Massimo's Baptisim

Massimo turned 8. Really it sort of snuck up on me. not in the way when you can't believe that they are so old, but in the way that you can't believe that he is ONLY that old. Massimo is a big boy physically speaking. People always think he is older than Alessandro, who is 2 years his senior. He is strong and very street smart. He can hang with Lorenzo (12) and his buddies and is responsible enough to walk himself to and from futbol (soccer) training which is at least a 15 minute walk across town. He can handle the toughest chore like a champ and is the first one to volunteer help whenever needed. SO when he turned 8, I was surprised; "Wait hasn't he already turned 8 sometime ago??" No matter he is officially 8 which meant BAPTISM! Yea!! It is an especially long awaited day for our kids, we do not allow them to partake of the sacrament in church on Sunday until they are "official" members of the congregation. That means after baptism, this is because we want to create a clear understanding of the sacredness of the sacrament, of the honor of which it is to be able to partake of it and of the importance of it all.

When asked about how he wanted his baptism to be, he asked if it could be performed in the local river, laughing, Matt did not object. In fact I think he was secretly pleased and excited to perform such an ordinance amidst the beauty of our Lord's creations. So invites went out and all of Massimo's friends came to support him, and of course to take a nice COLD swim after. FYI in the middle of august the water in the gorge i so cold it takes your breath away. congratulations Massimo

Spring

Spring in Spain is beautiful, especially where we are. Everything is in bloom all the fruit trees, poppies, iris', and wildflowers. You only need to step outside and your senses are hit with spring. Your sense of smell is overwhelmed by the flowers, your eyes want to take it all in and soak up the deep greens of the wild grass', you are inspired and energized. My morning walks to school with the kids have an extra bounce to them and although my chores never seem to end my whistling seems to glide me through my days.

We went to visit a friend whom we have not seen all winter and were drawn into their greenhouses of "CLAVELES", carnations. GORGEOUS! What a job. spending all day amidst flowers, I can imagine the sweetness that would bring to my day. any way thought I would share. FYI. the millions of carnations are grown by seeds in bags of shredded coconut shell imported from India. And are extremely popular here in Spain. The Spanish use carnations for everything from decorating their hair during fiestas to all the school children bringing a bunch to worship the "Virgin" at the local church. Bringing them to visit their loved ones graves or even having them in vases at home, as you can see my bunch is beautiful.

Happy spring everyone!

Carnaval Carnaval.......

Carnaval Carnaval..............

Carnaval Carnaval...

CARNAVAL CARNAVAL

Ok so I am posting on Carnaval. I have to admit, I never understood Carnaval until now. We moved to Spain the week before the Carnaval parade, and so of course we were excited to go out and experience our very first cultural experience. We all went out as a family, Matt and I and the 5 small children. when we arrived at the Gran Via, it was packed. People running all over, some dressed, some not, but none the less everyone was ready for a great time. The music started and we were getting excited. When the first float came down the hill we ooed and aaaed. Beautiful ladies all dressed in feathers, dancing and looking wonderful. Ok we thought, this is going to be cool. But then it started to change, strange looking ladies started to appear, costumes that were, well, vulgar to say the least. When the "Madonna" group appeared I was certain that we needed to take the kids home. They were men, men dressed as women, and they were everywhere. All those " strange" women we had seen going by were all men. My kids picked up on it and they all started to get a bit uneasy. "Why mommy, why are all the men wearing ladies underwear?" So much for our cultural experience. Frankly I thought it gross, and I still do. I do not find any enjoyment in looking at a bunch of unfit shaven men in bikinis. This year though, a friend of mine convinced me to join her "comparsa" group. I reluctantly committed, and spent the next 2 months sewing and glueing and sewing and glueing till the wee hours of the night. I was even practicing dance routines in the park at 11 p.m. in the rain. What have I gotten myself into??! But there was no turning back, if I backed out now I would be blacklisted. In the end it was not only fun, but thrilling. To spend the better part of 6 hours getting dressed then the next 9 hours "partying" was excellent. To be able to dance in the parade with people cheering you whistling at you and calling your name, well, I have to say I am hooked. Already signed up and planning next year!! Muchisimas Gracias a Loli para persuadando, alentando, y torciendo mi brazo!

Chicken Pox, at last..

Today is a SAD post. A sad post for O baby. He is with POX.

We have, after 13 years of raising kids finally caught the Chicken Pox. I have actually tried many times to infect my children. Running over to friends houses when their kids were infected, having them play and sometimes even drink from the same glass, Yet always without success. How is it then that my last child, the one who hardly leaves the house, not to mention my side, gets them? I can't answer that, but I can say with surety that the rest will fall soon. Sorry O for all your "owies" .