Snow fight and library fun..

We decided to take at least Samuel outside to have an anticipated snowball fight.. Since weather improved and warmed up to 30s F after being in low -30s F last week. However, daddy didn't let poor Samuel get to the snow. He was already throwing snowballs at him.. Notice Jay is in shorts too.. And in case I didn't mentioned, he was also shovelling before we got out.. Then we showed Samuel how to make snow angels.. but the snow was already so hard it was hard.. Nevertheless, he still tried.Samuel couldn't keep his balance while walking through the deep snow.. He had a lot of fun, regardless of sinking in the snow..

Later, Samuel helped daddy bury me in the snow.. no pictures because I had the camera in my jacket.. that is what happens when the photographer gets involved in the fun.

Friday was story time at the library, but this time they had snowman theme. After singing a couple of snowman songs and reading three books, they decided to have a snowball fight! That was very unexpected. However, the kids loved it, especially Samuel! Can you tell?

I'm glad they were cotton balls though. Otherwise with Samuel's powerful arm he could have brought tears to few.. After the fight was over, they had a little craft activity where they could make their own snowman.. Samuel loved every detail of his snowman.. and can't even smile because of his concentration in the project... like me. Here, the final product:We definetly can have jolly winter days!

Staying warm and fun inside..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE RIRI!
During the Holidays we were blessed to have auntie Riri visit us. Did travel, got sick, ate out, watched lots of movies and had fun.. But she had to leave us again. Samuel was very sad, and the next three mornings he kept asking if she was back.. We miss you and also wish you a Happy Birthday!

Finally, we made time for Ginger Bread Houses! It was the first time for both of us, Samuel and I.. He was soooo excited, I helped with the structure, and making sure the candy and crackers would stay; however, he was the one who chose where the candy would go.The first day he wanted with a roof and the other without it. On the second one, he wanted toys and people and furniture.. a lot of detail.. besides a garage.. it was great! Yes, we ate a lot of the candy.. but was worth it. Of course, Benjamin wanted cracker and candy like any little one, so after we started we had to stop and wait for Benjamin's nap time to actually do it. And the result.. After Christmas, Samuel has been wanting to fix everything in the house with his tool box. I am so glad I got the actual box so that all the pieces can be boxed up and easy to carry. Naturally, Benjamin always wants to see and do what big brother is doing... so he helps. One day as Benjamin was finishing his snack, Samuel decided his little brother's high chair needed some repair.. and although now is banned to do any playing under his chair while Benjamin is still in it (safety) he was looking very serious and determinant on his work. I love seeing them play together, especially when fighting is not involved. My favorite time was when they were trying to fix (or break) the baby gate. Although, I think they had a unified reason to do it.. for what the gate means to them..

Before Grandma took down and put away all the Christmas decorations, I tried taking some shots of the kids in their Santa outfits.. But when one smiles the other looks away.. so we just have fun taking a bunch of them waiting for the winner shot.

And the winner is.. Although Samuel is not looking at the camera, I loved what was happening on the picture.

After those by the tree, we tried in front of the fireplace.. but they were done.. so I could only get one. Still cute, although Benjamin had his eyes closed. This winter in Omaha has definitely hit a lot of records for coldest.. with low temperatures of -11F plus windshield making a -30sF temperatures Alaska freezing to go out of your house. So we have spent a lot of time inside.. funny story, the children come up with creative ideas.. like Samuel playing Cook baking under the table (oven) with a wood puzzle (cookies in tray).. I admit I really get into some of this pretending like another child.

The other morning after breakfast Samuel was excited to see how happy I was that Benjamin finished all his eggs. And to approve my happiness, he decided to hi five Benjamin and pound it as well.. so cute.. just watch..

Basket ride time.

Benjamin loves to get in and out of boxes or baskets, especially when laundry is being done.. But daddy had a fun idea.. basket ride! Samuel joined in too.. what a cute moment..

'Til we meet again Jenne..

Jenne McCarchy was not only my in-laws neighbor, she was a friend, a daughter, a mother, a grandma. You couldn't spend with her 5 minutes without laughing and feeling that you truly found a trust worthy friend. She might have been on her 60's but she lived and acted like 20's. Originally from Indonesia, she traveled a lot, swam a lot (teaching at YMCA) and even used to have several day cares. Once she had more 80 kids! She was good with children and adults.. She has been leaving with her folks for a number of years to look after them(80's), but now she was looking after her 2-year-old grandson Kaleb during the day since both parents worked full time. I met Jenne when we moved with my in-laws earlier in April this year.. Pretty soon we became good buddies.. she wanted to hang out a lot with us for the social part for Kaleb since Samuel is only a year older than him. And she literally knew all the fun places around Omaha for children. Although I was working part time, we still tried to hang out 3 or 4 times a week. Soon we became good friends. We said good bye when we left to the Island thinking we would see her and Kaleb in a year and a half and still may hang out like this summer...

Three months ago, Jenne was diagnosed lung cancer. Although she started treatment right away, it had already metastasized to several areas through out her body. After being out of the hospital for few weeks she came home to be with her family for the weeks or days she had left. We know plans don't always work the way we want. When we came back in November, I visited her and talked briefly since she was leaving to the hospital again.. Unfortunately by the time she came back, and got to visit her, she couldn't talk or even eat anymore. I still visited her for the last three days before she passed away.

She was always taking care of everybody, but now was every body's turn to take care of her.. at least that is what i told her.. She did more for me than what I did for her. The last night I visited her I reassured her to not be afraid, because Heavenly Father was waiting for her besides a lot of other friends and family. I gave witness of the gospel and the plan of salvation. It doesn't end here, it is just part of the journey and there was much to come. Before I left I sang to her the hymn "till we meet again". The day after Christmas day, Jenne passed away holding Joe's, her father, and her aunt's hands. We miss you Jenne and like the hymn says.. "God be with you 'til we meet again".

Christmas is here..

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE JEVNE KLAN!
Few days before Christmas, grandma got these cute set of rain deer ears.. Samuel thought is was cool but Benjamin just fell in love with them. As soon as he would see them he yelled for them until he could put them on or somebody would do it for him.. Here with grandpa after family prayer saying night night.. well, picture first though..

On Christmas day, that was the first thing he saw and put on, after the sucker in his stoking that obviously he already knows is candy.. He looks soooo adorable..

Samuel was very excited about opening the presents, Benjamin didn't really care since didn't understand, as long as he had his candy from his stoking, which he kept carrying everywhere.

Once the stacking cups where unwrapped, Benjamin really got his attention on them.. and Samuel finally with his so anticipated tool box set.. Who is the doctor kit for? Anyone?

(Left) As we were opening presents, Jay's brother Tyler, who is on a 2-year-mission for our Church in Germany, called on skype.. so we got to talk to him for a while.. it was great to do that, especially when he only gets to call for Christmas and Mother's day.. so glad we were here for that.

(Right) I forgot to mentioned that Omaha had a blizzard, it was so much snow that when we were opening presents we couldn't help to notice a neighbor country skiing on the street.. just passed in front of the house.. hilarious...
Earlier in the month, we had a Christmas party at our ward.. and what can I say.. Santa came too.. We started by coloring a long banner they had for the children to keep them busy before the food was served.. Even Benjamin wanted to color.. or just eat the crayon.. When it was time to sit on Santa's lap, Benjamin didn't think he was that great..

So mami had to jump in.. although he settled down fast after giving him the candy cane.. But Samuel decided to act "tired" rubbing his eyes, which is another way to say don't want to be here. Daddy got to sit in Santa's lap too..

Christmas was really especial because we were all together, well.. we missed you Tyler. Remembering the birth of our Savior was a great time to rejoice together as he eternal family we are.

Happy holidays to all!

Quick trip to Arkansas..

Most of my mother-in-law's family lives in Arkansas. Her only brother Jay lives in Georgia but decided to visit the rest of the family with his only daughter Danielle, who we have never met (we, meaning the kids and I). So we decided to meet them in Harrison, Arkansas for a couple of days.. long drive for Grandma. Kids handled it pretty well, although we took a lot of books, few movies, and the play hut.. of course they are so spontaneous that anything can create a game..

Of course, it also was at the same time as the basketball and bowl game for BYU.. so without a question had to watch it at the hotel...

However, a loved this last picture on the left because it shows everybody's interest, including Benjamin's falling pants! haha

Later at the restaurant a member of each family introduced the rest and got to know and tease each other. We were glad for everybody to see the children and commented highly of them... Here a last picture with uncle Jay and his daughter Danielle.. Good to see you all!

fall to winter in a week..

After thanksgiving we tried to enjoy the fall leaves before the first storm hit and left us walking around 3 or more feet of snow.. however, the children enjoyed watching daddy take are of the snow in our driveway and two of our neighbors and sidewalk. Plus playing with each other.. finally, they are starting to play together.. or may be I just want to think is happening..

We also put up the Christmas tree after the turkey meal.. Benjamin was enjoying stilling some of the noise ornaments and Samuel really like being part of decorating the tree.. especially, putting the angel on the top.

However, the cutest part was when setting up the tree and grandma got the poinsettias out.. and each boy decided to give flowers away.. As a big contrast the week before we were blowing and picking up leaves from the lawn.. Samuel thought the blower was THE tool..

And of course daddy decided to have fun when blowing them at the little.. who really enjoyed racking leaves for daddy.

dTwo days later, went out again to rake leaves, both got excited not about the leaves but the sticks and decided to pick as much as they could..

Until they saw a precious treasure in the garage..

After the blizzard and staying home for as long as we have, Samuel and I have random conversations, like this one where he decided to tell me all about his future school..

Back in the States..

It is crazy to think we already have been in the States for a full week. Got to say we came at the right time of the year.. for the holidays!!!!!! I didn't grew up in the States, but I sure love thanksgiving meal! Gobble, gobble.. green bean casserole, stuffing.. pies.. and of course, sweet potatoes.. yum yum.. We had Ray, our 90-old-neighbor for dinner too.. he is something else.. Samuel loves him, in fact, one time he was walking with two big water bottles and I asked if they were canes or what, and he said "it's a walker like Ray's", bless his heart..

After the doctors appointments, Jay was misdiagnosed pneumonia.. he apparently just had the flu, and now it is just post flu syndrome, which includes fatigue, depression, body aches, lost of appetite.. The doctor congratulate him since he lost 40 pounds in those 3 months we were gone.. Way to go daddy! Samuel is fine, and Benjamin after lab work and a chest x-ray, was just diagnosed with a viral infection.. so that is why the fevers.. but now he is good.

The trip was long in hours but shorter than coming to the Island since we did it in a day. We started at 4 am to get to the airport in time for the 7 am flight to Antigua. Once there, we had a 8 hour layover.. and neither of us could help it to just sign off.. even if it meant over the luggage..

Finally we made it to Newark and I just had to take a picture of everybody including the luggage.. especially, since I didn't on the way to Dominica.

Of course, we only had and hour to go through immigration and catch the next flight to Omaha, NE.. we verily made it on time. Once on the plane, they announced that the airport had had an emergency earlier so now the runway was with a lot of traffic so we were gonna wait for a while for the rest to take off.. ironic... poor Benjamin, didn't make it to the take off, and he was out cold.. Daddy took advantage to be silly..***We made it! Grandma Jevne was there waiting anxiously.. funny story, when we turn to see her (which I am getting my camera ready) she already has her camera ready..

hehe scrapbookers..

Since all our belongings are in the basement and in few rooms (all but the master bedroom) at my in-laws, we came home. Our lovely, comfortable bed still there ready for us, as well as the rest of the things we were using during the summer before we left. Samuel and Benjamin were just delighted to see the box of toys opened when Grandma go it out from the summer. Besides all the books.. However, Samuel just cared about one thing and one thing only... "I want to watch Star Wars with Daddy, Grandpa, Grandma, Mami & Benjamin.. please?" Since Jay loves Star Wars, he got Samuel to like it. He has only seen episode VI since is the one with the eewaks.. and that is really the part he loves.. Also, daddy promised taco bell.. boy, that kid just loves his chicken gordita!

Before we left, we went on a trip with other moms to #1 Beach on the other side of the island.. it was the only true trip we made since we got here, since originally we thought to travel around during the Christmas break.. but sometimes things don't go the way we plan hu? Well, the day started beautifully.. so sunny.. these were taken by another friend.. obviously because I am in them.. this one I am holding Benjamin and have the blue and gray back pack.. it was while walking down the trail to get to the beach..

And on this one I was taking pictures of my little ones.. I know, I look like one of the kids..

once there I heard it was one of the beaches where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean 2..

then i got a little cloudy.. within an hour rain decided to appear and wouldn't leave..

and we got the cuties Shane and Emmy who are closer in age to Benjamin and Emily who found a long broken trunk and was about to become a canoe.. until finally just pour!! Of course my back pack wasn't water proof.. so EVERYTHING got soaked! The children still had a good time, especially making a tippi that the only guy who went (an uncle, Jason) helped them build.. Samuel had a good time carrying coconuts, and palm tree leaves.. and Benjamin of course wanted to do the same, kept following his lead. The beach had very heavy waves, but it was connected to a lazy river, which is the one where they played the most.

It was fun with rain and all.. right Benjamin?

When we got back we saw a beautiful rainbow.. it was a double one, but when I got the camera just got one..

The following day we went to our last Joy School day.. sniff sniff.. it was Jacquelle's turn, so I just took pictures.. and Benjamin just loved playing with the older kids who aren't in this Joy School..

Thank you Jacquelle for letting us add on..

The next day was the Ward social at Purple beach.. since it was our last day we decided to take the last swim.. also, so a cruise ship far away..

When we got back the Roy's were on their way to the grocery store which is next to where we used to live.. Had to take a picture with our dear friends who we spent the most time...

Few hours later our neighbor friend Alex had a BBQ and had us over as well as other single friends.. And later our friend Anuretta, who helped us clean once a week came with two of her daughters to say good bye..

I just remember that I never put a couple of pictures.. since the end of October.. Some are from Samuel being creative making an "airplane" out of a little toy truck, a ruler and some masking tape.. Other day he made a face with some play dough and orange peels..

And after two months in the Island I just had it! I had to cut my hair, because the weight, length, and sweat was making my head miserable.. for some crazy reason I thought to braid my hair and cut it for a less messy cut, and then just a trim.. however, it ended a lot shorter than expected! oh well, it will grow.. funny story, Jay didn't noticed since I always have my hair in pony tail (s).. but I couldn't resist, and told him.. he just couldn't believe it.. speechless for like 10 minutes.. kept looking and looking. He has never seen me with short hair.. so I guess Dominica gave me a new look!

The results..