because it's already two months later...

Timmy turned two years old two months ago, and while I did post about that, I never got around to posting some photos of his birthday party. It’s been my plan to do that, but, basically, I just don’t have time to, SO, I'm letting you all in on a little secret: I have another blog.  I started it a couple of months ago as a way to keep our parents more informed on all of Timmy’s funny stories and sayings. That blog is truly all things Timmy, so I’ve thought that it would just be a bit much for anyone who’s not Timmy’s grandma or grandpa to handle… BUT, you can go here to see some photos of his birthday party!  That blog will continue to be geared just for Timmy's biggest fans, but at least now I'll feel like I can cross this post off of the ever growing list of posts-I'd-like-to-write-but-can't-find-time-or-a-good-internet-connection-to-work-on.  Enjoy!

(also, if anyone knows how I can easily copy a post from one blog to another, including the photos, please let me know!)

busy, busy

We've been really busy lately.  I get frustrated sometimes that the times we are the busiest are the times that I actually have a lot to write about on this blog, but, because we're busy, I have no time to do it!  So, I end up just sharing little snippets every once in a while of what's going on with us.  I wish I could share everything - all the stories of people we're getting to know, all about the projects that Dan is working on, and photos of everything we're experiencing.  But, in the midst of the busyness, I'm going to have to be satisfied with little snippets. 

Here is what has been keeping us busy lately (besides, of course, the cutest little two year old boy ever):

• a women's retreat at church:  We had an all day prayer retreat for women from our church.  We focused on praying for women in the Muslim world.  It was a very sweet time.  I helped with planning a tea party for the afternoon.  Taking the place of the normal cafecito, the tea party, complete with teacups, saucers, and dozens of cookies from my kitchen, was a new experience for many. 
• a missions conference:  Our church has really been adopting a missions focus this year, which we love since it is a huge passion of ours, and we came here hoping to be part of encouraging latinos towards missions.  Dan and I were some of the speakers for the three day conference. 
• a sermon:  Dan preached his first sermon in Spanish a couple of weeks ago!  He put a lot of work into it, and God blessed him with the ability to communicate well and effectively.  Doesn't he look nice and calm in the photo to the right?  I was way more nervous than he was!
• a project trip: Dan lead a team of volunteers for a week long project at a school in San José. They designed a new building as well as a new entrance road and walkway into the property. Timmy and I were able to join the team for the last couple of days, and it was a joy to hear how God worked through them during that week!  (As you can see below, Dan is a great project leader.  Here he is - um - ordering Ben, his intern, to do something.  They were being silly.)

• relief to Haiti: Dan has been incredibly busy in the office finishing up two large projects for ministries in Haiti, as well as partnering with other EMI staff to create a cost-effective design for a house for the many people left homeless by the disaster in Haiti. The desire is for around 4000 of these houses to be constructed.
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  a visit from Dan's parents:  We were blessed with a wonderful week with Dan's parents.  They were able to be at our church the Sunday Dan preached, and to be here for Timmy's big birthday party.  We also got to do some exploring around beautiful Costa Rica and found some new favorite spots.  In the photo below, we're in Monteverde.

• a trip to the States:  Dan, along with two other staff members from our office, is in Colorado Springs this week meeting with other EMI US and Canada staff to develop some specific plans and standards for the relief effort in Haiti.  It is busy week of work, and we're praying for productivity, unity, and endurance for this team of EMI staff.  It's just Timmy and me at home this week and with the exception of another ant invasion and a leaking water tank, things have remained fairly calm.  Keep us in your prayers!

The list could go on; there is so much to tell!  But, I have limited free time this morning while a teammate is watching Timmy for me (thank you, Cindy!).  I hope to update more specifics, with more photos, soon!

Photo Friday: a special treat

When you live in Atenas, Costa Rica, far from any fast food restaurant, having Daddy bring home a surprise meal from Wendy's after his trip to San José is a special treat, making for a very happy boy!

And, our Very Special Treat for today is that Dan's parents are coming, arriving in just a couple of hours!  We're excited!

friends

This is a bit of a random post, but I wanted to post this fun photo of some of my girl friends here in Atenas.  We're at a Superbowl party at my neighbor's house.  For our Tico friends, it was their first time to watch an American football game, and, for me, it was my first ever Superbowl party outside, listening to the announcer in Spanish!.  We ladies weren't that into the game, so we were over at the snack table having a conversation that was a fun mixture of Spanish and English.

From left to right:  Michelle and her daughter; their family is former EMI staff who moved here to Atenas last year to work at the orphanage in our neighborhood.  I've just recently started to get to know her!  Next is Ana, my very first Tica friend and our dear neighbor.  Then, I'm sitting next to Iveth, my sweet kindred spirit and our pastor's wife.  Finally, in the front, there is Emily, one of our new interns whom I am starting to meet with weekly.  I think it's cute that we're randomly sitting gringa ~ tica ~ gringa ~ tica ~ gringa.  I'm thankful for these like-hearted women!

Photo Friday: the birthday boy

Our very happy big boy is now living on his new vroom-vroom!

What a fun day with our birthday boy!

Where, oh where, did my baby go?

Timmy turned two yesterday, and I'll admit, I cried on Tuesday night as I thought about it.  Is that silly?  Timmy cuddled for an extra long time at bedtime as we rocked in the rocking chair and sang our own little lullabies.  He fell asleep in my arms... and I held him for a long time snuggled against my chest, just gazing at his sweet little face and remembering the day that I held him for the first time.  What a precious day March 3, 2008 was, and what a precious little boy my Timothy has been ever since! 

But, really, how did he go so quickly from this tiny little infant,...

...to this adorably sweet and crazy, fun-loving toddler?

We love you more than words can express, Timmy boy.  We praise God for how He has blessed your life and development so far, and we pray that as you continue to grow, you'll know more and more how much we love you and how infinitely much more our Savior loves you.  Happy birthday, sweetie.