Day 6: Today we docked in the country of Belize. This was by far our favorite place to visit. The country still had the poverty that we experienced in Roatan but it didn't seem quite as bad as Roatan. We have booked an excursion to see the Mayan ruins of XUNANTUNICH which is only a couple miles from the boarder of Guatemala. XUNANTUNICH is estimated to be a Mayan site from 300 AD – 900 AD. There are large temples, buildings and a partially uncovered ball court at this site. It was a 2 hour bus ride to the site but our guide spoke almost the whole time there telling us about history of Belize, customs, ways of life, how most people live etc.
We arrived at our starting place and boarded a small man powered ferry across a small river. At one point you could see ladies at the shore of the river washing their clothing. Our tour guide said that this is the best way that the women keep in touch with each other and with what is going on in their villages and towns. We could see clothing drying on lines under and around houses. Most homes are built up on stilts. We were told this is for protections from animals and for during the rainy season when everything gets flooded. Very few homes had glass windows as most had just curtains, wooden slats or metal grates over them.
After our quick trip across the river we boarded small vans and were taken up the mountain about 2 miles to the base of the Mayan site. Then we started our walk up to the sites. Once there we were amazed by the grander and beauty of these ancient sites. We were told about the rituals and sacrifices the Mayans performed. Then began our climb up the largest temple. Wow...this was fun, exciting and frightening all at the same time. We laughed about how if this was in the USA then there would be railings all over but here you were on your own on small ledges and steep stairs. The carvings that are still on this temple were amazing.
Once we were on top you could see the magnificent area around the site as well as the other buildings. We could understand why they built there as it was possible to see miles in all directions. As you can see we took lots of pictures so that we could try and take home what we experienced. When we got back to the river and the little shops we bought a carved Mayan calendar, carved jaguar (the Mayan sign of royalty), a hand crafted and painted pottery and jewelry. We were excited to see 2 LDS missionaries with a lady at one of the shops and found out they were from Guatemala and Honduras. The lady was baptised a year ago and she said that in the area there were about 80 members that attended their church.
When we were done seeing the site we were taken to a restaurant and served a lunch of rice with beans, chicken and cold slaw. On the way back to the bus I kept looking for the kids of the country as they were in their schools or waiting on the side of the road for a bus. Most of them were dressed in school uniforms. I was able to catch a school with kids outside it through the bus window and was excited to show our kids how the children of Belize attend school.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Western Caribbean Cruise - Day 5
Day 5: Today we are on the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras. As we dock there is a group singing and dancing to native drums. We decided today to go to a private beach. We are put in buses and driven about 20 minutes away to the beach. On the way we are surprised but the horrible poverty that we see. It seems that there is no trash pickup and there are open sewers along the homes. Everything is so dirty and it's hard to imagine how people can survive living like this. It explains why they suggest us going to this private beach as when we get there you can tell they have done a lot to make this area nice. We find out the this is a private area that Carnival is buying. We did see LDS missionaries walking along side the road and we wished we could stop and talk to them about their mission and the area.
We sat in our chairs under and umbrella and looked out at a ship wreck just off the shore. There are people snorkeling and we see a turtle off in the distance by the dock. There are sand crabs everywhere and it was like walking in a mine field in the water but it was so beautiful, blue and clear. The water really was quite warm and we enjoyed just being out in it to cool off. We ordered lunch and I did great until Matt said that this was interesting mystery meat in our hamburger. I lost my appetite the rest of the day on the beach.
When they took us back to the boat we could see small open shops along the road selling items but once the bus stopped at the ship we were told by a Honduran security officer that we could not go past the gate to shop there. We wondered if the shopping areas by the ship were owned by the government and they did not want the tourists going outside that area. One of the couples that we dine with in the evening said he did walk out and bought some things. I guess we were not sure if we should go against what the officer had said to us.
We sat in our chairs under and umbrella and looked out at a ship wreck just off the shore. There are people snorkeling and we see a turtle off in the distance by the dock. There are sand crabs everywhere and it was like walking in a mine field in the water but it was so beautiful, blue and clear. The water really was quite warm and we enjoyed just being out in it to cool off. We ordered lunch and I did great until Matt said that this was interesting mystery meat in our hamburger. I lost my appetite the rest of the day on the beach.
When they took us back to the boat we could see small open shops along the road selling items but once the bus stopped at the ship we were told by a Honduran security officer that we could not go past the gate to shop there. We wondered if the shopping areas by the ship were owned by the government and they did not want the tourists going outside that area. One of the couples that we dine with in the evening said he did walk out and bought some things. I guess we were not sure if we should go against what the officer had said to us.
Western Caribbean Cruise - Day 3 & 4
Day 3: This is our first full day at sea with no stops. It is choppy and windy but that doesn't seem to matter and we are just enjoying our time on deck reading and relaxing. Tonight is the formal dinner. Boy...some people really go crazy with their dress for this night. We are at a table with 3 other couples. They are all nice and very different from us but we have an enjoyable evening.
Dayr 4: This morning we stopped at the island of Grand Cayman. The ship anchored and they put us on small ferry boats to go to the island. We have not booked a tour and decide to just enjoy walking around town and shop. It rained for about 2 minutes but that only cooled the humid air already there. Matt was feeling sea sick today for the first time. Going on and off the ship REALLY messes with your head. We did take a cab to 7 Mile Beach and just enjoyed the area for an hour or two. The cabs drive CRAZY there. The water was so blue and clear.
Dayr 4: This morning we stopped at the island of Grand Cayman. The ship anchored and they put us on small ferry boats to go to the island. We have not booked a tour and decide to just enjoy walking around town and shop. It rained for about 2 minutes but that only cooled the humid air already there. Matt was feeling sea sick today for the first time. Going on and off the ship REALLY messes with your head. We did take a cab to 7 Mile Beach and just enjoyed the area for an hour or two. The cabs drive CRAZY there. The water was so blue and clear.
Our Western Carrbbean Trip - Day 1 & 2
Matt and I returned from our trip a couple days ago and I thought I had better write what we saw and did before I start forgetting the great places we visited. Each stop had it's own characteristic. We enjoyed so much just having the time to be together, relax and rest. As you read our days you'll probably say we were pretty boring...but that was just fine with us.
DAY 1: We left on Saturday, April 25th. The days leading up to our leaving were so busy and hectic as we got ourselves, the house and all the kids ready for us to be gone. In all my hurrying I pocked my left eye and scratched it pretty badly. Yes, I'm a dork and for some reason accident prone now that I have had eye surgery. What's up with that? It makes no sense. We left for Miami, FL on a 6am flight and by the time we got to Miami I knew I needed to see an eye doctor. We found and eye hospital (yes...believe it or now they have one in Miami) and we went right over at about 5pm. They may be one on the best in the country but they were HORRIBLY managed and it took 3 hours before I was able to see a doctor. After 5 minutes of cleaning up my eye of the loose and rough edges of the scratch on my eye, he send us home. He said that it would be a rough 1 or 2 days of pain as the Epithelial layer of the eye healed. We got back to the hotel and I asked Matt for a blessing.
I have learned that faith is very interesting. We can pray and pray for a loved one or ourselves and the Lord will do something contrary to our desires. I have also learned that He will grant our desires at other times. Why does He choose one over the another? I have yet to figure that out except that it is His will and that we still must have faith in His decisions and help in our life. I had been praying almost hourly all day that the Lord would take away the pain that I was experiencing and after the Blessing that pain began to lesson. In the morning I felt no pain. No matter how I would have felt in the morning, my appreciation and love for my Savior has once again been strengthened.
DAY 2: We were picked up at the hotel in Miami by the tour bus and taken to the docks where the ship was waiting. We were on the Carnival Valor ship. Wow...it was huge. We went through lots of lines before we were allowed on but that gave us time to meet some people while we waiting. You could just feel the excitement in the air as we all waited and anticipated starting our vacations. We set sail at 4pm. It was windy and the ocean choppy but we did not care. We were on our way.
The Birthday Boys
Wow...my boys are getting so big. Justin has just turned 15 and Abraham is now 5. Where has the time gone.
I remember when after only 5 months of marriage I was told I had less than a 5% chance of ever getting pregnant. It was such devastating news to me as I had wanted to be a mother so badly. Three years later we were very surprised and delighted to know that I was pregnant. I was so excited when I felt my baby move for the first time. Toward the end of my pregnancy I would pull my shirt real tight and watch my belly roll and move for hours. It was such a thrill. When Justin was born on his fathers birthday we were so happy. What a beautiful boy. I am so grateful that Justin gave me those first experiences of motherhood and he has filled my life with such joy and love.
I remember the first time I met Abraham. It was Easter weekend and Matt was bringing the kids to my house to meet me for the first time. Abe was 3 weeks away from turning 3 and he was such a sweet and cute little boy. I can remember sitting in Church with him a couple weeks later and him sitting on my lap. He would snuggle with me and he fit so perfectly there. It was fun at his birthday to give him the medieval castle set and see him playing with it with his sisters.
I love these boys. They have such sweet and fun personalities. They make me laugh with the things that they say and do. I am proud of them and how they are learning to become brothers. Abe asked for a medieval castle cake so I attempted to make one with the help of my good friend Shauni Snow. Thank you Shauni for all your help. You just don't realize how huge this cake was until you see the picture of the boys standing next to the cake. Abe loved it so that is all that matters.
It was so nice to have family come to celebrate the boys birthday. Thank you to Nana, Papa, Christopher, Kris, Brielle, Bruno IV, Heidi, Lexi, Bruno V, Ashley, Karmen, Rodrigo, Joaquin, Ezekiel, Grandma & Grandpa Curtis and Andrea for coming to our party and making the day such a fun time. We love our family and were glad that we could share these special birthdays with each of you.
I remember when after only 5 months of marriage I was told I had less than a 5% chance of ever getting pregnant. It was such devastating news to me as I had wanted to be a mother so badly. Three years later we were very surprised and delighted to know that I was pregnant. I was so excited when I felt my baby move for the first time. Toward the end of my pregnancy I would pull my shirt real tight and watch my belly roll and move for hours. It was such a thrill. When Justin was born on his fathers birthday we were so happy. What a beautiful boy. I am so grateful that Justin gave me those first experiences of motherhood and he has filled my life with such joy and love.
I remember the first time I met Abraham. It was Easter weekend and Matt was bringing the kids to my house to meet me for the first time. Abe was 3 weeks away from turning 3 and he was such a sweet and cute little boy. I can remember sitting in Church with him a couple weeks later and him sitting on my lap. He would snuggle with me and he fit so perfectly there. It was fun at his birthday to give him the medieval castle set and see him playing with it with his sisters.
I love these boys. They have such sweet and fun personalities. They make me laugh with the things that they say and do. I am proud of them and how they are learning to become brothers. Abe asked for a medieval castle cake so I attempted to make one with the help of my good friend Shauni Snow. Thank you Shauni for all your help. You just don't realize how huge this cake was until you see the picture of the boys standing next to the cake. Abe loved it so that is all that matters.
It was so nice to have family come to celebrate the boys birthday. Thank you to Nana, Papa, Christopher, Kris, Brielle, Bruno IV, Heidi, Lexi, Bruno V, Ashley, Karmen, Rodrigo, Joaquin, Ezekiel, Grandma & Grandpa Curtis and Andrea for coming to our party and making the day such a fun time. We love our family and were glad that we could share these special birthdays with each of you.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tractor Ride
Elijah got to have a ride on our neighbors tractor today. Our neighbor was moving some dirt into his backyard so Elijah and I went out to watch him. Elijah learned how to put the bucket up and down and even got to steer. Here are some cute pictures of Elijah helping with the work.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Elijah Goes To The ER
On Monday the 13th of April Elijah had a little accident. I was doing dishes and Elijah was playing in the kitchen when he tripped and bumped his head into our heavy wooden benches for our table. I was to him immediately to see his head start to grow right before my eyes. It grew to about 2 inches out within about 30 seconds so I knew he needed his factor immediately. I was also concerned because it grew so fast that it started to open up the skin on the outside and bleed slightly.
I put Elijah down, even though he was still screaming, and grabbed the factor supplies and the phone. I called my good friend Shauni Snow who said she was coming right over. We got him factored within 10 minutes of the accident but I knew that he also needed to be seen at Primary Children's Hospital to make sure he was not bleeding under the skull as well. Shauni took Abe so that Elijah and I could start our 40 minute ride to the hospital.
The Hematology Department told us to go right to the ER for a head CT. Elijah definitely did not enjoy being confined to the table for the scan but the results showed that the bleeding was just on the outside of the skull. We were released after 3 hours and sent home.
It's been 5 days now since his accident and it looks like he has the bud of a little horn on his head and it's a nice yellow/green/purple/blue color all around it. It will take several weeks for the blood to go down in that area but we are once again feeling so blessed to have the factor available to us right in our home and a hospital that is close enough to help us when in need. Elijah is an active child and we are sure this will not be his last quick run to the hospital.
I put Elijah down, even though he was still screaming, and grabbed the factor supplies and the phone. I called my good friend Shauni Snow who said she was coming right over. We got him factored within 10 minutes of the accident but I knew that he also needed to be seen at Primary Children's Hospital to make sure he was not bleeding under the skull as well. Shauni took Abe so that Elijah and I could start our 40 minute ride to the hospital.
The Hematology Department told us to go right to the ER for a head CT. Elijah definitely did not enjoy being confined to the table for the scan but the results showed that the bleeding was just on the outside of the skull. We were released after 3 hours and sent home.
It's been 5 days now since his accident and it looks like he has the bud of a little horn on his head and it's a nice yellow/green/purple/blue color all around it. It will take several weeks for the blood to go down in that area but we are once again feeling so blessed to have the factor available to us right in our home and a hospital that is close enough to help us when in need. Elijah is an active child and we are sure this will not be his last quick run to the hospital.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Spring Break 2009
This past week was spring break and this year we had a full week off from school. Mom had fun taking pictures of the kids as they played together and even got some pictures of the family was playing basketball together one day. Yes...even getting some of dad. Each day mom took one of older 5 kids for some alone time with her. This was lots of fun!!
Abe Said The Funniest Thing
Today at church Abe was sitting next to mom when he turned to her and started to ask a question about cereal. Mom quickly stopped him and reminded Abe that we were at church and we needed to think about Jesus and not cereal. Abe then said, "But I don't want to think about Jesus". Mom patiently asked him again to think about Jesus.
Abe was quiet for a couple minutes when he turned to mom again and said, "Mom, I am thinking about Jesus eating cereal." Mom had to smile and admitted to rolling her eyes.
Abe was quiet for a couple minutes when he turned to mom again and said, "Mom, I am thinking about Jesus eating cereal." Mom had to smile and admitted to rolling her eyes.
Easter 2009
Today is Easter and after dinner tonight we decided to hide the Easter eggs. We decided to divide our kids into 2 groups. First to find the eggs were Elijah, Abe and Olivia. Justin, Jayd, Chancey and Lilah asked if they could hide the eggs for the younger kids and we agreed. It was really fun watching the younger kids as they went around the backyard to find their eggs.
Next dad and mom hid the eggs for the older four kids. This was fun as dad and mom as we were able to choose more difficult places to hide the eggs. It was fun to see all the kids working together to help find the eggs.
Of course the most difficult part of this whole process was trying to teach the children that they are now not just going to sit and eat all their candy. Abe has such a huge tantrum about this that he had to be sent to his room. Mom who was outside happen to see him crying out the window as he was pouting and snapped a picture. Someday that picture may become good blackmail. Our dog Dale enjoyed watching the kids and even shared some cute moments with Elijah.
Most of all this day is about our Savior Jesus Christ and our knowledge that he was Resurrected and lives to teach and direct our lives each day. We know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent of our sins and work toward living as an eternal family with our Heavenly Father some day. We are so grateful that we have this knowledge and that each day we can try harder to be worthy.
Next dad and mom hid the eggs for the older four kids. This was fun as dad and mom as we were able to choose more difficult places to hide the eggs. It was fun to see all the kids working together to help find the eggs.
Of course the most difficult part of this whole process was trying to teach the children that they are now not just going to sit and eat all their candy. Abe has such a huge tantrum about this that he had to be sent to his room. Mom who was outside happen to see him crying out the window as he was pouting and snapped a picture. Someday that picture may become good blackmail. Our dog Dale enjoyed watching the kids and even shared some cute moments with Elijah.
Most of all this day is about our Savior Jesus Christ and our knowledge that he was Resurrected and lives to teach and direct our lives each day. We know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent of our sins and work toward living as an eternal family with our Heavenly Father some day. We are so grateful that we have this knowledge and that each day we can try harder to be worthy.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
"Tie" Dyed Easter Eggs
I was told about a new way to dye eggs for Easter. You use mens silk ties. I think for our first try they turned out pretty nice. Here is the website that we learned how to do this. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/silk-dyed-eggs.html
Cupcakes
I had lots of flowers in the freezer left over from making my friends birthday cake that I decided to made Easter cupcakes for Matt's home teaching families and our friends Dave and Shauni Snow. I'm enjoying this new hobby although it is hard to do it with the boys around because they think they should eat everything I am making. My next project is a castle cake for Abe's birthday.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Too Cute For Words
Here are 2 more times that Elijah has kept me laughing. Yesterday he decided to put Olivia's pink hat on and make a mess of his breakfast. Cheerios were smashed all over him and the table. Of course he wanted to show me his messy hands that he was so proud of.
Tonight I asked Chancey to give Elijah his shower. After about a minute Chancey came running over to me asking for the camera. Then she came out a minute later laughing so hard and said that she couldn't take the pictures because she couldn't stop laughing so Jayd took over taking the pictures. Elijah had put on Abe's swimming goggles and with lasagna all over his face he sure made a great subject for the pictures.
Tonight I asked Chancey to give Elijah his shower. After about a minute Chancey came running over to me asking for the camera. Then she came out a minute later laughing so hard and said that she couldn't take the pictures because she couldn't stop laughing so Jayd took over taking the pictures. Elijah had put on Abe's swimming goggles and with lasagna all over his face he sure made a great subject for the pictures.
Friday, April 3, 2009
How Can They Be So Smart
The other day Abe was asking me why an chicken egg needed a mother. I told him that "everything has a mother" but before I could finish what I was going to tell him he proceeded to tell me that the reason is so that a mother tells the kids when to sleep, eat, play, and have treats. It made perfect sense to him.
Today at lunch Elijah decided he was done with his cheese tortilla melt so he got down from the table and got into the cabinets where we kept the Tupperware containers. He then got back up to the table and put his lunch in it deciding he would save it for later I guess.
Elijah is definitely observant. Today after we dropped the kids off at school I proceeded to take us home. Elijah started saying to me "not that way. See horse's other way". I usually go by a small farm that have 2 horses in the field but today with the rain I did not think they would be out. I told him the horses were in the barn and we would be going home. He said "OK home this way" and we continued home. It's amazing that our 2 year old watches where we go and how we get there as much as he does.
Today at lunch Elijah decided he was done with his cheese tortilla melt so he got down from the table and got into the cabinets where we kept the Tupperware containers. He then got back up to the table and put his lunch in it deciding he would save it for later I guess.
Elijah is definitely observant. Today after we dropped the kids off at school I proceeded to take us home. Elijah started saying to me "not that way. See horse's other way". I usually go by a small farm that have 2 horses in the field but today with the rain I did not think they would be out. I told him the horses were in the barn and we would be going home. He said "OK home this way" and we continued home. It's amazing that our 2 year old watches where we go and how we get there as much as he does.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Elijah's Day
Elijah is getting over a very bad cold but today he was much better...today he only cried on my lap one time rather than all day long so I was very grateful. He had some great moments so I'm glad I grabbed my camera when I did. Elijah LOVES to color. At good times we get him to color in his coloring books and at bad times he will draw on anything. The latest have been walls, books, measuring cups and a dish.
While Elijah was feeling sick Jayd brought up her "comfy chair" and let Elijah use it while watching video's in his room. He loves to snuggle with a blanket and a stuffed animal when he is in "his chair" which is what he calls it now. I'm sure Jayd is going to have to fight him for it in order to get it back.
After school today Jayd had track. The mom who picked her up stopped and got the girls an ice cream. Of course when she got home Elijah was sure it was for him. She was nice enough to share with him and he definitely enjoyed it.
While Elijah was feeling sick Jayd brought up her "comfy chair" and let Elijah use it while watching video's in his room. He loves to snuggle with a blanket and a stuffed animal when he is in "his chair" which is what he calls it now. I'm sure Jayd is going to have to fight him for it in order to get it back.
After school today Jayd had track. The mom who picked her up stopped and got the girls an ice cream. Of course when she got home Elijah was sure it was for him. She was nice enough to share with him and he definitely enjoyed it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
My First Decorated Cake
My good friend Shauni Snow is a cake decorator and makes such beautiful cakes. Shauni has been so kind to make birthday cakes for Abe and myself so because her birthday was coming up I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and try and decorate a cake for her. I picked a cake from the Wilton Cake Decorating Course 1 book and went for it. There were a ton of little flowers to make for this cake and Elijah and Abe enjoyed helping me make the icing and then eating it too of course. I still have so much to learn but it was a fun project and most of all fun to make it for Shauni. 
Orme Family Visit
Last weekend we were delighted to have my sister Jenn and her family come for a couple day visit. They arrived last Friday night so Saturday all the kids were excited to see each other and start playing. Jenn took the girls running (Jenn is training for a race) and Chancey, Lilah and Olivia were able to go almost a mile with her. GREAT job girls. Jayd and Jenn then continued and did a total of 4 1/2 miles. Jayd has joined the schools track team so the run was good for her. Later that day Bruno and his kids came for a visit. Drostan and Bruno then took all the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. They had a great time there. We were sure glad that the Orme family stayed with us and can't wait for them to come visit again. (It's too bad all the kids were not outside when I grabbed my camera.)
Jayd Playing Basketball
Jayd was on her church girls basketball team this year. She really enjoyed playing but we think it was the scoring of the boys basketball game after hers that she was really there for. :) Jayd's team got to the first round of regionals but unfortunately they lost. She did great at that game and I got a couple pictures of her as she played. Unfortunately my flash did not work very well but you can get the idea of how cute she was while she was playing.
Sharing A Swing
The children are really enjoying the new outside play sets that we put in the backyard. One of their favorite is definitely the swing set. With only 3 swings this means the kids need to share. Yes, mom said share. :) Jayd found a great way that she could swing at the same time as Elijah. She hooked the baby seat in higher so that she could still sit on the regular seat at the same time. Elijah now loves to swing with Jayd. Yes, Elijah is also eating "fishy crackers" at the same time as enjoying his ride.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Imaginary Friends Shirt
Thank you Mariah for reading about Elijah's imaginary friends and then sending him a shirt about imaginary friends. One of the pictures below looks like he is drugged...but we thought it was so funny that we had to include it. :-) 
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