Keeping it fun even with the flu at home..

Well, lots happening this week.. Jay's health take a turn for worse.. He was diagnosed pneumonia. The only realistic option they gave him was to withdrawl.. So the soonest flight we could get was for Nov 22nd which is not till another week and 3 days.. but in such short notice.. what can we expect. Meanwhile, as the kids got better of their flu, we have just been playing at home, not seen many people, not even going to Church until they would get better. So, this next week we are gonna try to go few times to the beach and still get lots of rest.

There are some pictures of our adventures at home.. and the halloween party on campus as well.

Samuel finally went a whole week without accidents, and got his very anticipated price! Cheetos.. So cute, as soon as Benjamin saw the bag he recognized the cheese puff and started looking at them, pointing at them, and Samuel just said, -"you want some baby? Sure, here, have some." Tender moment again.. It is funny how Samuel would share any food without asking him to but toys is a different world.. especially balls.

Sad part, he has 4 accidents (smalls ones) the next day. However, he has been really good, and the accidents happened because he was to distracted playing.. go figure.

Then my cuties decided to play together, at least for few minutes before wanting the same thing.. Although Benjamin was doing good at not putting the foam letters in his mouth, he still got caught on the act...

The other night, Samuel decided to make the highest tower he could before Benjamin would wake up from his nap and notice the great tower to destroy..

Benjamin has surely grown to be monkey enough to get up the couch.. here, he loves daddy's attention.. and like father like son.. love the t-shirt.
The other night when I came back from taking out the trash, I noticed something that moved on top of the washer.. yes, it was a little tiny lizard.. when I say tiny judge for yourself:

Then I went inside and Mr Benjamin was just as smilie as ever.. so I just took few shots..

The other day I got the backpack I had brought for Samuel out.. he just didnt want to take it off, and decided to pretend he was going to school.. He even took Benjamin with him from his little hand around the house, and Benjamin just loved it..

Speaking of Benjamin, the other morning I was not quick enough to put shorts on after taking off his pijamas.. and this is what happens..

Also, Benjamin's appetite is growing.. so much that doesnt care for a fork, spoon or hands.. just dig your face in boy!

Halloween

The Ross Spouses Organization is having lots of activities for all the children too on Saturday on campus too. Here in Dominica, they dont do halloween, so with even more reason I am planning on taking them to these activities.

I asked Samuel what costume he wanted to make. At first he said a ghost, then he said "no, too scary", haha, so, he decided to be a robot.. he was soooo excited with the idea.. He started telling me what materials to use, etc.. So I said to do a design on paper first. And later in the week we would put it together, but no. He was full of ideas and couldnt stop talking about it. So, here is what we put together in a rough design.

Of course, he didnt think how hot would be walking around campus at 1 pm covered with boxes etc.. we will see how resourceful we get...

Well, on sunday I decided to take some pictures walking home from church.. then you get to see a little of the scenary we see every sunday at least.. is a little different going to campus since it is the opposite direction. When we got out it was pretty sunny and hot of course..

Then as we got closer to home it started raining.. surprise suprise.. cant tell that much but Jay got wet and I had the umbrella but with the wind you still get wet.. we also walked with the missionaries, so we had good company.. and the kids.. well...

Grandma's poncho saved the day again! The even fell asleep with it.. nothing to see, what else but rest.

That saturday we had some of Jay's friends from MERP over for dinner, it was their birtday for two of them so.. they loved it, besides, like my banana and wheat bread so much that ask me to sell them weekly to them.. well see how it goes.. Samuel was soo excited with the extra attention.. especially Sonika his favorite since she has babysat before for us in order to go on dates.. doesnt his face look priceless?

The other day while Benjamin was taking a nap, Samuel was being creative with his blocks, especially knowning his brother wasnt coming to grab or kick them.. it started as a racetrack and ended on a pathway for the ball in the bucket..

Another evening with kids playing with favorite toy (Samuel's transformer) and laying with daddy watching some sports..

This is how cute Benjamin is when he wakes up from his nap.. just being spontaneous..

Our Landlord Mrs Judith Mitchell, has 3 boys and a girl. The youngest is 21 but two still live at home. Lulu is the only daughter, and she loves playing with Samuel, everytime Samuel hears her voice he jumps to the door to yell -"Hi Lulu!". Well, she asked me if they could play just outside of the house and if you have seen pictures there is not much lawn or any flat area that is not with concrete for Samuel to play "safe with Benjamin out too". So Samuel excited went out with her and played throwing the ball and then kicking it for a while.. he had a great time.. even getting the ball when it went too far..

One night playing with daddy, they realized how cool was to spin the ball in a medium bucket.. Benjamin thought it was hilarious...

Another time Jay was trying to teach Benjamin to spin.. pretty funny..

Frogs, tent, buckets..

These last weeks have gone slow actually. Benjamin got a pretty runny nose.. wasnt sure if it was a cold or his front teeth coming in, so I just decided to keep them home for preventetive reasons with so many other little ones around here.

I thought the high chair was the reason Samuel would sometimes fall asleep while eating.. but, I discovered it is the combination of being tired and hungry..


On another note.. his bathroom has adopted a little frog.. we had found it already 3 times.. it is so little is hard to notice.. but Samuel did.. of course. Then he asked, "can I keep it please??!!" and I said no buddy, there are plenty of crabs and lizards just out of the house to have a pet.. however, we took pictures of it.


Being at home can get a little hot, but still we try to enjoy ourselves, and the kids are great at it. Especially when I unlock the doors of the entertainment center.. Or Samuel and making his "tent", which can get hot with all the things he likes to put around..




The other day Samuel was using a show to kick his football, and when Benjamin saw him, he wanted to do it too..

My cutie.. here is another try in action..

However, the buckets still their favorite, well at least Benjamin's.. He just plays and giggles..

Trying to get his brother is funner though..

Mail is here!! And playdate!

The highlight of last week was the arrival of the box grandma sent us. We got Samuel excited, especially to get all the mercy from the customs guy so that wouldnt charge us too much.. and it worked! Just charged us a US$0.75... when to other people even with smaller boxes is like $10-150.. yes, random. We all enjoy getting the stuff out, including Benjamin.. such funny picture. Although, it was the things we requested, Grandma spoiled us by putting some goodies in it. Sad part, Samuel never new there was candy in it cuz we kept it hid.. by the time I figure to give him some.. we had already ate most of it.. it is ok, he still got his gummies..

After all the excitement, and play time on campus, Samuel was obedient enough to carry the box.. it also made him fall asleep! But of course, Benjamin was sooo awake and happy that I took advantage of the situation to take few cute shots!

Once at home.. we distributed all the things.. including the letter fridge magnets which Benjamin thought they were candy at first but got disappointed when felt the hard plastic. Funny story though, Samuel's first little word with the letters was... yes, what a cougar brain washed kid...

Thank you again grandma.. I personally have enjoyed the childproof locks for the kitchen cabinets! Finally the trash is secure of tinny hands, besides the gas tank!

Anyway, back in Omaha, NE we used to go to playgroup on thursdays, which in fact was the day I asked to be off from work so that I could take my kids to these activities.. Well, we are few here too with children the same age. So the wonderfull ladies decided to do it twice a week after lunch. This is especially great for Benjamin since he needs little buddies his age, instead of bigger like Samuel or even older like in Joy school. Of course, Benjamin has learned the not nice ways from having an older brother, of not really sharing when really interested in a toy or using his force to get any toy of his interest. So, I feel bad for the other three cuties that dont have older brothers and look very new to the concept. However, he is the skinniest by far.. taking the same weight path as his brother.. skinny but big appetite.. I wonder how they will be when they grow.. The great thing now is that they sort of share some of the clothes! Sad I know. what looks big on Benjamin is a little tight on Samuel, but still works for both.

The funny part about play date is since we meet at the activities room, half of the time Benjamin wonders off towards the ping pong tables to watch.. or take his own little soft ball and tries to put it on top of the tables as there are people playing... yes, my kid.. something Samuel actually did when his was that age.. well, he still does.
We love play date.. even Samuel looks foward to it, especially if Lucy is there.. Talking with Paige, (Lucy's mom) we agreed they shouldnt sit by each other at Church, because they wont stop talking.. sometimes dont even really talk about the same thing but act like they understand each other and were having a conversation.. so wont let the other people around them hear the speakers.. I wanted to laugh when it first happen.. but got to set an example... right? And take some measures..

By the way, these ladies were my inspiration and motivation too to keep up with this blog thing.. great advise and suggestions too..

Grandma's observation

The pictures are darling! I made a scrapbook page titled "Like Father . . . like Sons and had pics of the 3 of them with low rider swim trunks. Indeed, crack kills! But there were pics on the blog not included in the ones you sent me - have you been holding out?!!!

October continues..

Well, here we are already half the way thru October.. time just flies..

A few days ago, we decide to go to the "only park" here which is by the prep-school on campus.. Samuel was out just on the way there but Benjamin was ready to play so.. here he goes..

The slide was first but then, walking around exploring was funner..

Then, Samuel woke up and they decided to share.. what a moment.. no crying, no yelling.. (snif snif)adfg

Samuel has been going to "joy school" twice a week and loves what he gets to learn and play with.. Yesterday, they in craft time they made kites.. He was soooooooo Excited!!! He just wanted to go outside and fly it as high as he could.. he went all around the house (the Roy's house)... took a little while before I could get him to calm down and get in the stroller. In fact, I had to getting excited about flying the kite home from the stroller! haha my cutie..

Although, we did a birthday party for both kids before we left the States, I still though it would be special for him to have a cake and share it with friends.. so we just invited friends over to the school's pool and play. After a while we sang him happy birthday and cake for everybody.. He felt special and the whole week kept asking me to bake the box of cake mix he picked for his "party" because it had to be vanilla.. although tried to make the frosting.. it didnt turn out the way I planned so just paid twice as much for a pillsbury chocolate frosting and done. This time, Benjamin sure enjoyed the frosting.. his mustash can speak for itself.. We also borrowed a floaty and sat Benjamin in it.. as long as he had the rubber ball another friend brought he was content.. although when they starting floating away he would try to dive for them.. thats why the picture was great.

Did you ever wonder how much liquid can a regular diaper hold? well, a lot more than what we give it credit for... that is part of the reason Benjamin's shorts kept falling off.. say no to crack little buddy!

Earlier that day while Samuel was asleep, a lizard got in the kitchen.. Benjamin was soooo excited to grab it.. walking food, yeah! Jay kept trying to scare it towards the door but it took a little while before it finally did..

Also, the very early morning on Samuel's Birthday, Judith, our landlord remembered his special day, and got him some pringles.. that kid was just happy.. can you tell? the best part is that he let Benjamin had one of his precious pringles and when Benjamin would be done then he would offer and give more to Benjamin.. what a good act of charity and kindness! keep it up Samuel!

Another day, Benjamin was taking a nap when he sounded loud, kind of giggling about something.. I went in to find out that the kid had taken his diaper off and had discover his.. well.. and of course I said dont touch the... he started to cry. He also enjoys standing on his head.. what a silly monkey!

Again, coming up with more variety of foods took me to make chicken dumplings.. too bad skillet was smaller than the food.. but it still tasted great!

And October began..

Time flies.. We have been here already month and a half and Benjamin already turned 1 and Samuel is turning 3 this next weekend.

He chose the cake mix and I promised him we will go to the pool that day bring the cake and invite some of his friends and called it a pool party I guess.. so he kept asking if it was Saturday yet. Go figure...




Casseroles are still a winner for all of us.. especially for Benjamin.. although he is interested in using silverware.. he thought his hand was more accurate for this meal...





We havent really done anything exciting last week, but we still enjoy cooking.. Pizza still the winner for Samuel.. so we made a taco pizza.. and he loved it! Just looking at his grin how can you not give him more?



Every Friday, they have a movie on campus, only two of them this semester were kid friendly, but last Friday they showed UP and Samuel was sooooooooooooo excited! So I took both kids, made his pop corn at home and brought some cookies.. Boy, he just loved the movie.. Besides, sitting next to his best friend.. Lucy.. (same age, also in nursery with other 5 little girls.. yes Samuel is the only boy in his class of 7 kids)..

And by the way, those who keep telling me why dont I let the kids play in the tub... is because we DONT have a TUB.. even better! We have a shower with a hose! We used to shower one at the time like in this picture, but it takes too long.. so now we do both at the same time.. They dont like it at first but then the big smiles come out.. right Benjamin?

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Let's see how much can I get done...

Yes, Samuel is potty training.. had few good ones where he made it to the potty, but we have had quite few messes to clean up. But it's been only 4 days, so I cant give up now. For him, sounds like he knows and recognizes when is coming, but gets too excited on his play that doesnt prioritaze very good.. dont blame him though.. Here, is his favorite underware.. I keep saying, " you dont want to get wally wet, right?" his answer.. "nope!" What a pose.. I have to admit that it was sooo funny the first time he pooped in the potty.. he said with great surprising face "It's a poopo warm!" then he smiled..

Later when he naps I decided I dont want to worry about cleaning the cushions and yes I know.. white trash and all, but saves me time, effort, patients.. and my hands too.. so here goes the poor kid napping under plastic.. got to admit that with his arm above his head, his ribs pop out soo much that looks terribly skinny. I am glad his appetite still as good as it was back in the States.

Benjamin is growing so fast everyday.. He is already walking and just discovering all kinds of things... I have had to put away things every week because he would get stuck, crawl over.. yes, his normal look of his forehead is with bruises because of how much he falls or just voluntarily hits his head on the floor.. got to teach him the concept of selfestem this young.. He loves shoes, especially my flip flops or Samuels shoes because of the velcro.. I love this picture though.. so inocent.. You can still see his little bandaids from his one year inmunizations few days ago.. just cried when the needle when in and that was it. He even wipped his own tears and looked over another side far from the doctor to entertain himself. What a tough cookie! Samuel just looked quitely and held the bandaids like the doctor asked him to.

One of his favorite things now is to point.. not necessarily because is important, but just to do it.. he is sooo funny when he does it because of his gesture with his mouth.. looks like a monkey, even Samuel noticed and mentioned out laud of course.

Sometimes, he just gives these weird looks at you.. definetly making faces is part of character..
Every now and then, he has thrown some kisses.. here was the first shot I could get of it. He still loves music, any kind too.. I love this clip because you can tell how hard Samuel was trying to sing along but couldnt catch up to it.. And later Benjamin just does his jumping on his knees dance move..

But really, Benjamin learned to get around with the trash.. So, we had to put it up higher, out of reach.. now is a pink bucket where he just loves to get around with.

The funny thing is that Samuel decided to use a little round trash can to rise him around the house. Samuel likes to protect himself like the football players, so he wears his "helmet" when "driving his bucket".. kids.. haha

Mami finally got her shipment of flour and pasta from Roseau.. you can buy it here in Picard, but it ends up being more expensive in the long run since the little stores here buy it in big shipments like I did and sell it by 1, 2 or 5 pound bags.. So, I got tired of going to the store for it every few days and just have my own store in the convenience of my shelves. Thankfully Benjamin was taking his nap, and Samuel help me divide the big 100 lb bag into smaller bags.. and put away the wheat flour ones already in 5 lb bags... both go by fast since I make my own wheat bread. He was excited though.

The results.. we made pizza that night.. and everybody seemed to enjoy it! The pictures talk for themselves..