Drums And Fun

I have been enjoying the freedom of living in a house again. After 6 months of living in an apartment and constantly having to remind kids to keep noise levels down, the kids are loving loud singing, loud laughter...and loud drums! Gerald thought this would be a great gift for Simon as this was around the time Gerald began to play drums. Fortunately for everyone, these drums do come with earphones!

4 a.m. Is The New 7 a.m.

I hate jet lag.

London Airport

We arrived in Arizona!!! It took 2 planes, and 2 days-but we made it safely. As we were landing in London and preparing to spend a night in England Simon was a bit pensive.

Simon: Dad, are the people in England all like Mr. Bean?Gerald: No, Simon. He's just a funny character.

Simon: (confessing) good...because I was a little scared of him.

On The Road (again!)...

After talking with the person-in-the-know here in the Basque Country, they were able to find our visas in the computer systems (still in process) but will be ready for pick up in early April. This means our whole family has to be present in Los Angeles to pick up our visas. The timing works out great because the kids have two weeks off from school for Semana Santa (Easter break) and Gerald has a conference in Seattle the last week in March.
So...tomorrow our family of 5 begins the 2 day journey back to Arizona for a few weeks (2) to catch our breath and drink 6 months worth of Starbucks, and then Gerald and I will spend some time in Portland to see our wonderful friends and then up to Seattle for our conference. We will finish our trip in Los Angeles to get our much awaited visas before returning to San Sebastian. 4 States, 4 weeks.
I look forward to posting lots of pictures of cousin time. Simon, especially, has been missing his cousin and BFF-Zane. He told Gerald he didn't want to spend a minute without Zane.
We appreciate your prayers as we prepare for this journey!

I Picked This Flower For You Mommy!

Great Time In France

We had a great lunch with friends in France. Two of the boys came two years ago to Portland, and this summer-their brothers, plus another will join us this summer. The house is a traditional (french) Basque style home-often times the shutters are painted red or green. Lovely!!!

Poco a Poco

I thought i'd put in a picture of where Gerald and I spend our mornings. We are meeting with a great spanish tutor. Every day we get spanish, plus a history lesson (in spanish.) I am eating it up!!!

Okay, Now You Can Have Dessert.

Que Guapo!

Gerald in his "office." This guy is one hard working man. My favorite is the phone calls that he gets (upwards of 8 a day.) "OH! Si, Si, Si, Si....uh....repeate por favor. Mas despacio, por favor. Uno mas vez, por favor." He is enjoying these phone calls from parents with questions for sending their kids to the U.S. this summer because it is improving his spanish. Or...scaring the parents??? Buen Trabajo Gerald!!!

PROGRESS

Jenni now answers our home phone when it rings!

Surf Art

Surfing is like art. Painters look at creation around them and are inspired to replicate it with their own style and adaptations. Think of any famous painting and most will be a twist on what has already been: The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Starry Night, ect. These painters have taken what already exists and tweaked it, personalized it. Surfing is just the same. Waves come to land after traveling thousands of miles then bend, pitch, curl, and break on the shore. Surfers add to the waves by joining them and drawing their own lines, and personalizing them. Each wave is like a clean canvas waiting for an artist to make it their own.

Why do we enjoy recreating, personalizing, and expressing ourselves in art or in surfing? I think part of the answer lies in our image. We are made in the image of the Creator. The One who expresses Himself daily as new babies are born, as flower bloom, as water and wind change a beach. We are being like our Father when we express ourselves in any creativity. -G

The German Queen Is Dead

This morning I heard singing coming from Jillian's room. Singing from Jillian is certainly nothing new. But-opera style is. As I popped my head in, she told me that the German queen had died and the people were coming in procession to her funeral. I asked her (quite soberly) if she minded if I took some pictures of this occasion. She was happy to oblige me.

The last picture will be the final resting place for "The German Queen."

Good News

God's timing is perfect. We are finding that when we have bits of discouragement or moments of doubt He is brings to us good news, a timely word, or some taste of extraordinary beauty in creation. This morning was no exception. Feeling a bit impatient as we wait for our visas, and wondering what to do about our house next month....we find out that our house has been rented out. This is a gigantic relief for us! Last night-we gave this concern to the Lord, and this morning He answered! We are grateful for our incredible property management Gordon Properties in Portland for their speedy turnaround! Phew!!

Jillian

For some reason, I think there has been more things posted by Miriam and Simon lately. But we do have one more precious child!!! I will be sure in the future to put more pictures of her up. Jillian is thriving here in the Basque Country. She is growing in her spanish, she is loving her friends, and she is dreaming of "high school" and all things "teenager." She is coming out of her shell at school and amazing some of her teachers at her "bubbliness." She told me today she thought she might need to "tone it down a bit." We are really proud of her and thankful that she has adjusted here so easily.

More Cute Somethings

Miriam came to me in deep distress:
"Mommy, I didn't get to go to your wedding. Can you get married again?"

Cooking With Simon

Tonight Simon came to me with an idea for making dessert. He was so excited and had it all planned out that I couldn't refuse. He asked for a bowl, butter cookies, Nutella, a banana, and some chocolate chips. I loaded the stuff on the table and he went to work. He did recruit a more than willing assistant-promising her she could be just like the little rat in "Ratatouille."

He labored over it like it was a work of art. And we all enjoyed this delicious treat after dinner. Before he went to sleep he asked me if I had ever tried putting maple syrup in the pancake batter. No I haven't. But I have a feeling the next time we make pancakes we are going to try something a little new.

Future Musings

Simon and I were having a deep conversation last night while we were preparing dinner. He was trying to figure out what he should be when he grows up. I suggested he do something that he was passionate about and loved to do. Something that would motivate him every morning to get out of bed. For instance, he loves science or math, so an archaeologist, or math teacher. Or-he could be an author because he is always making up these great stories.
Miriam was in the middle of it all-like usual, listening. When she could get a word in she told us what she wanted to be when she grew up:
"I want to be a pauper, so I can marry a prince!"

Multi-Linguists

The other night we were with friends for a fellowship gathering. The man is from Sweden, the woman is from the States. During the two hours or so that we were all together, I heard their little girl (about 7 or 8) speaking swedish, english, spanish, and euskara. She wove in and out of the languages with whom she needed to speak and (from what I could tell) mastered it all beautifully.
Daily I am in awe of languages. I never really gave it much thought in the States. English is what we hear all day. I am so thankful that my children are getting this gift-to learn other languages. Jillian says she can't wait to get spanish down so then she can start learning french (hmmm...I wonder who has been planting that little seed?? :) ) What a valuable tool it is to learn another language, not only do you really have a deeper understanding of your own language, but then you get to communicate with a whole group of other people speaking their language.
If I were to guess the next three important languages to learn for the entire world, I would guess it would be arabic, spanish, and chinese. If anyone is interested in learning another language-check out Rosetta Stone, or better yet...make friends with a person from another country and begin "language swap" or "intercambio." Just some thoughts! :)

Notes To Self:

-When purchasing an item, take the item after it has been rung up, then give money.
-Toilet paper is overrated.
-Say "talk to me" when you answer the phone.

Hello? Goodbye?

When we first arrived here, we noticed people passing eachother in the streets (apparently people who knew eachother) and instead of saying "hola" or "kaixo" (hello) they would say "agur" (goodbye) and continue on their way.
I thought this was interesting because when we pass people we know (in the States) we say "hello" and then continue on our way.
Now when I pass people that I know I instantly blurt out "hola" or "kaixo" at the same time they are saying "agur" to me.
I am trying to get used to saying goodbye to people when I first see them. I don't know if my mind will ever adjust . The funny thing is, it actually makes more sense to say "goodbye" to someone that you pass, because you are not stopping to talk or hanging. Just passing by.

A Big Gift

Our WONDERFUL friends-Marshall and Emily (who are living here and teaching english) gave Gerald and I a night away. They went from being a carefree newlyweds-to instant parents of 3 for 24 hours! I am happy to report that they did survive, and they gave us a memorable, much needed, breakaway. We went to the second "happiest place on earth"...France!!! Just a short 20 minute drive from where we live, Gerald and I had a great time catching up with sleep and mindless meanderings. We were blessed to have 65 degree weather in Feburary. It has been unseasonably warm and dry here (Thank you God!!) We enjoyed sitting for about two hours at an outdoor cafe just staring. All around us were french speakers, so our minds didn't have to focus on spanish and spanish learning. It was so nice.

The picture is of us and Marshall and Emily during the Donostia reunion at a Sideria.

Paella

Gerald and I went walking about the town of Biarritz when we passed a huge container filled with yummy little treasures. The smell was what hooked me. It may be that this was the best food item that I have ever smelled in my life. Paella is a traditional food here in this region. It is a blend of rice, saffron, chicken, and the "fruits of the sea." I became instantly ravenous! We watched as the cook carefully added water and stirred. It wouldn't be ready for another hour. So we really worked up our appetite and came back an hour later. We were not disappointed!!!

School Celebration-Multi-Culturalism

The childrens school (in lieu of Carnaval) held a fiesta to celebrate other cultures. It was funny for me to realize our family is one of the "other cultures." Simon and Jillians grades were dressed according to Arabic fashion. And Miriam's class was from China. In many ways-it is so refreshing that "political correctness" doesn't seem to exist here. On the other hand, I was bewildered to see Miriam's face had actually been painted yellow when we went to watch the children's special dances!

This is Miriam and her wonderful teacher-Miren.

House For Rent

Our house in Portland is now being vacated by the current renters. If you are in the Portland area and know of anyone wanting to rent a great 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in a central location-let us know! :)

Entertainment From Our Window

A few weeks ago we had Tamborrada. We had a 24 hour band playing outside our window. Lots of drums. Lots of people (really it was quite exciting!) This last week we had Carnaval. Just when we thought the bands had ended we heard the drumming beckoning us to our window. Here is a picture of the tail end of the band, and of Gerald and the girls enjoying the show.

Sick...again

Once again...Simon is sick. We were anticipating a lot of sickness this year as we are exposed to more new germs and viruses and changes. The girls and I have been blessed to have been virtually sickness free since moving here. But poor Simon-I think now he has missed close to a month of school (all in all.) On the other hand, I have been enjoying getting a little extra time in with my son. We are working our way through "Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis, learning about the State Capitals, discussing the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S., and trying to satisfy Simon's unquenchable desire to know all about World War One. I am learning all kinds of history at the same time he is! We found a great website: firstworldwar.com and I can't seem to spend enough time that satisfies his curiosity on this subject. We also discovered the world of podcasts. We can download all kinds of great fairytales and cool stuff-great imagination building and entertains for hours!

Dumpster Diving...Spain Style

My husband loves to find a good deal. Even better, he loves things that are free. His sisters have been known to tease and marvel at Gerald's "connections" or his witty ways to get a bargain. Here in the Basque Country...he is still at the "top of his game." The other day he came into the house and told me he found something next to the dumpster and wanted me to come see it.
My first response was "no way, no thank you...que asko! I don't want to see it, take it back, please." But, I could tell by the look on his face that he found something good and he knew I would like it. Well, he was right, and once again...he found something good! The girls now have a solid wood, beautiful "chabby chic" style bedside stand. We are so excited about it. Definently not "made in China."
I think I will start to hang out near the dumpsters more often.

Interview

What is your favorite thing to say in spanish?
Simon: Que Asko!!! (how gross)
Jillian: Como te llamas? (whats your name?)
Jenni: Que Rico! (this is so amazing, delicious, rich, incredible, you will be missing out if you don't try it!)
Gerald: Vale, claro, por supuesto (okay, of course, of course)
Miriam: Uno (one)

Life On Hold

I haven't updated the blog for a bit because we've had a house full of sickies. In our little apartment, we have had 9 people living in it for the past two weeks. 7 out of the 9 have been sick. 3 out of the 9 have been REALLY sick. Like-stay in bed for days sick. Half of our team has now gone home after a week and a half of classroom presentations, reunions, and parent meetings. We have one more day of presentations to go (Chris and Megan and my parents!!! will do this one in France) and one more parent meeting left. I'll post some pictures later.

A Little Something Cute

Miriam to my mom: "I used to be Cinderella for a long time, but now I am turning into Sleeping Beauty."

Simon At Tamborrada

This is is the day of Donostia (San Sebastian). Incredibly, tonight (Saturday) the city is alive with thousands of drumbeaters. At 12:30 a.m. a drum procession (complete with fireworks) begins and does not stop...that's right....does not stop until 24 hours later! All through the night and then through the day the city is alive and loud! Unfortunately, our little guy is in bed sick, so we can't join in the festivities. But, we will definently HEAR the party goers! :)

Here is a picture of Simon during their school celebration of Tamborrada. He is the cutest drummer i've ever seen!

Class Time

A Busy Week

Up to date, there have been 30 classroom presentations given. The hours have been long, voices are sore, but we are excited and are hoping for a great summer with lots of students!!!

Our Friends Are Here!!!

"The Guys" in a game of Uno.

Please pray for Iban!

Iban is a student from the Basque Country that stayed in Portland last summer with our program. He had a serious ingury to his head while skiiing over Christmas break. Thankfully he came out of a coma and now is speaking, recognized his parents, and is moving his body parts. Please pray with us for this young man's complete recovery! Please pray for his family as they have been in suspense for several weeks now. We are thankful for his recovery so far and know that God will use this for good. Thanks for praying with us for Iban.

Kirstie and Mia

This is Miriam's little friend-she is the "other Mimi." She is french and Miriam always calls her "my little french friend."

Miriam with Ane For Her Birthday

My Baby Turns 3!

We just finished off the last of the birthday celebrations. This time...it was Miriam's. She cried a bit the night before because she wasn't sure if she'd still be "Miwium" in the morning, since she wouldn't be 2 anymore. I assured her that she would indeed be my sweet Miriam!

She had "Happy Birthday" sung to her in 4 different languages: Basque, Spanish, English, and French! She even got to celebrate it in two countries: The Basque Country (spain) and France! This is the kind of thing my sister loves!!! Eat your heart out Candace! :)

And Happy Birthday to the little queenie!

My mom was able to make it here in time for Miriam's birthday. We are all so glad to have her! We took a walk the other day and I just wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

The next few weeks are incredibly busy times for the foundation work for "Summer in the USA." Already Gerald and I have visited 4 classes to give a lesson on geography, life for a teenager in the USA, and a bit of information on options for learning more english. One-of course, includes coming to live with a family (immersion) for 4 weeks in the summer (summerintheusa.com) This year our program will operate in 3 states: Oregon, Washington, and Indiana.

Tomorrow Megan and Chris (our teammates) come and my dad comes the following day. Party! :) In the next two weeks we will be in schools in Onati, Bergara, Donostia, Bayonne, and Biarritz. This time is crazy, but lots of fun.

Mi Madre Esta Aqui!

Birthday Clowns

Our Little Boy Turns 8!

I can hardly believe we have an 8 year old! For Simon's birthday we took his two friends (Inaki and Aidan) to a kids center of sorts. They had a blast jumping, running, and raging! After that we brought the troops home for lunch and cake. Maybe we were crazy...but we decided to make it a sleepover. Try getting three 7 and 8 year olds quieted down and ready to sleep...nearly impossible! They giggled and giggled until 12 am! In the morning we made pancakes-which Inaki had never tried. "Riquisimo!" he exclaimed and wanted more! :) It was a birthday Simon will never forget!

Our First Guest

We were so glad to show our good friend Todd around. We had a great time!

A Busy Season

Our first Christmas in Donosti (San Sebastian) was filled with lots of activities and lots of new things. We must admit that it was a bit lonely, though, and hope that next year we will have family here to celebrate with us. On Christmas Eve we journeyed with some friends to Pamplona (this is the city where they have the famous "running of the bulls.") We were also able to take a coffee in the cafe where Ernest Hemingway would hang out. On Christmas Day, we enjoyed celebrating the birth of the Saviour together with our family, and after enjoyed a fabulous lunch with friends. Our friend Todd came for New Years Eve. It felt so good to have fellowship with our friend who has known us for 14 years. We loved showing him around "our" city. My stomache is still a bit sore from all the laughing! We also have wrapped up 2 of the three kids birthdays. Simon's is January 4 and Miriam's is the 12th. And now we look forward to this New Year with thanksgiving at God's gracious provisions and abundant blessings. We are daily grateful for the Hope that He gives us and His constant presence.

I Have Taken Up Smoking

Actually-our entire family has. Now, mind you, we don't actually smoke cigarettes. We are just inhaling the second-hand smoke all around us. In my 30 years, I have never smoked a cigarette, but in the past 4 months, I've made up for a lifetime of abstinence. I noticed it a lot in the beginning. I'd go to get a cup of coffee and everyone all around me was lighting up. I'd walk by a group of people and into a big cloud of smoke, hold my breath for as long as possible, and gasp for fresh air on the other end. I'd be enjoying a nice meal with my family and before I know it-the taste of smoke permeated my mouth. The funny thing is, now I don't mind so much, and I hardly even notice. I have to just imagine now that smoke is actually good for me and my children and that it is really beneficial for our health. Cheers!

Nine Years Young...

I can't believe Jenni and I have been married for 9 years! Well, I guess since Simon just turned eight it shouldn't be that surprising! For our anniversary this year went out to a great Italian dinner and enjoyed every bite. I think the best part of our marriage has been the fun. I have alot of fun with Jenni (look at the smiles in the picture). Just tonight at dinner the whole family was laughing together. That is always good. And there is alot of forgivness. I once heard that forgivness is the key to marriage-to forgive even in the midst of being wronged, to always think the best of the other, not to keep a record of wrongs. Jenni gets to practice forgivness alot with me. But maybe the best part is really our friendship. I love that Jenni my best friend. And she is super hot too!

Happy New Year! Be Blessed!

In this new year my hope is that you are truly blessed. Long ago, God taught His leaders how to bless their people. This is what he told them to say:

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

May God's face shine upon you this year!