Tuesday, March 30, 2010

All I ever needed to know I learned from Liv


Sleep surrounded by things you love. The more crowded the better.

Every story should end with "And they lived happily ever after".

A hug from your Mom can make everything better.

The hardest word to say is, "Sorry".

Sometimes you just need a time out, even if you don't want one.

A genuine smile can get you very far in life.

Many friendships can be formed just by playing a simple game of tag.

Sometimes good music can completely change your mood.

Never miss an opportunity to splash in the puddles, shoes can be replaced, memories can't.

When in doubt, just stand back and observe.

Every once in a while an ice cream sundae can replace dinner.

The world is a little less scary when you have someone to hold your hand.




Wow I learned all this in 4 short years, can't wait to see what she'll teach me next.








Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The blog post that hurts my heart

I've had this post saved for some time. I look at the pictures, get happy and sad all at the same time, then I decide not to write and hit save instead of publish.

Here are the pictures from our trip to the orphanage in Mexico. We were only able to spend a little bit of time there, but I find myself thinking of these children often. We decided to go to
La Casita Children's Home right outside of Cancun. We were only able to bring one other couple with us, but next year we hope to be able to bring more volunteers and give more donations to the children.
The way this home works is that it is a place for parents to bring their children if they can no longer care for them. Usually it is financial difficulties, or an abused Mother trying to keep her kids safe. There is also a very large underage prostitution problem, and some of the children are a product of that. Sometimes the kids parents do come back for them, however that is not the norm. I just can't imagine being so poor and destitute that I would have to leave my child, in hopes that I find work, to protect them from violence or with the thought that I will never see them again. How painful must that decision be for a parent to make. It breaks my heart.

It also breaks my heart that we are a loving family that would love to adopt any one of these children, but government red tape is not allowing us to do so. But that is another post that I can not get into now.
So here are the pics from our great day.
Our group. The head of the orphanage, Chad our hotel manager, Me, Vinay, Dave, Maribeth, Karen, and her brother.

Karen made lunch for all the kids. Maribeth and I helped serve.

The kids loved the hotdogs!!!


Chad, Vinay, and Dave chatting with the kids.

My favorite table the little ones.

Karen also made a cake, the kids loved that.



Vinay and Maribeth serving the cake.


Then some of the older kids played some songs for us on the recorder!!!

So cute!!

Us enjoying the show!!


One of the teachers brought over this little guy,Manuel, he shook Vinays hand


Every time I look at this picture I tear up. All of the toddlers had a glazed, detached look in their eyes. I'm sure these kids have seen horrific things, that combined with being abandoned, must be just devastating for just a small child. I had not realized that Vinay was able to make little Manuel smile. I look at this photo whenever I question if another adoption is the right thing for us.

Me holding Ferdinanda (age 2) and Vinay with Mauel (age 3).


Present Time!!! Maribeth giving out some bouncing balls!!!


Some of the girls patiently waiting in line for presents.


Vinay showing some of the older boys how to throw a football.



I got to play with some of the kids in the courtyard. Love their little uniforms!!

All of us with the kids

I can't wait to go back next year.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Ski trip 2010

Even with a Nor'easter, 2 bad colds, 1 trip to the chiropractor, and a constipated dog. We still managed to have the best ski trip!!!!

Here are the pictures.
Driving through the storm.

Our home for the weekend. This condo was so comfortable, if you are heading to the Poconos def consider staying here.


Ahhhhh defrosting my feet by the fire!!!!



Liv and Daddy playing board games.




Liv relaxing with her Akka!!!!





By the next morning 24 inches of snow!!!!






2 colds and the constipated dog taking a nap.







After Vaish and I dug our way out of the house!!!!








Liv couldn't walk and had to be carried through the snow drifts.









Sooooo Cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






Parker, in over his head!!!! He was too scared to even come off the deck!!





Vinay pulled out his back helping Liv with her boots. Poor guy was laid up the rest of the trip.


Liv finally let me put her hair in pigtails, only after Me and Akka sported them first.


Me, Liv, Vaishu Akka, Uncle Jake, and Bappmam, went tubing the next day.



Liv loved tubbing, and even road in her own tube.



Riding the pulley up the hill!!



Huge hills, but we conquered them!!!



Liv enjoying dinner after a full weekend of activity.
That's all I have between being sick and Vinay's back we didn't get any pictures of her skiing. It was a great trip and we will defiantly do it again next year.