"Pablo's Fish Camp"

We have a neighbor who has a little restaurant/hostel in Santiago. He is from Colorado and spends the winters in Guatemala. We have enjoyed getting to know the English speakers in our town through his little restaurant. There is a small Hospital in town and they have volunteers from all over the world work there. It has been fun to meet the different people who have come to work here in Santiago. Pablo serves fish on Fridays and we all enjoyed it last Friday. He has a big Jocote tree in the patio and the kids really like to climb it.Another treat has been PIZZA with "real peperoni's".

Thanks Pablo for the good cuisine!

My Day Out...

The day after we got to New Orleans my sweet (awesome) sister in law said she would like to keep mine & Heathers kids while we go out for the day. Let me tell you, not too many people offer to keep 8 kids (4 mine & 4 Heathers) plus 3 of her own!!! Thankfully mom was also there to help.

I had not seen my sister Heather since May and had only spoken once since then. I live on the side of a volcano in Guatemala, she lives in the boonies in Mexico so communication is rare. It was great to be able to talk and catch up on life and how each other was doing. We laughed and we cried, it was wonderful. Even though we live in different countries and have different lifestyles and live in different cultures so much of what we go through seems to be so similar.

We jumped in the car, left the house, looked at each other and said now what:) We went to get pedicures with a massage. The lady who did Heathers toes was fascinated with her, she kept telling her "You so beautiful" and she is it was just funny hearing it so many times in one hour from a stranger! We had a good laugh about that.

Then we went to the mall and got a few things, and finished off the afternoon with some good ol coffee from Cafe Du Monde.

Thank you Patty and Mom I had a much needed day with my sweet lil sister whom I admire and look up to in so many ways. She is an inspiration and encouragement to me and I am so blessed to have her as my sister.

First few days in New Orleans (Nawlins for those of you not from there):)

All the cousins had a blast swimming at Uncle Warren & Tia Patty's house.


The boys got to play video games too! (left-right Titus, Isaac, Tucker, Diego, Silas)
Chloe Ann & Andrea were so excited to see each other, they spent every moment they could together.

Heather with her two youngest, Annie & Ruben

Annie & Naomi loved the oranges Tia Patty had. We could not resist this photo with us all around the kitchen counter. (left-right Heather, Annie, Ann Carolyn (mom) Naomi, Daphne(me:)

Highlights from the States(so far)!!

Packing the last few things at the Stewarts(thanks for the Suit case), before we leave Guatemala!!

We made it stateside, Layover in Fort Lauderdale.

The night we flew in was Titus Birthday!! So the next day the family had planned a fun filled day of celebration with balloons, friends, family and of course RIBS!!!!

Balloon sword "Warriors"

(Chloe Ann, Titus, Maddie, CJ, & Isaac)

Will & Morgan entertained us with their music!!

It was great to see everyone, and spend time together. We spent 4 days in Alabama, Then we came down to New Orleans.

More to come!!!!

UH OH Chicken anyone!!

We got Roxy as a puppy last January hoping one day she would grow up to be a great guard dog. She has grown up a lot and is a good dog and obeys for the most part. She is vicious looking and it keeps people from wanting to come into our yard and our house for that matter.
She also likes to bring us gifts like possum and little birds, or the neighbors shoes. Sunday we came home from church and there were feathers all over the yard. Danny and I just looked at each other. Danny said "Oh no we are going to have to replace a chicken. We were walking around the yard wishing she would not have done this. We could not believe it!! Then we rounded the corner of the house and we found it!!!!

THE FEATHER DUSTER!!!!!!

I guess all we have to replace is a feather duster. If we can find the owner! It was a good laugh for us...

Thanksgiving Pics

Our Yummy meal, it made us all think of home:)

Enjoying time with friends & a good meal Playing in the Garden

A very "Happy" Thanksgiving

Last year Thanksgiving was a hard day for me. I shed more tears than was Thankful. I tried to hide it from my little family. Then I just broke down and had to admit I was lonely and missed "HOME". I had comforted my kids during their times of missing home, and I felt like I was letting them down by being sad. Danny reminded us that we were all in this together, They all hugged me and loved me. It was just what I needed. All in all I have to say it was a hard day.

This year as Thanksgiving got closer I was excited, but wanted it to be much happier than last year. We invited some friends from Tectitan. We met them through our sending church in LA. We had not seen them since we had been in the states. It was great to get to know them more and meet their sweet kids.

I've never had to cook Thanksgiving dinner. I was a bit nervous about actually having to cook the WHOLE meal!! I called my Mom for a couple of recipes and my mother in law for a couple others. You have to keep in mind I don't have a grocery store within an hour and a half of me. Even then there is no guarantee that they are going to have what I need. So I went to market and got potatoes, and fresh green beans, a chicken and ran by the tienda(you walk in the door and tell them what you want then if they have it they go in the back to get it) to get Maseca(corn meal they make tortillas with) for my corn bread.

We had Turkey, Corn bread dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, celery with cream cheese, I even found a can of cranberries when we were in the capitol last time!! Kathy made sweet potatoes and a delicious pumpkin pie. I managed to snap this picture before we all dug in. We had quite a feast and everyone was very pleased with the meal. Danny said the dressing may be better than his Mama's (it was her recipe). It was great to have friends here with us in our new HOME. It was a very Happy Thanksgiving.

After Dinner we went out in the garden and down by the lake. The kids enjoyed playing with the coco the rabbit next door. We were thankful for friends, family and for the opportunity God has given us to come work with the people of Santiago. I thank the Lord for loving me and carrying me when I need to be, and for rejoicing with me in times of joy. All in all this year was filled with joy, laughter and especially thankfulness.
Well, I cannot download the pics, I will have to owe them to you.