Look at Her Go!!

Sorry to those of you who check in for the Josie fix... Today, it's all about Maddie! (There are a few photos of Josie at the end though!) Yesterday was Maddie's next to last soccer game. Maddie has played soccer since she was 5 years old. It was a lot more fun back then...

Yesterday's game was very physical and unfortunately a loss for the team (their first this season). The parents of the visiting team were particularly nasty and showed a true lack of sportsmanship. Even the visiting coach got a 'talkin' to' by the ref.

The eighth graders were given roses by the coach and all will be recognized for their efforts at an Athletics Banquet on May 15th.



The entire team has so much to be proud of... best of all, they all had FUN and enjoyed playing. That's much easier to do when you're winning, no doubt!



I was able to take a lot of photos of the game, thanks to Janina who was just so wonderful in looking after Josie while I ran around!







Tonight is the Farewell dinner for Janina and her classmates. I think I am going to cry!

Busy Days Behind and Ahead

We had a very busy weekend here. Everyone had activities and social appointments that kept us on the road for a good part of the time.

Maddie had a soccer game on Thursday (another win for the UNDEFEATED Crusaders!) that was far from home. On Friday, Maddie and Janina had a class trip to Annapolis, MD. The girls had a wonderful time visiting an archeological dig, the Naval Academy, and taking a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay. They returned around 6:30 PM on Friday and then joined some friends for a quick bite at a local restaurant.

On Saturday, James took Maddie, Janina, Josie and Natalie (one of Janina's classmates from Ecuador) to Washington to do some shopping. That evening, the girls took in a movie. On Sunday, Natalie's host family took the girls shopping AGAIN!!! Upon their return, we enjoyed hamburgers on the grill and corn-on-the-cob.

James was out of town on business from Wednesday through Friday afternoon and then had to attend a memorial service on Friday evening for a colleague who passed away suddenly last month. On Sunday, we spent the latter part of our day with Ed & grandson Joey... Ed lent us his truck to pick up a new 'playhouse' for Josie.

I was supposed to have a scrapbooking weekend at our local shop, but with all the things going on, I barely attended on Friday evening and got in about 7 hours on Saturday. Still, I really wanted to be at home...Janina is only with us for a few more days and I really just love being around when the girls come home.

This morning was the most trying time, however. Josie had a dental appointment in which she was sedated for about an hour and a half.

As most parents do, we took her for her first dental appointment when she turned 3 years old. Josie is not a cooperative patient, and having experienced the daily drama of brushing her teeth, we knew it wasn't going to be a good time. Our first dentist was able to clean and check Josie's teeth. He found 4 cavities! We were shocked, but given that we know nothing of Josie's prenatal nutrition or her first 11 months of care, it wasn't totally unexpected.

Our dentist referred us to a pediatric dentist for the fillings, X-rays and sealants for Josie's teeth. That was the procedures we endured this morning. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, holding her hand and kissing her cheek while she slowly fell asleep with a mask over her face. Heartbreaking... I don't ever want to do that again, EVER!! She came out of the sedation with an I.V. still in her arm and she was very disoriented. Once the I.V. was removed she was better. She calmed down enough to have a popsicle to soothe her sore throat. After 45 minutes, they let me take her home. She is now resting comfortably on the couch and watching the Backyardigans. Not a great way to start a week, let me tell ya'!

Tomorrow I have the mandatory lunch duty at Maddie's school and then she has a home game at 4.

On Wednesday evening we have the Farewell dinner for Janina and her classmates. That same evening we also have Maddie's Confirmation practice.

On Thursday, Janina and her classmates will be performing a traditional Ecuadorian dance at a school assembly. On Friday, we will have to say goodbye to Janina, as she is returning home to Ecuador. I will miss her terribly...we all will. That same day, my sister, Suzanne and my nephew Liam arrive from Philadelphia. Suzanne is Maddie's sponsor for her Confirmation which is on Saturday morning.

Of course, Sunday is Mother's Day! I will finally be able to collapse and relax for at least a few hours while I contemplate how lucky I am to have such wonderful daughters and such a full and love-filled life. It's all GOOD!!

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Tuvimos un fin de semana muy ocupado aquí. Todo el mundo había actividades sociales y los nombramientos que nos mantuvo en el camino para una buena parte del tiempo.

Maddie tuvo un partido de fútbol el jueves (otro para ganar el UNDEFEATED cruzados!) Que estaba lejos de casa. El viernes, Maddie y Janina tenía una clase de viaje a Annapolis, MD. Las chicas tuvieron un tiempo maravilloso visitando un arqueológicos excavar, la Academia Naval, y tomando un crucero por la Bahía de Chesapeake. Regresaron alrededor de las 6:30 PM el viernes y luego se unió a algunos amigos para un rápido bocado en un restaurante local.

El sábado, James tomó Maddie, Janina, Josie y Natalie (uno de Janina de la clase de Ecuador) a Washington para hacer algunas compras. Esa noche, las chicas tuvieron en una película. El domingo, Natalie la familia anfitriona tomó las chicas de compras DE NUEVO! A su regreso, disfrutan de hamburguesas a la parrilla y el maíz-en-el-COB.

James se encontraba fuera de la ciudad a partir del miércoles las empresas a través de viernes por la tarde y luego tuvo que asistir a un servicio conmemorativo el viernes por la noche para un colega que falleció repentinamente el mes pasado. El domingo, hemos pasado la última parte de nuestro día con Ed y nieto Joey ... Ed nos prestó su camioneta para recoger a un nuevo 'teatro' de Josie.

Yo tenía que tener un álbum de recortes de fin de semana a nuestra tienda local, pero con todas las cosas que pasa, yo apenas asistieron el viernes por la noche y se puso en aproximadamente 7 horas el sábado. Aún así, yo realmente quería estar en casa ... Janina es sólo con nosotros por unos días más y me encanta ser sólo en torno a las niñas cuando vienen a casa.

Esta mañana fue el momento más difícil, sin embargo. Josie tenía una cita dental en la que fue sedado durante aproximadamente una hora y media.

Como la mayoría de los padres hacemos, la llevó para su primera cita dental cuando convirtió 3 años. Josie no es una cooperativa paciente, y habiendo experimentado el drama diario de cepillarse los dientes, sabía que no iba a ser un buen momento. Nuestro primer dentista era capaz de limpiar y comprobar Josie dientes. Encontró 4 cavidades! Nos quedamos conmocionados, pero dado que no sabemos nada de Josie la nutrición prenatal o sus primeros 11 meses de cuidado, no fue totalmente inesperado.

Nuestro dentista se refiere a un dentista pediátrico para los rellenos, los rayos X y sellantes para los dientes de Josie. Se trata de los procedimientos que padece esta mañana. Era la cosa más difícil que he hecho, la celebración de su mano y besando sus mejillas mientras ella lentamente se durmió con una máscara sobre su cara. Desgarrador ... Yo no quiere hacer eso de nuevo, NUNCA! Ella salió de la sedación con un I.V. aún en su brazo y estaba muy desorientado. Una vez que el I.V. se eliminó fue mejor. Ella se calmó lo suficiente como para tener una paleta para calmar su dolor de garganta. Después de 45 minutos, permítanme aprovechar su casa. Ella está ahora descansando cómodamente en el sofá y viendo los Backyardigans. No es una gran manera de empezar una semana, permítame decirle ya '!

Mañana tengo el deber obligatorio almuerzo en la escuela de Maddie y luego ella tiene un hogar en juego 4.

El miércoles por la noche tenemos la cena de despedida de Janina y sus compañeros. Esa misma noche también tenemos la confirmación de Maddie la práctica.

El jueves, Janina y su clase se realiza una danza tradicional ecuatoriana en una escuela de montaje. El viernes, tendremos que decir adiós a Janina, como ella es regresar a casa a Ecuador. Voy a perder su terrible ... todos estamos de voluntad. Ese mismo día, mi hermana, Suzanne y mi sobrino Liam llegar de Filadelfia. Suzanne Maddie's es patrocinador para su confirmación es que el sábado por la mañana.

Por supuesto, el domingo es el Día de la Madre! I será finalmente capaz de colapso y relajarse durante al menos un par de horas mientras yo la suerte de contemplar cómo estoy a tener hijas maravillosas y ese amor pleno y lleno de vida. Todo esto es BUENA!

OMG - She Cut her Hair

Yesterday, I dropped Maddie off for a hair appointment. She told me she wanted to have a bit of the 'volume' taken out and a trim. (We both have VERY THICK hair) I had planned to stay with her while she had the cut, but I had to pick up James from the train station. Josie, Janina and I headed downtown, got James and returned to the salon. I went into the salon to pay the bill and nearly walked past my own daughter!





This is the shortest Maddie's hair has been in about 6 years. She had just about 7 inches of length taken off. If she didn't look so beautiful, I think I would have cried. She looks so grown up now ! And, (I had to remind myself...) she is old enough to decide what to do with her own hair. I'm glad it turned out so nice...


Josie expresses her approval!!

A Look at the Future - A Hard Hat Tour

Yesterday we participated in a "hard hat" tour of Maddie's new High School. The entire family, including Dave & Janina, laced up boots and donned the lovely headgear to explore the site. This school is going to be AWESOME !! State-of-the-Art EVERYTHING !! It is the first High School to be built by the Archdiocese of Arlington in over 20 years.

We started out with a short introduction by Sister Mary Jordan, who will be the Principal of the new school. We were then led on a tour by the Project Manager. The school is 4 stories, with a theater, two level gymnasium, band room, chapel, 10,000 volume library, computer labs, biology labs and an interactive class room below the chapel. I am so thankful that Maddie will attend this school. Fourteen years ago, I never dreamed we would be this fortunate. I have to give proper credit and thanks to my wonderful husband who has had amazing discipline in saving for both our girls education. Because of him, both our girls will have the opportunity to benefit from everything a great education provides.

Here are some shots of our tour:


Sister Mary Jordan gives an overview in the library/ Shot of the entrance from inside the lobby



The chapel (taken from the third floor) / Fourth floor corridor


The chapel from the second floor


James & Josie explore the theater


The cafeteria - it overlooks a wooded area, the football stadium to the left and the baseball field to the right.


The gymnasium 'sky box'


The view from one of the English classrooms


A view of part of the facade/entrance of the school


Maddie and Janina LOVE the headgear !


Josie was a bit cranky, but James & Dave enjoyed the tour


Janina, Sr. Mary Jordan & Maddie at the end of the tour

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Ayer participó en un "casco" gira de nuevo Maddie's High School. La familia entera, incluida Dave & Janina, laced y botas hasta la hermosa donned sombrerería para explorar el sitio. Esta escuela va a ser AWESOME! State-of-the-art TODO! Es la primera escuela secundaria para ser construido por la Arquidiócesis de Arlington en más de 20 años.

Comenzamos con una breve introducción de la Hermana Mary Jordan, quien será el principal de la nueva escuela. Nos llevaron luego a una gira por el Gestor del Proyecto. La escuela es de 4 pisos, con un teatro, dos niveles gimnasio, salón, capilla, biblioteca de 10000 volúmenes, laboratorios de computación, laboratorios de biología y una sala de clase interactivo por debajo de la capilla. Estoy tan agradecida que Maddie asistirá a esta escuela. Catorce años atrás, yo nunca he soñado que sería esta suerte. Tengo que dar crédito adecuado y gracias a mi maravilloso esposo que ha tenido la disciplina en asombroso ahorro para nuestros educación de las niñas. Debido a él, nuestros dos niñas tendrán la oportunidad de beneficiarse de todo lo que una gran educación proporciona.

Hopscotch

Our friend, Dave, is visiting from California. Dave usually visits us this time of year and we always have fun. Today, while James was teaching Junior Achievement classes at Maddie's school, Dave & I had the opportunity to play hopscotch with Josie. There is a reason why all kids love Dave - he is always game for a game!





Here's Dave & Josie playing together - in other words, Josie telling Dave how to play !!







Once Josie was satisfied that Dave knew what he was doing, they paused to check out some of the caterpillars on the front steps:










In other news:
Janina seems to be adjusting well to being here in the U.S. She is able to chat with her parents and friends on-line every night so I think that helps with any homesickness she might be experiencing. On Tuesday, Janina and the other exchange students took a trip to Mount Vernon.

On Wednesday & Thursday, Janina was a huge help to me as I shuttled Maddie and her a few of her teammates to their soccer games. I'm pleased to report that Maddie's team won both games (5-3 and 4-0) and Maddie scored a goal in Thursday's game!! Yeah Maddie!! Go Crusaders!!



Today, the girls all met at a local mall and enjoyed an hour or two of shopping. Ecuador's currency is the US dollar, so the girls were all very savvy about their spending. Again, I just have to comment about how lovely all the girls are. They are so sweet and funny. I'm learning that language is not the only way to communicate - smiles, hugs, laughs and flying hand gestures seem to get all our thoughts across that barrier!

We are really enjoying our time with a full house of friends!

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Para la familia de Janina: ¡Gracias mucho por su email! ¡Amamos verdad a su hija! ¡Ella es una señora joven maravillosa!

Janina parece estar ajustando bien a está aquí en los EEUU. Ella puede charlar con sus padres y amigos en línea cada noche tan yo pienso que eso ayuda con cualquier morriña ella quizás esté experimentando. El martes, Janina y los otros estudiantes del cambio hicieron un viaje para Montar Vernon.

El miércoles & el jueves, Janina fue una ayuda inmensa a mí como yo shuttled Maddie y ella algunos de sus compañeros de equipo a sus juegos del fútbol. ¡Soy complacido para informar que el equipo de Maddie ganó ambos juegos (5-3 y 4-0) y Maddie rayó un objetivo en el juego del jueves!! ¡Sí Maddie!! ¡Vaya a Cruzados!!

Hoy, las chicas todo encontrado en un paseo local y disfrutó de una hora o dos de compras. La moneda de Ecuador es el dólar de EEUU, así que las chicas fueron todo muy práctico acerca de su gasto. Otra vez, yo acabo de tener que comentar acerca de cuán encantadoras todas las chicas son. Ellos son tan dulces y graciosos. ¡Aprendo que ese idioma no es la única manera de comunicar - las sonrisas, los abrazos, las risas y los gestos voladores de mano parecen conseguir todos nuestros pensamientos a través de esa barrera!

Janina Arrives!! DAY ONE

Janina has finally arrived ! James and I, along with other parents, picked up our visitors at 8PM at Reagan National Airport in DC. The girls were all in good spirits as they made their way to baggage claim. Once everyone was loaded into the vans, we began the hour-long ride to our church activity center, where other host families waited to meet the girls.

One funny moment that I have to share… as we drove south on the highway we passed a shopping mall. The girls (we had 8 in our vehicle) were all chatting away in Spanish - not a word of it understood by James and me - when there was a hush in the van and they all (at once) screamed “MACYS !!!”. I just burst out laughing. I guess some things about teen-aged girls are universal… shopping, talking about boys, and shopping!!

The girls are all stunningly beautiful with lovely manners - their parents have so much to be proud of…

After getting settled in, Maddie and Janina got ready for school the next morning and we all were in bed by 11PM. The girls were up at 6:30 AM. Thankfully, there was a half-day at school. I picked the girls up at 11:30 AM and we headed home. Maddie and Janina were kind enough to look after Josie while I ran a few errands. After that, we all went shopping.



After the girls looked around town for a while, Janina was able to join Maddie's tennis group for an hour & a half of play. Maddie says that Janina is a fantastic tennis player. Both girls seemed to have had a wonderful time. After a quick dinner we all sat down while Janina showed us a CD of her family photos... beautiful photos of her older sister and parents, her aunts, uncles and cousins, her best friends and her lovely hometown of Quito, Ecuador.






We are so thankful to have a lovely young lady sharing our home for the coming weeks.



Para La Familia De Janina:

(excuse por favor cualquier error en mi traducción, yo están utilizando un traductor en línea)

¡Janina finalmente ha llegado! James e I, junto con otros padres, tomaron a nuestros visitantes en los 8PM en el aeropuerto nacional de Reagan en la C.C.. Las muchachas estaban todas en alcoholes el bueno pues hicieron su manera a la demanda del bagaje. Una vez que cada uno fuera cargado en las furgonetas, comenzamos el paseo hora-largo a nuestro centro de la actividad de la iglesia, donde otras familias del anfitrión esperaron para satisfacer a las muchachas.

Un momento divertido que tengo que compartir... mientras que condujimos al sur en la carretera pasamos una alameda de compras. Las muchachas (teníamos 8 en nuestro vehículo) eran todas que charlaban lejos en español - no una palabra de él entendía por James y mí - cuando había un silencio en la furgoneta y ellos todo el (inmediatamente)"MACYS gritado!!!". Acabo de estallar fuera de reír. ¡Conjeturo que algunas cosas sobre muchachas adolescente-envejecidas son... compras universales, muchachos que hablan, y el hacer compras!!

Las muchachas son todas imponentemente hermosas con maneras encantadoras - sus padres tienen tanto ser orgullosos de...

Después de conseguir colocado adentro, Maddie y Janina conseguido listos para la escuela la mañana y nosotros siguientes toda estaban en cama por el 11PM. Las muchachas estaban para arriba en 6:30. Agradecidamente, había un de medio día en la escuela. Tomé a muchachas en 11:30 y dirigimos a casa. Maddie y Janina eran bastante buenos ocuparse de Josie mientras que funcioné algunas diligencias. Después de eso, todos fuimos a hacer compras.

Después de las muchachas miraba alrededor de la ciudad por un rato, Janina podía ensamblar al grupo del tenis de Maddie para una hora y una mitad del juego. Maddie dice que Janina es un jugador fantástico del tenis. Ambas muchachas se parecían haber tenido un rato maravilloso. Después de una cena rápida nosotros todo el sentado abajo mientras que Janina nos demostró un CD de sus fotos de la familia... fotos hermosas de su más viejos hermana y padres, sus tías, tíos y primos, sus mejores amigos y su ciudad natal encantadora de Quito, Ecuador.

Somos tan agradecidos tener una señora joven encantadora el compartir de nuestro hogar para las semanas que vienen.

Springtime is Here

Finally, we can get our hands into some dirt !! Josie and I started our Spring planting today and we actually got quite a bit accomplished. Tomatoes for Dad, pretty flowers for Maddie and a beautiful painted flower pot for Mommy.



While Josie was painting the flower pot, she demanded that I get Grandmom on the phone... "Let's see if she likes the painting". Josie is still not connecting the dots on the fact that Grandmom can't see over the phone. Oh, well. I guess the intention is sweet enough. She talks about her grandparents (both maternal and paternal) everyday. We have photos of all of them at eye level for her in the family room and the 'fridge.

Here is the little darling concentrating on her artwork and gardening earlier today...













I hope all of you have as much fun digging in the dirt as we have !! Happy Spring!