promptly got over it when he tasted the deliciousness of icing and cake!

(David shielding Beckett from the flame.)

(This is where he got a bit sad! :( He made such a sad face)

(This is where he got over being sad and shoved the whole cupcake in his mouth!)

Last but not least, the pinata!! No Nicaraguan party is complete without a pinata!

The kids hit it and hit it, but that thing would not bust. So Joel (another NCA teacher) decided to do the task himself. I won't mention how he broke the broom sending it flying over the kids heads. But alas he got it open!

The party was a blast! We are so thankful to be celebrating him this special day!

Oh, how the time flies!

2010-04-30T16:29:00.006-05:00

In about an hour, we are having Beckett's 1 year old birthday (if the rains stay away!) I can hardly believe he is one!

He's gone from this:

To this!

(that's not me walking with him, just fyi!)
(and can I just say, how cute his shoes are!)

Crazy stuff!

Oh, how we love him!

(Even though, he's screaming his head off with David right now!)

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-29T14:06:00.003-05:00

My list continues...

5. The rain. The past 3-4 weeks have been oh so hot. Like, burn-your-face-off hot. Like, sweating-in-your-bed-at-2-am hot. Like, I'm-pretty-sure-we-live-on-the-surface-of-the-sun hot. You get my point? And on top of all that, it's humid as all get out. Ugh, a gross combination. However this week it rained!! Praise the Lord! I'm not letting myself believe it's the rainy season quite yet. But the change in temperature is awesome! So yeah, I'm SOOOO thankful for the rain!
(I realize I am being a bit dramatic!)

6. Sermons online. I do a weekly Bible study with some girls that live in our apartment complex. Recently we have been listening to a sermon series by a pastor in Amarillo. How cool is it that I can be in Nicaragua and yet hear truth from a man in Amarillo, Texas?

7. Friends here. For a while, I didn't want to make friends here. Sounds crazy, huh? But I'm weird like that. I was thinking that I have great (and by great I mean the best ever) friends in Dallas. And I just didn't want to have to make the effort to meet people and pursue them and have to be vulnerable around them. I kind of hate that. So, I didn't. However, David knows me better than that, and didn't let me just hole up in our house and not make any friends. So slowly we have begun to make some really good friends. I am so thankful for that. I'm also thankful for my husband who pushed/pushes me.

8. Survivor on Thursday nights. We don't have a TV (I can be a TVaholic), but I do love the show Survivor. For a while we were watching Survivor online, which was good, but not the best. Now, though, we get to watch it every Thursday night at the Dalke's (our next door neighbors)! It's greatness. We, the other Russells, the Dalke's, and the Normans all watch. At the beginning of the season, we choose who will be the ultimate winner ( I choose Colby, by the way. How could I not coose a good ole boy from Texas? And he's still in it!) It's so fun and I look forward to Thursday nights every week!

I have much to be thankful for!!!

The cutting of the hairs

2010-04-24T21:23:00.007-05:00

Before:

(Not quite sure what sort of smile I'm doing here! Maybe it's more of a I-hate-my-thin-yucky-hair-smile)

After:

So, I got my haircut. I won't lie, I like it! I have a thing for chopping my hair off. I just like to do it. Not that I'm SO drastic in my hairstyles! But there's something super fun about having yucky lifeless hair (the before) and then getting a fun short style (the after!)

Sen10r Presentations

2010-04-23T20:04:00.005-05:00

The 2009-2010 school year is fast coming to an end. The closer we get to the end of the year, the more there seems to be to do. There is tests to give, final exams to make, college recommendation to write - the list could go on and on.

One of the things that NCA does at the end of every year is Senior Presentations. This year there are 18 seniors at NCA. At Senior Presentations, each senior gives a 5 minute talk about their life and future plans. It's fasinating! They all come from such different places - Korea, Canada, Bolivia, the States, Costa Rica, and of course Nicaragua! And they are all going to different colleges - Dordt College in Iowa, Loyola in New Orleans, Ave Maria in Managua and many more.

The graduating class of 2010!

This is Hwa Mak and Marcelo. Hwa Mak is a missionary kid from Korea. He's been at NCA all his life - 14 years. He is one of those kids that always, ALWAYS smiles. Hwa Mak is going to go to college in China. One of the reasons he said he is going there is because he wants to learn Mandarian. Apparently, Korean, English, and Spanish is not enough. Marcelo is going to college at Dordt to study business. His desire is to return to Nicaragua and be an ethical businessman. I was impressed by his desire to serve his country.

This is Xavier (not a senior), Daniella, Paola, and Kathy. Daniella is the grandaughter of one of the former Presidents of Nicaraguan. She will be going to school in Massachusetts studying English and journalism. Paola is the valedictorian and she's also awesome! She thought about going to Texas A&M for a while and that makes her even more awesome! However she's going to Calvin College in Michigan. Her desire is to learn more about ministry and someday be a missionary herself. I know she will do greats things! Kathy is also a super cool girl! She translated last year for the Woodcreek 20's group. She's going to Ave Maria, here in Nicaragua. After college her hope is to stay in Nicaragua and impact her country by her faith and ethics.

This is the Henzler family. Sue is a senior this year and will be going to Bible college in Greece! How cool is that?!!? This is such a neat family that has 2 really cool kids!

Ok, that is all! Hope this was a tad bit interesting to you!

Thankful Thursdays

2010-04-21T15:31:00.001-05:00

I feel like I've seen this on other people's blog so I've decided to copy them.

Yep, that's what I do - I'm a copier. Every once in a while I have my own creative idea, but typically I've stole it from someone else. When those rare moments happen and I've done something completely original, David ususally says, "Did you just think of that? Good job Babe!"

No idea why I'm telling you this.

So, Thankful Thursdays it is! I feel like, no I know, that when you are thankful, you can't be complainy or bratty or grumpy. And I have much to be thankful for.

Here's the beginning of my list...

1. A fantastic community that we live in. When we first moved here, we were both working all the live long day! Seriously, that's all we did. So we knew the teachers, but not much of anyone else. Being home this year means that I'm home all day (if that wasn't clear) and I've been able to meet all our fun neighbors. They are great. Seriously they are all wonderful. And I know the Lord has blessed us because of them.

2. American food here. That may sound silly, but it's true. David and I were just laughing about how we brought down (by we, I mean he) all these different condiments - bbq sauce, mustard, spicy red sauce. We thought we would be eating rice and beans and corn tortillas for every meal. When we finally got here and walked into a grocery store, we were in awe. They don't have everything or quite the variety, but they do have enough!

3. Beckett He makes me so happy! We love him, love him. He brings us tons of joy!

4. Axion What is that you ask? Well, it's dish soap, of course. Silly you! I just really like the smell of it.

That's my list for this Thursday.

Stay tuned for more editions of Thankful Thursdays!

That was so cheesy, I could hardly type it.

Now walk it out

2010-04-19T19:42:00.002-05:00

That's what our Little Man is doing these days!

I won't lie, I'm impressed!

NCA festival

2010-04-15T11:38:00.008-05:00

Ok, I know you have been waiting and waiting. So here it is, the long overdue blog about NCA's festival. Can you hardly contain yourself???

In March, NCA had their annual festival (well, there wasn't one last year, but up til then it was annual.). It's kind of like a carnival in the states. My elementary school would have one every year at least. I remember thinking it was way cool. I digress.

The festival is cool for a couple reasons. 1. It's a great way to have the community surrounding the school come out. 2. This year all the funds raised went to support efforts in Haiti. 3. What's not cool about climbing walls and huge bounce houses??

Sweet Julie getting her face painted. Julie was one of my students last year and she is beyond sweet! I love her tons!

There was definitely some Ultimate Frisbee being played.

No festival is complete without a climbing wall!

Nica-style dunk tank! You know, whatever works! :)

David spent some time in jail! (Thanks to his dad and brother!)

Each teacher was in charge of an activity. David's was the pour-ice water-on-someone's-head game. Here is Zavala warming up Vidal after he was the victim of a bucket full of ice water! (I think this is way cute! Not sure if they would agree though!)

I was in charge of organizing people who wanted to sell their crafts. One lady made these really cool pictures of Nicaraguan women.

There you go!! Now you know about NCA's festival and you can rest easy! :)

Basically for the Grandparents

2010-04-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

Recently I have been a little video camera happy. Which is strange for me. I'm usually the person, that forgets her camera or possibly I'm the one that takes NO pictures on a trip to China. So what I'm saying is - I'm not a camera person.

However, I have had a change of heart, and I'm trying to take more pictures and videos!

And what do I take videos and pictures of? Well that would be the sweet little guy I get to spend my days with!

He's become a mover and a shaker these past days! Which has been fun to tape!

His newest trick is....

[Please ignore the fact that our bed is unmade and that fact that I said "Fancypants". Who says that???]

I do realize that this video is probably not all the cool for 99.8% of you out there, but this is for the other .2%! Namely - Linda, Tracy and Orell! :)

Hope you enjoy!

Easter in Nicaragua

2010-04-06T11:58:00.005-05:00

Holidays are always kind of hard here. There is not all the commercialism that you have in the states. Which don't get me wrong, is great! There are no Easter bunnies everywhere or eggs or chocolate bunnies. However, because there is a lack of all that, holidays seem to sneak up on you. All of a sudden it's Palm Sunday and I didn't even realize it!

If I'm honest with myself, I do miss some of the hype of holidays. It's just what I'm used to, what's comfortable. So I miss that. But mainly, what I miss is family. I miss eating dinner at my mom's house. Or playing games with everyone at the Russell's. I miss how Woodcreek does Church on Easter. I miss the familiar songs we sing. I miss seeing my friends on that special day.

Although, it's a bit hard, it's also good (the story of my life here in Nicaragua). I felt like both David and I could really focus on Jesus. We were thankful for Him and his sacrifice.

Not quite sure where I'm going with this post!

It was fun to have our 1st Easter with Beckett! (However, he was a bit crabby. And by a bit, I mean REALLY crabby). He wore his super cute overalls from his Lolli (don't have a picture, sorry!)! He also opened up a small little Easter basket from my mom.

The basket prior to openning.

Mid-openning

You would think I would have a post opening. But you are wrong! :)

So there you have Easter 2010 in Nicalandia!

11 months

2010-04-03T20:20:00.004-05:00

Our sweet baby boy is 11 months old (as of yesterday)! Insanity, I tell you!

He is such a fun, sweet baby! And we are so thankful to the Lord for him. He brings us joy that we never could have imagined. He reminds us of the love the Father has for His children. He blesses us beyond reason!
11 months has been so fun. I feel like from about 6 months on, he's been on the fast track of development. Here's what he's doing...
-He has 6 teeth now -He can crawl like a mad man
-He can walk while holding your hands (sometimes even just one hand! I know, I know, advanced)
-He can cruise (walking holding on to the side of the couch)
-He can wave
-He can point at things
-He loves to eat! (and now is eating more adultish foods)
-He can sort of clap (well, not really, but he's getting there!)
-He still nurses 4 times a day (working on the weaning thing though!)
-He can say 'da da'. Not sure yet if he's babbling or calling for David. I like to think the latter.
-He is a ladies man and loves to flirt! Not so sure about random guys, though.
-As always, being so stinkin adorable!!

Just watch

Right Now

2010-04-01T15:01:00.004-05:00

This is where we are for Semana Santa (basically Spring Break here.)

Campo Alegria is a super cool camp that host kids from all over Nicaragua. They have kids from some of the poorest areas and then love on them all week. They have a zip line, a huge water slide, and a super sweet lake. A very cool ministry!

They also have this super sweet guest house - that we are staying in FOR FREE. Jealous?

This is what I'm looking at right now.

Yeah, that's a volcano - in the middle of the lake. And there's waves. Who's heard of a lake with waves? Crazy cool! If you would have asked me 5 years ago what my life would be like, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have said - "Yeah, I'm on Lake Nicaragua looking at a massive volcano with my sweet baby in my arms." Interesting how God takes you to places you would never imagine!

This is a lot of what we are doing.

Also a bit of this.

Don't worry, he was on for about 37 seconds.

Very fun vacation!

Just Because

2010-03-30T10:48:00.003-05:00

Just got these picture from Lesa Engelthaler and Scott Winn while they were here. I love it! and I love him!

Scott,and Sarah, and Lesa, and Arica, and Melody, oh my!

2010-03-28T23:22:00.004-05:00

Last week (I'm just now getting to this, because life with a 10 month old is sometimes busy!) we had some super duper fun visitors!

Scott and Sarah Winn were in Honduras with a mission trip from Woodcreek, our home church. At the tail end of their trip, they flew in to see us! If you know us, then you probably know Scott. We both grew up under Scott's leadership as our youth pastor. To say that he played a huge part in our lives is an understatement. I'm honestly having a hard time putting into words how much he means to both of us. He taught us, he loved us, he encouraged us, he challenged us. He has had one of the greatest impact on our lives. He is an excellent example of living out Christ's teachings. I could go on and on. But you probably already know Scott, and know exactly what I mean.

So yeah, it was awesome to have him here. He was able to just hang out with us and talk, to see ours and Chase and Julie's ministry, and see House of Hope. We loved, loved, loved having him here! And Sarah too! I don't know many 5th graders that could handle going to a 3rd world country like she did. She was super fun, flexible, and loving (and it didn't hurt one bit that she brought me some Twizzlers!). We love you Winns!

While the Winns were here, Lesa, Arica, and Melody also came! They were coming on a scouting trip to see if the women of Woodcreek could serve at House of Hope. House of Hope is a ministry here that works with women and children (yes, I said children) that are trying to escape prostitution. House of Hope is such a neat place that is changing the lives of so many women. Women are leaving prostitution and coming to know Jesus. Incredible.

While they were here, we got to do some fun Nica things. They got to experience eating Quesillos (a funky version of a quesadilla served in a thin plastic bag), go to Lake Nicaragua, and see the town of Granada. We had tons of fun with them too!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming! We were/are encouraged by you and your love!

The Missionary Community

2010-03-27T15:39:00.005-05:00

Last night we had a going away party for some of our friends here, the Elmers (Mike and Esther). They are a really neat family that has lived in Nicaragua for the past 3 years. They actually aren't missionaries here - he basically helped build condos by the Pacific beach - but are involved with a lot of different ministries, loving and serving the poor.

When we found out we were pregnant last year, Esther came by and gave me tons of reading material, a maternity swimsuit, and baby clothes. I hardly even knew her at that point. We were really blessed by them.

The longer we have lived here, the more we have gotten to know and love them. Mike is one of those guys that thinks like David, so they can have these super in-depth conversations about eschatology, and Russian authors - you know like normal people do. And I have really gotten to know Esther and have enjoyed her sarcasm and wit.

So, anywho, we had a going away party for them last night (they are moving back to Atlanta soon) and tons of the missionary community was there. It was really cool to see all these people in one place - as that doesn't happen real often.

A pic from our house, looking down at the party. At the top of the picture you can see the Mariachi band. Because every party needs some good Maiachi music.

It's also cool to see/hear what all of them do. Some of them work with orphanages, others work with the people that live in the city dump, some of them work with Young Life, and others with vocational schools.

The Lord is so kind to us to bless us with these encouraging people. They are examples to us to live lives of sacrifice and abandonment. We are thankful.

So proud!

2010-03-26T10:00:00.003-05:00

A while back, our friend Paul was here visiting us and learning more about One by One. While here, he was super sweet and bought Beckett a fun gift - a basketball hoop and balls. Need I remind you that David and I both love basketball. So obviously, it was a great gift.

For the first couple of months, Beckett was really not interested in it. We'd bring it out and he would just hit or completely ignore it(usually to play with some sort of paper on the ground!). Then he started to like to play with the balls. He would roll them and then crawl after them. The past week or two, he's learned the word for ball and you can tell him to go get his ball and he will! Very cool!

Yesterday, however, was a day that just warmed my heart.

I'm not going to lie - he's got some mad basketball skills! Makes a mom proud!

Keep reading, there's another post!

David is the BIG 3-0!

2010-03-17T12:09:00.005-05:00

*I started this blog a while ago, just haven't had time to finish it yet! I have a hard time blogging and having vistors!

David has been gone the past week. He's been in Costa Rica with NCA for Hacia Democracy. (There will be a blog post about that soon, along with one about the NCA's festival)
While he was gone, he had a birthday. Not just any birthday, but a BIG one! 30. As in, he's been alive for 30 years!
I was sad that we couldn't be with him on his special day. Birthday's should be celebrated with cake and presents and laughter - on the actually day. (I do have a friend that disagrees with that, but we won't mention him)
In honor of his 30th birthday, I've thought of 30 things I love about David!

1. He's dang cute. The cutest boy I know. Don't argue with me - he is.
2. He tells it how it is.
3. He makes me laugh. He's probably not known for being really funny, but I think he is so funny. He can say things that make me laugh for days (lipsick on a pig!)
4. He is a man of integrity.
5. He is adventurous. If it weren't for him, I would probably lead a rather dull life.
6. He is beyond generous. He is constantly looking for ways to support people/ministries - financially or other ways.
7. He is a really good friend. to me and others. He pursues friendships.
8. He has some crazy curly hair. If we ever have a baby girl, I want her to have that same crazy curly hair. However, I will need Michelle and Sami to teach me how to tame it.
9. He loves basketball. I love basketball. It's pure greatness.
10. He's got some great hands. I've always liked hands, and his are the best. Not soft, but not super callousy (sp?). They're perfect for holding.
11. He is a fantastic Dad. He loves Beckett more than life. One of my favorite things is watching them play together.
12. He knows his way around a kitchen. When we first got married he probably cooked 80% of the time. The other 20, was me making mac and cheese and toast and something else involving cheese. I love that he can just whip something up! It's a true blessing to my heart and my tummy!
13. He has a great classic Russell smile. Perfect teeth. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
14. He'll eat most anything you put in front of him. Scorpion? Yep. Dog?? No problem. Crunchy, sandy snails??? Easy. (I don't know why I love that, I just do. He's not scared.)
15. He wants our marriage to be founded in Truth.
16. He works hard at our marriage. We figured out a long time ago, that we are rather different. We look at life different, we think about things differently. So sometimes (or maybe alot) it's hard for him to see where I'm coming from. Even still, he works hard to understand me.
17. He buys me Diet Coke and Mike and Ikes! Ahhh, pure bliss!
18. He is a great teacher. I knew he was great even before he had the label of a teacher. He just gets it. He knows how to make learning relavent. Students love his class! It's cool to see him do something he's gifted in.
19. He's handsome! (which is different than cute)
20. He teaches me new things. Like how to love reading. Or how to change a tire. Or how to drive a stick.
21. He loves Jesus.
22. He has got the prettiest blue-gray eyes. Hoping our next child has the blue eyes too!
23. He'll kill a roach for me. That is true love.
24. He is extremely realistic. It's not that I live in a fantasy world, I just am probably not quite as realistic as him. There have been numerous times in our marriage where something shocks the heck out of me (like it won't be easy to move to a new culture or having a baby is hard work!), and yet David is not shocked. He has thought the situation through and knows what to expect. He grounds me a bit. Which is good!
25. He is a great gift giver!
26. He can go to bed late, wake up really early and still be a pleasant person to be around. Weird, I know.
27. He is God's gift to me. God knew what I would need and blessed me with David.
28. He can whistle at this crazy high pitch. It's a little bit random, but I love that he can do that. (We won't mention, my awesome whistling abilities - this is a blog about David!)
29. He works hard at where God has put him. Right now, he's working hard at making deep relationships with the students at NCA. Before, he was being the best manager at Barnes and Noble, that he could be. He works hard for us to be united. Yeah, he's such a hard worker. I love that.
30. He is my absolute best friend.

So there you have it 30 reasons why I love David! I really could go on and on. He's the best!

This is not the best picture, but this is him with his yummy carrot birthday cake!
(Orell sent this cake down with Tracy. It was a bit of heaven!! Thank you Orell!)

Grandma's Turn

2010-03-17T11:22:00.010-05:00

The month of visitors is flying by. Seriously. The day after Granddad (two d's?? - maybe Tracy should tell me what he wants!!) left, my mom came! Beckett is in heaven! He's had not stop attention for the past 2 1/2 weeks. It won't be pretty when it's just me and him again.

We've had a lot of fun this week! We have....

Gone to Granada. Grandada is a fun little town right next to Lake Nicaragua. It's one of those typical Latin cities. It's has a cute little town square with vendors selling everything from whistles to pipes to necklaces with bugs in them (don't ask). We ate a Kathy's Waffles, toured an old cathedral, and just walked around. It was a fun time!

We also have spent a good amount of time in the pool. My poor Mom, for some reason, whenever she comes, it gets so so so hot here. It's always toasty here, but lately it's been real hot. Like so hot you are sweating in your bed at 10:00 at night. So to fight off the heat, we go to the pool.

We have also been cruising around in this little diddy! My mom brought down an early birthday present for Beckett. He L.O.V.E.S this car! Very fun!

My mom was way sweet and took us to Friday's! A place with A/C and refills of Coca Light is like heaven on earth (well, maybe in our book). Beckett was so good and just flirted with the waitresses all night.

She also helped me paint and decorate our room! Sami would be proud. For some reason, I can live in just a plain old room. It doesn't usually bother me to have no paint, or curtains, or pictures up. Could be laziness or something else?? Anyways, David mentioned that he would like for our room to be more cozy, or just better than the nothingness that it was. So, my mom brought down a duvet, we got some paint, hung up some curtains, and put up some shelves and pictures. We did all of this while David was in Costa Rica! So he was way surprised when he got back! Am I a good wife or what?

So time with Grandma has been a blast!

We're off to the market now!

I'll leave you with a picture of this cute little guy. He has a question. When are YOU coming to see me???

Time with Grandad

2010-03-09T15:10:00.007-06:00

I'm not sure if Grandad is spelled Grandad or Granddad. What do you think? I'm going to stick with Grandad until I hear otherwise!

Regardless, this week Beckett got to spend tons of time with him! Living far away, I often feel guilty that Beckett doesn't get to see his grandparents (and they don't get to see him). I know we are to be here, I just have my moments.

So when the grandparents, and aunts, and uncles, and friends (who are like family) come I feel really blessed and so happy for my sweet baby to experience them.

Here are some pics of their time together.

This was at NCA's festival (a blog about that will be coming soon! Get excited!!!) David was in jail and Beckett and Grandad were laughing at him. Woe is David.

Playing with a coke bottle. (I must drink too much coke, I feel like there's another picture of him playing with a coke bottle)

Opening the present from Lolli! It was a super cool dumptruck! Look at that sheer joy on Beckett's face!

Saying goodbye to Grandad.

Thanks for coming Grandad! We had so much fun!!!

I'm a picture stealer

2010-03-04T08:42:00.007-06:00

Tracy and Dave Ruff made it safe and sound on Monday night. Which is quite impressive. They flew from Dallas to Mexico City, Mexico City to San Salvador, and the finally San Salvador to Nicaragua. I'm impressed that everything was on time, no delays, no crazy going-through-customs-3-times situations. Dave told me today that they had several people praying for safe travels for them. And I think the Lord honored those prayers. (1 suitcase-with a bunch of tools- still hasn't made it though!)

They began their work on Tuesday morning.

(This is where I stole a picture from Chase and Julie's blog)
This is the before picture. They are basically turning an outside space to an office.

If someone told me to turn a space into an office, I would have no idea where to begin. I think I would sit down in the middle of the room and cry. But not Tracy and Dave, they knew what to do - no tears for them! They have ripped out some glass panels, made a door, cut concrete, started to put a ceiling and roof in. All of that would take me approximately 2.5 years. They've done it in 2 days. Again, quite impressive!

(Again, I stole another picture!)

We have loved having them here! I know that the work they are doing for Camino de Vida (Chase and Julie's church) is such a blessing to them! We are also blessed to have them here to visit and see Beckett!

More to come later!

If you want to see more in depth pictures - I didn't think I should steal them all- go to Chase and Julie's blog www.chaseandjulie.blogspot.com

March = the month of visitors

2010-02-27T13:37:00.006-06:00

That's right, almost the entire month of March will be full with visitors! I can hardly stand it!

On March 1st, he's coming.

Grandad! Along with Dave Ruff (who I don't have a picture of!) They will be working on a project at Chase and Julie's church. We're so excited to have them here!

Then on March 10th, she's coming!

Grandma! I'm so pumped she's coming. The last time she came was the birth of Beckett and I was a bit crazy then. She didn't get to see much of Nicaragua (besides the grocery store!), so we're going to have so much fun this time!

After them, these two are coming!

>

Scott and Sarah Winn! They will be on mission trip in Honduras (and seeing Hannah Dakel!) and then they're going to swing by and see us! So fun to have Scott here! He plays such a huge part in giving us a desire for missions!

And finally they are coming!

Lesa and Arica! (Along with Melody, but I don't have a picture of her either) They will be doing a scouting trip to see if in the future, the women of Woodcreek could serve here. We love that they are coming! When David and I first made the decision to move and serve here, we really hoped and prayed that Woodcreek would come and serve here too! It's beyond cool to see that the Lord in His kindness answered our prayers! Chase and Julie, the 20's, the women of Woodcreek - we are blessed to have them come!

So yeah, our March will be rich in family and friends and church!

Canada, eh?

2010-02-23T08:54:00.006-06:00

We don't have a TV here. It's not because there aren't TVs in Nicaragua, it's because I am a TV junkie. If we had a TV, I would watch it all the live long day. Seriously I would. It would be on ALL day and I would watch junk - like HGTV or some reality show about a bounty hunter. I'm ridiculous - no self control when it comes to TV. Ask my college roommates. They remember how I would sit 2 feet from the TV, eating my cereal - oblivious to the world around me.

So, we don't have one. Which is great by me! Now don't start feeling too bad for me. On Thursday nights we go to a friends and watch Survivor. Because we all know that a life without Survivor is life not worth living. So I do get to watch some TV.
However, when the olympics are going on, I really miss TV! The Olympics are great, I could watch any and everything. Curling? Yes, please! Snowboarding? Shoot, yeah! Don't even get me started on ice skating.

Since we don't watch, I have to go online and look at pictures. Which is not the same.

These are ice dancers. What is ice dancing? Is it like ice skating? Is it just a new word for ice skating? Ugh, I need a TV for like 2 weeks!

Why is this ice hockey guy so sad?? What happened? I need a TV!

Did this cool Japanese bobsled win? I don't know, because it's just a picture!!

Oh, Canada! What I wouldn't give for a TV for 2 or say 3 weeks of the year!

The Haircut

2010-02-19T10:43:00.003-06:00

I'm just going to ignore the fact that I haven't been blogging well recently. It's not for lack of things to blog about, I just can't seem to get motivated. Hopefully, this will be fixed soon and I will be my normal bloggy happy self.

I've decided I love NCA. I know what you are thinking. "You should love it, you moved to Nicaragua, for crying out loud!" But there is a lot of adjustments with moving to a new country, with a new language, and new EVERYTHING. And if you know me, I'm not awesome with change. It takes me a while to get accustom to it. So, a year and half in, I can now say that I love NCA. I love the kids there. They are kind, they love Beckett, they want (a lot of them)to grow with the Lord. (Don't get me wrong, they aren't perfect, but they are great). I love the relationships that the students have with their teachers. Teachers aren't just teachers - they are friends, and mentors, and counselors. I love how we get to meet tons of other missionary families and see/be involved with their ministries. I love the Nicaraguan students and Korean students and Canadian students. So basically what I'm saying is it's a cool place that the Lord has blessed and I'm glad I can be apart of it!

With all that being said, I also love that the school does fun and creative things. For a while, NCA has been raising money for a Fine Arts Center. So periodically thru the year there are fundraisers. Just recently they had a unique one. There are two students at NCA with rather long hair. Technically, it's against the rules to have crazy hair, but some how these two slipped by.

Hernaldo and Cameron with their long and crazy hair!

Both boys had a jar with their names on it. Throughout the week, students and teachers would place money in the jar. At the end of the week, whoever had the most money had to get their head shaved. Both were a bit worried about this. Cameron LOVES his hair (and I really think its cool too) and Hernaldo, well, it took him a while to get it to the perfect fro.

Poor Hernaldo. Fro less.

My Top 10

2010-02-11T13:37:00.003-06:00

There are many things that I like about living in Nicaragua. Obviously I miss family and friends a ton! But these are some things I love.

10. Avocodos are huge, like the size of my head. Not really, but they are quite large.

9. I love the smell of clean here. It's different than in the states.

8. I love that I learned how to drive a stick shift here. It took a while, but I think I've got it down. It's actually kind of fun!

7. People here say Adios (bye) as you are passing them on the street. I think it's funny! We say hi, and they say bye.

6. I love the tranquilo pace of life. No one's in a rush. Church says it starts at 8:30, but 8:45, 9:00 is fine. No hurry!

5. Women here (and a lot of guys) LOVE babies! So, we're a big hit wherever we go. I get to cut in line all the time because of cute Beckett!

4. The mornings and evenings are the perfect temperature (for us!) It's a nice 80 degrees with an awesome breeze!

3. I like that I can buy a pineapple for about 80 cents. I love that we eat pineapple all year round.

2. I think it's hilarious that David is called Mister at school. Only Mister. Not Mister Russell, just Mister. And there are about 6 other Mister's there. They don't just say "Mister", it sounds more like "Meeester!" Cracks me up every time.

1. I also love how Nicaraguans don't point with their finger, but with their lips. At first, I was pretty sure people were constantly making kissing faces at me. Until I learned. I've decided I'm going to point with my lips from now on. No more wasting time lifting up my hand and streching out my finger to point to something. Just a purse of the lips. So easy!

My list is not exhaustive. Just some of the things I love about Nicalandia!

My Baby is 9 months!

2010-02-04T13:43:00.007-06:00

My sweet baby is 9 months! I can hardly believe it. I say that every month, and probably will for the rest of his life. It is amazing to me how much he can change is a short 9 months. He can crawl like a mad man. He can pull up on just about anything. He can "step up" on one step of the stairs. He can eat more solid food. What have I done in 9 months - not much! He went from a helpless babe to this super active baby! Crazy stuff, I tell you!

Things he enjoys...
-Exploring the ins and outs of our little house
-Playing with the Leap Frog magnets
-Smiling at any and every girl he sees
-Eating bananas, prunes, cheerios, and applesauce
-Putting EVERYTHING in his mouth, and I mean everything (leaves, old cheerios, fuzz, and I won't mention the dead fly David fished out of there today!)
-Trying to walk with mommy or daddy holding his hands

His stats...
-19 lbs
-takes about 2 naps a day (hopefully for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours)
-wakes up at 5ish (yeah, I know that's early)
-goes to bed at 6:30ish
-has 3 1/2 teeth (one's about half way there!)
-cutest baby ever!

He is still the joy of our world and we are so thankful for him!

Spiritual Emphasis Day

2010-01-31T20:42:00.009-06:00

Sorry for the blogging delay. This past week has been a dozie!

This past Friday was Spiritual Emphasis Day at NCA. It's a day that is focused on spiritual growth for our students.

(On a side note, I think it's fantastic that NCA will take a day away from academics to focus on the spiritual lives of our students.)

This year, the theme was 'HUNGER' - hungering after God. There is a speaker, that spoke about a changed life, a life that was fully devoted to Christ. There is a worship time and then 4 breakout sessions.

I was able to come up for some of the worship time and hear the speaker. It was so neat to see our students really worship the Lord. The kind of worship that makes you cry, raise your hands, and be so thankful for who God is. The speaker also challenged our students to come wholly to the Lord.

I walked away from that day excited. Excited to see the Lord move. Excited to see how our students grow in their love for God. And excited because we know and serve and love a wonderful God.

David led some of the games that day. They were playing NCA's version of 1 vs. 100 (or 20)

The mob squad

NCA 1st Annual 3 on 3

2010-01-21T19:29:00.008-06:00

This week was the first annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament at NCA. Basketball season is about to start here, so in order to create some excitement, we had a little 3 on 3 tourney.

David was the referee and also played. He dominated, because he's awesome!

Even though he's awesome, his team didn't win (he didn't want to make the other teams feel bad - he's kind like that)

We came up to watch/play with a coke bottle! You know whatever makes you happy!

Here's some other fun pics from the tournament:

Morgan schooling the boys.

Tomas and Gerardo fighting it out.

NCA's court

It was way fun! Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE basketball??

Haiti

2010-01-20T14:30:00.002-06:00

I just heard that Haiti had another HUGE earthquake and it makes me feel sick.

I can't imagine what life is like there right now. I hear stories of tons and tons of orphans without food, water, diapers. I hear about disease setting in. I hear about families torn apart.

It's beyond sad. It's devastating. And to the people there, it's life altering.

I am guilty of reading or hearing about disaster and not thinking twice about it. Since it doesn't really affect me, I'm not moved. That also is sad.

But these people are real and they are really hurting. And I'm sitting in my house, comfortable and content.

But this time is different. I'm going to give and pray. I'm going to give to help meet their needs. And I'm going to pray that people are drawn to the Lord through this.

GREAT Grandma Tate

2010-01-18T12:42:00.003-06:00

I was looking through pictures today and saw these.

This is Beckett meeting his great grandma. She's a really neat lady, who has recently been through a lot and perservered. It seems like once a year, something major happens to her - she falls and breaks her ankle, she has heart issues, her lung collapses. And everytime something like this happens, I think she's not going to make it; that this is the last major thing she can handle. And yet, she always makes it. She's a survivor, she perservers. I love that about her. She doesn't give up or take the easy way out (which I am guilty of doing ALL the time). On top of all that, she is witty and ornary.

Needless to say, it was incredibly special to have her meet Beckett! He just crawled all over her and she laughed and laughed. A memory, I won't soon forget.

(Off topic: I just read my last post and saw about 15 trajillion spelling errors, how embarasing!)

1st week

2010-01-14T09:36:00.002-06:00

This is David's 1st week back to school. It comes with mixed emotions. He was and is way excited to see his students, but also apprehensive about the busyness that comes with teaching.

This semester, he's teaching 2 classes of World History, 2 class of U.S. history, 1 class of Bible ethics, and an elective - Strategy Games. That means he is teaching 6 out of the 7 class periods. That might not sound like a lot, but it is. Teaching is one of those jobs that you always have more to do, you can always make something better, you can always work with one more student. It's beyond time consuming. So, this semester to say he's busy is an understatement - for sure!

He is excited about a lot of things too! This semester he is teaching an elective - Strategy Games. If you know David, you know he L.O.V.E.S games. So, this is the perfect class for him. About 2 of our bags coming here were full of RISK and Stratego, and Chess boards, and desk of cards, and much more. Although, Strategy Games sounds like a blow off class, it's really not! You'll hear a lot of people here say that Nicaraguans lack creative thinking. They tend to do what they have always done and don't think outside the box (which honestly, sounds a lot like me too!) So one of the desires for David is too have his students learn to think creatively and strategically - while also playing a fun game! He's put a lot of work into this and it will be neat to see where it leads. Maybe I should take it too!

He also is working hard with student for their HACIA trip. HACIA is an educational government simulation that focuses on domestic and international issues in the Americas (yeah, I took that from their website) So basically, David is helping prepare students to go and "debate" different issues/concerns in the Americas. It's a big deal to be choosen to go! In March, David will go with his students to Costa Rica to debate these issues. He's excited about spending time with the kids and getting to know them better. We're big believers that people connect while on trips!

So yeah, that's what he's up to and how the 1st week has been.

Messy

2010-01-12T20:55:00.001-06:00

Oh the joys of eating prunes!

Toy of the Month

2010-01-09T08:57:00.007-06:00

Orell, David's mom, had a really sweet idea for Beckett. Because she doesn't get to see him all the time or bless him with gifts, she created the Toy of the Month. While she was here in November, she wrapped a toy for every month that she won't get to see Beckett (Jan- May). So every month, he'll get to open a present from his Loli!

Today was the day to open for the month of January!

When we laid the present down, he immediately crawled towards it and "tried" to open it!

Got a little side tracked by some other fun toys!

It's a stacking toy!!!

Thanks Loli!

Yesterday I went to the doctor for a check-up for Beckett. He always ask about how Beckett is doing and where he is developmentally and then he gives me ideas, suggestions etc. He was telling me that Beckett should be playing with more educational toys and he mentioned the one with circles that you stack. I was thinking that I haven't seen these in Nicaragua and I wished I got one when we were in the States. And then lo and behold! That's what he got! What a perfect gift!! :)

(By the way, doesn't my baby look huge?! He's 18lbs this month)

Christmas in Dallas

2010-01-07T13:22:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas in Dallas this year! It was Beckett's 1st Christmas, which made it a lot of fun! Not that he knew what was going on, but it still was special.

We had Christmas morning at my mom's house and then Christmas afternoon at the Russells!

Here are some pics!

Beckett "opening" a present!

David got a Kindle!

Jamie being ridiculous.

Gift exchange at the Russells!

Back in Nicalandia

2010-01-06T20:10:00.003-06:00

We're back!

For some reason, I have a ridiculously impossible time blogging while in the states. I just can't do it. I think it has something to do with the fact that when we are home, we are always so stinkin' busy. So sorry for the lack on blogs!

I do have a lot to blog about though. In no particular order:
-Beckett's first Christmas
-An Ohio Christmas
-How it feels to return back

and much more!

I know you're excited!

For Whit

2009-12-16T11:19:00.005-06:00

He does this crazy-cute-one-eye-squished-thing these days when he smiles! Way cute!

The 7 Wonders

2009-12-15T08:36:00.000-06:00

David is teaching World History right now and recently gave out a project to his students. They were to create one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
(I had to look them up, because I wasn't quite sure what they were. Shame on my history teacher!! )

His students worked really, really hard and did a great job!

They are:

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Colossus of Rhodes

Lighthouse at Alexandria

>

The Great Wall isn't an ancient wonder of the world, but David needed an extra one due to his class size!

And there you go. I hope you are now more educated about the 7 ancient wonders of the world.

My To Do List

2009-12-14T09:15:00.002-06:00

We are preparing to come home on Thursday - which obviously we are really excited about! But we have so much to do until then. Here's my To Do List:

- Go to NCA and get the note from the lawyer in order to get Beckett's exit visa
- Make mashed potatoes for the NCA Christmas party
- Attempt to get my hair cut
- Get some fun Nica presents for the fam back home
- Make brownies for the cooks at NCA
- Go to Metro Centro to get Beckett's exit visa
- Think about and then pack what should go in the diaper bag for the plane ride home
- Pack for myself and Beckett
- Take a shower
- Make some baby food

When I type this out, it doesn't seem like too much! But since living here, I've learned everything takes longer than what you think! So, I should stop blogging and get started!

El Crucero

2009-12-04T09:11:00.004-06:00

Aren't these flowers gorgeous??? They grow in a town called El Crucero. It's a bit higher in altitude than Managua, so these flowers flourish there. When you are in the town, you see them everywhere!

I was telling Chilo (a sweet lady that works for NCA) that we were in El Crucero this past Saturday and that we saw these flowers everywhere. A sea of blue! She's from El Crucero and said she would cut us some!

What a great gift!

Luke and Gracie!

2009-12-02T14:05:00.004-06:00

In my craziness, I forgot to post this! So here it is now!

When I found out I was pregnant, most of my friends were not pregnant and didn't have kids. Except for sweet Sara, but she was a seasoned mom with a 2 year old (oh and also Missy)! However, it seemed like right after I found out I was pregnant, several of my good friends also got pregnant(Michelle, Tess, Courtney Jackie, Abby, and on and on)! That was a blessing to me! and I was so thankful in being able to share the experiences of pregnancy and mommyhood with my friends!

The sweetest news to me; however, was when I heard that my best friend (for over 24 years) was pregnant with twins! Julie has been beyond a wonderful friend to me for such a long time. I've always said that Julie knew how to love and care for me the way I needed love and care. She would love me by feeding me, giving me candy, cooking for me, laughing with me, not making me talk if I didn't want to, giving me some help in Senior English class, living with me in college, letting me wear her clothes, etc., etc. Regardless of where we live and how terrible we are at keeping in touch, I will always consider Julie one of my best friends!

Anyways, all that being said, we are so excited that she has her sweet twins now - Luke and Gracie! I love that her babies and Beckett aren't that far apart in age! Hopefully they will be lifelong friends, just like her and I!

So big!

2009-12-02T12:43:00.005-06:00

Beckett taking a bath in a kitchen pot in San Juan del Sur!

Beckett is 7 months old today! This month has been a month of so many changes! Here's a list of some of the things he's doing!

- He can army crawl and get himself basically anywhere he wants to go!
- He can go from laying on his tummy to a sitting position!
- He can almost pull himself up into the standing position.
- He's eating a ton these days! His favorites are bananas, applesauce, and sweet potatoes! He recently ate some prunes and loved them! That seems weird to me, but whatever!!
- He is babbling more and more and laughing more too!
- He's become a big flirt and loves attention from anyone and everyone!
- He's also learned how to throw a bit of a fit. He'll arch is back and throw his head back in anger. It's cute now, but I'm sure it won't be soon! We're trying to put a stop to it!
- He's got 2 bottom teeth and I think 2 more are comin'!
-And as always, he is being so so cute!

We go back to the doctor for his 7 month checkup next week. I feel like he's gained 3 pounds in this month, but we'll see!
(Side note: Babies go see the pediatrician every month until they are 1 year old here. Since it's not too terribly expensive, I like going and seeing all his stats!)

Swimming with the parentals!

17 years

2009-12-01T13:25:00.002-06:00

I miss my Dad. 17 years ago he passed away. I can hardly believe it has been 17 years. I've lived more of my life without him, than with him.

My Dad was great and I loved him so. He was kind and quiet, an avid sports fan, a fluffy pillow, a patient teacher and more.

I can remember throwing the baseball around with him. I remember him standing behind the sideline fence during my softball games. I remember lying on the carpet with him while we watched golf. I can remember the feel of his face and his smell. I remember taking walks and bike rides with him. I can see the look on his face when he was mad and happy.

I miss that face, that laugh, his words of wisdom.

I wish that he was here. I wish that he knew Beckett and Beckett knew him. I wish he was at home with my mom watching TV. I wish I could call him and hear his voice.

I know that it's only sad for me and not him. I don't know how Heaven works, but I know he is there. He's not sad, he is whole and complete and healed and better.

What a glorious day it will be when we are reunited!

I know that I usually write just fun little tidbits about Beckett or life in Nicaragua on this blog, but today I just wanted to write about him. Not typical Kristina, huh?

7 Wonders of the World

2009-11-23T10:50:00.010-06:00

Calling all Russells...

2009-11-19T14:59:00.009-06:00

We're so excited because soon, all the Russells will be coming to visit! That's right, ALL the Russells - that is Tracy, Orell, Joanna, Barry, Tess, Hudson (!), and Whitney!! We can hardly wait!

We are going to have so much fun! There will be game playing, site seeing, laughing, and yummy eating. (Sami - there might even be some heavenly hash - jealous much?)

Besides all that, we are really excited for them to come and see our world. Pictures are great, but can't really do Nicaragua justice. We look forward to them seeing the Nica culture, eating the food, meeting the fun people, and seeing our ministry here!

Whit. Love her.

Can't wait to meet Hudson!

The New York Russells!

And cool Joanna!

NCA Icon

2009-11-19T09:15:00.007-06:00

While I was out of town, NCA held their annual talent show. Every year, the student council puts on a talent show in order to raise money. This year, we were raising money for the fine arts center of NCA. The Fine Arts center will be an excellent addition to our school. Currently there is no real cafeteria or seated area. There is a "chapel" that everyday turns into a cafeteria or becomes a stage or church or the PE area. So raising money for the Fine Arts center is a big focus for our school. There will be a cafeteria, a gym, and some classrooms where music and art can be held.

All that to be said, we had a talent show! And it was a big hit! The theme was like American Idol, with a few twists! David got to be a judge and said it was so much fun!

Enjoy a few clips of the kids!

Clearly, they are the next Backstreet Boys.

And by a few clips, I mean one! It takes forever to post a video on here!

Look at me!

2009-11-19T09:14:00.003-06:00

So yeah, I'm starting to crawl!

6 months

2009-11-14T08:09:00.004-06:00

We made it to 6 months! :)

I'm a bit late, but on November 2nd, Beckett turned 6 months old. As I type that I think 2 things.

1. I can't believe he's six months old. It was just yesterday that he was all newborninsh, and snuggly, and little bitty.
2. I can't believe that I am a mom of a baby. I know, I know - weird, but I do think that. I'm a mom. A mom. Me. A mom. Soon I'll be a mom of a 2 year old and then a 8 year old and then a teenager. Crazy stuff!

Ok, enough about me!

6 months is a such a fun time! Here's what he's doing:

-sitting up on his own
-he loves to stand up (in a lap, on the floor, in his crib) with help from mom or dad of course!
-eating bananas, applesauce, peaches, but not so much on the veggies yet!
-making these ridiculously cute squealing noises
-splashing at bathtime making a huge mess
-starting to want to crawl (he can kind of army crawl, kind of!)
-smiling like crazy!
-still being so stinkin' cute!

We are so very thankful for him. He has been the biggest blessing in our lives and we feel honored to be the ones to parent him!

I'm so sneaky

2009-11-13T09:01:00.006-06:00

Sorry for the pause in blogging. Both Beckett and I have had a cold (or el gripe - the name for a cold in Nicaragua. For some reason, I really like that word, it describes how I feel currently). Being sick does not make me want to blog, or do much of anything really!

Anyways, I wanted to share of our adventures! Last week, Beckett and I flew into Dallas and surprised my mom (for a rather important birthday of hers!) and David's mom! It was awesome! You would think I would have some pictures, but I don't! I left the camera here!

We found some cheap tickets and thought it would be a fun surprise to let them see Beckett. He is at such a fun stage right now, and I was a bit sad for them not to see him.

I had Randy pick me up from the airport. Which, by the way, he did an awesome job of keeping a secret from her. I was a bit leary, but he did it! Randy pulled into my mom's garage and had her open up the garage door. I was hiding just off to the left, out of her line of vision. As she was walking towards Randy, I stepped in front of her. Her expression was priceless! She kept saying, Oh my gosh!

Then on Monday, we surprised Orell too! She had been in New York seeing Hudson (the other Russell grandbaby). I put Beckett in his car seat on her front porch, then I rang the doorbell and ran away. I could hear her say, "That's Beckett, that's Beckett!"

It was so special to surprise them! And I was beyond thrilled that they could see him! :) They showered him with love, attention and toys! Everything a little boy needs!

Got some pictures

Beckett got to experience fall, cooler weather, and pumpkins!

Seeing his Uncle Jamie! Some people say Beckett looks like Jamie. What do you think?

Playing with Grandad's watch

Headed back to Nicaland!

It was also fun for me to see family and friends! I wish that I could have had the time to see everyone! But it was a great visit!

November 5th

2009-10-28T14:49:00.006-05:00

In almost a week, we will be having some new housemates! On November 5th, Chase and Julie (David's brother and his wife) will be moving to Nicaragua! They came to visit in January of this year. They both had the desire to serve overseas and lucky for us, the Lord called them here! We could not be more excited!

Many of you are thinking, wait, she said housemates??? Yep, that's right! They will be living with us. As in the same house. Under the same roof. Sharing the same food. When we tell people this, they get a concerned look on their face and ask - "Do you get along well with them?" :) And our answer is YES!

David and I have said for a while how we thought it would be cool to share life with another couple. To have community right inside your house. We now have the perfect opportunity.

However, we know that living with someone always has conflict and issues and annoyances. We are not naive in thinking that this will be perfect. We know that we will get on each other's nerves, there will be miscommunication, and we will have to sacrifice.

But we are also excited for the fellowship. We're excited for the many laughs to be had. We look forward to growing with each other. We can't wait to school them in some games! We hope that the Lord will use this to mature us in our love, our giving, and sacrifice.

So yeah, the Norman Russells are about to become the Nicaragua Russells. Oh wait, that's us. Maybe they'll be the Nicaragua Russells Squared? Or the Younger Nicaragua Russells? Or the Nicaragua Russells that came in 2009? Whatever, they're coming!

If anyone else from back home would like to move here, feel free! :)

The New Gerber Baby

2009-10-26T10:17:00.006-05:00

They make that baby on the side of the Gerber baby food jar look so happy and peaceful. It's like they couldn't think of anything better than to eat some mashed up green stuff.

This is what a baby looks like in real life, when he eats green beans for the first time.

(Click on this picture and it should get bigger. This was his face almost the entire time!)

I don't think he thinks green beans are the best thing in the world. Still adorable though!

That's Right

2009-10-24T21:01:00.004-05:00

This is what I used to do....

Just laying on my stomach. No big.

And, this is what I can do now!

That's right, sitting up! Not even 6 months! I'm so advanced!

It finally happened....

2009-10-23T12:24:00.002-05:00

Getting a ticket that is! :(

So about 3 weeks ago, I was driving back from my volleyball game in downtown Managua. I was minding my own business, when all of a sudden I got pulled over by a police officer. There is always a little bit of fear when you get pulled over here, especially when you can't always understand everything they say!

A lot of times, when you get pulled over they are looking for a bribe. This police officer; however, was not. He said that when I turned, I did not turn into the immediate lane and that is against the law here. Who knew?? So basically I got a ticket!

Getting a ticket here is different than in the states. They write you up a ticket on this little yellow piece of paper and then take your license! Your first thought is, "How am I going to drive without my license?" But have no fear, the ticket you received is now your temporary license. Seems weird to me, but it makes you pay the ticket, if you want your license back. So, I guess it's a good system.

So today, I had to go to the bank to pay the ticket. Again weird to me that you pay your ticket at the bank, but that's just how it is. Then I had to drive to Transito to get back my license. I was a little worried about whether or not I would actually get my license back. So I prayed about it and just did it.

It was actually very easy and they had a really good system set up! I went to Transito and there was my license (under the Extranjera window). So easy!

So yeah, no more fear about getting a ticket here! And to top it off the ticket was only 400 cords or $20! Not bad!

Oktoberfest!

2009-10-19T08:12:00.002-05:00

Randomly there is a large German population here in Managua. To me, it seems weird that there are so many German people here. However, they probably think the same thing - "Why are there so many North Americans here??" Regardless there are a lot of German people here. So much so, that there is a German school in Managua.

On Saturday, the German school hosted Oktoberfest. I'm trying to find some fun, cultural things to do here in Managua, so I thought let's go to Oktoberfest! I had never gone to Oktoberfest in the states, but in my head I pictured it kind of like the fair. You know, booths set up with games, booths with yummy food, German people walking around! :) I assumed since it was at a school that there wouldn't be any alcohol. Silly me! Nothing is never what I think it's going to be here!

Overall though, it was a lot of fun! We ate Brawtwurst (I have no clue how to spell that, but you know what I mean, right?), sawerkrawt (again, what's with these German words being impossible to spell)and had many Cokes! :) Beckett came with us and was a champ! He just sat and even fell asleep in David's arms - a rarity. And we got to see the German school! It is huge and unbelievably nice! Like really, really nice. Like better than anything I've seen here!

So yeah, Oktoberfest in Nicaragua. Who could imagine that!

Writer's Block

2009-10-15T09:40:00.007-05:00

I've been having writer's block recently and can't think of much to write about. It's not like I write these super in depth novels! Still, I can't think of much.

I could tell you how we have at least 6 different varieties of ants living in our house. But that sounds like I'm complaining, which I'm not! I would never! :)

I'm sure you can't tell but this one type of evil ant is up in the corner of our ceiling. Those black things are ants. They come out of the ceiling (random) and then just crawl around up there. I secretly wish the geckos (that also live in our house, but are our friends) would eat them all. Ok, enough, not complaining about the ants!

I can show you how Beckett has been sleeping lately! That's more fun! But I do wonder if I blog too much about him and not enough about life in Nicaragua.

Yep, hiney in the air! So cute! I was wrong, how can you really get too much of Beckett? Not possible.

Hopefully, the writer's block will be gone soon. And I'll be back to my normal super creative self - that you all know and love! :)

Chloe Faith!

2009-10-09T15:11:00.004-05:00

Our sweet friends, the Hortons, are taking home their new baby girl today! They had Chloe about a week ago, but due to some complications are just now bring her home!

We are way excited for them!

It's neat for me to have friends having babies now! I'm excited for them to experience the joy (and hardships) of a new baby. (I sound like I'm this really experienced mom!) I'm also really excited to meet Chloe! :)

We joke about Chloe and Beckett getting married one day. That way we can always be connected to the Hortons. No pressure or anything.

How did I become one of "those" moms?

I'm 5....!

2009-10-07T14:45:00.004-05:00

..... months that is!

I'm a little late on this, but our internet was down for a bit!

Beckett is 5 months and 5 days old today!

We went to the doctor on Friday and the doctor said he is doing great! He weighs 15 lbs and 1 oz! He gained almost 2 pounds in a month, which I say is awesome (and so does his doctor). He's 65 cm long. Which I don't know how long in inches that is (darn metric system!). And his head circumference is in the 50th percentile.

Some fun things he's been doing this month are:

-constantly turning from his back to his stomach. constantly.
-eating rice cereal more consistently and beginning to sort of, kind of like it.
-playing in his exersauser (that a sweet friend loaned us)
-grabbing anything in site, including my hair, my nose, spoons, toys, computer cords
-beginning to want to sit up
-sleeping on his tummy
-laughing a bit more
-taking long walks with mom in the morning
-being so stinkin cute!

It's incredible to me how much he has grown and changed! (Every mom says this, huh?) He really is such a blessing to us. At least once a day, David and I will say to each other how much we love that little boy. We thank the Lord for him!

Taking a much, much needed nap today!! :)

Cute Pictures!

2009-09-29T15:48:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Beckett playing!

Sweet baby sleeping.

Just chillin on my tummy.

I'm sure all moms says this. But he really is the cutest!

Hudson is here!

2009-09-24T16:08:00.004-05:00

This is Hudson Taylor Russell!! Isn't he adorable!?! He is the son of Barry and Tess Russell (the New York Russells)!!

We love you New York Russells and Hudson! We can't wait to see ya'll and have the cousins meet!

1st Time

2009-09-24T11:28:00.002-05:00

Here is Beckett attempting to eat rice cereal! He did okay! We haven't had much since, because we have a lack of spoons in our house! :) The video is a bit long, I know! :)

Paul!

2009-09-18T20:29:00.002-05:00

We're so excited because Paul is here!
I'm sure most of you know, but if not, Paul is planning on moving here sometime next year! He'll be working with One by One ministry.
We're so excited to have him come visit for a week and even more excited that he's going to live here!
I love it, love it, love it when people from home come here! It's one of my most favorite things ever. Ever.

Oh my Nellies!

2009-09-16T15:20:00.002-05:00

Do you see that? It's 95 degrees INSIDE our house!

[Don't worry Beckett's in the room with the A/C on]

Not complaining, it comes with living here! :)

We will be going swimming soon though!

Independence Day - Nica Style

2009-09-11T17:21:00.013-05:00

Today NCA celebrated Nicaraguan Independence Day. They go ALL out. It's not like 4th of July, where there's just some grilling, fireworks, and hanging out by a pool. Here they celebrate big time!

All the month of August and September the students are learning about their country and their independence. They learn about the state bird, tree, and food (Guadabaranco, Sacuanjoche, gallo pinto). They learn about their independence from Spain. They learn about how the U.S. got too involved with their country and politics (woops!!). I'm always really impressed by how much they know about their country, the people, the culture, and history.

This year they focused on Central America's independence and on cacao ( cocoa bean - makes chocolate, cocoa and some delicious drinks here!)

Basically what happens today is the older students (7th - 12th grade) give a brief story/skit/demonstration about either cacoa or Central America's independence.

Yeah, that's right, Vidal has a gun! The students bring guns, machets, and horses! Can you imagine that in the states?!

"Miss, I have to have this gun for our demonstration of how we fought Spain!"
Life is different here!

Jassiel dressed up like a large woman to show that if you drink too much cacoa, you'll be fat!

OK, so it's really educational and a bit silly.

Then came the dancing!

David's in green. Can you see him?

David and Kathy. Kathy translated for the Woodcreek team that came down in June. She's way cool!

It was a really fun day! One where we get to just hang out with the kids and not just be their teacher, but a friend. AND we have a 5 day weekend! What more could you ask for!?!

Peanut, Peanut Butter (like the song)

2009-09-10T14:15:00.004-05:00

We received a wonderful gift from David's parents recently. It's called a Vita Mix. It's like a blender on steroids. If you've never heard of it, you life is not complete! I had seen theirs for years and years and thought nothing of it. Until just recently, I experienced the greatness of it. It's amazing and I love it!

I have made tons and tons of smoothies, cheddar bacon potato soup, bread crumbs, and yesterday I made peanut butter.

That's right! How very domestic of me!