Timmy on the move!

These are a few weeks old, but Timmy's started to move quite a bit! At this point, he can move from one side of a room to the other, and even made it to the doorway of Jeremiah's room (I'd put him on the rug). He's not crawling yet, but he's scooting. He sticks up his rear, puts his head down, and pulls forward with his arms. And he rolls all over the place. We don't have much space, so he usually tries to eat things he shouldn't (strap on Jer's booster seat, curtains, leaves, dog, etc.).

Here he is, ready to go!

On the porch

In the house

Scooting off the blanket

Hmmm... definitely did not put him under there!

...or there!

Jeremiah: My big helper

Here's some recent pictures of Jer, my helper. :)

Helping with the dishes

Tea time! (For tea time, I put a little vanilla in his milk and call it tea)

Sweeping the porch

Helping me plant my garden

And some fun, random pics:
Crazy dress day at school

Pajama day at school

Up next: pics of Timmy!

Valentines Day: belated pics

We started out the day with a special breakfast of heart shaped pancakes

and a fritatta

Dinner was fondue; cheese and bread to start

Then beef and veggies in beef broth

Family photo

Ice cream social down at school that evening

Tired Mommy

Sigh. It's been a while since I've blogged.
There's a few things contributing to that, but mostly they're just excuses:
1) I'm not sure what to write about. And I want to write about positive things. (And I haven't been feeling very positive lately)
2) Lack of motivation. I'm not sure many people will even read this, due to the lack of frequent blogging and all. Which is okay. But it's hard to be motivated.
3) I'm a tired mommy. Timmy's been very fussy lately. Jer's been very "2y" lately (as in, acting very much like a 2 year old). And he's been spending way too much time in time-out.

But here goes; this is what we've been up to:

In the past few weeks I've gotten sick, started a garden, had a toddler with a fever (and a busted lip from a fall), took a 4 day trip to the beach, gotten sick while at the beach, and came home to attempt to recover, though I still feel just plain tired. And cold (due to the lots of rain).

BUT, I want to be positive, and there's plenty to be positive about, so...
-I enjoyed our trip to the beach (when I didn't have a fever). Friday we had a friend come with us, so Daniel and I took a long walk on the beach and had a belated anniversary date (we'd saved up date money for sushi on the beach!). Saturday morning we ran on the beach and played tennis. Monday we drove to Samana where Daniel's parents, sister, and Aunt joined us for the day (they were on a cruise and the ship stopped in Samana).
-Last night Daniel watched the kids while I had a girl's night out. Yay for a great husband!
-My garden is starting to grow! And I'm sure the rain helps!!

Okay, I'm really behind on photos so I will go work on that now. :)

Santiago Adventure

Yesterday we took another trip into Santiago; this time to take the boys to the doctor. We had some Christmas money for the boys, so we decided to turn it into a "fun day." Well, the "fun" part we planned was indeed fun. The other part, not so much. Here's the summary, with pictures:

-Fun Part 1: Burger King
We left the house at 11 in the morning and drove just over an hour to Burger King. This is a big deal; we have no American fast food restaurants in Jarabacoa. Quite honestly, I don't miss them. But it was a fun treat. We ordered Jer a kid's meal and made sure to ask for a crown. After he enjoyed the hamburger, fries, and water, he played in the play place (no play parks in Jarabacoa either). We had a blast watching him play.

Hamburger and Fries!

Yumm... elephant teether

Playing!

Loves the slide

-Fun Part 2: La Sirena, Ice Cream
Next, we drove to La Sirena (a large, super-walmart type store) for some ice cream (we had bikes being repaired in the bike shop across the street). After the ice cream he sat on each of the "ride" (pictured below). Unfortunately, they were not plugged in. He also played in a play place there. After this, we went out of the food court to choose some V-day gifts for the family and some a few small toys for the boys. Jeremiah chose a small toy motorcycle and a soccer book, and we bought a book for Timmy.

Of course, he wanted the blue ice cream

Driving with a (very scary looking) bird

Avion!

And his very own boat!

Another slide!

-Not So Fun Part 1: By this time Jeremiah was getting tired, but we needed to buy a blender (the motor in ours just went out). The blender we had looked into when we were at La Sirena previously (1 week ago for our doctor visits) was sold out. As we tried to decide what blender to buy, Jeremiah began screeching again and again. He didn't want to read either of the books, or hold his bear. There was nothing to put in time-out, and he was already confined to the shopping cart. Tension mounted as we tried to decide on a blender with a shrieking child. Ugh. I went off to get some socks for Jer as Daniel took him down the stairs to the first level. Once down, we tried to buy some produce we needed. But Jeremiah continued to shriek. So we hurried to check-out and leave. And it was about 3:30 by this time and we realized we were running late.

-Not So Fun Part 2:
We picked up the bikes and headed toward the hospital. Meanwhile, multiple driver's notified us that our left front tire was flat. We arrived at the hospital at about 4:00 (the doctor doesn't get in until 3). By this time both boys were asleep in the car (praise the Lord!). While Daniel changed the tire, I hurried up to the 8th floor and put in the boy's names (doctors here don't make appointments) only to discover that the doctor had not yet arrived and 7 people had their names on the list before us. We hung out in the car for a while as the boys slept. Daniel went inside to retrieve my results while I worked on a logic problem in a puzzle book. Eventually Jeremiah woke up and Daniel returned. We decided to head on up to floor 8 to check the status. I waited with the boys in the large outside waiting area, while Daniel went into the office to ask. The secretary informed him that there were now 4 people in front of us. Okay, that sounded better. And yet we waited, and waited. And Jeremiah continued to shriek and go to time-out. Finally we found space in the doctor's office to wait (there are only 6 chairs inside the office) after we were told there were 2 people left in front of us. At one point I became suspicious that they were letting the mother's with tiny babies jump ahead in line. Time passed, a few people went in and out, and we again asked how many people were in front of us, and were again told two people. Eventually the hall was empty and Jeremiah (and other boys) could run up and down the hall. This cut down on the shrieking. After those next 2 people went, it was finally our turn at 7:00. After the appointment we bought some sandwiches the food bar and headed out at 8:00. Ugh. I was so ready to go home. And then we had a 1 hour+ trip back home.
It boggles my mind that doctors don't take appointments here. And so these little children wait 3 hours to see the doctor. Insanity! This reminds me why we normally go to the doctor here in Jarabacoa (though, I admit, the one in Santiago is much more on top of things). But, for a 3 hour wait? I'll save her for emergencies! (And if Jer didn't have such a bad rash that has been coming and going for over a year I wouldn't have waited).
And really, I have to admit that, considering he had to wait for 3 hours, Jeremiah did a good job for a 2 year old!

So, that was our day. And now I am very happy to be back in our little house in Jarabacoa. Any tips on what to do with a shrieking child?!

Dog aggression problems: HELP!

At this point, I don't think we have any other option than to get rid of Chiste. But let me back up a bit...
When we first brought Chiste into our lives, he was a rambunctious, happy little puppy. We wanted him to be an outdoor dog. he had lots of room to run around and play. After about half a year, we decided to let him into the house. And so he became an indoor/outdoor dog, and a bigger part of the family. When he was young, we made sure to teach him that he had to share with us. Nothing was so much his territory that he could nip at us if we grabbed it. At the same time, we tried to teach Jeremiah to stay away from Chiste when he was eating. Sometime Chiste would be a little agressive over his food, and nip or growl at Jeremiah (but this seldom actually hurt Jeremiah). This rarely happened with us, as Chiste knew we were dominant over him. We tried again and again to teach Chiste that Jeremiah had dominance over him as well, but this has been an ongoing problem.
Chiste still demonstrated fearful aggression over our house and yard. If friends came, he was fine. If strangers came, or people he decided he didn't like, he would bark like crazy, and usually run away. However, he seemed to get better. Many times he would let Jeremiah snuggle with him on his sleeping pad. And Jeremiah loved to play with him. Things were still up and down, but were good for the most part. One time, Chiste nipped at a girl visiting our house, which was the first time I noticed open aggression. But, though he was still scared of strangers, that didn't happen again.
And then we moved. And Chiste became more aggressive (barking at people more, scared of strangers). We understood that losing his territory can affect a dog. So we had patience with him and kept trying different techniques. We eventually bought a training collar and noticed great improvements. However, we still struggled to convince him that when we said "safe," that meant the person was safe (for some reason, he dislikes Dominicans no matter how many times we tell him they're safe). Because this yard has no fence, we have a dog runner for him, and try to walk him often. And he's been allowed in the house and porch (where we put up a fence). We have a doghouse for him outside, and he sleeps inside in the bathroom.
Lately, things seemed to be going much better. He was becoming more obedient, seemed happy, etc. (though still didn't like strangers). And then, something happened. I'm not sure what. But he's just recently decided he doesn't like Jeremiah. He's started to nip him more- and it actually leaves marks. And then, yesterday, he took two very aggressive nips at Jeremiah. Jeremiah is beginning to be afraid of him. The first time, Jeremiah was playing with a container of cat treats. The second time, he was standing by the fence. I thought maybe he was nervous because there were some students working in our yard. We tried to re-establish Jeremiah's authority (though it's hard when he doesn't take it himself). And then today I realized that anytime Jeremiah gets near Chiste, he growls at him. Later, Jeremiah was reaching near Chiste to grab some blocks (that belong to Jeremiah) and Chiste growled and bit him again. This realization did it for me- for some reason, Chiste does not like Jeremiah. He's happy, playful, and obedient around me and Daniel, but he's become very aggressive around Jeremiah. Now I admit, though we've tried to teach Jeremiah to be gentle with Chiste, he can sometimes be a little rough and annoying, but he's gotten so much better and I haven't noticed him doing much besides chasing Chiste (which I tell him to stop or he goes to time-out), or occasionally giving his car a push so it bumps him (again, he goes to time-out). But most dogs can handle this.
But apparently Chiste is the kind of dog that needs peace and quiet, and no annoying young kids. Which is a problem. Because we have two kids, and they come first! Unfortunately, I don't know what we can do with him. If we get rid of him, I have little hope he'll end up in a good home. But we can't keep him, because I refuse to endanger my children. And we can't make him an all out-door dog, since we have no yard and he'd just be on the runner all day. And I don't think he'd be very happy with that (not to mention he would bark constantly.
This is so hard, as Chiste has become a member of the family. But I guess he's just not a dog that can handle toddlers. So, anyone want a dog?

Timmy started solids!

My original plan was to wait until 6 months. That's the time that most babies have lost their tongue-thrust, their digestive system is more developed, they're sitting up, etc. And I certainly don't want to start him too early. However, the past few weeks I've noticed Timmy eying our food intensely as we eat. And he seems to be hungrier. And he tries to grab things off our plate. Last week I began to wonder if we should try him on solids early (he's 3 weeks shy of 6 months). Today tried to steal my bread and then attempted to throw himself into it (though he has poor aim). So, we decided to go ahead and try solids today, especially because we had some pumped milk in the fridge from the weekend that needed to be used. If he seemed ready, we'd continue. If not, we'd try again in a few weeks. So, I mixed a Tablespoon of rice cereal with about 4 tablespoons milk, and let him try that. He certainly seemed excited about it, and ate almost all of it. And most of it ended up in his mouth! Of course, Jeremiah was the most excited of all of us! We took some video and pictures that we'll share later...

Thoughts from the heart

I've been busy lately. Besides doing the whole "stay-at-home mom" thing, I've been head registrar for a women's retreat that is two days away! This year, there are 107 or 108 women attending. I've enjoyed doing registration, but it's been a lot of work! I've also been spending extra time trying to keep up with the news in Haiti. It's wonderful to see all the aid that is pouring in, but saddening when I realize how huge the disaster is. While the media has stopped doing much coverage on Haiti, I continue to read about it via the links from my previous posts, or talking with missionaries around town. A few staff members from E.C. recently went to the border to deliver food and water; others took a scouting bike trip and established some contacts. Another missionary I talked with has been to Haiti to take supplies to some of the "tent cities" that have been set up. The aid continues to grow, as does the need. Here are some thoughts that I wrote in my journal a few days ago (with some editing):

"Lord, I sit here beneath my roof, inside my house, with all my needs met. Meanwhile, only a few thundered miles away, hundreds of thoursands of people are homeless; many are starving, dieing. I long to do something besides praying and giving. I want to use my hands and feet; I desire to go. But I know my place right now is here, taking care of my own family, caring for my own dear children, while close by so many thousands of children have no one to care for them. So for now I wait, and ache, and pray, and try to be patient..."

And we're still waiting. And praying. Please continue to lift up Haiti in your prayers!

Blog of Missionaries in Haiti

A family in Haiti is giving daily information on the Haitian aid efforts via their blog. They live in Port au Prince and are doing all they can to help the injured. I came across the link from a news article. It is a blessing to see news that offers hope and encouragement, in spite of the challenges they face. Keep praying!

Praying for Haiti and Organizations that are helping

I'm sure all of you have been affected by the news on the severe earthquake that our neighbor, Haiti suffered this past week. It's hard to be on the same island and feel as though we personally can do nothing, besides prayer and giving. Escuela Caribe has considered sending a group to Haiti to help out, but has decided to wait until the situation is safer for students. As the situation begins to improve, EC will consider being part of ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts. Right now authorities are requesting that extra people not come across the border, as they are having difficulties getting into the cities to help people. Please pray that the help that is ready can get through to the people that need it!

Many of you may already have contacts with people or organizations that are working to help Haiti. However, for those of you who do not, here are a few suggestions we have of organizations that are helping with the relief effort. Each of these ministries already have relationships with Haiti:

-Missionary Flights International- The same organization that brings us our mail also takes mail to Haiti and participates in disaster relief. They have been posting about their status and work here. If you desire, you can donate to their work under "disaster relief fund" here.

-Kids Alive- We have many close missionary friends that work with Kids Alive here in the D.R. Besides moving some children to their ministry sites in Northern Haiti, Kids Alive is arranging with the Dominican Government to bring some of the displaced Haitian children to their orphanages here in the D.R. If this takes place, the children could arrive as early as Monday, some to the site here in Jarabacoa.
Go here for more information.

-Finally, Compassion International also has ministries in Haiti and are contributing to the relief effort. Read more about their efforts here, and/or donate here.

Please keep these ministries in your prayers as they work to bring relief and help to the children and people of Haiti.

Thoughts for a new year

As I reflected on this past year, one item stood out among the uncertainties and transitions that defined our 2009; God is in control. Here's an excerpt from my journal that explains my thoughts:

Lord, I thank you for a new year- a reminder that You are in control. Who knows what 2010 will bring? You do. And you have gone before us to prepare the way. I don't need to fear a new year. This past year has taught us that anything can change suddenly, even when we think we are secure. But with you as our captain, we can look toward the future with a sense of adventure. You are in control. When I try to control my life, I end up anxious, worried, stressed, and have my priorities all wrong. When I surrender control, You fill me with peace, joy, freedom, assurance, security, and straightened priorities. Thank you that each day can be new; I don't need to wait until next year!

The other day I listened to a song that expresses this; everytime I hear it I laugh inwardly as I am reminded of how often I try to take control instead of letting go. Praise the Lord He is in control. So many times He has blessed me by giving me exactly what I thought I didn't want!

It's out of my hands- Carolyn Arends

And so I stand here
Looking at all that I have made
Fallen in ruins
And it would seem that

It's out of my hands
There's nothing I can do
The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

My favourite delusion
I must control the universe
Failure brings freedom
You are God, and I'm not so

It's out of my hands
There's nothing I can do
The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

And so I stand here
Looking at all that You have made
Learning to place my
Life in your keeping

It's out of my hands
I know this much is true
The best laid plans
All belong to You
When I know my world
Is under Your command
I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

The best laid plans
Again have fallen through
I thought my world
Was under my command
Now I can't believe
Just how glad I am
It's out of my hands

Happy Kings Day!

In the Dominican Republic, families give each other gifts on Kings day instead of Christmas. While Christmas is a day of celebration here, Kings day is the day gifts are exchanged, in rememberance of the gifts the kings brought to Jesus (although I'm sure there are some who give gifts on Christmas as well, since many have lived in the U.S., or have family there). This year we decided to celebrate Kings day, in a way. We didn't do anything big, but it's been nice to leave the Christmas decorations up, continue listening to Christmas music, and extend the Christmas season longer than we usually do. It's been a good reminder to me that Christmas is the celebration of a beginning, and a reason for continued celebration!
We also decided to give Jeremiah his main gift from us today. It seemed silly to take it to the U.S. and bring it back, especially since we hadn't made it yet. So in the U.S. we gave him a few clothes, but today we're giving him a matching/memory game we made. Daniel took some extra wood, cut it into small squares, and painted it with white oil-based paint. Then I used puffy paint we bought while we were in the States to paint numbers, pictures, and letters to make two sets of a matching/memory game. The idea is for him to learn to match the numbers with the number of pictures on the squares, and the capital letters with the lower-case letters. Later we can turn it into a memory game (using some at a time). We only have letters A-O right now. But that's still a lot of squares!
Here's a picture of the completed squares:

In other news, we're going to Pizza and Pepperoni tonight along with other staff to welcome the new staff arriving from Marion!

Christmas Vacation: Part II

On Sunday, after the wedding, we returned to Chicago for the "Meet Timmy" open house, where we caught up with friends and some family we wouldn't see later.

The Peterson boys!

On Monday we celebrated Aunt Sara's birthday with some Brie cheese:

Tuesday we hung out with my family and saw Aunt Sa and Uncle Brent.
Wednesday we played in the snow with Grandpa Howie and went sledding.

Christmas eve morning we had Christmas with Daniel's family

Christmas Eve night we went to church and then celebrated with the Gerig family

Christmas morning

Great Grandpa and Grandma Gerig came over for Christmas brunch

Then we headed out to have Christmas Dinner with Daniel's extended family.

Family Photo
Saturday we played in the snow.


Sunday we had dinner with both families and then headed back to the D.R. on Monday.
It was a whirlwind of a trip, but we had fun!

And now for all the photos:

Christmas Vacation Part I: Kansas

After traveling all day Thursday (and the kids were great!), we left Jer with the grandparents and woke up very early Friday morning to fly to Wichita, Kansas.

Here's an overview in pictures (there are more pictures in the album below):

Leah and Regan met us at the airport; then we waited for Erin and her newborn

There we are in the back; Erin, baby, and our family all stayed together with a wonderful family that Leah knew

Wedding rehearsal

The proud groom

The beautiful bride

Reading scripture

D.R. Group

Taylor Group

Eating with friends we met in the D.R.

For even more pictures, see our online album here:

Kansas Visit