More Pictures Miriam Took

Giving your three year old a camera makes for a unique perspective.

Pictures Miriam Took

You Are Not Sisters...

After playing at the park, Jillian came to me with a disturbed look. She explained that a girl told her that Miriam and her could not be sisters because they were not wearing the same clothes. It is true, most siblings (even brother-sister) wear matching outfits, especially on Sundays. So now, my girls-to validate their "sisterness" will wear matching outfits. Simon has opted out of this one.

Dude where's my bike?

The other day after Miriam and I took the older kids to their day camp, we noticed my bike was missing! I counted 4 bikes several times instead of our normal 5. Then I look closely at the bike lock that was on my bike (now missing) and Simon's bike. The cable lock had a clean cut right through it. Somebody cut my lock and took my bike thankfully leaving Simon's alone. The responses from the kids when they realized what happened were funny....
Miriam- (proud and a pretty happy) "They didn't get mine!"
Jillian- (raising up with clenched fists) "I'm gonna find them and.... No! Let's go to the Police!"
Simon- (after some time thinking quietly...) "Wait Dad! Did you touch the lock... cuz we need to get finger prints!"

So, Today I Washed My Kitchen Floor...

I decided it was finally time to get the gunk off my kitchen floor. I am a maniac sweeper, sweeping upward of 5 or 6 times a day. But, washing the floor-I put off to once a week. I scrubbed my floor so good you could almost eat off it! And wouldn't you know it...Miriam spilled her entire cup of orange juice, Jillian dropped her milk from off the table, and I broke a brand new jar (glass) of corn! So much for my clean floor!

Check out THE BIG STORY...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kCVcSiUUMhY

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

My "Meme"

Today I was "memed"(or however you spell it) by my mom and friend Elisabeth. Looking around at others blogs I see a lot of memming going on. Until this morning, it was new to me, but now I am pretty much an expert. So-here are the official rules as required to post:
-link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
-share 7 facts about yourself on your own blog, weird or random
-tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs
-let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
So...7 random or weird facts about myself:
1. I love the name Hilary. It is, in fact, my favorite name. I loved it when I had my first babysitting job for the funnest family who had the cutest little girl I had ever seen. Her name, of course, was Hilary. I wanted to name Jillian Hilary. I can't remember why I didn't, now that I think about it. I was considering voting for Hilary, until, well, you know.
2. I love spicy food. In fact, it is not spicy unless I have a tissue box by my side and I am sweating. I feel powerful when I eat spicy foods. I challenge anyone to to a contest in eating spicy foods. Especially, Thai food. And, I will win.
3. My dream job is to work at Whole Foods, or New Seasons. Or, to be a really amazing chef.
4. My favorite way to give birth is without medication.
5. When people talk to me, or I watch tv, my fingers are always typing out the conversation I am having, or hearing. I have carpal tunnel, because of this.
6. I was raised on raw goats milk. I milked the goats myself, as a 6 year old and then drank the milk. I loved to milk the goats. I don't love goat's milk. Bu I did love the honey yogurt my mom would make with it.
7. While typing this out, I sat next to my 3 year old, who was painting. I had to open several tubs of paint, get out paper, wipe paint off her fingers, wipe paint off my fingers, wipe paint off the computer (sorry Gerald), clean a paint brush, wipe paint off the table, talk to her and answer her questions about the meaning of life all the while. I don't multi-task well, but miraculously, I managed to get this done.
*So, I will tag: Rebecca, Chris and Megan, Vicki, Emilie, and Shannon, and Gerald

Notesinspanish.com

If you are interested in learning spanish, or reviewing the two years you had in highschool...I am going to give a shout out to one of my favorite websites: notesinspanish.com
This couple living in Madrid, Spain (he is from the UK and she is a from Madrid) put together awesome podcasts to help english speakers learn spanish. I love listening to them when I am washing dishes or cooking, or going for walks with the ipod. There are three levels you can choose from (beginner, intermediate, and advanced.) Let me know what you think!

What Jillian Likes To Do For Fun

Back Together Again!

After several weeks divided by the Oceano Atlantico, our family is back together again! Gerald and Simon returned home to us girls in Basque Country from a full and fun time in Portland. I was personally very happy that the time seemed to fly by. My wonderful mother came to stay with us girls and we deemed ourselves "on holiday." A couple of day trips to my beloved Francia, a day at the IKEA in Bilbo (this is basque for Bilbao), lots of walking, several cafe con leches, one or two cafe au lait, and...voila! The boys were home!!! Gerald and I were even able to take two days to get away to Burgos, Spain (courtesy of my mom.) It was my first time to be in Spain outside of the Basque Country. It had a very different feel. I will post pic's soon of our time.

Simon goes to camp!

Simon went to Trout Creek Bible Camp outside of Portland for the first time this week. Here he is with friends from birth; Timmy and Jonah. They had a great time and will all be back together next summer. According to Simon their counselor "Cricket" was the best counselor ever!

Jonah, Simon, and "Cricket"

Portland Basque students and families 2008.

Chicken fight!!!

Simon and da boys.

Simon and a best buddy, Jonah (Aitor in the background).

Ushue, Jenni, and Miren in our plaza.

During the summer the courtyard of our apt. building is a great place to be. The kids play and race around there... and neighbors stop and talk as they come and go. The other day these friends came over for a coffee and dinner. They have both in Portland with our program and now are at one of the Colleges in our town.

SIMON'S VIEW.

The other day we went for a walk and then met friends for lunch. Simon asked to use the camera and we were happy to give him something to do for the long walk. After looking at the pictures we thought this would be a great way to show you more of our city, our friends, and Simon's unique perspective. Enjoy!

Auntie Em!!!

Mommy and Miriam.

This guy looked cool!

I had to sneak up on this baby for the picture.

Girls.

Baby Xabi is awesome!

Marshall is eating a sweet burger!

I suprised my mom on this one.

My family and friends at lunch. See my shoe?

A baby sleeping.

My family walking and talking.

People walking at the beach.

A street musician.

Some nice people and cars.

Happy 7th B-day Jillian! Zorionak!

Roller blades from Simon

Simon loves wrapping gifts! Jillian has been using his roller blades so Simon gave them to her for her B-day. She has been rolling around every day since.

Apple pie instead of Birthday Cake!

Jillian asked Jenni to make Apple pie for her B-day. Jillian loved it, but her friend Nirea was not so sure...

Miriam and her friend Christina at school.

Miriam is happy it is her last day of school!

All Dressed Up, And No Place To Go

Fun Fair

Periodically, they set up these cool little kid's fair type things. This weekend, in our neighborhood, the put up a little Txiki Tren and a trampoline. The kids had great fun.

Out And About

Bikes are the best way to travel here!

Us And Our City

The Beginning of My Demise

Yes. This is McDonalds. Yes, my children are eating ice cream here. And, I must confess further...there is only one drive-thru of any sort in this whole country, and tonight, we drove-through it. And my children ate it. And I have no one to blame but myself. And culture-shock.

One Day...

He's gonna need therapy! This is what Simon enjoys doing to his "guys."

A Silent Protest

Every week in the old part of the city there is a silent march of people from the Basque Country. They carry a picture of someone that is imprisoned. From what I understand, many are falsely accused, and are innocent. People hold the pictures as a reminder of these loved ones and walk around the city following a car which is blaring out a sad, eery song. I am sure the song is significant. I don't know what it is, but it makes me want to cry-it is lovely and lonely.

We got caught up in the protest unexpectantly. You can see Gerald in his striped sweatshirt holding Miriam (just think: "Where's Waldo.")

The Benefits

Well, it took us nearly 10 months to discover it, but we have made up for lost time. Chocolate con churros, or Chocolate a la taza. It is like chocolate pudding, only way better. It is becoming a daily need for me. Like drinking water is a need.

Undecided

I wasn't sure what to title this blog entry. I had two ideas: Things I May Never Get Used To or for the second, simply titled: Why?!! You can decide for yourself.

1. Naked, old, men RUNNING on the beach. (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)
2. The smell of the supermarket. It smells strongly of fish and laundry detergent mixed together. It is not a pleasant smell (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)
3. The parks are used for public restrooms (and I do mean public) by both children and adults alike. Oh, the stories I could tell! (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)

An Education In Citizenship

Mom (reading a question from Simon's Brain Quest Cards): Simon, what do you call a citizen of Canada?
Simon: A Cannibal.
Mom: Hmm, not quite.

Just Plain Cute

Tadpole Hunter

Next to our flat is a very beautiful and rustic park. There is a pond with little critters of all types swimming and hopping around. We decided to let Simon catch a tadpole and keep it in his room for 24 hours. He named his tadpole "Jenny." I am not sure if I should take it as a compliment, though. After 24 hours of living in Simon's cave...well...let's just say the little critter was meant to stay in that pond. But, it the end, it was a fun experiment for us all (except Jenny.)

For My Boy

I love the lyrics and music of singer Sara Groves. Many times her songs have been like a healing salve. Her song "A Song to My Sons" is no exception. It has become my prayer for my own son:

This is a song for my son(s) for when you understand it
You know how life is full you know we couldn't plan it
Your dad and I prayed for strength and understanding
For things we couldn't see or comprehend

This is a song for you to carry in your pocket
Take all our love with you in all the paths you walk in
I can't always say your life will always go like it should
But I can say that God is always good

And when the cold wind blows like I know it will
And when you feel alone like I know you will
And when the cold wind blows like we know it will

Don't let your love grow, Don't let your love grow, Don't let your love grow cold

*This is a song from my heart a small refrain to hold you
For times when we are apart and I can not console you
Be honest with yourself and don't forget to pray and read your Bible every day

Working It Out

Upon returning to the Basque Country, it became clear to us that our son was experiencing such hardship in school that we had to take him out. It was not a healthy environment for him to grow and learn. We reached a point where we literally felt like we had no options, but through the prayers of our beloved family and friends, and the support around us, we are seeing a bit of a clearing. It has always been a dream of mine to homeschool my children, and now it looks like I get to do that! I have been doing a bit of research and I really like what I am seeing with the strategy of a Charlotte Mason education. It incorporates an abundance of literature, and since my children can't get enough of books and stories, I think this could be a good route for us.
Because Simon is a great auditory learner he has been feasting on the adventures of "Huckleberry Finn" via podcast audiobooks. He and the girls have also been laughing to the tales and mischief of "Pipi Longstocking," and relishing in the mystery and intrigue of "The Secret Garden."
I have a lot of kinks to work out (homeschooling in a foreign country) but I am feeling encouraged and hopeful about it.

"See You Crazy"

Today Gerald and I saw a neighbor woman whom we hadn't seen for some time. She is great and always friendly. After stopping to chat for a few minutes, we began to say our goodbyes which traditionally end in something like this: "Hasta Luego" which means basically: "See you later." Gerald decided (unintentionally of course) to try something new: "Hasta Loco." No explanation needed.
I find this extremely appropriate given the state of our life right now.

Garage jam session in Arizona...

Check out Gerald, Chris, and Michael getting funky in the Ledners garage on Lylah's blog:

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post.html

Update!

Much time has passed since our last blog entry! And even more so-events! I write this post from our living room in our apartment in the Basque Country! For those of you who haven't heard, our visas arrived just in time! Gerald happened to be on a "boys surfing trip" in Malibu with Simon, and our friend Andone from Basque Country when the visas came in. I joined them later that night (quick flight from Phoenix to LA) with 5 passports in hand. 4 days later, we made our flight back to the Basque Country. As much as I love the States, and specifically Arizona, and my family, my prayer was that God would bring the visas at the right time. It certainly seems that He did!
Coming back, I realized all the things that I had forgotten that I love about being here:
-people walk everywhere, and I do mean everywhere
-the sound of mopeds (Gerald thinks I am crazy, but I love to keep my window open and listen to them race up and down our street at 3 in the morning. There is something musical about it, though!)
-fresh bread (oh it tastes so good, but it can be so dangerous when eaten in large quantities on a daily basis long term)
-the streets, sidewalks, etc. are always full of people, there is so much life here
-the buildings are old, and beautiful
-although it hurts my brain, it is fun to learn a new language
-i love our cozy apartment with just our little family
We thank God for a safe journey back home!