Great Summer

We had a wonderful summer, full of surprises and fun, but it all went by too fast!

The summer started with a wonderful visit from Auntie Mary and Juliet and then an amazing trip to Hershey Park with Aunt Sherry, Uncle Saul, Seth, Prisila and Cousins Bev, Fred, Cayla and Sarah.

Nathan's birthday party at the end of July was full of excitement. We had planned to meet at the bowling alley near Aunt Sherry's house and after bowling return there for cake. Unfortunately, minutes before the start of the party, a fierce storm went through the area knocking out power to the area for several days. Instead of bowling, the whole family gathered at Aunt Sherry's house with no electricity, but had a great time regardless. We enjoyed pizza and cake and lots of laughs.

Shortly after Nathan's birthday, he got the best gift of all - Hani and Sarah returned from Cambodia! They are now home for good. And, the best news of all, they are expecting. Nathan and Sela are looking forward to the arrival of "Baby Saucer" in February.

In August, we took our vacation. Nathan, Sela and I packed up and drove to Cape Cod where we stayed with Auntie Mary and Juliet at their beach house. Everyone should be so fortunate to have an Auntie Mary!! We had such a wonderful visit, we relaxed, destressed and enjoyed the company of our lovely hosts. The kids were unprepared for the beach - they were surprised to find the water was so cold and the bottom was rocks and mud. But, my kids were great and instead of complaining, had fun playing in the sand.

All three kids got along so well - there were a few arguements, but they were short lived and they actually behaved very well. What a welcome surprise for the mothers!

When we returned, we had yet another celebration - we celebrated Hollie's first birthday. She is such a happy little girl!

The kids started school on August 30. Sela was ready to go to kindergarten, but unfortunately, she is still in preschool.

Nathan is now in first grade, and although a little apprehensive about going, is adapting well.

Soccer has started and in his first game of the season, Nathan scored 4 goals! Sela has started gymnastics and amazed me on her first day with her strength and perseverance! We are looking forward to all the new adventures that lay ahead for us

Summertime = Pooltime!

We have been enjoying the pool a lot this summer and spending lots of time with family and friends. By far the highlight of the summer this far has been a visit by Auntie Mary and Juliet. Of course, we spent almost all of our time together in the pool!

Date Night with PopPop, Dinner at Aunt Teri's and Sela's Recital

Last weekend, Dad took Sela on a date to the Chick-Fil-A Father/Daughter Date Night. Sela was so excited to have a special night and to have her PopPop all to herself!

Kids love to have silly pictures taken...

PopPop brought the princess flowers which she cherishes and still has in her room.

Memorial Day Weekend we also had a wonderful dinner at Aunt Teri's house and were able to spend some time with cousin Hollie.

Finally, last night was Sela's ballet recital. She woke up ready to dance! Sela was absolutely beautiful in her costume with makeup and special hairdo. She sang and danced with such pride and happiness. The evening was made even more special because so many family were able to join us! Thanks Nathan, Bubie, PopPop, Aunt Teri, Aunt Sherry, Uncle Saul and Miss Victoria!

Prayers for those in Guatemala

Last week, Guatemala had a volcano that erupted and rained ash on Guatemala City and surrounding areas. A few days later, The country was hit hard by Hurricane Agatha. The rains and winds caused wide spread flooding and mud slides. People lost their homes, their belongings and some people lost their lives. This is so devastating to a country where people were already struggling just for the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, jobs, education and money.

Here are a few pictures sent from Mayan Families, the group I have visited worked with and supported for several years:



I remember walking down the streets of Panajachel where these photos were taken and now they are covered with mud, the bridge is out and many houses along the riverbed are now gone. It breaks my heart to see this devastation and consumes my thoughts.

If you are able, they are in desperate need of help. You can send money directly to Mayan Families. Your contributions are tax deductible. Just follow this link:

http://www.mayanfamilies.org/DonateNow

Every little bit helps!!

I am also trying to put together a shipment to send down to Guatemala. They are in desperate need of:

blankets
diapers (adult and childrens)
children's clothes
young men's clothes
sweaters, button-up, cardigan style for girls and women
underwear, socks
shoes (up to size 8 adult)

If you can donate any of these items, please contact me at RLK913@aol.com and I will arrange to get the items from you, or you can send money to help with the shipping costs.

To read more about Mayan Families and the devestation in Guatemala, you can follow any of these links below:

http://www.mayanfamilies.org/Home

http://www.cliniclink.org/category/disasters-emergencies/tropical-storm-agatha/

http://mayanfamiliesconnectionguatemala.blogspot.com/

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/05/31/honduras.storm.emergency/index.html?hpt=C1

To read more about my trip to Guatemala, just click any of the links below:

http://gafimayanmissions.blogspot.com/

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/this-weekend-i-am-leaving-for-mission.html

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/guatemala-trip-overview.html

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/some-of-beauty-of-guatemala.html

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/meeting-our-sponsored-families.html

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/more-of-beauty-of-guatemala.html

http://shooman.blogspot.com/2007/11/another-story-from-guatemala-heartbreak.html

Thoughts from Facebook

Here are some random thoughts from Facebook entries I have made over the last few months I wanted to share:

Sela played hide and seek yesterday.....by herself! I love this child's imagination!! May 26, 2010

had sweet dreams last night, but the morning was made even better when I woke to find my kids and dogs in bed with me, smiling and giggling. Doesn't get much better than that!
May 22, 2010

Rough night! Then I come home to my precious children sleeping safely and soundly in their beds looking like angels and everything seems right with the world. They give me hope for the future. I am so very thankful for all my many blessings!!
May 18, 2010

The first thing I see in the morning & the last thing I see at night are the faces of my beautiful children. And the thought of them all day long keeps me going!
May 14, 2010

listening to my sweet baby girl singing in bed very loudly "I've got that Sha-bat feeling deep in my heart and it feels so good!"
March 26, 2010

my princess decided to cut her hair today...and did it while at school!
February 17, 2010

My handsome guy, wearing a fireman hat, princess gloves and carrying a sword. What you can't see is that he also has NO pants! He wanted his pic taken to show PopPop!
February 3

amazed that after one week away in warm weather and shorts in Florida, we return to snow and long pants only to find that Nathan suddenly grew and his jeans and sweats no longer fit and are all too short!!
February 3

Nathan's picture was in Maryland Family Magazine Jan 2010 issue!! The picture is from last year at Bet Yeladim. At the age of 5, this is his 2nd time in a local publication.
January 6

This morning I asked Nathan why there was a number 19 on his folder for school - he told me that it was for his mommy's age...
December 11, 2009

it was my turn for a teacher conference today and I cried. Nathans teacher spent a lot of time telling me how incredibly special he is. Other teachers came in to meet me and tell me the same. As a mother, I know my children are special, but it is so nice to hear that others think the same!
November 24,2009

my sweet baby girl just told me that she likes my heart because there is a lot of love in it.
November 4, 2009