Miriam

We are very honored to be able as a family to sponsor children in Guatemala.

Miriam is a little girl we sponsor. She is 10 years old and in 3rd grade. We help her with school expenses, and from time to time do things to help her and her family such as sending food baskets at Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas, sending chickens so that the family can raise and sell them or use them for food, sending clothing and shoes and buying traditional outfits for the women in the family, helping the family to buy a fuel efficient onil stove, a pila (wash basin) and other basic necessities. I was very fortunate to be able to meet this beautiful family on one of my trips to Guatemala in 2007, and I look forward to taking my kids back there some day to see them again. Here is Miriam with her mother, sister and brother at a Christmas celebration. And, here is a letter that she wrote to us which says:

For me it is a pleasure to say hello and with all my heart I hope God blesses you. From, Miriam.
Thank you for the shoes and God Bless you.
January 14th, 2009, my birthday is January 24th, 2009
XXX Family

and here is the picture that came with the letter:

Needless to say, this has warmed my heart. My kids were very happy to see the drawing as well and proud of what we are doing to help others.

Funny Questions

Sela and I have been sick for a few days, so we had a low-key weekend. This has given Nathan a lot of time to think, and at various times, he has asked me some interesting questions:

He came in to my room one night to ask me how babies come out of their mommy's tummies. I want to be straight and honest with him, but not give too much information that he can't handle at his age. So, as I was formulating a response in my head, he said they pop out like popcorn when they are ready, right mom? All I could say was, "yes, something like that!"

Nathan last night decided that he wanted PopPop to help him to build a house for all the bunnies that live in the woods next to our house so they would have some place warm to live. What a sweet kid!

He is also worried about how he will bring his bike on the airplane with us when we go to visit PopPop so that he can take the training wheels off his bike. Nathan decided that he is a big boy now and wants to ride his bike with two wheels just like PopPop!

Nathan is truly a remarkable child - as I know all parents feel about their kids. I love to listen to him as he plays in his rooms with his cars and has conversations with them. He has such a great imagination and is so creative.

National Service Day

I talk with the kids regularly about giving back to the community and to those less fortunate. I have always tried to be a positive role model in this respect for my kids. We love to open e-mails from Mayan Families to see the kids we sponsor and read about their progress. The kids know about my many meetings as a board member for the school board and the Animal Control board. They have accompanied me on the walks we do for the SPCA annually. We regularly give food to the local food pantry. But, it was so nice today to watch them consider and chose a project of their own and carry it out with pride and love.

My kids chose to take donations to the SPCA - a project near and dear to my heart. They were each given some money and we went to Petco. Nathan carefully picked out dog food, treats and toys while Sela selected some dog food, and then some cat food too. We went to the SPCA, delivered our donations and then helped out by taking some of the dogs on walks. It was a cold and snowy day, but all I could see was the incredibly warmth and love in my children's eyes. It was such an incredibly proud mommy moment!

Here is Sela with her bag of donations - she not only wanted to help the dogs, but the cats as well. I think her bag was heavier than she is!

Nathan was very proud of the dog food, treats and toys he chose and proudly carried them all the way accross the parking lot into the building. The kids loved visiting with all the dogs and cats in the shelter. For them, it was a treat to see so many dogs of different sizes and colors. For me, it was a treat to see so many empty cages!

The kids were able to give treats to the dogs and carefully washed their hands every time between each dog! This particular dog stole my heart and had she not already been in the process of adoption, she probably would be at home with us tonight.

The dogs there were all so sweet and very gentle with the kids eating carefully out of their hands. Either these were exceptional dogs, or as I choose to believe, exceptional children with a magic touch.

I think Nathan is like his mother and wanted to bring all the dogs home with us. He has such a good heart. Sela was so happy and proud that she was able to help and it was an incredible day for us all.

When we were done, I sat in the car and cried - overwhelmed by the experience, and greatful to have this wonderful time with my children. I then called my mom with the good news that I had resisted the temptation and we were going home without any additional dogs!

Bar Mitzvah in New York

This past weekend, we attended our cousin's Bar Mitzvah in New York. It was the kids first and they had a great time. We loved spending time with family, dancing and of course eating.

The room was beautiful, the food delicious, and the day was magical for the kids. They played video games, danced and had a great time with their cousins and family.

Sela wouldn't stop dancing and when she was too tired to dance, she asked Uncle Saul to pick her up and dance with her.

From the moment we entered the ballroom, Nathan was eyeing the salads on the tables. He couldn't wait to eat the cucumbers. He ate his, mine, and the cucumbers belonging to several other's at the table. It was quite entertaining.

I think Sela followed cousin Marlee around most of the day - she had so much fun dancing with everyone and hanging out with the older kids.

Finally, I convinced her to take a break and have a drink! But, then she was back out on the dance floor!

A celebration for a princess

Sela celebrated her birthday in school on Friday. The kids made and decorated cupcakes and a crown for Sela. Nathan was very excited to be able to join Sela's class for the celebration:

We joined Aunt Teri and Uncle Jamie for a special birthday dinner at the balloon restaurant and then went home to open gifts. Sela loved the video game from Bubie and Pop-Pop, but her favorite was the princess dress and shoes from Uncle Rick and family!!

On Saturday, Sela resumed ballet classes. Here is my pretty ballerina.

In the afternoon, Sela had a Princess Tea Party for her birthday. She happily wore the outfit Uncle Rick sent her - and as commented by Aunt Teri - Sela walked better in her high heels than her mom does!

Happy Birthday Sela Mari

Today, my baby is three years old. She now prefers to be called Princess Sela Mari! She is independant and stubborn but sweet and loving. She always shares with her older brother and does everything he does. Sela loves to dress up and carry a purse where ever she goes - and has quite a collection. She is enjoying school and loves to read, sing and dance.

Happy Birthday Princess Sela Mari!

Happy New Year!

Sela had a great time at Auntie Mary's house, but we are so glad to have her home now! I am not sure Sela is too happy though, no more breakfast in bed!

Here are a few pictures from our trip to NJ to pick up Sela and our quiet weekend at home catching up.

The kids loved shopping at the mall with Auntie Mary and playing in the pool at the hotel.

We always miss Onyx and Mishu when we are gone and they are so happy to see us return!

Catching up at home in the tub!