Hobson's Happenings

Oops! I forgot to update.

2010-04-19T14:42:00.002-04:00

Sorry friends....I forgot to post last Monday. I am trying really hard to keep up with posting at least every Monday and sometimes more often.

Everyone is fine. The girls are in their last quarter of classes. We got report cards last week and WOW....they were fabulous! Really.....what did you think I would say? The girls are doing great in every subject and activity.

Ministry is good. Busy! Our Sunday morning group is preparing to be involved in a new church plant which is what it is all about! We are so proud of them....they are a huge blessing to our family.

Don't have any new pics to post. Maybe next time!

Thanks for reading and have a great week.

2010-04-06T14:56:00.003-04:00

We did a event at the park on Easter weekend as a way to contact people. We had a table for kids to dye eggs for free. My girls did fantastic! We had a great time all together.....working.

2010-04-04T08:50:00.002-04:00

The girls had to "practice" their egg hunting skills last night in the house as a warm up for today's real hunt in the back yard. So, several times we hid the eggs for them (Mark is a pushover....I hide them HARD..hehehe) but then the girls decided to hide them for us. OK......
after we found all but one egg and Olivia was laughing, I became ....well...concerned that our game had gone too far.

She hid a plastic egg in the toilet. Yes, she did. I don't know which is worse....the fact that she put it there OR that Claire WITHOUT HESITATION reached in and took it out!

For any of you who know me and my GERM obsession.....yes, I needed oxygen and sedation when I saw my daughter who has had antibacterial hand gel on her since she was 2 days old reach into a toilet!!!!

....AND Olivia.....she must get those ideas from her Dad!

I am allergic to that!

2010-04-01T09:16:00.003-04:00

My children think that anything that causes pain, discomfort, or they just don't like it .......this is an allergy!

Olivia is allergic to: mountains (she gets car sick), popcorn (always eats too much and gets a sick tummy), frogs (because she hates them), cold AND hot weather (what's a girl to do?).

Claire is allergic to: frogs (because they are green and hop), salt (because she had a cut on her foot and got salt from popcorn in it), tomatoes (because she doesn't like them), hot weather (because ...well...I don't even have to explain the princess on this one).

Strange enough neither one of my girls have developed an allergy to ice cream!

Yes, we really have these conversations.

School Day!

2010-03-30T10:19:00.001-04:00

Claire is the dolphin!

2010-03-30T10:12:00.002-04:00

Claire's class just finished their unit on creatures of the ocean and they always do a play after a unit to help solidify the information for the kids. Claire is the dolphin (which just happens to be one of the most intelligent animals.....coincidence? I think NOT)

Girl Scout Cookies the international troup way!

2010-03-30T09:59:00.003-04:00

Olivia is in an international Girl Scout Troup and we had a bake sale to raise money for Haiti. We can't sell the "real" girl scout cookies because it cost too much to get them here.

2010-03-21T10:02:00.002-04:00

Pictures of our "funnel cake breakfast". They were sooooo good!!

2010-03-19T07:02:00.002-04:00

"The Lord is my Shepherd

I will not be in want."

I am teaching my girls right now, the meaning and importance of contentment.

We are learning it together.

it is not easy.

2010-03-13T18:27:00.002-05:00

Beautiful sunny day with a light breeze.

Pizza lunch sitting at a patio table on Libertador watching traffic go by.

Blanket on the ground, drinking coffee and mate watching my girls play on the playground.

Swinging in "the spider" with my babies. (You HAVE to be a girl to know "the spider")

Fresh icecream (we have the best icecream in Buenos Aires) just delivered and munching down with my family.......

Priceless day.

Olivia's swim presentation

2010-03-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

2010-03-06T14:09:00.002-05:00

yea....ever had one of these days?

2010-03-03T19:39:00.001-05:00

Thank you for ALL of the sweet calls, cards, ecards, and messages sent to Claire for her birthday! You guys are awesome friends and we appreciate you remembering our baby girl.

Good night!

2010-03-01T20:08:00.002-05:00

So Mark is upset at me because I backed the car into the driveway gate.

.......yea.........go figure.

NO, as a matter of fact.....I didn't see it. I assume that on a motorized gate, when you push the button it opens ALL OF THE WAY and doesn't stop half way on the track.

HMMMMM....least I didn't get the car impounded.

Claire's birthday party

2010-02-28T17:45:00.002-05:00

2010-02-28T17:41:00.000-05:00

Birthday Girl!

2010-02-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday sweet girl.....we love you!

2010-02-26T07:58:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day at "The Barbie Store"

2010-02-22T20:04:00.002-05:00

Over the past 2 years we have had many strange "housing" experiences but this one....well....it is making me crazy.

Let me preface this by saying that I am a CITY GIRL meaning that I don't like camping, nature trails or hotels that advertise being "that rustic feel".

We have a frog in our house. No, it is certainly NOT a pet and it is very very small but a frog none-the-less. It is hanging out around my utility sink. Mark has tried to catch it but has not been successful.

We have had birds and gekos but this.....this is too much.

2010-02-20T10:43:00.002-05:00

I feel a "one drink too many" day at Starbucks coming on. That's right.....I am going to start with a latte and end with a frap.

Don't try to talk me out of it.....you haven't had my week!

2010-02-19T16:17:00.002-05:00

it's like.....America.....

only South.

2010-02-19T16:15:00.004-05:00

Why is it that Mark always disappears to the garage when the girls have a friend over?

Olivia has a friend over to spend the night tonight. I am making homemade pizza and breadsticks/garlic butter sauce, cookies, cleaning up, doing laundry, etc and where is Mark.....

.........................in the garage!

come out and fight like a man.......that's what I say!

Annoying?

2010-02-18T11:45:00.003-05:00

Olivia told me last night that she is becoming "annoyed" by her goldfish "Orangello". I asked her how you get annoyed by a goldfish because they don't make noise, talk, ask for anything, want to play too much.....etc.

Olivia responded that's exactly what is annoying to her. The fish just swims to the top and looks around. She finds that annoying and wants a different fish.

By the way, she may get her wish because she has not fed the fish in several days. Hmmmm.....it doens't help that our dog Chloe ate all of the fish food.

2010-02-17T06:32:00.001-05:00

P.S.

Our car was impounded (is that how you spell it/say it?) yesterday.

Oh well......these things happen I suppose.

Returned and Refreshed

2010-02-17T06:29:00.002-05:00

We had the opportunity to go away about 1 hour out of the city this past weekend for a meeting/retreat. It was perfect timing in every way. The weather cooled WAY down to make it beautiful. The pool and hotel were perfect as well. Of course, the most important part of a weekend like this is the message and it was great.

We return tired but refreshed, revived and refocused.

Hello World!

2010-02-09T08:47:00.003-05:00

I guess you know it's been too long since you updated the blog if you can't remember your log-in password. Ouch!

I am starting a new today. For all 3 of my faithful blog readers, this is for you:) I promise to try and update at least weekly and maybe even post some pictures.

Things have been crazy since the first of December. So much has happened (all good) with visitors, holidays, school summer break, ministry....everything has been a whirlwind.

The girls had a great summer break of about 6 weeks and enjoyed laying around in their underwear, swimming, sleeping in and staying up late, and of course, the visit with Memaw and Pepaw. It took the other 4 weeks to DE-spoil them and bring them back to planet Earth from the land of "do it now and I want to buy it". HA

With the girls back in school, 2010 ministry ideas/plans up and running, house re-do down to Mark go-do...life is pretty much normal. Of course, normal is a relative term.

Thanks for checking in and I will talk to ya soon.....

2009-12-01T19:18:00.002-05:00

I have ALWAYS said that nurses have such strong immunity that only us and cockroaches could survive a nuclear disaster.

If I can get off of the trains and subways that I was on today WITHOUT swine flu or head lice it will be a miracle. I am a magnet to carriers of such things.......urg.!

Fun times.

2009-11-27T20:35:00.002-05:00

Olivia told us at dinner tonight that she has decided what she wants to be when she grows up.

She says she wants to be a teacher. "I would really like to be a queen because I like to make rules but Mom.....the queen always dies of some strange illness (speaking of the queen of Cinderella and Snow White) so I don't think I want to be a queen."

Claire's answer to the question. "I don't know......but I am gonna live with you Mommy".

2009-11-25T08:56:00.003-05:00

Aside from the obvious, holidays, I get the most "homesick" when I hear the National Anthem of the United States. Last week we went to an event at the girls school and it opened with playing "The Star Spangled Banner" while raising our flag. I cannot sing that song anymore without tears that roll down my cheeks.

I suppose when you go for MONTHS without hearing your National Anthem, you grow numb to being the foreigner but WOW.....to be able to stand with your hand over your heart and sing ..."land of the free and the home of the brave" ......! I don't think I will ever take that opportunity for granted again.

She did NOT put that there!

2009-11-16T12:03:00.002-05:00

My girls never cease to amaze us with their sense of entertainement and humor.

Claire exits the bathroom saying "Look, I'm a bunny rabbit".

you got it.....you know where she stuck her toilet paper!

This has to be a Hobson trait...urg!

2009-11-10T19:14:00.002-05:00

Oh my....I knew I had not posted any news in a long time but 1 month?! I am so sorry to both of you faithful blog readers.:)

Well, then ....how about a very quick update:

1. Doctor appointments......DON'T ASK!
2. Contractors in the house every day for 8 hours.
3. A very mean, hard-headed dog named Chloe.
4. Work.
5. 2 girls in elementary school and all of the parties that go with that.
5. Did I mention doctor appointments?

I could go on and on but I will spare you the details only because you are friends and well, you probably would not stick around to read them anyway.

Thanks for hanging in there and checking back. I hope to get back in the swing of things soon.

the violin saga continues.....

2009-10-13T08:54:00.003-04:00

I woke up yesterday to the sound of Claire playing (or attempting) to play her violin. NOW I am offering her $100 if she will let me buy it back!

She doesn't want to sell it to me. "The strings are made of real horse hair!" Claire says, which was apparently part of Olivia's sales pitch.

.....................hmmmm this is getting out of hand.

Something doesn't sound quite right.....

2009-10-11T21:57:00.002-04:00

Olivia has asked to start Karate lessons. Mark and I reminded her that she started and quit violin lessons over the summer. AFTER I bought her a violin, had some work done on it and was out about $100. So, I agreed that if she could sell the violin and get back my $100, I would agree to her re-investing the money in Karate lessons/uniform.

Tonight: Olivia enters the room to say she has sold the violin. "Sold?" I said. "Yea, I sold it to Claire! I asked her if she wanted to buy it and she said yes."

So now what we have is a huge mess! Claire is playing a violin. Olivia thinks she is starting Karate lessons. Mom is STILL out $100 bucks.

sigh.....I don't know how I get into these messes!

Don't judge me!

2009-10-08T07:01:00.003-04:00

I will confess.

I fed my babies cupcakes for breakfast this morning. Only because I was up at 5:30am to make cupcakes for Olivia's class (and I ain't talkin' no box of Betty Crocker! Scratch cupcakes with scratch frosting). After finishing the cupcakes, I made their lunches to pack. I just did not have it in me to do gravy and biscuits........sigh. So I gave in and yes, let them eat cupcakes for breakfast.

Don't judge ME though because how different is a cupcake from a Krispy Kreme Donut? And we have AAAAALLLLLL done that.:)

mmmmmmmmmmmm did I just say Krispy Kreme? Wish I had one of those!

2009-10-02T19:10:00.002-04:00

TGIF!

All items on today's calender done..........CHECK

Supper in the works (sausage egg rolls!) .......CHECK

Blockbuster run complete with 2 sacks of movies........CHECK

Calender cleared for tonight and all day tomorrow......CHECK

Baths started, jammies layed out, popcorn ready to pop later........CHECK

Friday night party bed here we come!!!!

2009-10-02T19:08:00.001-04:00

You just expect BETTER from some folks in the same career choice as our family.....today I hear from the backseat 2 little voices singing "the stars at night are big and bright (clapping) deep in the heart of Texas". Who would teach my ch...ildren such a malicious song KNOWING that we teach them "woooooo PIG Sooooeee Razorbacks!". These horrible missionaries shall remain anonymous Los Bray!!!!

2009-09-25T08:20:00.003-04:00

Claire comes home from school yesterday with the news that she has a "boyfriend'. I begin to do my motherly probe questions:
"What is his name, who are his people and does he speak english?"

So, I asked Claire....how do you know he is your boyfriend? She responds ..."we sat on a bench at the same time but didn't know the other one was there, and well, we looked at each other and then just held hands."

Olivia's comment with eyes rolling......"Let me guess Claire......he had you at 'hello'?"

(Claire did not appreciate the enitre family rolling on the floor with laugher)

2009-09-21T11:31:00.003-04:00

Happy Spring! Today is the official first day of Spring for us in Argentina and it is a really big deal. The kids both have school picnics this week to celebrate.

Although we didn't have what I would call a "hard winter" by any means, I am NOT a winter weather person so I am super excited to see Spring here. The days are sunny, warm and energizing.

To all those still enduring some hot Arkansas days.....sorry....wish you were here.:)

2009-09-10T00:07:00.002-04:00

Claire lost her very first tooth today! You would not believe the excitement on her face when I picked her up from school because she had discovered it was loose. So, Olivia with all of her life experience, was explaining to her how all of this tooth business works. After all, she has lost 7 now.

They were having an after-school snack of ice cream bars and the tooth just fell out. No blood, no pulling, no pain! It was of course, though, NOT without drama as Claire "faked" cried all the way home today because she didn't want a loose tooth.

She went to sleep snuggling up to the tooth fairy pillow!

big sigh.....my babies are growing up.
(and no, I don't like it one bit)

2009-09-08T20:57:00.002-04:00

Our 2 new fish that the girls bought with "their own money".

Their fish really define their own individual personality:

Olivia bought a female beta, yes, the ones that attack and kill anything in the bowl.

Claire chose a gold fish ...................and named it "Rosa".

Let's go Argentina National Team!

2009-09-05T14:22:00.003-04:00

You want a little taste of Argentina culture?

tonight....at 9:30pm.......the entire country will be watching Argentina play Brazil

It is HUGE! All over the news.......barber shops are talking about it........it is crazy!

This is part of World Cup qualifications and it is very important that we win tonight!

SO....................GO ARGENTINA!!!! BEAT BRAZIL!!!!!

Finally Friday!

2009-09-04T21:26:00.003-04:00

Friday evening.....

homemade pizza for supper and now the kitchen is cleaned up........

air mattress is getting blown up.......................

hmmmm and no alarm clock in the morning!

2009-08-20T14:04:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the neglect on my blog! For a quick update:

1. Please pray for the girls as they are now both in school.

2. Please pray for a one-to-one study time that Mark has right now with a seeker.

3. Please pray for 2 new groups that we hope to start up in September/October. That people would be open to attending, locations to meet would firm up and we would have wisdom in guiding these times.

4. Please pray that our language would continue to grow.

I apologize that I have no pictures but my Kodak program is not working and I cannot access my albums.

CHLOE ATE MICKEY!

2009-08-06T20:47:00.002-04:00

Chloe (our new 3 month old puppy) ate the Mickey Mouse player piece from Olivia's board game "Scene It". The piece is about the size of the "Monopoly" car piece to give you some idea!

All I heard was ..."Chloe! Chloe NO! Oh no! Mom, Chloe ate Mickey!"

Mark typical response "oh, well...this too will pass."

2009-08-04T13:06:00.002-04:00

This is dedicated to my wonderful wife of 19 years. I don't know how I am able to breathe every morning without you reminding me to do so. I am the luckiest man in the whole wide world! Wow, 19 years with you has been the best thing that could have happened to me. I adore you, your wisdom, your sense of humor, your discernment for when I am WAY off the map of how I should be thinking. You are the greatest!

Ok, now ....all I have to do is get Mark to recite this! hehehe

Happy Anniversary to us!!!! Love you!

Thank You!

2009-08-02T23:33:00.003-04:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone from First Baptist White Hall who gave money to buy our family tickets to Disney on Ice! We had a wonderful time watching "Finding Nemo". This was a great way to minister to our family and we really appreciate your generosity.

I would love to post some pictures but my Kodak program is not working right now. Please know how grateful we are to all of you and the way you support us with your love gifts and also through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

We miss you all!

2009-07-31T16:31:00.003-04:00

Karen Watson was a young missionary, lately murdered in Iraq because of her bold service to the Lord. At her funeral, Karen’s last letter was read by her pastor.

Dear Pastor,
You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death.
When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn’t called to a place; I was called to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward, His glory my reward...

The missionary heart:
Cares more than some think is wise
Risks more than some think is safe
Dreams more than some think is practical
Expects more than some think is possible

I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience...
There is no Joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you and my church family.
In His care,
Salaam, Karen

A life given, not taken. Hebrews 11:38a "....the world was not worthy of them."

2009-07-30T16:31:00.002-04:00

Try explaining to the vet over the phone (which is more difficult than speaking in person) that your puppy just passed something through her bottom. Yea, fun times!

Couldn't bring myself to add that she ate a yellow starburst, paper and all, yesterday. ....figure that will come up in the exam.

......Mark is off to the vet with the puppy and a something in a plastic cup.

2009-07-26T12:37:00.003-04:00

Olivia has started listening to the commercials on TV during her cartoons. Ok, so? Now she is repeating word-for-word every commercial. The funniest part is, of course, to a 7 year old the commercial is TRUTH!

Every day she has a new product that I have to try. Liquid soap, laundry detergent, a new shampoo for Mark, soup flavoring, stain remover.....the list goes on and on.

Mistake of all mistakes.......................I took her down the aisle with ALL OF THE CLEANERS in the supermarket this weekend. What was I thinking?

2009-07-21T10:03:00.003-04:00

I woke up to a rainy, cold morning today. Great day to sleep in (which I did) but my girls....WOW....still asleep as it thunders. Nothing like Mom's big, warm bed on a cold, rainy morning! That is how school breaks should be spent....don't ya think?

........think I will go bake some snickerdoodles!

Gracias Dora!

2009-07-16T13:39:00.002-04:00

Immigrations again today with a record 2 trips in ONE day. Ok, how can I explain this process so that you all can relate?

Revenue office plus about 500 people waiting to be processed.

A mumbling girl BEHIND a glass partition that will not open her mouth to speak clearly.

A change in rates since the last visit which accounted for the return trip today.

Probably the highest congregation of swine flu carriers outside of a train or bus.

A smart alic who thought he could speak english.

A room full of employees who are "overworked" from their 8:45 - 2:00 schedule with more breaks for chats than the VIEW.

Top it off with a RUDE person!

It is really difficult for a good Southern girl to not LOSE IT given this scenario! I am so proud of me....my only remark was upon exiting the waiting room..... "Gracias Dora"!

Hopefully you can realize that even WE have horrible days. I think I can be honest with you about that....I mean ....afterall ....it is just me and you, right?

2009-07-15T23:58:00.002-04:00

Changed up some tunes ......

in the mood for some oldies and favorites!

Enjoy!

2009-07-08T11:32:00.002-04:00

Mark and Olivia went to the golf course this morning because my parents brought down Olivia's clubs so now they can play together. First time out on the real course....up to now....only the driving range.

Olivia asks: "So what kind of prizes do they give at the golf course?"

.......this should be interesting!

2009-07-08T11:26:00.002-04:00

To the folks out there who follow my blog......both of you.....so sorry I have not kept up in the last couple of weeks! My parents were here for a visit and nothing got blogged or written during that time.

So here is the latest:
1. We had a great visit with Mom and Dad. They got to see much of the city, go to a tango show for Dad's birthday, spend time with the girls and spoil them, and they got SPANKED on Mario Kart (WII game in case you don't have little ones).

2. Everyone is healthy despite the closing of EVERYTHING for Swine Flu. My gym was even closed this morning. So I guess that means I can eat what I want and not feel guilty, huh?

3. We now have a puppy named "chloe". She is a "who knows what" kind of puppy that we adopted. House breaking her is not fun, but she is really cute.

That's pretty much us right now. Trying to stay warm and healthy!

2009-06-21T12:51:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and Mark. I love you both very much and wish you the most relaxing/chillaxin day today! You both deserve it.

2 more days and we can all enjoy dinner together! YEA.

2009-06-21T00:27:00.003-04:00

There comes that time in the life of every child.

You know there will be pain involved but as the parent, you also know the pain is unavoidable.

As much as you try to protect, guard and help.........there are still tears and that look on their face of "why me?".

That time came for Olivia today........

that's right, she learned to ride her bike WITHOUT TRAINING WHEELS!!!

She did awesome!

2009-06-15T12:35:00.002-04:00

HOORAY...I have a stove! I have been so excited digging through my cookbooks because I can BAKE again.

Tonight:

poppy seed chicken (baked in the oven)
creamed potatoes (fixed on the top of my new stove)
corn
and best of all....I made a turtle cheesecake (by special request from the family).

God is so good!

2009-06-13T22:31:00.001-04:00

Claire better.

Liv worse.

Stove tomorrow. (yea, right! Heard that before.)

Mark fine.

Me tarzan, you Jane.

2009-06-12T13:28:00.003-04:00

My little Claire is sick today. Poor thing......headache, nausea, no appetite, fever, and fatigue.

Don't know if we got the flu or what but whatever it is.....we want it to go away~!

On a good note, Olivia is officially on summer (or winter for us) break from school. WOOHOO!

We are super glad to have her home during the day.

Lovin' on my girls............

2009-06-09T20:33:00.002-04:00

WOW....thanks to Mark, Marilyn, Morgan and Megan Black from Sheridan, Arkansas for the awesome box of goodies! It was Christmas in June. We were all so excited to get the velveeta, rotel, tootsie rolls, gravy, newpaper (I loved that) and all of the other great stuff.

You guys are incredible friends and we love you!

Un beso!!!!!

2009-06-09T20:20:00.003-04:00

Here is the quick run down of updates:

1. Claire has an amoeba (don't know how to spell it) in her poo and I go tomorrow to see what we do about it.

2. Olivia is still in Uruguay according to Immigrations and has been since MARCH however she finishes first grade this week here in Argentina.

3. I still do not have a stove.

4. Mark, Claire and I got our temporary resident visas today. WOOHOO

5. Claire officially is accepted for kindergarten. I can't talk about this one because I cry everytime I think about my babies growing up.

6. Mark has GOLF CLUBS in the crate and my bicycle is still sitting in Arkansas because we had to prioritize our stuff. Ok, that one has nothing to do with anything else just had to get it off my chest.

2009-06-05T20:23:00.002-04:00

If things happen in sets of three.....

I have one more pile of dog poo waiting somewhere for me.

yea....don't ask.

2009-05-26T21:11:00.002-04:00

Claire is really into this "South America" LATE culture.

Background: As you know from my previous whiny posts, nothing ever happens when you need it, ask for it, or expect it here in our new culture. For goal driven, list-checkers like myself (aka: annoying people) ......it drives me nuts!

The story: Claire has been having chronic stomach pain that we had evaluated, had an ultrasound (all was well), did a urine sample, and now we were on the fun part......5 days of poo samples to check for parasites. Oh, yea baby! Fun times.

Claire has taken 2 1/2 weeks to collect 5 poo samples.

...........ugh....tell me she has not adjusted to the South American way of doing things!

2009-05-26T06:54:00.002-04:00

Wow....Mom got 2 thumbs up from each girl yesterday for "mystery day"!! We all had a hoot.....

I got up an made empanadas, M&M cookies and packed a picnic. We drove to this HUGE park about 20 minutes from the house. Sat out in the grass and stared at the US Flag flying over the embassy residence.....what a way to spend Memorial Day!

After lunch, we played a serious game of 2 on 2 soccer, flew the kites and then packed it all up and rented bicycles. The park is so big that they rent bikes, roller blades, paddles boats, etc.

It was awesome and the best part was that I got to spend it with my 3 best friends in the whole wide world! I love you guys!

2009-05-24T11:55:00.002-04:00

Did I mention that I made my first ever homemade sausage yesterday? It was perfect!

That is one thing that we have really missed is sausage and the different dishes that I used to make using sausage. But now......we don't miss it anymore!!!!

(I also made homemade hot chocolate!)

.........sigh.......I feel so domestic! :)

2009-05-23T23:21:00.002-04:00

I think I must have misunderstood the meaning of a few words in my Spanish language classes. Seems there are a few that I should go back and study again .......

manana- tomorrow or in the morning ?

la proxima fin de semana - next weekend?

15 days - 15 days?

un mes y nada mas - 1 month and no more

Strange, seems that NONE of these words have the SAME meaning as the dictionary...otherwise I would have my stove, dishwasher, chair, crate, visas.......

2009-05-21T23:42:00.002-04:00

.....don't have time to chat......

.......got my new washing machine today.......

.......busy washing EVERYTHING...I mean EVERYTHING in the house.....

(so exciting!)

Olivia's track and field presentation day

2009-05-14T14:56:00.003-04:00

2009-05-14T14:52:00.002-04:00

...but at least I got my BED today!!! yeah....

2009-05-14T14:20:00.001-04:00

.....singin the "I ain't got no washer, stove or furniture blues".......

.. ..wanna join me?

....there is always room for one more at my pity parties!

2009-05-10T23:53:00.003-04:00

....no really, Mom

stop crying and reading the e-cards and go finishing painting your kitchen!!!!!

Love you and Happy Mom's Day one more time!

Now GO!

Happy Mother's Day Mom

2009-05-10T12:22:00.003-04:00

Hey Mom....I know you will read this because you check my blog about a million times a day! You are my most faithful reader HAHA.

Happy Mother's Day to you! We love you and miss you.

See you and Dad in about 6 weeks!

....now go finish painting your kitchen~!!!!!

2009-05-09T23:58:00.002-04:00

Me: "You guys....this house looks like a train wreck!"

Olivia: "Mom, what is a train wreck?"

Me: "It means that this house is a disaster because you two haven't picked up your mess."

Olivia: "Well Mom, but you know that we are just poor little girls living here in Argentina suffering."

I love the suffering part. That is so ......so.......HILARIOUS! Oh, save it for the next volume of "How being an MK ruined my life!"

I sure do love my girls...they keep us laughing.

yep....that's pretty much our life at the moment.....

2009-05-09T20:48:00.002-04:00

......house phone doesn't work and hasn't for days

.....thinking what I might could fix for supper using my propane camping stove

.....checking poop for parasites

......waiting for what day next their going to say that I might get an appliance...any appliance....or perhaps a BED

.....doing a really hard jigsaw puzzle and having hot cocoa with my girls......now that part is PRICELESS!

2009-05-08T20:35:00.001-04:00

........today.......don't even ask!

I am going downstairs to bake some chocolate chip cookies and eat them and everything else in the house that is OVER 3000 calories per bite.

.....nuff said!

2009-05-07T19:48:00.002-04:00

They put a boot on my car!!!! I still can't believe it! In case you don't know what that is.....it is the HUGE HONKIN YELLOW METAL PIECE THAT WRAPS AROUND YOUR FRONT TIRE AND MAKES YOUR CAR UNDRIVABLE.

.......treated like a common criminal

.......MARKED in the community

........NO WAY, I didn't pay the ticket because it was their parking machine that ate my parking token!

A shoutout to my Sis...Liesa!

2009-05-06T23:13:00.003-04:00

I love it when we CHARLAR and laugh about our crazy lives! I guess it takes one to understand one, huh?

Your friendship is as valuable as your CELL PHONE!!!!

Have a great end of the week and weekend...I will talk to ya soon!

Love ya!

My precious sleeping disciples

2009-05-04T12:00:00.004-04:00

Different way of looking at "sleeping disciples". By the way, that is Olivia's toothfairy pillow....she lost a tooth in the cinamon toast that morning.

Vonage is up and running!

2009-04-27T17:25:00.002-04:00

Ok, no excuses for not calling me!!! Our vonage line is up and running so give us a call and catch up. The phone is in the house although we still do not live in the house but we are there everyday for most of the day. Hopefully tomorrow I will have my appliances and we can move in ! WOOHOO.

The number is 870-455-4671 and it is a local call from White Hall.

Looking forward to hearing from ya!

I need a calgon moment

2009-04-21T13:29:00.003-04:00

Step into my world for just a minute please:
I entered a very popular appliance store. I find a Whirlpool fridge and stove that I like and would like to buy. I ask the salesman what the price is......here it comes.....get ready....he said...."Well, we don't sell this stove and fridge".

Could someone please explain to me WHY a store displays a stove and fridge that don't intend to sell?

CALGON! Take me away!!!!

I just want to buy a stove and fridge. big sigh

What would YOU do for a Starbucks coffee?

2009-04-16T16:44:00.008-04:00

We have about 7 Starbucks locations here in Buenos Aires (yea, who wants to come see me now??) and my very favorite is about 4 blocks passed the government buildings right in the heart of the city. Today was MY day, so after 2 hours of Spanish tutoring, Claire, myself and a friend took a cab to Starbuck's. Why? Because a coffee means that much to me!

Ok, here is the story. Read the warnings on the US Embassy website and it will tell you to always avoid Argentine protests because they can get out of hand very quickly so you should leave the area of a protest! The cab today dropped us off about 4 blocks too early because streets were blocked .....why....DUE TO A PROTEST! The people were in the streets, chanting, carrying signs, police out in the middle of the streets. What did we do? Walked through the protest to change sides of the street because I KNEW Starbucks was only about 2 more blocks on the other side of the protest.

I knew the signs did not say "GO HOME"!

A day in the life of US!

2009-04-12T13:58:00.002-04:00

Simple task: Mail 1 postcard, pick up a certified letter, and mail a small package to the US.

Attempt #1: Mark goes to the post office, takes a number and has a seat in the waiting room. 45 minutes later he is called to the counter. He has "100 peso" (about 30 US dollar value) and ask to first mail the package. The lady explains that he cannot mail this package because it is taped and not glued. (I had wrapped the box in plain brown heavy paper and used brown packing tape to secure it.) After a brief convesation about the mailing requirements, Mark proceeded to mail the postcard but he could not because she did not have change (he would have had change IF he had mailed the box). Ok, so he asked for the certified letter but could not get it because I did not sign the paper.

Attempt #2: We stop by UPS to mail the package. 45 minutes later after the UPS guy had removed and listed every item in the box and repacked it in a UPS box, he says the charge is $120 US dollars to ship it. The value of the box was about $20 US dollars so of course, Mark left the UPS office with the new box in hand.

Attempt #3: I went to the post office, took a number and waited 1 hour. When I was called to the counter, I was able to mail the postcard. I could not mail the package that I had re-wrapped in brown paper and USED GLUE NOT TAPE because I did not have my original passport with me. I could not pick up my certified letter because I did not have my original passport.

Attempt #4: I went back to the post office, took a number and waited 1 hour. I successfully mailed the package. The certified letter was a notice to go to another post office to pick up a package that was too big to have in this post office!

Tomorrow, we are going to the other post office. It opens at 10:00 and we will have to be in line by 9:00 and still will probably be there for at least 21/2 hours AFTER THEY OPEN.

NOTE ADDRESS CORRECTION

2009-04-12T13:55:00.003-04:00

We just found out that our address is just slightly incorrect......so here is the revision.

The line should read: "Martinez 1640"

If you have something en route to us, don't worry ...we have been getting letters and packages but the address really should be the 1640 instead of 1620.

Sorry for the confusion!

Things I have learned......

2009-03-21T14:58:00.002-04:00

You cannot go from 5th gear to 2nd gear at interstate speed. Although it is a very effective way to CLEAR the traffic behind you.....Mark tells me it is not good for the vehicle.

"La bota" in Spanish is NOT "the boat" instead it is "the boot". This was explained to me by the travel agent that I was buying boat tickets from to go to Uraguay. She was very nice to not laugh .....until I laughed first.

The people who work at the immigration office OR the other 2000 people in line at the immigration office DO NOT care who I am, where I am from, or that my country is a world power. Hmmm......

The Barbie Store

2009-03-20T11:41:00.002-04:00

I did better this month on "mystery day".....check it out! We had a hoot at the Barbie Store. This is a store that has a beauty shop, huge "Barbie House" to play in and a pastry shop.

Mystery Days

2009-03-20T11:03:00.005-04:00

The girls had mystery day this week which is a day that I choose (never a set day of the month) and I also choose a place to take them that is fun and a surprise. They do not know where we are going UNTIL we arrive!

Ok, so I learned a huge lesson because my girls are still not over the trauma of mystery day 2 months ago. Why? Because I chose Recoletta Cemetery. Ok, in hindsight it was not my brightest idea but it is a huge tourist attraction here in Buenos Aires, history lesson and a day out all wrapped in one. Olivia was....well....how do I say.. mortified that I would bring them to a cemetery to walk around (it is like a city) and see, well dead people. Claire was peeking in the doors at the graves...she thought it was cool!

(photo of the girls standing in front of the grave of Eva "Evita" Peron

Fun day!

2009-03-15T15:07:00.005-04:00

Claire...you crack me up!

2009-03-09T13:50:00.002-04:00

I can't possibly post every hilarious thing my girls say because they keep us in stitches but this was so funny from Claire that I have to post it!

Olivia is going through this very "7 year old" phase of Independence and attitude (where does she get this?....MARK!!!) and now, when she doesn't want to talk to answer you , she will spell it. Example, instead of saying "no" or "yes" she will just say "N-O! or Y-E-S!" I know some of my fellow Mom's are trekking what I am saying!

Claire tries so hard to be as big as Olivia that she often mocks her words, etc. SO...here goes the funny part.....Claire was trying to have an attitude and answer smart like her sister and she put her hands on her hips, rolled her eyes and said "O-N". After a strange look from both Mark and myself, Claire said "Dad ....what does O-N spell?" Mark replies "ON....I think you meant to say N-O".

Flat Stanley

2009-03-09T13:41:00.003-04:00

We have our very first visitor here in Buenos Aires....."Flat Stanley"! (yes, there is a story)

The 1st grade class in White Hall read a book about "Flat Stanley" and his adventures so they have sent him on trips to visit people. We were asked if he could come here and we are just fun showing him the town!

"Flat Stanley" went to school with Olivia, Uruguay, Kansas Steak House and we still have some other sites to show him before we put him in an envelope and mail him back to White Hall!

We are gonna get him drinking mate before he leaves Argentina!

Claire is 5!

2009-03-04T14:45:00.002-05:00

Claire turned 5 on Monday and had a GREAT Birthday! We had a virtual party with Memaw and Pepaw via SKYPE. They were able watch her open her gifts, blow out candles and even eat her cake. It was fun!

Thank you to EVERYONE who sent her notes, cards, and emails to wish her a great day! She loved everyone one of them. Mark and I really appreciate your efforts in remembering Claire.

Now.....if I can just figure out how to stop her right here at 5.....she is growing up way too fast! Big sigh.

My morning drive....leisurely? I don't think so!

2009-02-18T16:33:00.002-05:00

I decided last night to drive Olivia to school this morning by myself for the first time. (Remember it should take us about 45 minutes depending on traffic.) Here goes my morning:

The car died 4 times in front of the apartment before I ever took off .....I forgot to take off the park brake.

I made it to the loop/interstate fine but I am not quite sure I was ever in 5th gear. I have the hardest time finding 3rd and 5th.

I made my exit too early only to realize it when I rounded the access ramp onto a major interstate that had about 10 lanes just in my direction!

I ran 2 red lights and ignored a street closed sign only to have to turn around on the other side of it.

I rolled all the way BACK DOWN a hill fortunately there was no one behind me. I really mean ALL THE WAY!

So anyway, this was my morning......how was yours?

Mailing Address

2009-02-18T16:33:00.001-05:00

Check out our new mailing address........

Update on the girls

2009-02-16T18:12:00.002-05:00

Let me do a quick post on the girls.....

Olivia is doing well and is excited about having started school this past week. She was worried about being "weird" but it seems she has fallen right into her schedule. She didn't even need me to walk her all the way to the playground this morning! Yes, this is killing me....all of her new found Independence!
The only glitch is swim class...YIKES! She was totally freaked because she had to put her swim gear on in the same room as the other girls. We are working on ways to keep modest.

Claire is living it up having Mom and Dad to herself the entire day. Although she is excited about starting school in August ....why, you ask? Because, of course, it means NEW CLOTHES AND SHOES! Claire is always up for a shopping trip to buy her some new things. On a serious note, just today she commented to us how much she really likes Argentina.

They are both growing, happy and doing well. Thanks for keeping them in your prayers and please don't forget to send them a message once in a while!

I DID IT!

2009-02-09T10:44:00.003-05:00

I did it......I drove all the way to church yesterday! Ok, so to some of you that's is no big deal but for me ....it was huge! Believe me when I say.....I have NEVER seen my girls that quiet in the back seat. I mean the game systems were turned off, they didn't ask for music, they didn't argue....I think they sat back there praying all the way to the church which was about 35 minutes.

Wow, what a hurdle. Now, if I could just read the street signs!

A shout out to all my "M" Sisters!

2009-01-25T21:08:00.004-05:00

I friend of mine posted this on her blog and I couldn't have said it better so I won't even try (except I can get the boneless skinless chicken breast....sorry N....for me...it is velveeta!).

By far - this has been the wildest year of my life. As I look back, I am reminded of some of the lessons learned along the way…
God is faithful. Even on the far side of the sea His hand guides me.
I am capable of far more than I ever dreamed.
My husband is the strongest, bravest man I know.
My sense of self-worth cannot be tied to my level of performance at any given task.
We (Americans) are spoiled & self-focused.
I am not entitled to every little thing my heart desires.
Dirt doesn’t hurt me.
Just because it’s painful doesn’t mean it isn’t good for me.
One should never take for granted: hot water, electricity, or boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

A huge thanks!

2009-01-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

We are out of the city this weekend for a retreat. We have had a great time getting to know a wonderful volunteer team out of South Carolina that came to do Children's Activities with our MK's, lead worship for us and bring messages twice a day.

What an outstanding job everyone did! We so appreciate the team and EVERYONE who had a part in getting them here. It means so much to have people come and visit and spend time with our children. Wow, we just can't say thanks enough for these fine folks!

2009-01-09T12:56:00.002-05:00

Ok, well a quick update. We are still in the temp apartment so no internet.......sorry about the out of touch thing but that's the way it is for now. Please don't give up reading!

Everyone if fine. The girls are doing well and seem to be adjusting fine. We are searching online for schools but have made no decisions yet. We are still learning the driving rules. I read the map and Mark .....well, he gets on the race track! We tell the girls when we load up to go somewhere that it is "mystery day BA style" which means we never know where we will end up!

Thanks for the encouragement about my hair! I can't believe you ask for pictures in my moment of trauma! For that, I won't even begin to describe my first shopping trip to find some new clothes........let me just say that things run small here and the skinny attendants don't mind asking if you need a bigger size :). I eased the pain of that experience in a frappe from the McCafe ....in fact ....I think next time that happens I will buy a round of vanilla milkshakes for ALL OF THE SKINNY ATTENDANTS!

Things I have learned.......

2008-12-30T19:00:00.002-05:00

I have learned that....

I should NEVER.....REPEAT NEVER use a trip to the beauty salon for cut and highlights as a way to cheer me up on a bad language day.

2008-12-30T18:40:00.002-05:00

DRIVING!!!!!!!

After one year in Costa Rica without a car..........the moment finally came. We received keys to our loaner vehicle. I thought I was going to cry. I think this was the best Christmas gift I could have received.

Although I am extremely excited about the renewed freedom of the road I need to explain to all my North American friends about driving in Buenos Aires. Imagine driving your car with a school of fish. Now, imagine that you have 13.5 million of those fish jocking for position around you. It is awesome!!!

A few differences from driving in the States.

This is the land of the one way street. Literally 90% or more of the streets are one ways.
Forget the lines in the road that promote an orderly approach to your leisurely drive. The few roads that have lines here are merely a suggestion. How many cars can fit side by side at 60KM per hour. Come to Argentina and I'll show you.
Oh Yes I almost forgot. On the main avenues which can be 6 or 8 lanes wide according to the paint. You can only make a left hand turn with a arrow........one problem......they don't ever seem to appear when I'm looking for one. So, in such a case three rights truly make a left.

Those few driving rules to say it may be a little different but I sure am glad to have keys in my pocket again.

Blessings

Mark

Argentina!

2008-12-18T11:13:00.002-05:00

Ok, well I only have a minute to do a quick post but we are here in Argentina and doing ok. My goal was to have a dinner on the table by Wednesday night and we did it! Ok, it was frozen pizza and green salad but that's ok....it was our dinner on our table and we all sat down and ate!

Remember that we don't have internet so or vonage so any contact or responses will be slow.

Thanks for your prayers. The girls are better but we are still trying comfortable here.

I will post again when I can.