Saturday, April 25, 2009

Twelve

I am discovering that being the mother of a twelve year old is nearly as exciting and perplexing as being twelve was. Some days we are best friends- laughing at the same things, 'getting' the same jokes, trying the same spoonerisms. We both love to read and we abhor misspelled words. We are dedicated and loyal to a fault; we love the safety of our familiar routine. And then there are days when it feels like we are strangers- and I am not sure whether to get close or back off. Personal hygiene is pretty much inconsequential; but when Tony pours syrup on his pancakes, there will be an all out war whoop and a lecture on the sins of extravagance. Speed seems to be a malady to be avoided at all costs, and patience is a virtue reserved only for self. Oh, this passage into adolescence promises to be an interesting journey- bewildering, perhaps, but certainly not boring!

Josh with his birthday gift, a book he has coveted for a very long time... Backyard Ballistics by William Gurstelle. With three boys and one hubby who all love experimenting and explosions, I figure the best I can do is to give them a book with lots of safety advice (and then run for the house with my hands over my ears.)

Here Josh creates a Cincinnati Fire Kite. If it fails to fly, at least there's the satisfaction of having had a very appreciative and admiring audience.
In case you're thinking of taking a collection for new jeans, please don't. These have now been discarded and replaced.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Blest Be The Tie

This is the day........... we celebrate Motz and Paige!
It was such fun to dress up for a truly special occasion... Who cares that some of our clothes came out of the Missionary Barrel -ahem- Goodwill? This wedding was one of the most joyful and glorious celebrations I have witnessed, and I feel very honored to have been part of such a beautiful experience.

I have got some cute relatives, if I must say so myself.

The newlyweds are not tense... just terribly alert. And we are terribly happy with them.

The lovely and tired couple. What else is there to say?

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Everybody Loves Derek

Derek's fourth birthday was spent flying to the States for Uncle Motz's wedding, and after a whirlwind trip to Virginia and Pennsylvania, we are back in our Honduras home re-collecting our senses and updating our blog...

What to write about Derek? Well, he is the one who frequently needs to be reminded to "study to be quiet" but rarely needs to be told to be more friendly. He loves to hunt, party, eat rice and beans, sing, play football, and cuddle in his fleece blanket. He hates solitude, tomatoes, quiet time, and being excluded in any way. Derek loves life and people and some of his heroes are Alex Peight, Jordan Martin, and Paul Rose. (Anyone else notice a pattern here?) I am frequently challenged and inspired with his unquestioning love for people, his frank honesty, and his zest for life in general. The following photos capture some of that irrepressible personality!
Singing his heart out one morning on the beach in Tela...

Doing his own stunts for Cousin Eg...
This means "I love having my picture taken when my face is wet!"

No Honduras birthday is complete without a piƱata!

While other moms (like Dorcas and Becca, for example) bake and decorate exotic cakes for their youngsters, my kiddos have to be satisfied with the plain rectangular variety and a couple of candles. My guilt complex evaporates under Derek's grateful and adoring expression, and I am reminded again to celebrate life the way he does!