Kourtni

Home for the Holidays

2012-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

I was so excited that I was able to go home for the holidays! I didn't know if it would be possible but thanks to my parents and delta's generosity it was. I was home for just over two weeks and absolutely LOVED it!! I was actually a little bit more lazy this time and just spent alot of R&R time at my parents house, it was nice not to be stressed to run every where and see everyone and I got to spend so much time with my family! I LOVED every minute of being there! In fact I wasn't ready to come back yet.. ( it could have something to do with the responsibilities and "adult" life I have here :)..) It was so much fun spending time with family and friends! Being there for the annual New Years Eve bash and meeting my twin! I of course didn't take a ton of pictures.. I always get caught up in the moment and forget but here's a few..

My G'ma and G'pa with their sweet neighbors

Little Brother does love his sisters!

My mommy and me

"Pickles and Candycanes!" Peanuts saying

My little Bean and Me

Baby girl showing off her new pj's

My little Bubbers and Bean

I can't believe he is pulling himself up on thing! Tell him to stop growing!

Christmas Eve tradition with Aunt Ki-Ki making cookies for Santa, we missed you Peanut!

Doesn't matter how old we get we still act out the nativity

Christmas Eve stories with G'pa

Bubbers and Baby Girl waiting so patiently to open their gifts

All he wanted to do was push his around on the floor

Beans first bath in the sink, well actually my SIL first child to take a bath in the sink, I thought everyone has done that!

We had to let little Bean play with bubbles too!

Us big kids took the bubbles outside

Notice no snow on the ground and we're barefoot, yay for winter?

The group of us who were almost sent to the apartment!

This wasnt even half the amount we each had in our mouths, I love the gummy bear game!

The end result of the gummy bear game

I found an apartment

2012-01-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

I found a great apartment for a very cheap price so I of course jumped at the chance!! I have 3 great roommates and we have become obsessed with watching Criminal Minds til extremely late at night and then freak ourselves out so we have to chat or watch something on the food network to calm our fears before going to bed.. Why is it that it is always single women usually college age that get murdered on that show?! Anyways back to the point. I am very happy here and love the friendships that are forming. We have four bedrooms, two bath, kitchen, living room and laundry room. I Will have to take pictures and post them, we have the LONGEST hallway and my cozy room is all the way in the back.. I would go take a picture right now but I need to clean my room first!:) So I will add pictures later!

Here is our living room

Our dining room/gym that elliptical loves to kick my butt on a daily basis

The kitchen

My and S's bathroom

One view of my room

Another view, ignore the clutter on my desk I have yet to tackle it

Another view, the blob in the corner will one day turn into my inflateable chair I haven't gotten an air pump yet

Our crazy long hallway (the picture doesn't do it justice)

DC Temple Trip

2011-12-12T20:19:00.001-08:00

Last weekend the RS went on a trip to DC to go to the Washington DC Temple.. It was so much fun! We left Friday and that evening we went to a musical concert then walked around the grounds and looked at all the Christmas lights. We then went and got dinner then we went to the 2 different houses where we were staying for the night.. We had the most amazing host who greeted us with this most amazing dessert! We had such a fun night of dressing up and air mattress gymnastics, talking and laughing! It was so much fun! The next morning we went back to the temple to watch a movie, walk around more and take more pictures. We then started our journey home, the car ride home was so much fun! Full of 3 husband choices, making up our own songs and loads of laughter!! It was such an amazing weekend! I am so glad I got to go and got to know so many amazing girls! It was the BEST weekend!! I think we need to make it a tradition.

The whole Gang

The BEAUTIFUL Temple

Keeping ourselves entertained on the car ride

Some of our photo shoot

Life in VA

2011-12-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Things are going great here in Virginia.. I am absolutely loving it! I have a great job that I love! I have a great ward! I have some amazing friends! I start school next month and I just moved into an apartment two days ago. Life is going great and I couldn't be happier ( well if family was here it would make it better.) But I am very blessed and very lucky! Life is going great and I am one blessed girl!

Family Pictures

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

We decided to do family pictures on Sunday up in the canyon with all the leaves that have changed colors. I think the turned out great!! I absolutely love my family and I am grateful for every one of them!! I can't believe how quickly everyone grows up!!

Going to Virginia

2011-10-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well ever since I got back to Utah my back has not bothered me alot and my doctors don't want to do surgery again; I am so happy about this! It is a herniated disc but we have other things we will do it if bothers me again. I can't help but think God had to throw that bump in my road to open so many new doors I wouldn't have been facing if it weren't for this. I have been offered a job in Virginia and I head out there tomorrow. I am so excited as I think it will be great for me and there is a huge university in the city that I am really hoping I can get into so I can do school for nursing.. I am excited for this new path life is taking me and I hope I can enjoy the ride!

Back in Texas

2011-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 months I was down in Texas helping one friend with her kids while her husband was out of town, one friend with wedding stuff and just hanging out and seeing everyone. It has been a fun 2 months! We went to the lake, spent many weekends in the pool, many playdates at the park or chick fil a, getting pedicures and manicures, lunch with friends, babysitting, seeing loved ones and hanging out! It was fun to spend so much time with my dear friend D I am sure her kids got sick of me being there 24/7 but I loved getting to spend so much time with them! I don't think I took many pictures but I had so much fun getting to see so many old friends and meet so many new ones!!

Katy Perry

2011-10-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

For my birthday my parents gave me tickets to go see Katy Perry my sister and sister in law went with me to the concert. It was so much fun! She put on an amazing show! She knows how to perform and it was so great to spend time with a couple of my sisters!

Chicago!!

2011-10-05T10:07:00.001-07:00

I had the great opportunity to attend the S.O.F.T conference this year in Chicago. I absolutely love going to the conferences! It is so much fun to see everyone, catch up on things, hang out, play with all the angels, and feel at home in our big family! I got to attend the welcome dinner which is always a hit, then of course the picnic, balloon release and auction like every year. A few friends and I went down the the pier where we walked around and just had lots of fun! There were so many new families and it was great to meet them and their angels! I absolutely love S.O.F.T and being a part of it! My brother changed my life so much in his short 52 hours here on earth! Before we left we were able to meet up with the C family in downtown Chicago for some real Chicago Deep Dish Pizza!! YUMMY!!! I had such a great time and can't wait til the next conference!!

White Water Rafting

2011-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

My sister in law and her family have a big camping trip every year where they go white water rafting down the snake river, this year they invited me to join them and I was so excited to go! I LOVE CAMPING!! After getting up there and getting set up my friend and I got to join on the adult run down the river ( we had never been before so we were seated in the inside of the boat while everyone on the sides did the rafting). The water level was so high this year due to all the rain so I guess it added some new things to the trail, it was so much fun to go down in and we made it with out a problem!! We then did a kiddie run which is just a smooth ride down that all the little ones get to go on, it was fun to see all of them enjoy the river as much as the adults. We got back to camp and had dinner and smores while we all talked around the camp fire the next day my sister in laws dad took my friend and I, my brothers friend, my SIL's sister and her husband for a run.. Well there is a place that they call lunch counter and this year it has 4 waves 14+feet each right in a row that you go down.. Right before we get to this point her dad is sitting there yelling we're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it so of course it puts the negative vibe in the boat and we have 2 newbies who have never done it before so we hit the first wave and I know I am going out so I plug my nose and hold on to my ore and go in, me going in set the balance of the boat off which shot my friend off the side on the other side. I continue to hold my ore and fight off the next 3 giant waves and like 5 smaller waves when I look up the boat is still behind me so I start trying to swim to it but get caught in a little cove type thing and I am swimming as hard as I can and I'm not going anywhere, next thing I know they are now down river from me and I am still fighting my hardest to get to them.. Her dad stands up on the back of the boat and throws the rope to me well there was a knot in the rope so it pulled the bag out of his hand so I am now in the water with my ore, the entire rope which is not in the bag anymore so I am getting tied up in the rope trying to swim to my raft that is trying to get to the rocks to come help me. Luckily a raft was coming in behind me so I decided to swim to them and their rope was in the water so I grabbed that and got pulled to the side of the raft mind you I am still wrapped up in my rope, and holding my ore and now tangled in their rope as well.. My raft got stopped at the rocks where her dad hiked over to get me and the rope then we hiked back over to our raft to finish our ride. We had another moment where her sister almost fell in but was grabbed by her dad and had her foot hooked down well enough it didn't pull her all the way in. It was such an adventure! It was a rush, so exciting, so fun and the best experience!! My SIL had brought the kids down to see us go over the lunch counter part and the kids were convienced that Ki-Ki drowned! That afternoon my friend and I went on one last run with my bro and sis in law, her dad, cousin, my bro's friend and her two brother in laws, we made it down the river with no problems and it was so much fun!! Thanks C family for letting us join!!

Here is the run on the first day

Here is the first wave

I have fallen in you can see me in the bottom left corner

You can see the handle of my ore

There is a tiny piece of the handle of my ore, look hard

And I am gone!!

Road Trip With G'ma and G'pa

2011-10-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

*Warning this post is going to be long and have half a billion pictures on it!

Months ago I had made arrangements to join my sister, my cousin and my grandparents on a road trip. The first day my sister, grandparents and I flew out to Orlando where we would wait for my cousin to fly in. While waiting for her we got a call from my aunt saying that H's plane was delayed and wouldn't be there for a couple more hours so we decided to go to the hotel check in, drop all our stuff off and then go back and pick her up, while we were at the hotel we got another call from my aunt saying that her plane was not leaving til very early the next day so she wouldn't be in til the morning. The next morning we woke up really early to get to the airport to pick up H and then we headed off to Disney World!!! H has never been! We were meeting up with my bro and sister in law (they are doing the 6 month Disney intership thing). We only have 2 days and 4 parks to hit! So it'll be a busy few days!

We decided to do the Animal Park first none of us have to that park and we were all so excited! It is the biggest of all the parks and it was so amazing to see all the animals! They have a saffari ride that is like 20 minutes long and you see all sorts of animals, elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, alligators, rinos, soooo many that I can't even name! We then walked around and saw so many more animals they have like these walkway things were there are tons of different birds flying around. It was really cool! In like the middle of the park is a big thing where the big monkey's can swing from tower to tower. It was such a fun park and so fun to go there!!

We then headed over to the Magic Kingdom, the lines really weren't to long and it was so fun especially to be with H and see her experience it all for the first time! We of course made sure to hit all the Disney classics to make sure H got to do all of those. K and K know alot of background stuff and some random little facts about Disney so it was fun to hear about all those things. We got some VIP sitting for the castle and firework show! (My favorite part!) They have a big projection show that they do on the castle it was so amazing that they can do something like that and it was so cool to watch!! Then there was the firework show!! AMAZING!!!! I freaking love fireworks! (I've told my mom I want to be cremated and turned into fireworks:)..) We also watched the famous eletrical light parade, so fascinating!! It was such a perfect ending to a WONDERFUL day!!!

The following day we went over to Disney Studios because there were a few rides we wanted to go on before we headed over to the other park. We did the big rides and saw a fee of the characters then ate lunch at Pizza Planet from Toy Story, we didn't spend much of our time at this park because we wanted to spend most the time at Epcot so we got on the tram and headed over there. Epcot is such a cool park!! We started by going on a few of the rides ( the lines were long so we didn't go on all of them). We then played at the cool water spot (the water jumps from place to place or jumps up in little drops) so entertaining for all ages! We then decided to head towards the countries and walk around we knew we wouldn't make it all the way around since there are so many and the day was quickly coming to an end but it was fun to see what we were able to. We then found some good seating for the awesome firework show! SO AWESOME! We ended the night by stopping and buying some ornaments and stuff. It was so great to spend time with everyone and be in Disney where it is so magical!! Thanks K and K for showing us around and being our own personal tour guides!

Next day wake up and drive to Florida city where we planned to stop at the Everglades and drive over to key west. We did the Everglades but I think we were all a little disappointed on what it was, we thought it would be different (more marshy) then it was but it was still cool to see, we got dinner and stayed at our hotel that night where us girls went swimming. The next day it was time to drive to the Florida keys but we had to stop by the hospital for grandma to get some blood drawn needles to say 8 hours later we finished up with all the "medical" drama but were to behind on our day so we got dinner and went back to the hotel. The next day we drove to the keys ( we didn't go to key west cuz it was a little to far) but we drove on the keys and over a few bridges. There were some places where we stopped and us girls got in the water so H could swim in the ocean unfortuantely it wasn't like the ocean ocean where you can swim in the waves and stuff but it was beautiful white sand and warm water where you could swim. We then headed up to Tampa ( H had to leave the next day:(..) We drove by a cool light house and some more fun sites on our way. The whole trip G'ma has been saying that all she wants to see is an alligator. On one of our bathroom breaks there was a little ramp thing that went up next to a river(?) where we walked to to see if we could by chance see a gator and praise our lucky stars we did!! We saw a HUGE alligator and a giant sea turtle. We fed him some marshmallows that we had and a smaller gator came over as well. It was so cool to see and G'ma was so excited!! That night we ate at a restuarant in our hotel I thought it was so good and they have air hockey tables and dart boards and stuff to play with.

The morning came to soon when we had to drop H off at the airport :( We headed out towards New Orleans we stopped somewhere in Florida along the skinny little part of the state ( I of course don't remember the name of the city tho.) It was super tiny but still nice we got there early enough that we were able to do some laundry and just relax a little bit. The following day we continued our road trip we drove to Mississippi where we stayed in Pascagoula and the next day where we were in Biloxi. The day were were going into New Orleans we decided to go on a boat swamp tour it was soooo cool! They have a few huge alligators that would come right up to the boat and then little ones that would swim by, the marsh land is actually very beautiful and it was cool to see all the trees and plants and how they have to grow to survive. We then went down a part of the canal where people actually live! It was so interesting to see thier houses are literally right on the water and the look of them and stuff was something you'd see out of the movies. It was such a cool experience and I was glad we were able to see more Gators for G'ma! That night when we got into New Orleans there was a freak rain storm, it was pouring so hard and bad that we literally drove around the city and went back to our hotel.

The next morning we drove around New Orleans again so we could see the city and then we made our way back towards Florida. I don't remember all the places we stayed our stopped but it was fun, the last night there we stayed in St. Augustine, what a cool little city! there is so much history there and I wish we were able to spend a little more time there to see everything! It was really neat! The next day we drove back to Orlando where we got on our plane to go home. It was such a great trip and so much fun to spend time with my grandparents and cousin!!

2 weeks 5 states Many state/national parks and 100's of memories later!!

Going Home

2011-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

After nearly two weeks of bed rest, many pain pills, cortizone shots and x rays the doctors here believe that I have reherniated my disc and want me to go back to Utah to see my doctors and be where my family can help me. I have the best friends, people in my ward and boss ever!! Everyone was constantly coming by to check on me, bring me food, watch movies with me you name it they were there. I am so grateful for the many friendships that I have made down here and am sad to leave!! Thank you Texas for being so great to me!!

Enchanted Rock

2011-10-04T21:24:00.001-07:00

Over Easter Break some people from the ward invited me to join them on a trip to Enchanted Rock which is a Texas state park to go repelling and mountain climbing. I was so excited and grateful that they invited me to go. We drove for about 6 hours (maybe) to get to their cabin when we got there the M family was already there. It was pretty late so we just got beds figured out we had 12 people staying in a not so big cabin.

The next day we went up to Enchanted Rock where we hiked up a bit and did our first repel down the medium size cliff. It was so much fun and such an amazing feeling!! We spent some time up there and then some of us hiked up to thru the cave. It was a tight small cave but so much fun! I love going thru caves and simply being out in nature! It was so beautiful out there! We then went and got swim suites and went to swim in the damn (river) in town we jumped off the side into the water (10 stories) and then we went and got dinner. I am having so much fun and am so grateful to be here!!

The next day we went into town and did some shopping looked at all the little shops then got lunch before we went back to the rocks where we did the small repel and the big one the small one was fun and we all did it a few times and then we moved to the other side of the rock for the big repel 80 feet!! It was so intense! I was so scared and nervous but it was such a thrilling experience to do an 80 foot repel! We have been having so much fun here! That evening my back really began bothering me so I took some pain pills and got a heating pad.

The next day we went to church before we headed out of town. My back was hurting me so bad that I couldn't help it anymore and started crying the A's were so good to me and gave me meds and tried to keep me comforted on the drive back. I am not sure what is causing my back pain I don't know if it is a herniated disc again or what but I was in so much pain..

Aside from all the pain I had a blast!! I would go again and again! It was such a great experience! Thanks A family for taking me with you!!

Lady Gaga

2011-10-04T21:21:00.001-07:00

For my birthday my parents gave me tickets to go see Lady Gaga and the blessed day has finally arrived! I invited my friend S to go with me and we had so much fun!! I think it's an understatement to say that I am in love with her! :)She put on such a great show!! It was one of the best gifts I have ever been given! Thanks mom and dad!! Love you!

Bella is 6

2011-09-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

It is so hard for me to believe that Bella is 6 years old!! I can't believe how much she continues to change my life! She is such an Angel and I am soooo blessed to be a part of her life! Her family invited me over for her birthday party and it was so great to see everyone! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to come down here and work with her and be part of their family for a short time! As always she was so spoiled!! :) I can't believe how strong and big she is getting! She is an inspiration to me and I love her soooo much! Happy Birthday big girl! I love you more then words could say!!

Sorry the pictures are sideways I don't know how to turn them

A New Nephew

2011-09-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am the very proud aunt of another beautiful little nephew!! He was born on St Patrick's Day, he weighed 7lb 13oz and was 19 inches long. He has an Irish name and a tint of red hair to go along with being born on an Irish holiday! He is so precious and I absolutely love my little Bean!

No Longer a Hobo

2011-09-12T20:30:00.001-07:00

Since August I haven't been able to find a roommate or a cheap place to live (except for my two week long roommate and trailer just before Thanksgiving) so I have been staying with different friends. It's actually quite funny I have the trunk of my car set up like a closet and I have about 4 different places I stay a week, so as we joke I am "sleeping around"! My friends husband was watching tv one night and the definition of a hobo came up:One who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or a means of livelihood. He turned to me and said "Kourtni that's you! You are a Hobo!" So I have become known as the hobo around here!

Well in February I finally found a place!! HOORAY!!! A place that I could call home, a place where I could put my stuff everyday! I place that was mine!! Now don't get my wrong I am so grateful for all my friends and their families for helping me out and being so gracious but I got a little tired of the sleeping somewhere different every night, living out of suit cases etc..

Needless to say I have an apartment!!

My closet I made

Disney World

2011-09-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

My friend asked if I would be willing to drive to Florida with her and the kids and help her by surprising the kids with a trip to Disney World with their grandparents, cousin and aunts and uncles. I told her she may have to twist my arm a little bit to get me to go with her... JUST KIDDING!! I freaking love Disney and was more then happy to go with them! I was very excited to see all of their faces cuz it was the first time to Disney for most of them (extended family included). The drive down there wasn't to bad we learned that we need a new seating arrangement for the drive back but lets be honest for 15+ hours in the car the 6 kids did GREAT!!

We got there the night before everyone else so we just hung out the next day til everyone got there the kids were a little curious and anxious since we were in a different place where they haven't "explored" so it was a little stressful on mom and Ki-Ki at times but they were so excited to see everyone when they arrived.

I don't remember the exact order we did things in but I'll post what we did. We went to see the ocean (it was a little to cold so we didn't swim we walked around and found shells instead). Then the older girls (16-30ish) age group took all the kids to a nearby park to play.

That evening after dinner their grandparents and aunt/uncle gave everyone a gift and inside was a certificate saying we were going to DisneyWorld with a shirt or jacket and a pair of Mickey ears! Everyone was soooooo excited!!

The next day we all went to Disney it was so crowded! We went the 30th of December but we all still had a blast! We were able to watch the parade, go on rides, see some characters and watch the fireworks! Going to Disney with kids makes such a magical place that much more magical! It was AMAZING!! It was so neat to see Disney thru their eyes! I think that everyone had an enjoyable time and 3 of the kids were asleep as we walked to the car. Thanks G'ma L and G'pa E for letting me join the family fun!!

The next day D and I had to run some errands to get ready to drive back to Texas so we ran to a couple stores and then that night we all hung out and brought the new year in together! We said our goodbyes that night since we were planning on leaving early the next day. We had rearranged the carseats and bought bread, peanut butter and jelly and snacks that I made while we were driving so we didn't have to make to many stops. The drive home went GREAT and I was happy to go! Thanks for the fun trip D!!

HOME for Christmas

2011-09-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

After a very long and hard month I was able to go home for Christmas. I was so excited to be able to see my family and get to spend sometime with them- they were relieved that I was coming home and that they got to see me after my hospital stay. I was able to see a few friends but I told most of them that my trip home had to be just about family and that I had to spend as much time as possible with them. It was great to get to spend so much time with my family and to be able to participate in all of our yearly traditions!! I love having the whole family together for the holidays! Nothing beats it!! We honestly didn't do to much but hung out inside alot, it was just so great to be with my family I really needed them!! I for some reason didn't take hardly any pictures but we did go get family pictures done. It was such a great christmas!! I absolutely love my family!

Week from hell!!

2011-09-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

*warning long post with a gruesome picture*

Well I found a roommate and we had just moved into our trailer when I got a call at work, my roommate had gotten in a huge fight with the land lord and we had to be out by the end of the month (this is the day before Thanksgiving) well I am going out of town the next day and will be gone the whole weekend and then back to work monday (the 1st is the following wed so I have to move my stuff today.)I was so excited that I had finally had a place since I was living "out of my car" for the past 3 months and had no idea where I was going to go so I had a minor breakdown. Needless to say about 5 hours later I had packed and moved all my stuff (except my mattress)and went to my friends house where I was behind schedule on making a million rolls for Thanksgiving dinner the following day, well this night I get sick to my stomach with a minor stomach flu type thing or stress related or who knows what.

Thursday I do an early Thanksgiving dinner with my friend and her family and then drove to Houston to stay the weekend, I had to stop a little over half way there to sleep for a half hour cuz I was so tired and still not feeling well (it should have been an indicator to me that something was wrong since this NEVER happens to me.) Well we do Thanksgiving dinner and hang out for a bit then make our plans for black friday shopping!!! MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!:) My friend, her brother and sister in law and I all set out for shopping we had a list of a few stores to hit and a few things to grab it was fun but I was still wiped out ( I may have almost passed out while standing in line at one of the stores.) We got back to her brothers house where we all took a nap for a bit. Friday we just kind of hung out, us girls went to a movie and we did a little more shopping.

Saturday my friend and I went to the Renessance Festival, it was soooo much fun and such an amazing experience!! On the way back we met her bro and his family for dinner and then bought hair dye (we had a girls hair dying night). Well something that I hadn't mentioned to anyone was that my left leg has been bothering my for a few days there is an ingrown hair or something that has become infected it was swollen and so tender and all the walking from the past 2 days about did me in. I decided if it still bothered me on monday I would go to a clinic after work.. It couldn't be anything serious..

Well come monday morning at work I was in so much pain and it was so swollen that I could barely walk and couldn't do much with the kids. My amazing boss sent me home so I could go to a doctor. I went to just one of the walk in clinic places and she told me that I had a staph infection and to take hot baths, put warm compresses on it, stay off of it for a day and take the meds she gave me and it should be fine. So I went to my friends house where I was staying and did just that. (her and her sweet dad went and got my mattress for me.) Well that evening I woke up from a nap and knew something was wrong and that I needed to go to the hospital. I was in sooooo much pain and I couldn't stop crying! My friends mom took me to my friends work where she took me to our Bishops house ( he is a doctor) he looked at it and advised me to go in and called the ER to tell them we were coming.

I couldn't walk and I was shaking so bad because I was in so much pain, the people in the ER were fantastic! They got me started on an iv for pain and then numbed the area so they could lance it OMG!!! one of the most painful things ever!! They admitted me and told me I would be there for a couple days. Well Tuesday morning the doctor came in to check on me and decided they needed to do surgery he felt like they didn't get all the infection out so scheduled me for later that day or the next depending on things. At this point I think mom and dad were pretty worried and ready to come be with me but I reassured them that I had great friends who were caring for me.

Wednesday morning I went in for surgery where they removed the rest of the infection ( he said it is a good thing we did surgery because there were some really deep pockets of infection) he also told me that the wound needed to be left open so it could heal from the inside out and that they would be hooking me up to a woundvac to help with that. I was in so much pain and things didn't seem to be getting better and that afternoon the doctor came back in and had told me that I now have mersa which is resistant to antibiotics so they put me on a "toxic" antibiotic which keeps blowing my veins and they have to keep checking my blood to see if the infection is getting any better, and I am getting shots in my hip every few hours for the pain so I have now turned into a human pin cushion! I would have been a total wreck without my parents being here but I have such amazing friends and bosses that I was surviving just fine!

Thursday morning they came in to hook me up to the vac ok now this is one of the most painful things ever!! I was by myself and it sucked!! I was crying so hard I was hyperventalating and I was just done with it all! Done with being poked! Done with being in pain! Done with EVERYTHING!!!!! I couldn't stop crying like seriously I would calm myself down and the nurse would walk in and I'd bawl, the doctor came in I bawled, my friends boyfriend came to sit with me and he walked in and I bawled I was just a mess and wanted my family! I also discovered today that I have cellulitis in my leg - not fun!

Friday morning I was doing a bit better things kinda seemed like they were turning up for me.. I was finally gonna get a sponge bath and get cleaned up a bit (sad how excited I got for someone to help me wash off.) My spirits were a little higher and my doctor said if I wasn't going home within the next few days that he would put a central line in me HOORAY!! No more pin cushion! Well come to find out from my nurse I have developed a yeast infection because of all the antibiotics ( my first one ever). I would call my mom everyday with the new thing I was diagnosed with and it kind of became our joke. If I was going to be in the hospital much longer she was going to fly down here to be with me but I told her not to worry about it yet.

Saturday morning the came in and said I could go home, I honestly had some mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong I don't love the hospital but i was in so much pain, I was now throwing up anything I ate or drank, I could hardly move and I just didn't feel 100% ok with it. I talked to my nurse and she said if I felt more comfortable staying we could tell my doctor but I decided to grin and bear it and I went home with my new side kick the woundvac.

Life still suck a bit I was getting better slowly but surely I was still out of work and they were coming every other day to change the woundvac. I am sooooo grateful for the amazing friends that I have and all of thier love and support!!

We thought I would have to have the vac on when I went home for christmas and I was stressed about figuring all that out but luckily I got it off after about a week and a half.

Pictures of my opened wound OUCH!!

Renissance Festival

2011-09-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

This year I had the opportunity to go to the "Ren Fest" with one of my really good friends and it was so much fun! I have never done something like this before and it was so cool! The building simply amazed me! The fact that they built this whole "city" just for it to be used a couple months a year is incredible. People dress up in so many different costumes, there are fantastic show and amazing food! It really was soooo cool! I would love to do it again! Like not even kidding you people actually get married here, they have like 4 little garden areas where people get married. I wish there were more places like this more often so everyone can experience it! We were able to watch some really entertaining shows and we got to ride and elephant!! A REAL elephant how freaking cool is that! I had such a great time! Thanks for going with me G!

2 jobs

2011-09-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed that I was able to find work quickly! I work at a day care from 6:30 am - 2:00pm then would work with an amazing special little boy from 2:30pm-6:00pm. I absolutely love both of my jobs and have 2 of the most amazing bosses I have ever met! They are so helpful, loving, kind, sweet ladies and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be working

San Antonio

2011-09-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go to San Antonio with my friend and her family for a vacation. As always it was so fun to spend time with my wonderful friend D and her kids and also to get to spend time with her family as well. While there we went to the Riverwalk, The Mall ( I don't remember the name), The Alamo, The Children's Museum and The San Antonio Temple. On the way back we stopped in Austin to see the bats but they wouldn't come out. It was cool to learn about Texas' history and see some of it's famous historical places. It was such a great trip and I am grateful I had the opportunity to go!

1 month 2 continents 3 countries 4 wheels 5 planes and 6 states later and I am back in Texas

2011-09-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

I flew back to Utah to spend sometime with family and to pick up my car to drive back to Texas. While in Utah my dad, mom, sis and I drove down to St. George for my birthday to see Tarzan in Tulican it was such a great show and so much fun to spend time with part of my family. I then made the 28 hour trek back to Texas it really didn't seem that long at all and there was perfect weather and so many beautiful states to drive thru! We live in a beautiful country!

9 July 2010

2011-09-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

For some reason I didn't write in my journal today.. Zazu dropped us off at the airport where we checked in, found our gate and got boarded for our flight. We again had a lay over in Ethipoia ( a couple hourse) then we began the long flight home. Timon was staying in DC to visit her friend and Rafiki and I were booked on different flights. We ate lunch and then I boarded my plane, she got in to Utah not to long after I did where mom, dad, and the boys were waiting for us.. I can't believe how fast our time went and I can't wait to go back! I MISS AFRICA!!

4 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:42:00.002-07:00

Tude really wanted me to be the one to go with her to visit her grandma so Zazu, Tude and I headed into town since Sarabi and the girls were going back to town today we gave them a ride. Their girls are such gorgeous, fun girls! Their oldest couldn’t come but the younger two did P (10) and F (6) it was fun having them here with us. When we got to AP’s we explained our plans and dropped off a few things, we left Sarabi there cuz she was helping AP and Zazu, Tude and I set off. We got to her grandma’s house but unfortunately her grandmother was at church but her uncle and his mother in law where there, then his wife got home. Tude seemed to be ok with the fact that her grandma wasn’t there. She didn’t want to stay long so we were there for a short amount of time ( like 45 min). We then ran back to AP’s to find out if she needed us to go to the internet café for her but she didn’t so we ran to the store to grab a few things and then headed back- I was pleased because my goal is to spend as much time as possible with the kids since I leave in a couple days.
When we got back I make Tude and I some lunch. Nala is braiding (really twisting) Rafiki’s hair- African style and tomorrow she is doing mine. So I visited and helped for a bit and then I went down to be with my kids! Hips, Dancer, Queen, Dee-Dee, Drama, Volume, Simon and Chicken built a house ( the same little house that they always build) we played house, then they sang their standard songs for me, then it was back to house where Hips made “food” for us and we did “church”. They then found their way back to my “slippery” hair as they call it. After that I taught Abraham, Rock and Clown how to play jackpot but instead the jackpot was 20 dollars and they had to do their math to add it ( great math game). Then Timon and I did one for the money with a few of the boys and then we played some more with the kids.
Since it’s the 4th we made us an “American” dinner we made grilled cheese sandwiches, beans, pea pods, mango and avocado slices with a coke to drink and a pastry for dessert. It was a fun night we ended with music and talking like every other night! LET FREEDOM RING!

8 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:42:00.001-07:00

This morning we woke up- went down and ate breakfast then loaded into the car and headed to Bally Vaughn Game Sanctuary. We didn’t know exactly what the game park was or what it offered but it was reasonably priced and sounded fun. After driving for about 45 minutes we got there, when the guard opened the gate for us to enter we could hear lions and they were actually pretty close to where we parked our car! The guard then came over and told us we had parked in the wrong spot and that we needed to continue to drive down the road and park at the lodge. As we were driving down the road on the right side you could see a beautiful river and surrounding scenery. On the left we saw the lions, a couple of huge pigs and some smaller animals. There were donkey’s horses and Zebra’s on our right as we kept driving when we got up to the lodge and parked S came over , introduced herself, welcomed us and had us follow her to the receptionist.
She got us all paper work and had us sign them then offered us all a hot drink while she ran really quick to do something. There were a few things for sale so we walked around and looked at them. When she came back she explained to us that we would walk and look at about half the animals, come back for drinks and desserts then go finish the rest of the tour by seeing the rest of the animals. She first took us into the Serval cage where we walked in and got really close to the animals ( they were cold and wouldn’t come out so we didn’t get to pet them). When we came out we talked about the donkeys that were standing right by the gate and one of them was actually a Zonkey they apparently have a premisquiste zebra that impregnated both a donkey and a horse so they have Zonkey’s and Zorses! They are cute!
We then said hello to a lion and lioness that were in their cage but the could come right up to the fence and wait for their pictures to get taken. There was this short little dog that would walk on this side of the fence right next to the lion and the male would follow him and then randomly make a loud growl sound and try to get the dog, it scared him but it was pretty funny cuz he kept doing it almost to torture the lion. We then met Kevin a dog that came over to say hello- his ears were covered in a pink stuff ( the flies keep biting his ears so it was to protect them ) and his little face made him look so mischevious. We then walked to a row of cages where there were some gorgeous cocktails and these south American parrots, bunnies and some small baby monkey’s. We sat there and learned about them and “talked” to the monkey’s. We then went over to say hi to Kylie the hyena, she is a huge extremely fat hyena but oh so very sweet she would come right next to the fence and lean against it and have us tickle her, she was so soft! Hyena’s are actually really interesting animals- for example they have both female and male sex parts but are not hermaphrodites, the women will actually give birth thru the penis which is a very hard process because there are so many curvatures, they only laugh when they are about to attack or if they are in danger, they are built more like a leopard but are not related to any cat or dog they are their own species. The closest animal to them is the mongoose, they are the second most dangerous “cat” behind the leopard, they mainly use their front legs so they are called a “front wheel drive animal”.They are extremely interesting Kylie was so sweet!
We then walked by the crocodiles but couldn’t see him so we walked down the hill a tiny bit and looked and the zebras, horses, donkeys, zorses, and zonkeys. The zorse is a gorgeous animal that has stripes in it. Then we walked by the crew of monkeys they were entertaining and so funny to watch, we then walked pasta cage of bunnies. Next we got to the Marmests they are the tiniest little monkeys , we went into the cage and they jumped all over us, played with our hair, jumped from person to person, climbed all over us and were so cute to watch! They would sit on our shoulders or on top of our heads, they also tried to climb into our shirts and stuff. At one point I had more then half of them on me and one of them was sitting on my head and all of a sudden I was like hmm.. that’s warm and then I felt the trickle of pee down the right side of my face. It was so funny cuz there wasn’t really anything I could do because I had like 9 other monkeys on me. We stayed there for a bit and had so much fun and it was so cool to do that! We then went and visited the baboons but they are very fierce animals and angry so we couldn’t touch them but we could look at them. They are very violent animals in fact the way the kill their food is they crush them like an accordion. Once a wild one had Kevin in his hands and was going to kill him but the guard that was running after him to get him threw a machete at him and the handle hit him on the head so he dropped Kevin.
We then went back to the little hut for a soda and a piece of fresh apple pie, We took a short break and then she came back for us to finish our tour. We then went into the leopard area, we didn’t go in but we went close and he came and laid right next to the fence and we petted him They are the most amazingly soft animals. They are the deadliest cat also a very fascinating animal! After we saw them we went and saw the big lions, they were being lazy and laying in the sun. They had a lion that was huge! Literally standing on his back legs he is taller then 8 feet tall, his paws were bigger then Bubber’s head! They were gorgeous animals! We then started our walk back to the house to see two more servals and a jackel on the way there we saw all the mongoose there are like 22 and they always stay in their pact, they love to gang up on the dogs and scare them, it’s so funny! We then walked up to her house and on the way saw an owl- wow those are gorgeous birds! When we got to her house she went and found Harry and Arthur the servals. She told us to crouch down and they might come to us but they were very shy and they probably wouldn’t but Harry walked right up to me and let me pet him. She was shocked and kept saying that it was a huge honor for him to do that, she kept saying that and was so surprised. He wouldn’t go near anyone else. Then it was over and time to go. Se we said our goodbyes on the way to the car we saw a gorgeous peacock! It was such a great day! I think that my favorite part of it is that all of the animals at this place are orphans they were all rescued animals or animals that people brought in cuz they could no longer be in their homes. They help the ones that need help and put them back into the wild, I just thought it was so fitting that we spent time with our orphan kids and then the orphan animals.
It was funny we were talking about one of the servals that is pregnant and they don’t know how she got pregnant, I guess they have a wild male who has come and snuck in a few times and she was talking about the behavior and attitudes of some of them and they are so much like our kids. It was just so cool to me that we were with our kids and then the animals in similar situations. We then came back to the hotel for Zazu to run in and get something. We then went to spar for lunch they have like a buffet thing. Then we went to the sculpture gardens and looked at all the stone sculptures and bought some stuff. It was fascinating the things that they can carve out of stone. These people are very talented! We then drove to see if the mall was open but it wasn’t so we stopped by a coffee shop so Zazu could use the internet, we bought some premade sandwhiches and drinks and took them back to the hoteland ate. We packed our stuff and got ready for bed.
I CAN’T BELIEVE OUR MONTH HAS COME AND GONE! HOW DID THE TIME FLY SO FAST?!?! I CAN’T WAIT TO COME BACK!!

7 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:41:00.002-07:00

This morning we said all of our goodbyes to the workers and again to the children- we did one last group picture with us and all of the kids. Then they loaded into big blue to go to school so we waved our “ I Love You’s” ( I taught the kids how to do the I Love You sign with their hands so we would always wave it to eachother especially when they were on big blue). We hugged Volume, Simon, Baby Girl, Little Rat, and Dee-Dee told them our goodbyes and we loaded into the Nissan and waved goodbye as we drove away. I always hate leaving my kids! I miss them so much! We got to Mutare stopped by AP’s flat to say our goodbyes to her and then headed to the boarding school to say our goodbyes to those kids, since they were in school we pulled them out of class said our goodbyes. Gave hugs, wiped tears, and talked for a moment.
We loaded back into the car and hit the road. We stopped at the halfway house for potty breaks, lunch and to buy some souviners. As we were walking back to the car Rafiki and I decided our souviners would be chocolate so we bought a few different candy bars to share and a soad each ( I love the wrappers from some of them.) We then got back to the car for the rest of our long stretch of our long drive. When we got into Harare we stopped by S’s house to give her a few things from AP then we stopped by DP’s house and also dropped off a few things to him. Then it was to our hotel to check in and then dinner.
We walked by Spar on the way to dinner and the police were sitting outside in this fenced area practicing there “band” songs- no joke it was like an orchastra of police men. They said the game ( semi-final between Germany and Spain) was on at 8:30 and they would have it playing on the tv so we decided to buy dessert after dinner and sit out and watch the game. We then walked to a bar/live music/café/wireless internet place. So we all used the computer a bit then ate. This is where and when we met L. We were sitting there talking and a guy walks up to us and says sorry I was staring and couldn’t help it ( he looks like Luierant from Twilight) and he is flipping hilarious! We sat and talked with him. He was sp funny and we had such a great time talking, it was then time for us to leave so we could go watch the game.
We bought a drink and a sweet each and went outside and sat in our chairs to watch the game. The 3 of them decided to be for Germany and I was for Spain. The group of policemen stopped practicing when the game came on and sat on the chairs with us. Most of them were for Germany as well but I stood behind my team. We watched almost half the game but it was freezing outside so we walked back to the hotel to watch the rest of the game there. It was a good game- my Cinderella team won! I’m excited to watch the final and I will be back in the states to see it! We then said goodnight and went to bed- the latest we have stayed up yet It was actually pretty funny because at like 7:30 we were all pretty tired since it was 8 and MCH- pathetic for 4 young girls to be so tired and ready for bed at like8! 
MY HEART IS STAYING IN AFRICA!!!

6 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

This morning when I woke up I finished writing all the notes to the kids. Then the workers and kids keep coming in and needing help or needing this or that so I helped get food for school, keys, cooking oil, etc. I then went back to my flat and Nala was there waiting for me to finish my hair- so we began the extremely long- seems never ending- process. While my hair was getting done I visited with Rafiki, Timon, Belgium and any workers that came in I also had a few kids come up and color with me. Rafiki and TImon went back to the elementary school and we all were very impressed and want our kids to go there so badly! It was such a great school and a much better environment!
When they came back we had lunch (tomato sandwhiches), we talked and just hung out while my hair was getting done. The kids got home from school- I won’t lie I was a little disappointed that my hair was still getting done cuz I wanted to play with them and do stuff with the, So I had some kids come up and color with me, draw me pictures that I can put in my book with all their pictures. Then the ladies needed help bringing the water drums up so I had to take a break from getting my hair done and Queen, Froggy, Thinker and Rock jumped in the back of the truck to go with me. While the ladies were getting the water the kids and I stopped in to say hi to R and her family, they are such a great family and I really enjoyed getting to know them. We then went back up to the main area and Nala worked on my hair again, finally at 4 and after 9 hours total my hair was completely finished and fully braided!!! Hooray!!
Then Rafiki, Timon and I to Right home because we had bought his family some potatoes – we got out and said hi to his wife and a couple kids ( the others were out getting the cattles) we then went down to his parents house to say help/goodbye and to also give them some potatoes. They are such a sweet, amazing, kind family! We then stopped in town to grab one last coke while we were here. We drank our sodas and took our last final trip down the dirt road back to MCH  When we got back kids were getting water so I did a quick clean up of the flat, then Zazu and Scar got back so we helped them unload and visited for a moment, we talked to a few kids again and then the 3 of us decided to run up to say goodbye to N ( she has been sick the past few days so she hasn’t been coming down here)
We then came back down and started making dinner but then Tude came up to get us, they were done with the devotional and it was time for us to say goodbye. As I told them we were leaving tomorrow and that we love them and had so much fun so we were saying goodbye I got a little teary eyed. We then called the kids up one at a time and gave them their cards and hugged each of them individually. I was doing fine and then when Froggy came up she started crying so I did as well. After all the kids came up everyone kind of hung out while we kept hugging the kids, especially the ones that were really upset. I held onto Froggy and Rock most of the time because they were just sobbing ( the poor babies were just shaking.) Rafiki had her crew of crying kids, Timon had hers and I had mine we all just cried and hugged for a long time. Then it was time to go to bed so we gave our last hugs and said goodbye. When we came back up here we ate our dinner and packed our stuff up to get ready to go .
I can’t believe that it’s time to leave now! I’m so sad! I’m going to miss them so much and I can’t wait til I can come back! “They’ll be in my heart, yes they’ll be in my heart, from this day on now and forever more! No matter the distance- I’ll be here- now and forever more!” I’m soooo in love with these kids! Every single one of them! I’m so head over heels in love!!
THE HARDEST THING ABOUT HELLO IS GOODBYE!”

5 July 1010

2011-09-06T10:40:00.004-07:00

This morning after I woke up and was ready for the day Nala came over to finish twisting Rafiki’s hair so I helped for a bit and then went down to check on the little ones who were doing class. Bugzy was being a little fussy so I grabbed him and his bottle and brought them upstairs ( haha that’s what they call it but really it’s just up a few stairs on the little hill) to our flat. I played with him, feed him, got him to sleep and then cleaned up here a bit and finished a few things. Then Timon and I went to the primary school closer to us to look at the school, the class rooms and the teachers. We were considering moving our kids schools but want to make sure we do the best for the kid so they will get the best education possible.
When we got back Rafiki and Nala had surprised us by making some scones for us ( Chicken had one the other day and it looked so good so I have been bothering her to make some for me  ) DELICIOUS!! She then finished Rafiki’s hair and started on mine. She only worked on mine for like an hour and a half because she has invited all of us up to their place for dinner tonight so she wanted to go home and cook for us.
I had some of the kids come in and draw me pictures or write a little note for me for the photo album I am going to make I asked them my “interview” questions I had and I just sat up here and hung out with a bunch of my kids! Oh man I am really going to miss my kids!! I can’t believe the time is up and it’s time for me to go home! Nala had given Rafiki, Timon and I a Zambia ( a type of skirt they wear) so I put my Zambia on and a Duku ( a head material they wear). I walked down to the kids and said “ Look I am African” they all burst up laughing and so did the ladies in the kitchen! ( did I mention that I absolutely love it here and all the kids and people!)
Then the 5 of us went to Hyena and Nala’s for supper. She made potatoes, rice and they had some potatoes cut up in it, sorgom sudza, and chicken. It was so thoughtful and delicious! Chicken took the foot and ate the entire thing- like the little claw nails and all- I am not going to lie it kinda creeped me out. Then Scar gave us all totoms ( the ancestry that they are from) he first said I was a chameleon ( we all laughed hysterically cuz he has a huge fear of them) so we joked that I am his worst nightmare because I scared him that day and because I put him on house arrest. He then changed mine to wild cats because I hate rats and would have to kill them. Zazu is the snake, Belgium the dove, Rafiki the baboon and Timon the lion. We sat around and talked and joked some more and then took a group picture then
Scar had us stand in a circle and hold hands while he prayed. HE started off by saying how big of a difference we have made here, what a gift we have been, what a blessing we have been and he understands the sacrifices we gave made he also said we have touched Jesus’ heart! Then Hyena prayed for us and prayed individually for each of us in his prayer. He said how grateful they are for each of us and my personal favorite “ the difference I am making and will soon be making here ( I am not sure what exactly) and that my return is greatly anticipated, that I have done wonderful amazing work here and touched many” It was a nice prayer and a great evening spent with friends! I am seriously one very blessed girl! I’m so lucky to be living a dream come true! I AM SO BLESSED- MY HEART IS SO BIG!

3 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:40:00.001-07:00

I came down early from the boys dorm because I was super tire and needed to go to the bathroom so I came down but Zazu, Belgium, Rafiki and TImon were still asleep so I just sat on the couch and read since I couldn’t fall back asleep. I then couldn’t take it any longer and went down to visit my kids. I could hear them outside the window and I couldn’t resist!! They were getting ready for church so I helped out a bit and played with them while they got ready then I loaded the back of the Nissan up and took them all to church. When I got back I helped Zazu make peanut butter cookies, Simon stayed home cuz he was having “tummy” issues so I played with him and of course spoiled him and gave him sweets.
Then Rafiki, Timon and I went to Lovemore’s house to meet his family and see his house. His kids names are Patient, Godfrey and Learnmore- here is the story behind their names. If you are “Patient” God will set you free (Godfrey), you will learn more “Learnmore” to “Lovemore” and you will win ( his wife’s name is Lawin) he said if they have another child they will name him/her Approach because learning to “Approach” God will teach you to “Lovemore”. We then went to HW house but he wasn’t there so we went back to pick the kids up from church then home again. I freaking love my kids!! Every single one of them!
We ate lunch and then got stuff ready for the July birthday parties. I set up a treasure hunt for the kids to do. It was so cute to see them run after the clues to find the next one! They then had to dig in the sand for the treasure. The treasure was fake tattoos so when they all finished their bathes we let them pick out there tattoo and we put them on them. Then it was supper and devotional time. After devotional we went down with popcorn and cookies and sang happy birthday to Obama, Abraham and Simon then we had a dance party. It was so cute to see them all dance their hearts out! I am so in love with these kids! Each and every single one of them! My heart is staying in Africa! YOU’LL BE IN MY HEART- FOREVER MORE!

2 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:39:00.002-07:00

How are we in July already? Time flew by way to fast! This morning Rafiki, Timon and I got up early because the plan was for us to go to town with Scar drop Sarabi and AP off, help AP with something then drive to Baby and Butterfly’s school to try and do some investigating to see if they are in fact being beat then we were going to drive by some ancient rock paintings in a cave on the way back. I say this is what we were supposed to do because like always everytime you make plans of some sort in one way or another things never go according to plans here so you learn really early to not get upset but to just roll with the waves and move on.
So we got to town and got to AP’s flat to help her with the computer but no surprise it wasn’t working so we left Timon there to try it and then Rafiki , Sarabi and I ran to the store to get some hair extentions because we want to braid our hair and become “Africian Women”.. We then went back to AP’s but since Timon had no success we decided to go to an internet café- we were there for awhile so we worried that Scar would be mad that we were gone for so long so we went back to AP’s ( let me just say that I accomplished one of my fears today- I drove in town! I was so nervous to do it because #1 they drive on the wrong side of the road #2 stop lights are either non existent or they never work so needless to say I was worried- oh and did I mention that it is a standard- but I did a good job and we got around with no problems.) When we got back to AP’s she informed us that the green venture needs to be fixed so that we had to wait about an hour so we decided to walk up to the store and get a few things.
On the way there we stopped by Chicken In and got some lunch. Then we walked to Spar and got the things we needed and that AP asked us to grab. On the way back we stopped by the Creamery In and got ice cream and pasteries for M, AP, Scar and Sarabi. When we got back we were informed that we were still waiting so we tried to do something else on her computer and just hung around. Then Scar came back and told us that it would still be a bit and that we were probably going to need to take a bus, AP was against that idea so she asked us to wait for another hour. We finally got her computer to work so we downloaded a few things for her and helped her do a couple things. Then M came back and told us that the Venture was fixed so we finally set out on our way. We stopped by M’s house and then M and Scar ran into a butcher shop and while they were in there I moved the car up a bit and it was so awesome to see both of their faces when they came out and couldn’t see us.
Finally we got back to MCH and I played with the kids and help Jump find his bottle then I held him! ( he is getting so much better about being with white people!) The boys were in a dancing mood so they happily danced around for the camera then Little Rat saw that I was holding Jump and as always got jealous and “needed” to be held it was fine tho cuz Jump wanted to get down. Zazu and Belgium are coming back tonight or tomorrow morning so I am going to move into Rafiki and TImon’s room and give Belgium my bed so Little Rat helped me change sheet and stuff. Then I had Obama come up and help me take down and switch a couple mosquito nets ( we needed the bigger one in the room of 3). We then went down and ate supper, I then came up here to do a few things and get ready cuz I am sleeping with the boys tonight!! They are so excited and so am I!!! It’ll be so much fun! Oh I will write about the sleepover tomorrow- the boys will be here in a minute to get me!  Oh I don’t know if I mentioned it but yesterday as we pulled up Rafiki, Timon, Tude and I were standing in the back of the pick up and Simon was standing on the porch and yelled “Auntie Kourni!” Oh my gosh it melted my freaking heart!!!
The boys sleep over was much more calmer and quieter then the girls! The boys were asleep before 8:15pm. I didn’t know what to do with myself!  We had so much fun tho! We danced a bit, played with a flashlight, talked and hung out and then it was bed time. I AM SO IN LOVE WITH MY BOYS!!

1 July 2010

2011-09-06T10:39:00.001-07:00

This morning I slept in a bit (by sleep in I mean 7). I got up and got ready then Sarabi asked me to take Volume to the clinic cuz she still wasn’t feeling well so Rafiki and I took her to the clinic where they gave her pills for malaria – I swear they diagnois everyone and everything as malaria, your stomach hurts? Malaria, your head hurts? Malaria, you’re bleeding? Malaria!! We then had to buy sugar for Sarabi so we ran by the show and got a drink as well. I decided that I love coke from a glass bottle it just tastes so much better! Yummy!!
When we got back Rafiki and I rehung all the school posters (they keep falling down so we extreme duct taped them!) Then we ate a late breakfast, I made a piece of toast with cheese, an egg, tomato and advacado- SOOOO YUMMY!! Then AP got here so I had to help her get the money out for pay day so I had to go thru the “money bra” and get her the money. She then decided that she didn’t have enough small bills so we she asked us to go to town and get smaller bills so we took 220 in 20 dollar bills and set of to get 10’s, 5’s, 2’s and 1’s. Well no one really had small bills or were willing to trade us unless we bought stuff so we went to about 12 different places including 3 beer halls and a bus for change, we actually did pretty well at accomplishing our goal and I got another coke out of it! :)
We then went back and gave AP the money we had got but we still weren’t sure if that would be enough but luckily it was only like 2 dollars off so it all worked out fine. Then T (the nurse) came to talk to our kids about the importance of hygiene and handwashing but since the kids were still at school he just hung out here til they got home. I then jumped on Big Blue and went with T.S. to get the kids. I love being on big blue! It is the bumpiest, funnest, loudest, most awesome ride! We got the kids and on the way back we did our “clapping” game and they tought me a few more. When we got back to MCH the kids went to watch/listen to the nurse and Rafiki, Timon, Scar and I went to the secondary school to talk about a few things and to follow up on Tude- they have seen a huge improvement in her!!!  We finished talking to them and set a few things straight then went back to my kids! 
I tried to teach the kids how to fly a kite but the wind stopped so we played horse shoes instead, while they were down getting water I helped AP put some clothes away. Then I talked to and played with the kids some more!!
Sorry my mind is not working straight and I’m tired so I am ending it early I will write more about today tomorrow.

30 June 2010

2011-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

This morning went as most mornings do. Get up, get ready, say hello to at least 30 people in the first 10 minutes of being up, get the kids ready for the day, etc. Today they didn’t have school because all the schools were getting together and playing “futbol” I joked and said it’s the mini world cup! So we made sure they all had waterbottles and snacks and were ready to go. Also since it’s Wednesday we were getting big blue ready to go to town. We made sure they had the shopping list, the list of people going and that big blue was in a state of getting there ok. Once they left it was calm and quiet for about 10 minutes when I was called to go outside; all the teachers from our kids school wanted to look around and get a tour before they went to the “world cup”. So Rafiki and I walked around and showed them around all the grounds and answered any questions they had. We then said our goodbyes and thanked them for coming then sent them to the games.
Rafiki and I then decided that it would be fun to take all the little ones to watch the games cuz they never get to get out and go somewhere so we asked the matron to make sure they all had clean nappies and shoes on and that we would leave at 9:00. We then came up here told Timon our plans and got our “snack” bag ready with lemons, buns and water just in case we were going to be there over break time. We loaded up Baby, Butterfly, Dee-Dee, N, Volume, Simon, Little Rat, Baby Girl, Jump, the preschool teacher and her daughter A in the green venture and sent off to watch some Futbol. Literally as we were parking Volume threw up so I unloaded everyone, cleaned her up and I helped navigate all our babies to a spot where we could put down a blanket to sit down and watch the game on. There were hundreds of kids there and so many kids there, they swarmed around us and just stared at us. After I got them settled down I got back in the car to take Volume back- poor baby I felt so bad for her, she was not acting like her self and you could tell she didn’t feel well. After I dropped her off I headed back out to the games. When I got there I saw that there was a huge crowd surrounding the girls and babies when I finally pushed my way to the center I asked them what was going on and they informed me that this is what it has been like since I dropped them off. There were literally like 120 kids surrounding us in a circle and moving in closer and closer our babies had no room to sit and couldn’t even see anything ( not that there was anything to really see since no games were being played yet, kids were just standing or running around and not an adult was in sight) after 20 minutes of stand there surrounded and the kids not leaving us alone we decided to pack the babies up in the car and head back to the orphanage, I was actually pretty upset that the kids had a waste of a day and that there were no adults there.
When we got back I got the worst stomach ache and felt like I was going to throw up, I just sat and read for awhile then I kept hearing Giggles crying so I went down and got him and rocked him for a bit and he fell asleep in my arms so I decided I would just sleep with him I was in and out of sleep for a bit then Sarabi came in at the perfect time since he was waking up I handed him off to her, I still tried to sleep for a bit. I kept hearing the kids and wanted to go play with them but couldn’t make myself go, I was actually kind of mad at myself cuz I wanted to spend every moment with the kids but my head and stomach weren’t allowing it.
Finally when all the kids got home I made myself go out there I just sat on the cement and played with Drama, Dee-Dee, Baby, Butterfly, Baby Girl, Simon, Volume, Little Rat and Froggy they played with my hair and counted the jewels on my shirt. Then we went back to play Lips say on one end of the teeter tooter and had like 6 girls sitting on the other side, it was actually pretty funny. I then looked up and saw Simon waving a huge knife around and running after kids with it, I ran up to him, took it, firmly told him no that’s dangerous and spanked him. I have no clue why that knife was just laying in the dirt. Then I went and checked on the kids who were getting their hair cuts, I looked up and saw Simon was chasing the girls who were climbing the playground with a huge stick and hitting them with it ( they thought it was funny and were egging him on) still I got after him again, I took it from him, told him no again and spanked him yet again. I then sat and watched Timon, Rafiki, Drama, Froggy, Dancer, Lips, Dee-Dee, Baby and Butterfly play some funny circle dance thing. I looked over and saw Simon throw a huge piece of wood at the dog so again I got after him then made him come sit by me, I don’t know what his deal is today but I still love him and am more then willing to give the tough love when it’s needed. I then gave him lots of loves and sent him on his way. Hands and I then went over and joined all the girls we played like 6 different games then it was time for bathes and I needed to go rest as I couldn’t fight the sick feeling any longer.
I came up and made dinner for us- toast, eggs, beans, and hashbrowns. After we ate Rock came in for a bit and talked to me I asked him when he’s 20 if I could marry him he said “No, 24, 22, 18, 30, 100” and then laughed cuz I told him I’d be dead by then. I then told Tude to come up here cuz I wanted to talk to her. I told her how proud I am of her and I how I really appreciate her attitude lately and how helpful she’s been. It’s been such an improvement and I am so incredibly proud of her ! I gave her a special treat then went down and did devotional with the kids. I am seriously so proud of them and so in love! Walking back to the flat I just stood there and stared at the sky there were so many stars and they seemed so close you could touch them. They are so breathtakingly beautiful I wish my camera would capture it but it won’t work. It literally is a blanket of stars. So beautiful! I wish I could begin to describe some of the beauty, It’s AMAZING!! There are some spots where there are so many clusters and small stars that it looks like a bright small light across the sky, I say it looks like the milkyway! SOOOOOO AMAZING!! I love every aspect about being here! My heart is so full of gratefulness, joy and love! Life can’t get any better!!
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BREATHTAKING BEAUTIFUL PLACE AND IT’S PEOPLE!
Butterfly

Hanging out in our flat

Hands, Abraham, Futball

Doing our clapping game with Hands

Simon helping with the babies

Butterfly, Dee-Dee and N

29 June 2011

2011-09-06T10:37:00.002-07:00

This morning Zazu woke up not feeling well and Rafiki and I still weren’t feeling 100% so we decided to make it a low key morning. Scar called me down to a meeting with all the matrons at about 6:30 we discussed somethings that are a concern or things they wanted to talk about. It was a good meeting and we got a lot figured out. Then the 3 of us sat up in the flat and read and relaxed for a bit. Sarabi was in and out all morning so we were able to talk and visit with her which is always fun! I love Sarabi! She is so cute! She is a very hard worker and such a positive asset to this place! I then went down and got Giggles and brought him up here for a bit where I of course loved on him, played with him, kissed him and loved him. Then he had to go eat so I had to give him back.
Rafiki, Timon and I decided to go buy Nanches, while we were there we asked her if she knew of anywhere we couid buy lemons she said he neighbor has some and she would talk to him and then let us know. We then decided to take a drive to Murange to get a soda, we sat there and talked while we drank our soda’s and I finally broke down and bought a bag of chips that I really enjoyed as well. When we got back we just kind of did stuff up here we were going to play with some kids but both babies and Baby Girl were sleeping and the rest of them were in preschool.
After a while I heard babies crying so I went down and got both babies and brought them up here. Rafiki held Bugzy while he slept and I again played with Giggles, he is really starting to smile and he’s actually really strong so I put him on his tummy and did some tummy time with him which he really seemed to enjoy. When Bugzy woke up Rafiki had to do something so I twin styled it and fed both of them. While we were sitting there talking I came up with a story, I could get the nurse to forge a paper saying that I gave birth to the “twins” right after I got here so that’s why they don’t have American passports and since they are really only a couple weeks apart I would take them home and raise them as my “twins”.
Then R came up and taught us how to make peanut butter. We had to first sort out the peanuts and throw the “bad” ones into a different pile. Then we went down to her hut and roasted them. After we roasted them we had to take the skins off then we had to pound them in the dourie, then we had to grind them on stone and make our “creamy” peanut butter- it actually took so much longer then I thought and I will NEVER complain about the price of peanut butter again. It was fun to hang out with R and get to know her and her kids more, they just sat there and laughed at us the entire time.
Her daughter is the one that had the baby that I had to run to the clinic on the emergency last week sp she made me name the baby I told her to name him since it is her baby but she wouldn’t but she kept mentioning the name James so I “named” him James and she loved it! They are so funny cuz they kept mentioning things about how I was the “hero” of the day. It’s so sweet and kind how they keep saying stuff and of course I won’t lie it’s nice to be “looked” up to and “honored”. R and her family are so sweet and nice it was good getting to know them more.
When we got done and back to our flat it was after 6 so the kids were eating and doing devotional so I was a little bummed I didn’t get to do stuff with my kids- it’s hard going a whole day and not seeing them and playing with them. I took a quick shower and we were getting ready for bed but I couldn’t resist I had to run down and say hi and give them all hugs. When I walked in the all yelled Auntie Kourtin and ran to hug me it was so sweet- I felt they may have missed me a bit as well. They kept touching my hair- cuz it was wet and they thought that was so cool. We gave hugs and I said goodnight and sent them back to devotional.
When I came back up the girls and I ate then I did Rafiki and TImon’s hair. ( Rafiki I did the “net” and Timon I did the hairband twist- added a 2nd layer and a fishtail braid) I then washed Zazu’s hair for her. Man it was salon night up here then it was lights off and journal time. Man o Man I am so in love with these kids!! I really wish there was a way I could bring all 34 home with me! They are such amazing, smart, strong, brilliant, funny, awesome, cool, fun, sweet, absolutely beautiful children and I am so in love with each and every one of them!!
I am choosing not to think about the fact that this is over next week because it causes my heart to much pain and the emotions start to come. I am already planning my trip for next year but it is so amazing to me how much more in love with them I have fallen and how they have touched and changed my life yet again! I love it here! I truly do! It feels so natural and right to be here. I am soooooooooooo soooooooo sooooooooo in love- it can’t be described! I am so amazed and humbled at our workers they are such strong, honest, fun, great people. I love the relationships I am building with them as well. I just can’t say it enough I’m so in love with this place!! I love it here! I love my kids! I’m so blessed! I’m living a dream come true! I love it so much! I’m one very lucky girl! My life has been changed for the better once again!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE TO IN LOVE?!?
“You’ll be in my heart, yes you’ll be in my heart, from this day on now and forever more… no matter the distance you’ve got to hold on, you’ll see in time I’ll be there waiting!” I love them SO much!!
Me and baby James

The peanut butter process- the pictures are backwards

28 June 2011

2011-09-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

Last night I came and slept on the couch cuz I was coughing non stop and I didn’t want to keep Zazu up since Zazu and Timon left early this morning. When they left I went in an laid in bed to try to get some more rest. While all the kids were at school Rafiki and I got the classroom ready by hanging up all the posters- numbers, letters, shapes, colors and calender. We also asked W ( one of our workers) if he would build a bookshelf for the room so we can set up a small library system where they can check out the books.
Also since I put Scar on house arrest ( I told him he is not allowd to drive, that he needs to stay here) we were able to discuss a lot and get a lot figured out. We talked about the guards and the kids safety, the matrons, the kids education, the outreach program, the clinic emergencies, we literally discussed and figured out everything. Such a great productive day!
Then when the kids got home we showed them the teacher changes in the classroom. Then Rafiki and I took Baby Girl and Little Rat with us to pick up Sarabi at the junction since she is coming in on the bus but she never came. When we got back we kept checking in on the “school” to make sure they were doing all their stuff.
When the kids were done we brought out a huge foam puzzle so we sat on the floor and did it with them, then Rafiki , the kids and I were going to play simon says but someone brought sugarcane so we all sat around and ate it. Mama and Futbol were laughing at the way we were eating it.
Then it was time to go get water. I was so proud of all the kids every single one of them went and got water without fighting us or arguing. I was so proud of them and how each of them worked. On the way back I walked up the hill to the drum with a bucket of water on my head I am so impressed and amazed at the things these guys do, they are so strong and hardworking- they simply amaze me more and more on a daily basis.
After we finished that and while they were bathing I played with Baby Girl and Simon and cleaned the flat. Then Rock and Abraham came up and taught me this game thing where you sing while you pass something back and forth it was fun and they kept adding people to it and trying to do it faster. Then they taught me a hand clapping game they were so patient with me as I made them keep doing it with me.
Then it was supper time Simon prayed – I love when he prays it’s so sweet and innocent! Then it was devotional time. I LOVE watching the kids do devotional they are so sweet and devoted, it’s just so humbling to listen to them and watch them praise their lord. They don’t take things for granted they are so happy with what they have. I am so proud of our kids and fall more in love with them everyday! I love these kids so much and want to take them all home with me! I am so proud of them for all they do. They teach me so much! MY HEART HAS GROWN ABOUT 34 TIMES BIGGER!!
It was so sweet Simon came up to R ( on of the matrons) today and said the inside of his ear hurt when she asked him why he said “the chicken bit me”. So cute! I guess a chicken bit him along time ago. I brought him up here and gave him so pain meds and he fell asleep in my arms SO PRECIOUS!

Eating sugar cane

Obama with his mummy baby

Mr GQ being silly

Girls being silly

Abraham

Simon helping fix the truck

27 June 2011

2011-08-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

This morning when we got up I knew it would be a busy but a little sad day since all the big kids are going back to their school. I had a couple of activities I wanted to do with all the kids but knew that they had to do their chores first so I tried to brib them with a surprise to do their jobs quickly- totally a selfish reason but I wanted to do stuff with them and play with them before they had to go. While the older kids were busy I played with Simon, Volume, Little Rat, Jump, Dee-Dee and Drama ( although the last two were supposed to be cleaning as well).

Finally the oldest kids were done so I had Mr. GQ, Doc, Secret, Tech, BB, The quiet one, Lips, Braids, Baby, Dancer and Tude come up to our flat and make the paper braclets that I brought, it was actually kind of challenging but still fun. BB and Doc were the only two that actually finished theirs. Baby Giggles was up here as well and I was playing with him and got him to smile and giggle, it was the cutest thing! I tell myself it was the first time he has ever laughed even tho I don't really know if it was :). Then Rock, Mana, Futbol, and Obama came in and we did puzzles and played with the ball. I then got called away to help AP with somethings- there is always drama of one kind or another.

Then we got Hands, Hips, Rock, Mana, The Thinker, Mr. Leech, Futbol, Obama, Froggy, Queen, Dee-Dee, Chicken, Baby, Butterfly, Abraham and Clown to come put these little pill things into water they grow to like 100 times their size, they thought it was the coolest, most fun thing to watch. Then it was lunch time and time for the older kids to get ready to go. I am not happy about seeing them leave I really enjoyed having all the kids with us, it's how it is supposed to be! As we were loading them up Baby and Butterfly started crying and got really upset, they finally told S that they were getting abused at school and that they didn't want to go back- it was so sad and upsetting so we made the executive desicion and the girls will not be going back until we know for sure what is going on. ( Baby and Butterfly are sisters who are both mentally disabled so it is hard to believe that they could be making up these stories- so heart breaking! Finally we said our good byes to Doc, The Quiet One, Teach and BB ( I'll tell the story of Secret in a moment). We waved our goodbyes as they drove away - so sad!!

Then I was playing with Simon, Baby Girl, Butterfly, Queen, Dee-Dee and Drama when F and Lips came over, we were all talking about hair among other things and the next thing I know F and Lips are braiding my hair, they made me into an "African Women" it was cute cuz they braided my hair then pulled them all back like they do to their hair here.

I then took two of the workers down the wells to fill two drums up with water of course as they were working to put the drums of water back into the truck I was playing with the well- dropping the bucket in and filling it up with water- dropping a rock to see if I could hear it drop. I think it would be so cool to go into a well and have someone pull me up but I am not willing to go down until I know for sure I could get back up.

I then came back up here and played with the kids Froggy, Chicken, Little Rat, Baby Girl, Simon and Jump built a playhouse by tying blankets around their playground- it was cute to see them playing house. I then took pictures and of course when the camera comes out the kids come out so all the other kids came over and were doing things that they wanted me to take pictures and videos of.

As I was walking away Futbol came up to me and said that Mr. GQ wasn't here I asked him where he went and he wasn't sure so I asked Tude if she knew and of course she did. SO I made her get in and the car and go with me to get him ( luckily he was really close to MCH walking back) I have no clue what time he left or how long he had been gone for. I told him that we would talk to Scar when Scar got back but I thought about it and Scar hasn't punished Tude and it's been almost a week since her incident so I decided I would take charge and displine them both tonight. A big bucket of laundry still needed to be ironed so I seperated it out between the two them, talked to them and told them both why they were being punished, told them I still love them and put them to work.

While they were doing that Mana came up to me with a big cut on his toe so I had to be nurse and take care of it. We then had a couple of visitors come and play and do puzzles with us, more kids kept on coming it was so much fun! We had almost every child up here, we had 3 puzzles going, they were playing with magnets on the medicine cabniet, they were fascinated with putting an earring in my ear and of course taking pictures with Timon's camera. Then it was dinner time so we all went down for rice and beans- YUMMY!

As they were doing devotional I came up here to try to clean a little and take care of a couple of the days issues. Scar and Zazu got back so we discussed their day what happened and our day and what happened. Then it was time to wind down and time for bed! I feel like I am forgetting everything that has happened today but I am so tired I cannot keep writing, if I think of anything I will add it on tomorrow. Goodnight! I would still love to have my dream of fostering a house of teens but man am I seeing they require a whole new set of love, patience and disicpline!

Ok so here is Secret's story: We got rumor that her little sister got married, she was really upset cuz her sister is only 13 and the legal age to get married here is 14 so of course AP freaked out and sent Scar, Zazu and Secret to find out what is going on and possibly get the cops involved, bring the girl here, that sort of thing. Turns out things are fine the girl is not married yet- the mom asked him to wait cuz she wants her daughter to finish 7th grade first. While they were out doing this AP heard from one of the kids that Secret's uncle is coming to visit her at school- we don't know what uncle or if this is even an uncle so I had to talk to Secret tonight when she got back tonight. She said it is her dad's brother a "good" uncle ( one of them raped her that is why she is at MCH) and that he just comes to visit and bring food and stuff. We are still investigating that to make sure it is not a boyfriend or something.

Tude and Mr GQ doing thier "punishment"

Making our paper braclets

Growing a surprise

Baby Girl

Mana sweeping

BB and Futball

Giggles

The quiet one

The house they built

Froggy

Little Rat

Simon

S and I

BB

Butterfly

Little Rat

26 June 2010

2011-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

This morning Zazu and I really cleaned our apartment out cuz we have a rat or we suspect a rat family in our room, NOT cool!! Then Rafiki went with A.P. to pick up Baby and Butterfly ( yay!! Now I am so so happy all the kids are finally here under one roof where they should be!) Then Timon, Zazu and I went to do our visit with the head man ( somoeon under the chief, not the chief himself) on the way there they dropped me off at the clinic with Queen ( her foot is swollen and hot) while we were there they ran to Right's house to invite him and his family to the party. Then we went to the headman's house, we visited for awhile then they did the same pass around of the a live chicken, killed it, cooked it and served it to us along with finger milett, and sudza millet ( I didn't eat the chicken, it was to much for me to see if before, see it being prepared then having it served to me.) Also I wasn't a big fan of the sudza's, they were very grainey! We were there for about 2 hours- all I could think about was getting back to all of my kids!

It was so cute Little Rat and Baby Girl really wanted a sweet today so I made them each pick up a dirty sock and a piece of garbage so they could get it. It was so cute to see them work for their treat like everyone else. They are my babies!!

When we got back to MCH all the kids were there!! I got F, Hands and Mana; we went and got the Guinea Fowl and the Chicken then killed them so we could eat them. I taped it and took pictures but I think it really creeped me out to see them cut the heads off-the animals moved for a while without thier heads. I might become vegetarian.

While they were doing that Zazu and I got stuff ready for the birthday party. We baked cakes, made a pin the tail on the donkey, made a happy birthday sign, etc. We then ate our huge feast ( having Right and his family, all of our kids and the women who helped there were alot of people!) We had potatoes, salad, rice, chicken and guinea fowl. Then while they were cleaning up lunch the kids and I started decorating for the party then we took everyone out side and taught them freeze dance and redrover. We then came in and did cake, gifts, and sang to Mr. GQ, Lips, Futbol and AP.

We then played pin the tail on the donkey, played outside, went and fetched water then had everyone up here for our saturday night movie and popcorn- of course the vcr wasn't working again so we watched the news, talked and hung out then sent everyone to bed. I am so sad that all the kids are going back to their different schools tomorrow, I love having the, all here, it's how it is supposed to be! Tomorrow is going to be a sad day! I am so in love with these kids!!

25 June 2010

2011-08-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to the clinic to pick up nurse T then we dropped him and everyone off at Nharira Primary School so they could evaluate and check the kids out by checking for malnutrition, worms, and other sickness so we can start the feeding program there as well. Then we headed into town where we stopped by a bulk wholesalers ( imagine a Sam's Club but about 15 times more crazy and hectic), we bought a few things then stopped by a regular grocery store where we bought the rest of the grocieres. Then we wento to the Green Coucal to use the computer and eat a quick lunch before we headed on our way to Nyzura to pick up the kids and bring them here for the weekend!!!!

This is going to be the best weekend EVER having all our kids under one roof where they should be! We got there and had to go get their release papers from the head- they said goodbye to their friends, got a few things, and we were off! We stopped in town and bought them each an ice cream come- they don't get spoiled enough so of course I am willing to do it! Then it was time to go back to MCH, it was such a happy drive and so nice to spend time with them. I can't describe the feeling that I had of finally getting all our kids under on roof- it was such a natural this is what it is supposed to be like kind of feeling. When we go back the kids were so excited to see eachother, I didn't tell the younger kids that the older ones were coming so they were so surprised! It was so cute to see them all run and hug eachother- they were so excited!

I then told them I was going to do my girls sleep over with them so we put all the mats on the floor in the girls room and all the big girls. Rafiki and I slept in there with them- we danced, talked and painted nails! It was so much fun to just hang out with the girls and doing girl stuff! I am so in love with them and we had so much fun! What a great start to a great weekend! GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!!

24 June 2010

2011-08-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

This morning Scar had to to an emergency - 18 year old boy who hasn't gone to the bathroom in almost a week ( neither pee or poo). So the girls and I walked to Nharira Secondary School to talk to the headmaster- then we walked to Nharira Primary School to talk to the head master about going tomorrow and evaluate the children for the feeding program. We then were walking to the clinic and the chief's but as we were walking ( we were almost to the murange junction) and Wonton and Cars drove by so they drove us to the clinic and to see the chief. He said they are set and ready for us to stop by on Saturday- we had no clue we were supposed to be going over there so good thing we stopped by today. Man o Man Saturday is going to be a very busy day but I am so excited for it!!

When we got back it was down time / lunch tim for the kids so we hung out around here. Then after awhile I went down and played with Dee-Dee, Volume, N and Simon. Then some how Braids was left at school ( they seriously need to start doing head counts) so I drove down there to get her, when we got back I made sure kids were doing what they were supposed to then I sat down and played with N, Volume, Simon, Dee-Dee, and Jump- they were singing and of course obsessed with the camera. Then Braids came over and was playing with/braiding my hair in very small braids ( I have become use to my hair being messed with/pulled/twisted/braided and everything else possible!)

Then they brought the babies out so Braids and I watched them after awhile we decided to take them up to my flat where Zazu and I rocked the babies to sleep. I then helped Lips with her homework- went down and attempted to get the kids to take their baths- they haven't been the best listeners lately. Then it was dinner time, and I went down and led devotional/ watched the kids do devotional, then it was bed time.

I really need to promise myself to spend more time with the kids and be down there with them the whole time. My trip is coming to a quick end and I am so sad to even think about it! I am so in love with these kids and can't believe how much my life had changed because of them! I love them soooooooo much! YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART- FOR NOW AND FOREVER MORE!

23 June 2010

2011-08-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

This morning I slept in as much as possible ( 6:30) cuz I was up half the night coughing. When I got up and got ready I helped get things figured out so they could go to town ( every wednesday Big Blue take patients and others who need to go into Mutare to visit the hospital). Then Rafiki and I sat around read, helped people when they came in and tried to relax a little. We then went down and played with N, Dee-Dee, Volume, and Simon. We started playing a game where Rafiki was the safe point and I would chase after them and get them before they got to Rafiki. It then turned into a game where they would all run away and I would hide so when they would come back I would scare them half to death leaving us all laughing. They then moved inside so Little Rat, Ash ( a workers daughter), and A started playing with us. We did this for awhile then it was thier quiet time so we came back up to our flat.

I saw that Scar was coming (thru the window) so I told the girls I was going to scare him I went and stood so when the door opened I would be behind it. He opened the door and started talking to Rafiki and Timon so I jumped out scaring him so bad I was crying from laughing so hard! We all thought it was the funniest thing! He then told us that at 2 he was leaving to go on an out reach and wanted us to go with him. We did a few things around here, went and ate lunch with the kids and then I fell asleep for about a 1/2 hour. We then got into the truck to leave but had to stop and pick up Mr. Leech from school cuz he got left there. I felt so bad and was kind of mad that they didn't do a head count to make sure they got all the kids.

We then drove forever and went to see a Go-Go she is probably in her 80's can barely walk and is very hunched over. I felt so bad for her and I am glad that I don't have to see my own grandparents like that- flies were even eating at her open wounds- so sad!! We then stopped at the Bull Auction so Scar could talk to someone but us girls were a bit mad because we felt super uncomfortable there were 70+ men there ( most of them were drunk) just staring at us- so creepy. When we finally got back home we discussed what to do about Tude, we then called her up to talk to her so she apologized and stuff but I made it known she is still getting a punishment ( it is NOT ok to threaten someone with an ax). Then Big Blue came back and Zazu is finally back so we talked about stuff that's been happening and now it's time to wind down and head to bed!

I AM IN LOVE WITH THEM!!

Abraham

Simon

Girls beds with mosquito nets

Braids sewing her skirt

Jump and Little Rat napping

Lips and Bugzsy

Our matron cleaning

22 June 2010

2011-08-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to take Nala and the Go-Go to the clinic. The doctor wants both of them to go to Mutare tomorrow so they have joined the list of people who are going on Big Blue.

When I got back I started talking to Jump thru the window (this is usually the only way he will play with or talk to either of us- we think he is terrified of white people), he then played with me thru the door- a huge step- I then got him to walk with me to my flat ( I may have offered him a treat, hey I am not ashamed to buy a child's love:).. ) He played up in my flat with me for awhile WAY TO GO JUMP! About an hour later I was saying hi to him from a distance and I reached my arms out to him to hold him and he ran to me for me to pick him up, I think we are making some great progress with him!

I then began cooking lunch/supper for the girls and I ( we had potatoes and veggies that were going to go bad). I took a break from that and went with T to pick up the girls from the school- they went there again to do the FMSC program. When we got back I finished getting the food ready. We played around with N, Queen, Dee-Dee, Mr. Leech, Simon and Volume in our flat for awhile then it was time to send them to class with Mr. B.

Then we had Nala teach us how to wash laundry by hand. It amazes me the physical work that these people do everyday! So we got a couple buckets of water and poured them into the "sink" it's a big cement type sink with ridges on the side for scrubbing your clothes on. After we scrubbed the whites we put them in the rinse bin for Timon to rinse, after whites it was time for colors so we scrubbed and rinsed them- we then did the same process with the blacks and blankets. I don't know how they do this for hours a day, your back ache from bending and your arms and hands get so tired. We then rinsed the clothes one more time and hung them up to dry, we hung them on the fence (wonderfully so it was the entrance fence and it was all our clothes bras and underwear included! Good thing there is no shame nor embarrassment here!:)..) We were tired and yet again humbled by these ladies and the things we take for granted back home.

Finally it was time to go to Right's house- we were going to go on Saturday but I was gone so we were going to go Monday but Rafiki and Timon were gone so we finally made it out there today. When we got there we just kind of sat and talked for a moment and then he introduced us to his children: Belvin ( 1 1/2 years), Ruben ( 4 years), Miriam ( 6 years), Viena ( 8 years) and Rhonda ( 10 years). We took pictures and played around then his wife Princess came in so we talked some more and took more pictures. Princess and Rhonda then made tea for everyone, while we were all sitting the Right and P ( the guard we brought with us) were teaching us Shona, Princess was just laughing at us and the way we pronounce things. I then began playing a game with the kids since they were outside I would run out growling and they would run away laughing. I would hide in different spots and tell Right to call them in but they wouldn't fall for my tricks. It kept both the kids and the adults entertained to watch me run around chasing a scaring the kids.

We then walked across the road to his parents house a very very sweet and kind couple we sat around and visited for a bit then his dad brought a chicken in ( a very alive and still breathing chicken). He wanted to give it to us as a gift so the tradition is for them to pass it around and give it to eachother then give it to us as a symbol that it is a gift from all of them. Luckily I was the camera man so I didn't have to hold the chicken we said our thank yous and joked that we don't know how to cook it since our chicken comes frozen from a store. It was becoming dusk so we needed to head back, we thanked them again and walked back to Right's; chicken in tow ( thanks to our mighty guard for holding it). When we got to Right's I took a couple family pictures and as we were leaving they gave us a Guinea Fowl ( again a very live bird). We thanked them said our goodbyes and got into the truck ( P and the birds in back and the girls and I in the front). The way back we laughed and laughed cuz what are we supposed to do with these birds! :) When we got back P took them to the chicken coop for us.

The kids were outside so we went and visited them. Scar said that receiving a Guinea Fowl is the biggest form of respect and the chicken is the 2nd biggest form of respect. I am so humbled and in love with these people! We decided we will cook them for our big day on Saturday! ( I can't wait to write about it!) We then said our goodnights and the kids went to do devotional while we came up here. I went back to see if they had polished their shoes and there was a big row of freshly polished black shoes. I was so proud of them!! I can't explain how it is even possible for your heart to welcome so many kids in but I am so so in love with them- more so every day!!

I realized today that our time is almost 1/2 over that makes me so sad! I am not ready to leave my kids again! Did I mention I am so in love?!?

Me with Right and his family

Right, his Wife and Parents

Timon holding our chicken

Right with his kids

Our guards with our guinea fowl and chicken

Rafiki and Timon with our guinea fowl and chicken

Us girls washing our clothes

21 June 2010

2011-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today did not start off on the best foot but when does it start off well with nearly 20 kids mad at you? Let me explain.. Yesterday while P was on her rampage she decided that all the kids shoes needed to be taken away since non of them got polished so everyone had to go to school barefoot. So Hyena and I were on shoe patrol and had to take any and all shoes we could find cuz kids were trying to sneak them into the backpacks to wear them later. They were NOT happy! Especially the older ones but I was so proud and impressed with all the younger ones because not one of them put up an argument or gave me any trouble which made it a little easier.

Tude was my biggest struggle today she had told me that she refused to go to school but later started walking there (or so I thought). When Hyena and I were about to leave to make sure that Mr. GQ and Tude did infact go to school Hats stopped us to tell us that Tude did not, that she had stopped down at the guards shack and then decided to walk to L's house (one of our workers) to get a pair of her daughters shoes. I was pretty mad at this point because she gave me so much trouble in the morning, disobeyed again and I was mad at Scar because I specifically asked him to drive her to school because I knew she would not go. When she got bak her and I sat down to talk about it and she was throwing every excuse out there that she could and go on and on about the million and one things that she was mad about which was just making me more angry, I also found out that she yelled at one of our workers today and threatned to hit her with an ax. I told her that when Scar returned we would all sit down together so we could discuss things and come up with a punishment for her.

Hyena and I then went to talk to her headmaster cuz we wanted him to know that the reason she missed school today was because she was being dishonest so if she needed to do something to make up her unexcused absence we would support him I also wanted to find out if she was lashing out at her teachers like she was to the workers at the orphanage because that is not acceptable behavior. I really like her head master and we decided that she will go see the school counslor this week to talk about things because we both feel like there is something that is really bothering her, I will go back next week to talk to him again and see how things are going. I really hope that we can help her but more importantly I hope that she will allow us to help her, we all really care for her ( we care for all the children) and just want what is best for each of them!

When I got back I went down to help care for Bugzy but Little Rat saw me and was very clingy and jealous that I was holding him so I brought both of them up to my flat with me, I sat her on the sofa chair for a moment while I did something with Bugzy and when I looked over she had fallen asleep sitting up- poor baby was so tired! I laid her down on the couch but then decided with all the people coming in and out she would proabably sleep better in in her bed so I took her down.

Some kids came to get the monthly food that we give them ( a nearby residence who has a few orphans). Then all the kids got back from school it was apparent that some of the kids were still mad at me but they all did their chores quickly and without arguing. Then Rock, Mana, Obama and Abraham built a play house so I went in and played with them, Lips then came over and we made mud birthday cakes for Abraham, Obama, Simon and Me since all of our birthdays are in July. Our game then turned into me being queen and the play house being my castle- Hands was my security guard and Rock and Mana were the bad guys, they would kidnap me and Hands would have to come save me we played that for awhile then we all played hide and seek which really was me trying to hide but they would all watch where I went and then attack!

While all the kids were bathing I played with Baby Girl and Jump for a bit til it was there turn to bathe, I then went to turn the lights on since it was starting to get dark- all the batteries were in the red so we couldn't turn them on with out the generator- well we couldn't get the generator to start even after putting gas in it so that means no electricity tonight. I went around and found every candle and flashlight I could find so they could have light at dinner, devotional, and while putting the kids to bed.

While we were eating supper R came and got me, her sons wife who is pregnant was in alot of pain and needed to go to the clinic- oh great I was the only driver (by driver I mean I have tried to drive a standard a few times in America and failed miserably and I have driven one here a couple times) but being the only driver and not willing to let a mom or her baby be in danger since I am scared to drive I took TS (a guard) and we set off. Let me just say that when someone down there says that something is close they have no idea what they are talking about finally me and my white knuckles ( from holding the wheel so tight) -remember there is no electricity at all, we are on small bumpy dirt roads in the middle of nowhere- got safely to the lady and the lady safely to the clinic only to find out that she needs to go to Mutare cuz it is more serious then they thought. Are you flipping serious!? You know it's and hour and a half away- that I have very little standard driving experience and that it's pitch black outside! I of course will do it if I have to but as I was driving back to the orphange to tell Hyena he was in charge all night and what was going on I had my fingers, toes, eyes, nose, ears and everything else I could think of crossed in the hope that Scar was back and would take her. Thanks to my lucky stars he was home so I ran up to him slightly panicked and begging for him to take her and bless his heart he did!

Oh I think I forgot to mention that a GoGo ( old lady) and her son came today they had walked more then 45 kilometers cuz they heard there was a doctor coming to the clinic tomorrow that could help her cuz she can't see, so they were asking if they could get a ride tomorrow of course I said yes an put them up in a room down by the guard to stay for the night- people here amaze me! Also I found out that Nala thinks she is pregnant but has been experiencing some pain and is worried since she had a miscarriage in January and also wanted to go to the clinic tomorrow. Also did I mention that I was alone all day today? Rafiki and Timon had to go to town with Scar, Sarabi was still gone so it was Hyena and I which I am so grateful that he was here - I would have lost it with out him! Well I am exaushted and my nerves are shot! Good Night!

Kourtni and the not so good
busy, stressful, long, tiring
yet still great day!!

I can't help but love all these kids! Every last one of them! Even when they push my buttons I am still 100% head over heels in love with them!

Volume

Simon

The kids getting water for bath time

20 June 2010

2011-05-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

P came and picked me up around 7 we stopped by her place to eat breakfast and grab a few things before we left, I tried the computer one more time then finally we were on the road to get back to my kids! I was soooooooooooooo happy to see them! I went down and visited and checked on all my kids, it was so great to see them!

Hyena then started a soccer game with most of them so I went down to watch. Simon was being very clingly to me and wouldn't let me put him down so I didn't play but it was fun to watch we have some amazing soccer players! We then came back up for lunch after lunch I played on the little playground and teeter totter that we have. It was funny cuz Rafiki was laying on the one side/middle so I went and jumped on the other side and it scared her half to death the kids laughed so hard and thought it was so funny so of course I did it multiple times! :)

Then it was time for the kids to do more chores ( P was kind of on a ramapage of wanting everything done) I went down with some of the kids to water the garden and then Rock and Futbol took me to pick some goose berries ( freaking delicious fruit! YUMMY) I then played with Little Rat and Simon both of which were pretty clingy to me today but of course I don't mind! I then went with Scar down the street to talk to someone about giving us some bricks. While we were in the car he was asking me about my religion and and was really impressed with things I was telling him and stuff- it was a great missionary moment.

When we got back a lady was here with a bunch of me to visit Drama ( she's the newest child here). It was a bit alarming to all of us so we all had our guard up. Then Hyena, Mr. GQ, Tude, Mama, Rock, Futbol, Froggy, Obama, Hips, me and a couplde of others played a big game of keep away from the other team. It was alot of fun then it was baths, dinner, devotional and bed. Thinker has a cold and his chest has been hurting so I had Scar take him to the clinic, always someone to worry about and keep an eye on! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!

Boys helping sew some tarps together

Boys getting ready for a futball game

Froggy

Rafiki and Timon

The boys playing on the swingset

Futball time

19 June 2010

2011-05-16T09:31:00.002-07:00

This morning P needs me to go to town and help her with some computer stuff so Scar and I left early. When we got there Scar dropped me off at her flat where we tried to get the internet to work but as usual it wasn't working from her house so we went to the internet cafe and worked for a bit from there but then the battery on the laptop broke so we couldn't work on it any more. We then walked across the street for lunch but they only sold breakfast at the time so she had an omlet and I had "frenchie toast" what they did was made french toast and then put bacon and cheese between two slices and then warmed it i[- delicious!

Then she surprised me by telling me we were going to Nyzura- the boarding school- to take some stuff to the kids that are there. I was so excited I was finally going to see B.B! Both her and Teach cried a little bit when they saw me, it was so great to see them again! We talked to the headmaster and asked about bringing them home for the weekend, I hope so much that he will allow us to do it, I want all my kids to be together where they are supposed to be!

We then went back to P's to try the internet and of course it wasn't working. Since it was getting later she wanted me to spend the night in town but since she lives in a retirement type place she is no allowed to have visitors stay the night. So she drove me down the street to almost like a small B&B where I stayed the night. I wasn't very thrilled with the idea since I wanted to be with my kids but the lady was very nice and funny and I enjoyed getting to know her, she made me watch her english medical soapies with her- they were terrible acting but it was good to sit and relax. I went to bed early since I am still not feeling well but I really missed my kids! You'll be in my heart!

Hands

Abraham

A few of some of our grounds

Rafiki and I with Little Rat, Volume, N and Dee-Dee

18 June 2010

2011-05-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today since the kids were at school and things were taken care of here we decided to have a bit of a low key morning ( the sudden cold weather has us all feeling a bit under the weather and my leg has still been bothering me). So while Timon slept Rafiki went down to check on the preschoolers and I brought Baby Girl and Little Rat up here with me. We colored and danced to music then played on the couch and looked out the window. When Rafiki got back and Timon woke up I took the little girls back down and the 3 of us just hung out, it was really cold today so we had to really bundle up to stay warm, I ended up falling asleep and took a pretty good nap.

When the kids got home from school we decided that we wanted to take them to the damn again so they had to quickly wash their school uniforms and get things ready for tomorrow since it is the sabbath. Timon, Rafiki and I then took all the kids that are old enough to walk there to the damn ( there were 21 of them). We stayed there for quite a while talking, throwing things down the rock ( little round fruits from a nearby tree and a ball) and of course we slid down the rock where me and like 4 of the kids got holes in our pants. I probably shouldn't encourage it but it is so much fun and it's nice to let the kids be kids and do something fun and care free.

When we got back they all had to bathe and then it was time for supper. After supper the kids led their own devotional ( it is always so humbling to me to see how devoted to God these kids are- they are so grateful for what they have, I am so proud of our kids!) We then brought the fun kids cd down and danced and sang with them. It was so great to just let everyone hang loose and be silly and man oh man do we have some great dancers!

I am so in love with these kids! I wish I could take them all home and protect them from everything and help them become the amazing, smart, talented kids I know they are! I love them so much! YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART FROM NOW AND FOREVER MORE! ( i started singing this song to them last year and everytime I hear it I think of them! I love them so much!)

Playing on the dam

we made it!

17 June 2010

2011-05-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well last night after I wrote we brought the music out and started dancing- we then warmed up our feet in some hot water cuz it got really cold really fast. After that Rafiki and Timon went to bed and Zazu and I stayed up talking and listening to music. We heard a truck leaving and it was like 10:00pm so Zazu and I went out and started yelling for the guard but no one was answering or coming so we walked down to where our cars are and there was no truck and no guard we kept calling out for the guard but still got no response so we started walking towards the gate and the guard finally came running to us. We asked him what was going on and he said that one of the workers needed a ride home so Scar said that D could take her- we were a bit concerned and angry because what if there was an emergency or something and the guard wasn't around- this is not the first time something like this has happened so something needs to be done.

Zazu and I were apparently sleep talking to eachother all night which is funny and random since neither of us have ever done that before. So we woke up extra tired today and I think with the sudden cold weather that it is throwing all of us off. There was a funeral in the community today so Scar wanted the 4 of us girls to go. We took a bag of Maize with us, they had their church group there and the chief came so after we all did our hellos and introduced ourselves the church group preformed a song and had us get up and dance with them. They wore these huge drums and played them while they sang and danced it was actually really interesting, we left before the did the actual burial and stuff.

On the way back we stopped by the clinic because Obama wasn't feeling well, while we were waiting I decided that I would make them vegetable soup for diner since it was so cold. So when we got back I began cutting the veggies with the help of Rafiki, Timon, Sarabi and Nala. We then decided to do a test cake run for the birthdays that are coming up so Zazu, Sarabi and I worked on that we had an adults women day.

I then went down to play with Volume, N, Dee-Dee and Baby Girl for a bit and by play with them I mean they "did" my hair for me. I then got a pleasant surprise by seeing Simon ( he had to go back to the doctor to get his legs checked so he has been gone for a few days). The kids then got home from school so while they were up doing classes with Mr. B I did an exercise class with: Mr Leech, Dee-Dee, Queen, Drama, N, Volume, Simon, Baby Girl and Jump. It was so cute seeing them doing push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, and laps.

Some of them had to go up to class so I began making supper- with the help of many little ones under my feet. I then continued playing with kids and caring for crying babies. Then the older kids came down so I was trying to help them with their homework while keeping all the little ones entertained. I felt like I argued with alot of kids today it seemed like no one was listening to me and taking baths when it was time to- it could have just been me tho since I was tired and not feeling to well.

Finally it was dinner time, it wasn't really a soup since we added to much rice so it more so became rice and veggies. It wasn't a huge hit by all but some of them really enjoyed it we then gave everyone a very small piece of cake and that got a huge response! After nightly devotional it was homework time Mr. GQ, Tude and Lips weren't really willing to do it so it was like pulling teeth trying to get them to get it done, they finally finished so I sent them down to bed.

We started our girls night! We invited Sarabi and Nala to come join us and Nala's daughter Chicken was here as well. The aunties washed our hair and then we all painted our fingernails and danced, they showed us how to do their African dances and we showed them how to do our American dances we had so much fun laughing and being together. We finished the night by having chocolate and tea before saying goodnight and watching them walk home. We finished our nightly tasks and called it a night. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

Dancer, Hair, Little Rat, Hands, Baby Girl and Rock

Rock and Babygirl

Me with Clown and Little Rat

Clown and Little Rat

Rock and the fire he built all by himself

Dee-Dee, N, and Volume licking out the chocolate bowl

The women cooking

Scar and Sarabi

We soaked our feet in some hot water, it was cold out

Washing our faces

16 June 2010

2011-05-15T21:39:00.001-07:00

Dear Journal

This morning since the 4 of us are going into town I went down and played with Volume, N, Little Rat and Baby Girl before we left. As I was sitting there holding Baby Girl I was pointing to things and Volume and N would tell me what the things were in Shona and when I got them wrong they would laugh and make funny faces. It cracked me up how they would break up the pronounciation so I could "understand" it more ADORABLE! It was time for preschool so I walked them to class as I was walking away Baby Girl kind of yelled for me so I looked back and she was holding her bottle up for me to go get as I walked to her she walked towards me holding the bottle on top of her head SO STINKING CUTE! I helped make buns until we left.

The 4 of us loaded into the truck to go to Mutare Zazu and Rafiki were in front and Timon and I sat in the back. When we got into town we stopped by Paula's flat we visited for a bit then went to go run errands, as we were walking to the truck some people from the World Food Program were there to give us some food. Well there was alot more food then we expected there were like 24 bags ( 50kgs or more each bag) and 2 boxes so it took up 2/3 of the back of the pick up so Timon and I didn't have much room to sit- as we were driving off I was on the phone with dad the bags started shifting and falling on Timon and I so we were laughing and pounding on the truck for Zazu to stop the truck and come help us. Dad was a little concerned cuz I had to hang up and he didn't know what was going on so I had to send him a text to explain what had happened.

Our first stop was at the green market where Timon bought a bag and we bought honey, stop #2 was at an internet place where we had to pick up Paula's computer, we then walked to 2 different grocery stores to grab groceries before we stopped by some street vendors to get some more fruits and vegetables. We then decided to go get some lunch so we stopped by a place that had wireless internet so we could use the computer. We then stopped back by Paula's and visited for a moment ( or two) and then headed home. Home being the orphanage! :)

When we pulled up and I got out of the truck Tude was running full speed and literally jumped on me with the biggest hug! So sweet and tender ( Tude is very to herself and quiet so it is sweet when she does stuff like this). Then like a billion other kids ( Hips, Mama, Dancer, Mana, Clown, Rock, Lips, Queen, and more) met us with huge hugs and helped us carry stuff inside these kids are so sweet and amazing!! I love them so much! We then kind of just hung out with the kids a bit it was actually pretty cold so I made the kids stay inside. They are so cute and I am so in love with them!

Scar then came up he is so funny and sarcastic and just jokes with us the whole time. He told us that the scar is from killing a lion with a razor blade. He was trying to get D ( the guard) to lie to us and tell us that's what it's from but he wouldn't so Scar said he'd fire him for lying. He is so funny and seriously the best thing that the orphanage did was to hire him and Sarabi! It's such a relief! Then Tude and Mr. GQ came up here to do their homework- we were laughing and joking around the whole time so they just sat there and laughed at us. I am so in love with these kids and it was so nice to come home after being away all day! YOU"LL BE IN MY HEART!

One of our Matrons making buns

Little Rat

Baby Girl

Our preschoolers

15 June 2010

2011-05-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal

This morning I woke on maybe the wrong side of the bed, I have been in so much pain with my leg still ( I don't know what it is but it is worse then the nerve damage I had last year) also my allergies have gotten worse so I was up most the night dealing with them. So sad to say I was a bit on the grumpy and down side but that changes so quickly when I see this kids so I watched as they got loaded in Big Blue to go to school. Rafiki, Timon and I were asked to go on the out reach program (FMSC); what it is is when we go to the elementary schools and feed all the kids especially those who are malnourished and in need of food.

The ladies went and fetched the water and got the fire ready so we could begin cooking 78 packets (each packet makes 6 servings). It took awhile to cook so the ladies were teaching us things in Shona and put their Dukus on our heads (the wraps that they were on their heads). We then went and met the head master- he is super nice and has such a great school and big dreams for all of his students- which is a huge difference then the school our kids currently go to. At break time (10:00) we begin feeding everyone- it started off with just the preschool and then we had grades 1-6 come out we fed over 570 kids and even had to turn a few ( more like a lot) of kids away cuz we were out of food. It is such a great humbling experience to feed these children that are so grateful and kind for something so simple. I sure do love it here and once again realize that I am so spoiled and take so much for granted!

When we got back Rafiki, Timon and I decided that we wanted some Naches for us so that we don't eat the ones that we bought for the kids so we went and bought some more. Hats wanted us to take a local with us so that if something happened we'd be safe so he sent Wonton with us. Wonton is such a great, funny, helpful guy. He laughed at my driving ( I did kill it a couple times), while we were out we decided to got to Murange to get a soda, .50 for a bottle but you have to drink it there so you can return the bottles. When we got back we read books to Volume, N, Dee-Dee and Rock ( he was home sick from school) Rafiki and Timon then let me take a short nap while they mad lunch- my leg is still killing me- they made yummy egg salad sandwiches.

After lunch the kids had to go do classes with Mr. B so we brought Giggles, Bugzy and Little Rat up to our flat to play for awhile, I then went down and held Baby Girl for ahwile who ended up falling asleep in my arms- nothing beats holding a sleeping baby even when she is almost 2 years old- i held her as long as I could but then had to put her in her bed so I could go take care of the other kids since they were done with their classes.

Hips, Queen, Lips, Froggy and Drama started singing and dancing for us, Mr. GQ came and sat next to me to do his homework- he was attempting to teach us Shona but it's not an easy language to learn so her just laughed and laughed at us. It was funny cuz Rafiki said "hey look it's the chicken bird that Zazu likes" (guinea fowl) I turned to him and asked him what it was he looked at me and said "doves." We started laughing so hard which again just made him laugh at us once again.

Then Little Rat and Baby Girl came out and sat on my lap, we played and watched the older kids. They all had to go take their baths so Volume, Baby Girl and I were walking back to my flat I said "look Baby Girl the moon (while pointing to the moon) Volume who was holding my hand looked up at me and said "Auntie Kourtn then said what moon is in Shona which I of course don't remember" So I copied her and with a big smile on her face she said "yay!" while we kept walking hand in hand. It was such a sweet tender moment to have her teach me something like that (she has become my little buddy). We played up in the flat til it was suppertime- I took them back down and we sat and watched as Hips, Hands, Lips and Braids were teaching Rafiki how to dance HILARIOUS we then ate our food, rice and beans, possibly my favorite meal here.

The 3 of us then came back to the flat Zazu and Scar were now back, I showed Scar the light up frisbee we brought and he was like " I want to go scare the gaurds, they will think it is a ghost" so we all went outside while he showed them. Then Timon and I taught them how to actually throw the frisbee, he then wanted to go down and show the kids, the too thought it was the coolest thing! I love how excited they get from the simpilest things! Something I could learn. We then told them all good night and brought Tude back up to do her homework. She needs an extra push and I am more then happy to be the one to do it. She is such a sweet, loving, kind girl and I want to help her be the best she can be! MY HEART IS SO IN AFRICA!

P.S. on a side note Scar is so funny!! The other day he was telling us that he calls himself "genuine authentic leather" also he has a scar on his forehead he said that the story is one that he will have to tell us tomorrow but the key points are: he could have married the chiefs daughter and that it gave him the opportunity to go to Europe and study abroad. He also said that he was considered a hero and that we need to put the pieces together and come up with the true story of what happened. He is such a great funny guy and I am so thrilled he is here for the kids!

Me washing the kids hands

The line of some of the kids waiting for food

Rafiki dishing out the food

Kids eating

The women cooking the FMSC food

Rafiki, Timon and I in our Dukus

Rafiki's turn to cook

Timon and I cooking

Us with our guard and some of the cooks

This is the FMSC food

Mr.GQ on his way to school

Breakfast on the go

14 June 2010

2011-05-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal

This morning I woke up to the blessed sounds of children- how sweet the sounds!! I am so in love with these kids! Zazu and Scar were going to town today and at the last minute Sarabi decided that she wanted to go as well so left me in charge of everything and to make sure that things ran smoothly.

We were saying goodbye to the kids since they were leaving for school and they talked Rafiki into going and doing the FMSC (feed my starving children) program so she went school all day with the kids and by all day I meand from 7-12. Timon was still asleep, everyone was gone, kids were in school so I sat down and played with Volume, Little Rat, Dee-Dee and N. They played with my hair, we sang songs, they were attempting to teach me Shona ( really I was just copying what they were saying and they were just laughing at me! :)..) We then decided to blow bubbles but I couldn't get the mixture correct so the bubbles were not working correctly, they then had to go to preschool.

Timon was awake by this point so her and I each went down and got a baby and brought them back to our flat, she had Giggles and I had Bugzy, we played with them for a while then took them down to get thier nappies changed and got thier bottles. We took them back up to feed them and then all 4 of us fell asleep and took a nap on the sofas. We weren't asleep for long when E came to get me. She was taking me to get naches (a mixture between an orange and a lemon) from a local. Hats suggested that we drive cuz it was pretty far away so since I was the only one out of the 3 of us that could drive I got behind the wheel- I was a bit nervous since the last and only time that I drove a standard was when I was here last time, I think I did really really well, I was pretty proud of myself. Naches are so delicious!

When we got back Timon and I decided that we would start the "sudza cook off". We have been asked to come up with other ways to cook sudza cuz they are getting sick of it. So we mixed a sudza mixture into almost a pancake mixture for "sudza pancakes" ( they were still pretty bland and even when we added tomatoes to it), we then attempted to make "sudza tamales" they were ok, we didn't care for them but our little shadows ate them up- lastly we made "mexican cornbread" the kids and the workers really seemed to like this one who knows if we made any progress but it showed them that we are willing to help. (let me explain what sudza is, it is a white cornmeal mixture that is a little thicker then mashed potatoes but very bland).

We then did bubbles while we waited for the kids to come home from school, when they got home we split them in groups and did flash cards with them- I did math with: Obama, Mana, Clown, Thinker, Froggy and Drama. Rafiki and Timon were doing other cards with Volume, Mr. Leech, Dee-Dee, N and a few others. We then were going to go do classes with Mr. B but I got called away to an emergency; a lady in the clinic was in labor and needed to be transferred to Mutare. I was the only driver there besides Wonton so he agreed to go with to help me just in case. We got to the clinic to pick her up and they came out to tell me that she had just delivered the baby and asked me to come see her. She was absolutely beautiful! It's amazing how precious a new born baby is. We dropped them off at their house then came back to be with the kids. I sat down and did homework with Mr GQ and Tude while we watched Nala do Braids and Lips hair. It was then time for dinner and bed. We told everyone goodnight then came up here to do a few thing and discuss how our day went. I LOVE THESE KIDS SO MUCH!

Rafiki on her way to the school

Rafiki helping with FMSC

Me and Little Rat

Little Rat and Simon

13 June 2010

2010-09-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today we actually woke up kind of late- we didn't get out of bed til about 6:30. Zazu and I were talking about how things are so much more laid back now that Scar and Sarabi are here, they tend to all the daily activitie that we were taking care of last time ( the workers, the keys, the go-go's, the food room, the clothes room, emergencies, etc.) so fortuanately for us that means that all we have to do and worry about are THE KIDS!! Hooray! So this morning Rafiki and Timon were evaluating the kids one at a time to see where they are at academically. While they were doing that and the older ones were doing their chores I went and played with the other kids ( Hips, Froggy, Chickem, Drama, Mr. Leech, Simon and Dee-Dee). They were dancing and singing for me it was so cute!!

They then decided that this blonde, thick, large amount of hair that I have is a mysterious wonder to them so they all started playing with it; Mama, Thinker and Obama also joined in on the hair styling. At one point I counted more then 12 hands playing with, pulling, twisting and braiding my hair at one time. An hour later and my hair was unsure if it was naturally curly, straight, a comb over, has cow licks, is naturally twisted or what but the war with the newly made rats nest was 100% totally worth the hour of laughs, smiles and fun!

When everyone was done with their chores I set up a soccer game with Obama, Abraham, Clown, Hands, Futbol and Rock. I told them that I would be on both teams so to keep an eye on me and which way I was playing and man we have some good players! They were doing all the real soccer moves with the head bumps, chest pumps, kicking their leg above thier head, etc. It was so much fun to watch them play and to be able to play with them.

After that all the kids took extreme interest in our cameras like always so we let them walk around and take pictures as long as they were careful, they shared and they stayed where we could see them. Braids, Mana, Futbol and Tude were the ones that took my camera, they were seriously cracking me because they would pose in the flowers or around things, I then showed them how they could take video with it and they took so many videos of Tude standing in the flowers singing- So precious!

I then went and sat by the playground where Queen, Dee-Dee, Froggy, Drama, Hips and baby girl were playing house and kitchen. Then Mr Leech came by with Volume in the wheelbarrow, I told him that I wanted a ride so him Drama, Queen and Thinker took turns running me around in it, these kids are so strong! It is so much fun to just let go and be a kid agian! I was then told that Nala needed to use my hair to teach the girls how to do things with is so I needed to go wash it so Tude, Braids and Lips helped me shampoo and rinse my hair. We then played with Jump, Baby Girl, Little Rat, Simon and Giggles.

When it was lunch time the 3 of us decided that we needed a bit of a break so we came back up to our flat, they went in their rooms to take a small nap while I stayed on the couch ( which was a bad idea because people were coming in and out the whole time.) Scar then took all the boys to a wedding so we had a girls day! It started off with Volume, Tude, Lips and Braids up in our flat where we practiced reading and math, if they did well I painted their toe nails ( it was nice to get that one on one time with them) Mama then came up and joined us.

After awhile before it started getting dark we decided that we would walk to the damn. It was a easy walk and it was so much fun to have the girls ( Rafiki, Timon, Zazu, Mama, Dancer, Tude, Hips, Braids, Lips, Queen, Froggy, Dee-Dee, Chicken, Drama and Smarts (who surprised us by following us there).) We walked across the dam and then walked up the rock hill -which we named Pride Rock-. Then all the kids and I started to slide down the side of the rock by sitting on our shoes, a piece of plastic we foumd, or just by sitting on our butts. It was sooo much fun! You actually get going really fast! Then the kids walked around the bottom of the rocks and then came running up the hill with their faces painted ghostly white, growling and making scary nosies. It was funny cuz they actually did look kind of scary! We then walked back because it was almost dusk. It was so much fun walking with and spending so much time with girls, we sang songs and danced or just talked to get to know each other better.

When we got back it was bath time and supper time. Baby Girl surprised me with how much food she ate- she ate more then I did! We then told the kids goodnight and came up to our flat to do somethings when Mr. GQ and Mana surprised us by bringing us a big bowl of popcorn! Scar then came in to work on his computer and to get some help putting pictures on it, it has been nice to get to know him and I am amazed at the positive changes and differences I am seeing that are taking place. He really cares for and loves these kids- they desereve it and for them to have such a strong make role model just makes me so happy! I love it here so much! I want to take them all home with me- every last one! I"M SO BLESSED!!

P.S. I forgot to mention the other day while on the plane from Ethopia to Harare when I looked out the window I could see a huge blanket of clouds and poking out of them- like a huge part poking out was Mt. Kilamanagro ( however you spell it). It was so fascinatingly awesome!!

Getting my hair did by a handful of kids

Thinker pushing Jump in the wheelbarrow

T, Froggie, Hips, Drama and Simon dancing for me

Tude and Mr Leech doing flashcards with Rafiki

Me with some of my kids

The girls sliding and walking down the rock

The girls running back up the rock

The girls standing on top of the rock with Zazu, Rafiki and Timon

Walking to the damn

Walking across the damn

12 June 2010

2010-07-26T16:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Journal

We woke up pretty early got ready went and ate breakfast and just kind of hung out til Paula came back to pick us up, when they came we started heading to the orphanage!!! I CAN'T WAIT! We began our 5 1/2 hour trip, with 3 people on a small pick up front seat, the back of the pick up was full of 12+ bags and 3 girls so we cozied up and set off. I am so excited! I couldn't stop talking about my kids and how excited I am to see each and everyone of them. We stopped by the half way house and bought some banana bread and some drinks, we then continued on the rest of the way - I COULDN'T WAIT!

When we pulled up to the gate and Crazy old Man was the one and guard, he remembered me and was as excited to see me as I was to see him. We then pulled up, parked and got out of the car. Hands came out and said "Hi Auntie Kourtin", I said hi and asked him where everyone else was and he said they were inside and that he would go get the, all we could hear was Hands yelling "Autnie Kourtin is here! It's Auntie Kourtin!" we could then hear the place burst with noise as all the kids yelled "Auntie Kourtin, Auntie Kourtin!" Thinker was the first one that I saw and he literally ran full speed to me and jumped into my arms with a huge hug! He was followed by Rock, Mana, Clown, Obama, Futbol, Mama, Dancer, Hips, Dee Dee, Froggy, Lips, Queen, Mr. Leech, Smarts, Drama, Volume and many more. They all ran to meet Rafiki and Timon. Hello then came out to say hi and brought Bugzy ( the 2 month old baby) for me to meet, the older kids then went and got Simon, Little Rat, Baby Girl and Jump for me to say hi to, they didn't remember me so they were shy but I seriously cannot believe how big they have gotten! I then went in and met Giggles ( also a 2 month old, both of the babies were abandonded).

We then took Timon and Rafiki on a tour of the orphanage- the laundry room ( new and really cool ), the play ground, the kitchen, the girls rooms, the boys dorm, the chickens and the goats. They then wanted to go on a hike up the mountian so Timon, Rafiki, Zazu and Hyena took all the older kids. I chose to stay behind because my back/leg was hurting really badly all day. It was nice to sit and visit with Hello again and to hold, cuddle and love on the new babies and play with my "old babies".

A lady then came with her baby who is a hydrocepth baby and his shunt is not working he is also very malnourished so AP being AP got her clothes, food, and stuff for the baby and her other kids at home. We then went through some of the stuff we brought, fed the kids dinner, and told everyone good night so we could get some rest and get settled in, It is so AMAZING to be back here! It feels like I have never been gone! I love it here! I love these kids so much!

everyone has been given nick names to protect thier idenity

Timon, Rafiki and I in the back of the pickup

Some of my kids!

Hello and Baby girl

The lady and her sick baby

11 June 2010

2010-07-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal

This morning after a some what restless night ( I swear there was an army of dogs in a very heated conversation that chose to keep us up all night ). We got ready for the day and went down to eat breakfast before our shuttle came to take us to the airport. We have met some really nice people so we all just sat in the lobby and talked as we waited, while we were waiting the manager came up to us and said that since we had so much luggage just between us that we would have our own shuttle ( at the time it was just Rafiki, Timon and myself) we thanked them and told them about the other large group we had met so they reserved a bus for us. Well since there was 10 people and more then 30 pieces of luggage we ended up using 2 buses, we got to the airport went through security 2 more times, got checked in, got our passport stamped and finally to our gate.
We finally made it to our gate but since we still had a while we went and looked at some shops and used the restroom before actually going through our gate where we had to go through security- you guessed it- yet again. While waiting we learned that our plane was delayed so we waited agian ( man we are getting so good at waiting- I didn't write much yesterday because that's what we mainly did was wait.) Finally an hour and a half late we boarded our plane and took off- let me just say that they definately tried to cram as many seats as humanly possible on this flight, your knees were literally touching the seat in front of you and you had maybe 3 inches of space to breathe ( well maybe there was really like a foot of space between the seat in front of you and your head but seriously!) After about 4 hours on this plane we landed in Harare! HOORAY!! We waited in yes another line to get our visas, we got our luggage and went out and guess who was there waiting with open arms? AP!! I was so excited to see her again, and Zazu and Cars was there also!
They decided to drop us girls off at the Mbizi Game Park the same one I stayed at last time, it was cool to experience it again and share it with Rafiki and Timon. We decided to go on a game drive, we saw Zebras ( we learned that they all have thier own indiviual stipe system like we have our fingerprints, the black stripes soak in the heat and the white ones release the heat causing body temperature regulation also some of them have brown strips that secret body fluids, there are 3 different types of Zebras, they only have one baby at a time as a form of protection so there are more Zebra's to watch the one little one. We learned alot more but I fogot it).
When we got done on the ride Rafiki, Timon and I walked around the grounds then went in and watched some soccer with the workers since it is the World Cup in South Africa right now, we then ate dinner ( super delicious!), desert and tea. The whole time Zazu and I had been talking about the kids, who is still there, the new kids, who has left and the new manager ( AP hired a manager and Zazu thinks him and his wife are prefect for the job!), things that have changed and other things that still need to change. We talked so much about the kids! I CANNOT WAIT TO GO SEE THEM!!! It will be so amazing to be reunited! I also learned that more kids are gone then I thought 4 total but that we have 3 new one and I cannot wait to get to know them as well. I cannot wait to go see my kids! Tomorrow can't come fast enough! We are all headed to bed now, I am so blessed! I AM SO BLESSED! I AM SO LUCKY! I AM LIVING A DREAM COME TRUE!!

Zazu on the game ride

Rafiki and Timon on the game ride

Zebras

Zebra

10 June 2010

2010-07-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal

Well yesterday started extremely early since I had to be to the shuttle by 5:45 so J Dawg was nice enough to drop me off. I got into Houston by 7:30, I checked in and went through security, since I had 4 hours til my plane left I sat around, read, called and texted a few people to say good bye. I then got to Washington DC where I had another layover and I waited for Rafiki and Timon to get there since we were on the same flight the rest of the way. While we were waiting we got dinner, while we were eating I told them all about the orphanage, my kids and everything, I think it has finally hit me that I am going back!! I CAN'T WAIT!!! We then boarded our 17 hour flight to Ethiopia- very uneventful- we slept, read, ate, watched tv and talked. On the way we had to stop in Rome ( man I wish that was the place that we were staying over night in, then I could sight see!), we then continued the rest of the way to Ethiopia once we got there we had to go through immigration, customs, get our luggage, and find out about our hotel. We then boarded the shuttle bus ( 20 bags + 10 people into a small bus = VERY CROWDED) Once we got to the hotel we unloaded our stuff and got our rooms. They gave us 3 rooms but the 3 of us + 10 bags decided we would room together for a cozy night! We then went down ate dinner and are now going to be to do it all over again tomorrow.. I CAN'T WAIT

Rafiki and Timon

Rafiki and I

Getting ready to go

2010-07-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

D and I emptied all the boxes and bags that were full of donated items for me to take with me, after going through everything, sorting the piles, staying up til 5 am packing we were able to fill my suitcases with 180 pounds worth of items!! Thank you so much to all of those who donated, seeing the faces of those who received stuff was the best! Thank you for all of those who helped in one way or another!

This wasn't even half of the stuff, D's house was covered in stuff!!!

Buffalo River Canoe Trip

2010-07-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

The first week of June I went with a good group of people up to Arkansas where we canoed down the Buffalo River. It was a lot of fun! We spent the first day driving the 10 hours to get there then setting up camp, the second day we packed up camp and started our trip down the river, we canoed about 14 miles this day then stopped again and set up camp... we had a couple minor accidents the first day, one kid knocked his front tooth out while jumping from a 90 foot cliff and our "leader" busted his elbow open by slipping on the ever so slippery rocks so we ended up leaving a night earlier then planned but it was so much fun... so day three we pack up again and canoe about 7 miles to the end where we load up in the cars to start the 10 hour ride back home. The water was pretty shallow so we kept getting stuck on the rocks and had to get out and push and of course many of us kept running into trees or rocks and tipping the canoe. It was such a fun trip and we had the best people go! I hope they make it a tradition and we go again next year!

Entertaining ourselves on the drive, we were the life of the car!

Stopped for a look at the view

E, M, M and I out on the river

Taking a break for lunch and swimming

The pretty river

The gorgeous landscape

We are gonna jump

L, G and I

The girls before we all jumped in unison

I am back

2010-07-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

I have just gotten back and I will update and put pictures on like I have promised. I will start from the very beginning of the summer and work from there, so join me as I go back in time

Leaving For Africa

2010-06-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning I leave for Africa.. I will be gone for a month and it is hard to update while I am there but check back in July for some amazing pictures and stories!

An Angel in White

2010-05-27T20:39:00.001-07:00

Annabel truely is an angel and I am so head over heels in love with her! I can't imagine loving someone more then I love her! She is my angel, my sunshine, my sweetheart, my love, my life! I love you Bella!!

Chuck E Cheese

2010-05-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

The other day I had the great opportunity to go with Annabel and her class to thier end of the year field trip to Chuck E Cheese. It was so fun to see the kids faces as they went on the little rides or when we played a game that had bright lights. These kids are such angels and I have loved getting to know each of them this year!

On stage dancing with Chuck E

She enjoyed riding with stewart little

She wasn't a big fan of her "car mate" :}

Pool Princess

2010-05-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since the weather has been nice and the pool's heater has been on, I have loved taking Annabel out to swim! She will kick and wiggle or just sit in your arms relaxed as you move around the pool. She is so stinking cute and so happy all the time! I love her so much and love doing everything with her!

Gator Country

2010-05-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

Gary Saurage had a dream to go rescue alligators from surrounding areas and to take them back to an alligator farm so that they could continue living and not be a harm to others. So four years ago he made a dream a reality and opened up Gator Country where he brings the rescued gators and gives educational shows to those who come to visit. Also he now has a tv show on CMT called Gator 911 where he and his team are filmed rescuing alligators from pipes, pools, peoples yards and other places. Gary is the only person in the world besides Steve Irwin to have the license he has to be able to go and rescue any gator, from any location and bring them back alive. He truely is an amazing guy!

Today I had the amazing opportunity to go with my friend D and some of her kids, they have rescued over 300 alligators all which reside here at G.C.( gator country). They brought Chubbs the baby alligator out for everyone to hold, they allowd each child to hold him and take a photo, they then brought out a 5 ft albino python and allowed everyone to touch or hold it as well. After that they gave each of the kids two hotdogs and let them go feed the alligators by throwing small pieces into the ponds, they then got everyone together and did a "show" for us. They talked for about 45 minutes about Alligators, Crocodiles, Caimans and Snakes. They had animals to comoe out and show the kids and they were very interactive and well educated, such a great thing for children! The last thing they showed us was Big Al he is the largest alligator in captivity in the state of Texas weighing in at more then 1000 pounds and longer then 14 feet long!

I really enjoyed going there today and learned so much about these animals it was so fascinating!

I'm so excited!

2010-05-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

I get the wonderful ooptunity to return back to Africa this summer to help my aunt with the orphanage. I can not wait to get back there and see all the kids, I have missed them so much! My life was forever changed by those kids and I cannot wait to get back there to spend time with them!

Angels Among Us

2010-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

I had the oppotunity last week to meet a beautiful little girl S who also has Trisomy (her's is mosaic 17 and 18, or something like that).. I also had the oppotunity to meet angel B's mom and dad she was born and passed away four years ago and had full Trisomy 18. It is always a reminder to me how these kids are angels. They are the sweetest spirits and so loving. I am so grateful for my brother who had Trisomy 18 he only lived for 52 hours but to this day my life continues to be blessed because of him.. What amazing kids they are! They are angels among us!

Here is a couple pics of S and Annabel

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

2010-05-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom a girl could be blessed to have! I am so grateful for her and all that she has done for me and continues to do for me! We all know I was by far not her easiest child but she still had patience with me and taught me so much! I love how over the years we have become more then a daughter and mother but that we have become friends as well. I love calling her everyday even when I don't have anything to say it is nice to just talk to my mom. Mom because of you and dad I am the person I am today!

You gave me my wings and let me fly
you held my hand and dried my eyes
You have helped my dreams come true
You support me in all that I do
I am so grateful to you for all that you are
You have taught me to reach for the stars
I am so grateful I'm your baby girl
Thanks mom for giving me the world

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom out there! I hope one day to be half the mom you are!

Baby Girl, Bubbers and Peanut

2010-04-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big my niece and nephews are getting! They are growing up way to fast! I had so much fun hanging out with each of them! I love them all so much and wish time would slow down, they need to stay little longer!

Um hello gorgeous! She needs to be a model!

Such a stud muffin! Watch out girls!

I covered his arms in "tattoos" and he thought it was so cool and walked around and showed everyone.. we might be in trouble! :)

Getting so big!

And They Lived Happily Ever After

2010-04-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

It was so much fun to see my little brother get married! I can't believe he is old enough to do that! I am so proud of him! We love K and she was already part of the family. I am sooo happy for you guys! Love you!

Walking out of the Temple

Cutting the cake

Walking to the car

Trying to get into the car we "decorated" for them

A fun trip home

2010-04-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

I was able to go home this past week for my little brothers wedding, when did he grow up enough to get married?! It was a busy family filled weekend but so much fun!

We had a fun "slumber party"/bachlorette party

We made smores on our firepit

My sister and I got our nose pierced

I went to visit the chocolate factory of the "Little Chocolatiers" from TLC

Enjoyed a great view of SLC

It was so great to be home! I do have the best family