5/23/11-5/29/11

Monday, May 23, 2011
Chris received an email this morning that the church was sending us back in June.  Wishful thinking.  It was a mistake.  We are actually planning to head to Salt Lake City in the middle of July.  We are not sure yet if Chris will be staying, or if he will be heading back to Guatemala for another month or so.
Cheese (dairy) is really expensive here.  I usually get our cheese at PriceMart (Costco/Sam's) in Guatemala City but we haven't been there in so long, and we've run out of cheese.  Luckily my amazing friend, Lily, went there while she was visiting her family and brought me some back!!  Yeah!!  The kids can have nachos after church again.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
We got our tickets to go back to the states.  I keep saying that they are tickets to go home but where is home?  Our house is in Vegas but we won't be returning there.  We grew up in Alaska but we won't be returning there.  We're kind of in limbo.  We will be in SLC for a while but nothing is definite.  Where will we live?  Where will the kids go to school?  What job will Chris be on next?  So many unanswered questions right now!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
So we have our tickets and I am officially in "prep" mode.  The lists are growing each day!  It is taking some serious self restraint not to pack everything now.  We've already sent back a lot of bags, but there is still a ways to go!
Chris came home sick early today and crawled into bed.  Do you think it could be stress?? Frustration??

Thursday, May 26, 2011
Cole has been going through books like crazy, and we've had Dave bring down a TON of books that we've bought.  The last time he brought books, he made a comment about getting them all back to the states.  We have been very lucky and have been able to sell most of our books to a local bookstore, or to Lily.
We are looking forward to finishing up the homeschooling also and getting rid of some of those books!!

Friday, May 27, 2011
Our landlord is coming by tomorrow so we had a big cleaning day today.  I put a piece of paper on the wall in every room in the house.  It had a list of everything that needed to be done.  The kids loved doing a job and marking their name next to the job to earn some allowance.  By 11:00 everybody was completely exhausted.
Since we were all tired, and I didn't want the kitchen to get dirty, we went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant.  It was really fun hanging out with the kids.  They are getting a lot better at trying new things.
Afterwards, Morgan and I went to the stake center.  The young men and women were having some sort of a conference this weekend, and they had a dance program.  Each ward did their traditional dances.  Our ward did two dances, but we only saw one.  Morgan and I were trying to go incognito,but we didn't even get through the front door before friends were greeting us.  I guess we stand out a little, still!!

Saturday, May 28, 2011
The landlord emailed that she wasn't coming at 9:00, as planned.  Instead, she was going to come at 2:00.  The kids were sick of trying to keep the house clean,so we finally left and went to lunch and to run some errands.  It was nice and sunny when we walked into the restaurant.  However, a storm blew in very quickly and the rain started.  There was also a soccer game on, so the restaurant was packed.  The crowd went crazy for the first goal.  Chris said that when the opposing team scored, he was going to yell.  He kept his promise!  Luckily there were other fans in the restaurant also, so Chris wasn't the only one cheering!

We got up to leave after finishing our food.  Once we got to the front door, the rain started pounding harder than ever.  The employees told us that we might want to go sit back down and wait.  It was a good decision.  Even after the rain "let up", we got poured on while running to the car.  We had to go through a drive thru lane and it was a complete puddle.  Our feet got soaked all the way through.  Even though everybody was drenched, everybody was laughing and having a great time.  The best came when Chris had to get out of the car to go pick up his suit.  The wind was blowing the rain horizontally.  He opened the little umbrella and got out and just about lost the umbrella as the wind blew it inside out.  He was grabbing at the umbrella trying to get it back and then running for the building.  It kind of reminded me of Tommy Boy and the part where he does the fat guy in a little coat.  It was more like tall guy with a tiny umbrella.  It was so out of proportion!
For our Saturday night entertainment, we looked on ksl.com for houses to rent.  I found one that I liked with all different fruit trees, but Chris didn't like it at all!  It is going to be so interesting to see how we find a place to live.

Sunday, May 29, 2011
In Sunday School, Deloy told a story about finding people to help clean the temple from his ward.  There was a sign up going around and about 50 people signed up.  They only needed about 20, so the bishop needed to narrow the list down.  The next week, he sent a sign up around for people that would be willing to help clean a non-so-well-liked lady's house in the ward.  Only 5 people signed up.  Those were the ones who were chosen to clean the temple.  I have been thinking a lot about going to a new ward and not knowing anybody.  My friend Polly told me that I can be anybody I want to be since nobody will know me.  Should I be shy, outgoing, trendy (ha), etc?  I hope that I can be like the 5 people that signed up to help even though they probably didn't really want to.   I think that as a family, we need to set some goals for when we return to the states.  What can we do to help others?  What can we do to make new friends?  What kind of people are we going to be?

5/16/11-5/22/11

Monday, May 16, 2011
I LOVE getting stuff sent here!  Eric (the architect for the temple) came down today and brought one of our suitcases full of books that I'd ordered!!  YEAH!!  Cole has been without a book for way too long.  He also brought our Ensign, Friend, and New Era magazines.
We took Elias to get pants and Cole to get his suit.  The girls and I just dropped them off to meet Chris, then we went to get dinner at one of my favorite fast food restaurants here, Pollo Campero.  I was quite proud of myself.  I didn't get flustered once!!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Today consisted of piano lessons, school, choir, and packing.  Dave is coming down tomorrow with a bunch of other people.  They are going to take some bags back for us so I trying to get everything ready.    I am really going to miss my great friends that I have in the choir.  They really keep me going and encourage me.  I seriously doubt that I could have survived the time here if it wasn't for my calling, the choir, and our ward.  They have been such a blessing for me!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
We made cookies, and more cookies, and more cookies today.  That is our shipping fee for Dave!  He's been a good sport with lugging stuff back and forth for us!   With Dave being here, that usually means an extra long day for Chris.  The job has definitely been a struggle, but I still hope that it will be worth it in when it is finished!  The end is in sight though.  The first presidency announced the date for the dedication for December 11, 2011!!!

Thursday, May 19, 2011
In addition to the bag that Eric brought on Monday, Dave also brought a couple more books and some candies for the kids.  The kids begged to have a "movie theater".  Morgan made fake money and tickets, and we set up a little booth where the kids could buy what they wanted and then they all watched How To Train A Dragon. 

Friday, May 20, 2011
The church made the official announcement of the temple dedication date today.  It is sad that we won't be here for the open house, and we're not even sure if we'll be here for the dedication.  I thought it might be nice if we went to El Salvador for their open house so the kids could see what a temple looks like when it is completely done and the furnishings are all put in.  Their open house is the first two weeks of July so we might be able to slip a quick trip in before we leave.
During another thunder storm, Cole asked me if there are storms in Utah and Idaho.  I told him that they have them every once in a while.  "But not all the time like they do here?" was his reply.  He said that he is going to miss the storms.  I think we all are.  The second we hear the rain start, Morgan starts to smile.

Saturday, May 21, 2011
Our landlord is coming next weekend and needs to take pictures for a potential buyer.  This morning we cleaned, rearranged, cleaned, and cleaned a little more.  We have a little room downstairs that has turned into the finished room.  Everything that we are finished with goes in there.  One section is the stuff that goes back to the church.  Another section is for all of the stuff that we plan to give away.  The last section is the stuff that is ready to be packed to send back to the states.  We are slowly but surely clearing stuff out and getting ready to leave.  We think we have about 8 more weeks until we leave.  It still seems like a long time but to make an international move, it'll be here quicker than we realize!
We went to see the progress on the temple also.  It has changed a lot since our last time there.  The tile, woodwork, and paint is coming along nicely.  The grounds look amazing also.  The main drive into the temple has been put in as well as the front gate.  I am anxiously awaiting the completion of the baptismal area with the oxen being put into place.
On our way to the temple, we passed this sign.  I think I scared everybody in the car with my excitement!  This was the first garage sale sign I have EVER seen here!  I was so excited that I even had Chris drive by it after we finished at the temple. I can not wait to go to garage sales again!

Sunday, May 22, 2011
Right as I was heading down to start dinner, Herman Sarat stopped by our house.  It is her son that just left on his mission.  Apparently the backpack that he took wasn't acceptable and he had to get a different one.  Luckily, I had an extra one (our 72 hour kit) that I gave to her.  She proceeded to tell us her life history.  I think I completely tuned out after the first 15 minutes. She talks way too fast and way too much for my poor brain to understand!
I had to leave to help with a music directing class at the church, so I never did get dinner made.  I was the first person called on to do something.  I was a little confused as to what I was supposed to do, so I ended up asking for somebody else to go first so I could follow their example!  How embarassing!  I really had planned to be fluent by the end of two years here.....no such luck!

5/9/11-5/15/11

Monday, May 9, 2011
We got some nice rain today.  I am so glad that the rainy season is finally starting!  The storms here are amazing.  That is one of the many things that I will really miss when we leave!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I got to celebrate Mother's Day, again.  Here, in Guatemala, Mother's Day is always on the 10th of the month.
The kids helped to make popcorn balls today.  We are trying to think creatively for things to do for the next while!
I found out tonight at choir that my friend, Paula, is pregnant.  The doctors think that it might be twins?  She goes in for another ultrasound next week to find out for sure!!  How exciting!  Her baby shower was the first one that I went to when we moved here!!  That means we've been here for a long time!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
What a crazy day.  I ended up teaching 7 piano lessons back to back today!  Wow!
Our ward had a special Mother's Day dinner tonight.  There was a marimba band, dinner, etc.  There was supposed to be dancing afterwards but nobody ended up dancing.  Morgan even went to help the young women with babysitting.

The boy playing the drum ended up dying after a freak accident at school two days later!

All of our wonderful friends in the La Esperanza barrio (ward).  

Thursday, May 12, 2011
The ward still hasn't collected all of the needed items for Elias for his mission and he leaves in less than a week!  Chris and I told him that we were going to take him to get some stuff, but we never set a time.  I decided to go visit his house and give him Chris's phone number so they could figure out a time to go shopping.  On my way, I crossed the main road and then saw Elias walking the opposite direction.  I turned around and went back to talk to him.  It turned out that he was walking to our house.  I had him jump in the car and we went to pick up Chris before heading to the mall.  We were able to get most of the stuff that was left on the list but he still needed 6 pairs of pants!  The pants were really expensive so we went across the street to the tailor shop that made Chris and Cole's suits.  The tailor lived in Las Vegas until just recently.  He ended up giving us a good deal and said that pants would be ready before Elias has to leave.  What a good guy!
So, I took a happy Elias home with bags full of stuff and ready for his mission.  It felt so good to help out. His mother was so grateful.  I tried to explain to her that it has been as much of a blessing for our family as it has been for his!

Friday, May 13, 2011
After much anticipation, Amy received her mission call to Sacramento, California, Spanish speaking. Everybody is very excited for her and we are so thankful to have her as an example for our children!   As far as our map contest to guess the mission, Laina is the winner.
Morgan has hit the stage where she is done with primary and ready to move on to Young Womens.  To be honest, I'm shocked that she lasted as long as she did!!  She has been officially invited to attend mutual. Unfortunately, mutual is every Friday from 7:30-9:00.  UGH!  Friday nights are supposed to be family or date night.  Instead of watching a movie with the family, I sat in the back of the van, parked on the side of the street, reading a book with a flashlight, while Morgan enjoyed her activity.  It did give me some peace and quiet to read at least!!

Saturday, May 14, 2011
Today was an extremely cranky day!  Enough said!
We did go to the quinceanera for Emiliana's daughter, Lilian.  Talk about feeling out of place!!  It was only family and everybody wore traditional dresses.  As usual, things started late and by the time they started, a few people from the ward had shown up.  The kids were not upset one bit when we left early!

Sunday, May 15, 2011
Paul Bottema brought a gospel doctrine manual back from the states and volunteered to teach a class in English.  It was pretty strange to sit through a lesson in English!  Chris and I were actually able to participate. It was a little weird being the only girl with 8 guys.  I felt like I was invading a priesthood lesson!!
Our family primary is still going strong.  I love hearing the kids sing the primary songs during the week! I am also grateful to Sis. Bentley and her great music time ideas.  We have been doing "opera" singing and it's been a hit.  Laina has turned into a very dramatic singer!

5/2/11-5/8/11

Monday, May 2, 2011
Chris has been really sick with stomach pains.  He finally broke down and got some medicine today.  We'll see if it helps.  Wish him luck!

Our own personal Strawberry Shortcake

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The kids have all been playing together.  They are obsessed with their "karate classes".  When they are all playing nicely together, who cares about homework??  Too bad they have a bad mom that forgets that we're almost at the equator.  They are all sunburned!!  Laina's shoulder and Cole's neck probably got the worst!  Luckily I have a great friend that gave me a start for an aloe vera plant a year or so ago.  It has grown quite a bit and was put to use!

"Karate class"

Apparently it is the fair for our little town of La Esperanza.  There were three people at choir so we finally went home!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The kids sunburns are hurting enough to deter them from going outside today.  Darn, I really liked the nice peaceful morning yesterday!
While Morgan and Cole were attempting to make non-instant pudding, I overheard them talking about flying back to the states.  They went over every benefit of flying first class.  They are really hoping to go first class again even though they know it's not going to happen!!
Lately, the kids have really been into playing card games.  Their favorites are UNO and '31'.  It has kept them entertained for hours!  It has been especially nice since Cole is out of books.....again!

Thursday, May 5, 2011
The kids (and I) are way too excited to go back to the states!  It has been the constant talk in our house.  We really need to find something to keep us enjoying the moments while we're still here.  Trying to do this, we went looking for a little ice cream stand today.  It helped that there was no electricity or water for the whole day.  We also ended up at the fair area where we found a little Mayan basket for Laina.  We also went to a river.  I can not believe how people just throw there garbage everywhere.  There is no concept of recycling!

Friday, May 6, 2011

We're still going crazy.  My latest attempt to keep the kids enjoying our time while we are here, we made lists of Fun Friday activity ideas.  That kept the kids going for a while.  

We also spent a little while swimming and playing at the club.  I worked on schoolwork for next week.

Chris and I were going to go out to dinner, so the girls took it upon themselves to make me look pretty.  They picked out my outfit, did my nails, my hair, and my makeup.  When Chris came home, he asked me if I really wanted to go out in public.

After a quick make up and hair redo, we were off.  We went to have chinese food for the first time in the 2 years that we have been here.  It was delicious.  

Saturday, May 7, 2011

I think my favorite part of Mother's Day is when Chris takes all the kids grocery shopping for the meals to make and I get to stay home, guilt free, and do whatever I want.  I worked on a quilt to use up some of my scraps.  The list of people that I want to give a quilt to before we move seems to keep growing faster than I am making quilts!  

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day.  It isn't Mother's Day here until Tuesday, but I got to celebrate anyway!  The kids made me breakfast and dinner.  It was wonderful not having to cook or do dishes.  I didn't even go into the kitchen, except to get leftovers for lunch!

Chris's niece, Amy should be getting her mission call this week.  For our primary activity, each member of our family got to put their name on three of the places that they think she will be called to.  Whoever guesses the closest gets some sort of prize.   

4/25/11-5/1/11

Monday, April 25, 2011

Do we really have to go back to school?? UGH!  I don't want to go back to real life!

It was rainy while we were gone, and it was exciting to come back and see that the crops are starting to grow!  I can't wait for the plants to keep the dust down!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

We have our ward conference the second week of July.  The choir has been practicing some special musical numbers.  I've been practicing and practicing and practicing and still can't get the songs right.  I keep telling myself I have about 10 more weeks of practice.  Well, tonight, the new bishopric decided that they wanted to hear the songs to approve them.  One of the songs has NEVER been sung with the accompaniment until tonight!  I told the choir leader that if the bishopric doesn't approve the songs, I won't play!  She got a good laugh.  Well, the bishopric did approve the songs, even though they want to change the arrangement on one.  They don't seem to understand that that was our first time ever singing it, and that with a few weeks of practice it would be much better!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I am not mentally into doing school work.  I think that between the end of our time in Guatemala coming up soon and the end of the school year coming up, I have mentally checked out.  Hopefully that kids education won't be jeopardized because of me!  

Once I hit my limit of schoolwork, I got out our old camera and wondered around our neighborhood taking pictures.  These are some of the things that I want to be able to remember when we aren't here anymore.

A lady out working in the fields.  Notice the itty bitty green plants starting to grow!!  YEAH!!

The volcano that we see from our house.

Our chia pet!
When the house started across the street, they dumped a big pile of dirt outside our living room window.  Over the past few weeks, it has begun to grow like crazy!

We call these the "artichokes".  Every so often, they sprout these pink things that come  up from their center.

A butterfly.  They have some really cool butterflies here.

Alysa with the mountains in the back.

Alysa was going to do bunny ears but opted for a heart instead.

Alysa and Laina are best friends!  They love doing so much together.

Cole playing "tennis'" against the garage.  

Cole and the neighbors dog, Ruvo.  

Laina took this picture of one of the plants on the side of our house.

One of our forms of entertainment is to go on snail hunts.  I found this one!

Cole put his hat on Ruvo.  It's been great having Ruvo around.  Cole likes to pal around with him, but desperately wants to get his own dog.

A lady out walking her cows.

While everybody else was outside playing, Morgan was hiding in her room reading.  I can not believe how many books our family has gone through in the last couple of years.  

Thursday, April 28, 2011
It is looking more and more like the kids and I will be going back in July.  That puts us at about 12 more weeks.  Wow!  I think back to what we were doing 12 weeks ago and it's not going to be much longer.  I wonder if the time will fly faster or slower!
It was Taylor's birthday today, and also their last day here in Xela, so we had our last trip to the club to go swimming.   I couldn't believe how long the boys stayed in the pool.  They kept begging to stay longer since it was their last day together.  I hope that Cole can survive with his friends gone!

Friday, April 29, 2011
Morgan and I went to the bookstore in search of a greek mythology book.  She has to write a report and we don't have any sources other than the internet!  We lucked out and found a great book.  We traded in a bunch of our other books for it.  It is hilarious to look through the kids section at the bookstore and find about 1/2 the books used to be ours!  I am glad that they buy our old books though.
The date that we were thinking of going back to the states would be the end of our 90 day visa.  That means we wouldn't have to go on another trip to Mexico.  If the kids and I go, Chris will still have to go. I suggested that Chris fly back with us for his 3 days rather than go to Mexico.  It would be less money for the company to buy one extra ticket, rather than paying for everything for us to go to Mexico.  He talked with his boss and it looks like that might be a possibility!  Yeah!

Saturday, April 30, 2011
Chris wanted to get out of the house tonight, so we went to dinner.  The restaurant that he chose is a little nicer than we usually go to with the entire family.  I kept telling the kids that if we're going to a nice restaurant, they better use their manners.  As soon as I finished saying this, the restaurant started to play Vanilla Ice's song, Ice Ice Baby.  Yup, we're high class!  I do have to say that I love when the restaurant play music because it is usually from the 80's.  Chris and I get some good laughs!

Sunday, May 1, 2011
I have decided that our new bishopric is either trying REALLY hard to include the gringos, or they are just out to get us!  Chris's name was on the program today for the opening prayer, and Mark (Paul's brother) was asked to give a talk next week with the bishop's son translating.  The bishop also called his son up on the stand, whispered something to him, and then sent him back to the row of gringos to tell us that we were invited to share our testimony and that his son could translate for us.
After what seemed like forever, Alysa finally pulled her tooth out last night.  The tooth had been hanging on by one root for days now!  It'll definitely be easier for her to eat now!