Los Primos!

Georgia and her cousins Beatriz and Hector about to go swimming and ready for action!

Papi and Gigi having fun!

I've seen these plants in containers as houseplants, but never as a bush in the ground. Like every plant here, this bush exceeded my expectations for the plant in its natural habitat. It was gigantic!

Tio Rodolfo being choked with love.

Ladies of leisure enjoying the sun and a copy of Vanity magazine.

Abuelita Tenchi shys away from my picture-taking. Here I caught her by surprise. I love her dress!

Meanwhile Cynthia was preparing some delicious paella for the hungry crew.

A master at work.

Bon appetit!

Later that day more and more visitors showed up. I think the guards at the front began to wonder what sort of party we were planning on throwing.This is only half of all who came.

Feliz Navidad!

Here is the interior of the Catholic church in the center of Retalhuleu. It is arrayed in its Christmas splendor. The tradition in Latin America is that one attends midnight mass and then returns home for a feast of traditonal food, including the ever-tempting tamale. The festivities last all night long heralded in by a string of fireworks and firecrackers at the moment the clock strikes midnight. Since there are little ones in the family right now we didn't actually go to mass. Instead we let the kids swim at Irtra and then we went to Cynthia and Hector's house for a delicious pork and tamale dinner. Which, a note on Cynthia as chef, she is an artist in the kitchen. I've had a lot of good meals, but these meals have been prepared with instuctional RECIPES or by someone who has had years of education in the culinary arts. Cynthia, on the other hand, is a natural chef and concocts the most amazing combinations of food straight from some inner source of food knowledge that she must have been born with. Ever since I met her 10 years ago she has always been working wonders in the kitchen. I remember the first turkey she served me, the pasta with eggs in Spain and now I can't get that pork dinner, with its garlic and apples out of my head. I also think that preparing wonderful meals is how she shows love to her family. It takes a lot of energy and effort to prepare the kind of meals she makes, and I know the cooking that she did over the holidays was a way to tell her brother, my husband, that she loves him very much.

Anyway, after our meal, Beatriz and Georgia performed an impromptu concert and ballet with numerous repetitions of Cielito Lindo, Los Pollitos Dicen and Doe a Deer from the Sound of Music. At midnight I rushed the girls upstairs, where Hector was sleeping, and low and behold as the fireworks were exploding we heard the distinct voice of Santa cheer HO! HO! HO! When we went back downstairs he had left all sorts of presents. Favorites were a microphone where the singers could continue their concert and for Hectorcito his train sets.

It was an exhausting, enjoyable evening. Unfortunately my photos are blurry from that night. All I have are my vivid memories, but sometimes that is enough. In the future, as the kids get older, I hope that we can attend mass. Although I am not Catholic, I love the rituals and traditions of the Catholic church especially at Christmas time.

IRTRA

We stayed at a sort of paradise-on-earth, resort-compound in Rodolfo's home town of Retalhuleau. Truly, it was a beautiful location. The resort is called IRTRA and besides the enormous amount of land they have set aside for accomodations and restaurants it has connecting theme parks much like Disney World with rides, shows, and fun. Rodolfo's godmother, Iliana, metioned that it has won an award for best resort in the world and I believe it. This place is manicured, the service was top notch and I felt safe and spoiled here. The above picture is of the house that we rented for a week on the Irtra property. The sad reality is, though, that beyond the walls of this resort, much poverty exists. Guatemala is a land of extremes and this gorgeous place is on the extreme luxury side of the equation. I felt guilty staying here because it was like a suspension of reality. But then I got to thinking about it, and I don't think one can quite define a place like this as "suspension of reality". Rather it is just reality without the bad. Because good and beauty are realities too and this place was full of both.

Guacamayas were strategically placed around the resort. These birds are native to Guatemala.

That I could grow hydrangeas to this enormous size! I'm jealous of the eden-esque fertility of Guatemala's volcanic soil.

Here is me and Georgia sitting next to what is supposed to replicate a Spanish fountain.

Gi-normous! If I'm not mistaken, this is the national tree of Guatemala.

Okay, I just had to put a picture of one of the gazillion pools on the hotel side of the resort. Can someone please say ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! We ate breakfast overlooking this pool.

Bougainvillea, oh that you too would grow in Oklahoma. Heaven will have this vine, at least I hope it does because I can't get enough of it!

El Chapin Returns Home!

The family reunited! I don't know when was the last time all 3 siblings and parents were together. 10 years ago before Cynthia left for Spain? Or maybe 2 years ago when Rodolfo went for Christmas in 2006? He was so happy to see his mom & dad, Cynthia and Luis Pedro. Everyone met us in the captial where we spent the first day arriving and the second day running around town learning about adoption options. This photo was taken at Fiorella's Italian eatery in the heart of the city on the second day. The capital looked very festive with a huge tree of lights and decorations down the Champs-Elysee replica street.

Georgia meets her cousin Sophia! She was thrilled to finally see in person the first of many cousins that she had seen in photos only. Sophia did a great job taking care of Georgia on the jungle gym at the restaurant. The two of them also had a blast hopping around the parking lot before we left for Reu. Doesn't Orietta look happy in this photo?

And here is a truck loaded down with pineapples. You just don't see those type of things here in Oklahoma. For some reason it delights me, these types of differences between my home and Rodolfo's home. I like this picture a lot.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Talk about Cabin Fever! The winter has barely begun and I'm already day-dreaming of Caribbean getaways and beachy attire. Yesterday, when it was around 20 degrees F, I wrapped Gigi, Wally and myself up and we went on a walk! It was frigid outdoors but oh so glorious to be out of the house! My goodness. And the sky is gray and dismal to boot. I find myself wondering how I ever survived this weather before? But Gigi and Wally are rays of sunshine in the cold. Here they are yesterday, after our walk, playing around and having fun. Gigi decided to put her head-band on Wally. She got a real kick out of seeing him adorned in what now looks to me like sunshine. I am going to officially name that the "sunshine headband". Makes me feel better already.

Too Much Fun!

Just had the funnest time with Ashleigh and Michelle! They came over this chilly morning to hang out and visit. Gigi talked about Ashleigh's pending arrival all morning. Once they were here she imitated everything Ashleigh would say and do! These two are pretty inseperable once they are together. They played for 2 hours straight! That's a long time for toddlers! Ashleigh did a great job at sharing and I think Gigi might need to take a few lessons from her friend in this arena. Besides a couple of sharing episodes, and an accidental lock out in the closet, they had a wonderful time. We can't wait to see them again!

Welcome Baby Elle!

Welcome to the family Elle-belle! Ellyn Claire Pittman arrived Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:54 AM. She is a true beauty and looks like her mother, my sister, Mindy Pittman. Elle has fair skin, blondy-brown hair and blue eyes. She certainly made our weekend exciting. Mother, father and baby are in excellent form. Mindy is overjoyed at the sight of her first daughter and loves snuggling with her. John is diligently guarding the nest and making sure all needs are met for mother and daughter. We had the pleasure of watching John give Elle her first bath and change her (his) first diaper. Mindy and John are going to make fabulous parents I can already tell! You are one lucky girl Ellyn and we are so glad you are here!! Gigi had a grand old time holding you for a few seconds. She's been talking about it all night long. I think you two are going to be great friends. We can't wait to see you again little angel! love, Aunt JoDee

Harvest Day

Gardens! Gardens! Gardens! That is all I have been thinking about as of late. Celebrating Thanksgiving is really just a big celebration of the year's harvest. Even though we are no longer much of an agircultural society we continue to celebrate this most American of holidays. Part of me wishes we could still feel the real "Thanksgiving" of a boutiful harvest. I love the idea, though maybe not the difficult reality, of working the earth and watching food emerge from it. I recently read Animal, Vegetal, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The book preaches the virtues of eating locally. It is an interesting read. In it she proclaims that the only truly "American" food that our country's citizens unanimously share is the Thanksgiving meal. The Turkey, the cranberry sauce, etc. are a meal that all Americans eat and love. I've always thought that the United States had several foods unique to the States. For example, jambalya from Louisiana, bar-b-que from the Southwest and Clam Chowder from the Northeast. But. as Kingsolver points out, these are regional meals and not eaten by everyone in the country. The ubiquitous hamburger comes to my mind as another option... it is very American and very universally eaten. But, I suppose it is not the most traditional of foods if we are looking at history over the entire span of our country. Kingsolver doesn't mention the hamburger, that I recall, so I still think it could win a decent second position in the limited "American" food culture.

Anyway, to commemorate Harvest Day, Gigi made some art work of a turkey at school. Here is her piece. Isn't that so cute? They used pre-cut pieces of fabric and glued them onto the paper along with some buttons for eyes. Gigi explained to me how she laid each piece down and pressed on them with her fingers. I'm assuming she had some help with the positioning of each piece. So, it may not be 100% original artwork, but I love it all the same.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, a few days late!

Dress Up

Wearing Mama's shoes. So chic!

Ahdah

Georgia is saying and doing really hilarious things. Today I loudly sneezed twice and afterward she put her hands over her ears and said "Mommy's sneeze blows my ears out". Ha! It is true, I do have a loud sneeze. One time I set off our house alarm by sneezing.

Some words she mis-pronounces. At her school they sing a song before they eat. The end of the song they sing "A-amen, A-amen." However, when Gigi sings the song she says "A-amint, A-amint." This is probably because she and I would eat mint out of our garden this summer. We were always talking about the mint when we were outside.

The word she uses for "downstairs" is "downsteins". The word for "pillow" is "pudd-o" and my favorite, when she wants her sunglasses in the car she asks for her "ahdah". I don't know how she came up with "ahdah" for "sunglasses". The word in Spanish is "lentes" or "gafas". Which, now that I think about it, perhaps she is mixing up the word "gafas", but whatever she has done, I'm pretty sure that she has invented a new word with that one. Here is a picture of her in the car on our way to church a couple of Sundays ago with her "adahs" on!

An Evening Walk

The other evening (October 30 around 5:30PM b/f the time change) when Rodolfo came home from work he asked if I would like to go down to the Myriad Gardens to walk around. I'm so glad he suggested it because it was just gorgeous out there. We saw lots of professional photographers snapping photos. Luckily I had my camera in my purse. We positioned ourselves and Gigi in the same spots we saw the photographers positioning their clients so that we too could take advantage of the light and landscaping. Rodolfo reminded me of the obscure fact that I.M. Pei designed the Myriad Gardens. I had forgotten this fact, for shame, for shame. Pei also designed the glass pyramids outside of the Louvre. Aren't we lucky to have such high design in OKC? I want to return to the gardens to talk with some of the landscapers that work there. Maybe they can give me ideas for my own garden!!!

Palin Power!

Gigi went with me to the polls today and we cast our vote. Here she is playing with the sticker they gave us. For a few weeks in September I considered voting for Obama, but ultimately decided that he just didn't jive with some of the issues that are central to my heart-- especially the issue of abortion. Obama is a great choice, though, for the natural gas industry-- important to Oklahoma and our family. I think that Obama will win, but I certainly am cheering on McCain. Palin was the deciding factor for me. I admire her so much for her courage and gusto. It was endlessly spoofed on Saturday Night Live that she would just be one heart beat away from being President. And all I have to say is, what's wrong with that? Contrary to the cliched sentiment around here, I think that her experience combined with her wit, energy and character make her an excellent choice for the office. If McCain doesn't win this time around, I'm all for Palin for President 2012!

Here are the flags flying outside of the location I cast my vote. Isn't that a sight to be proud of? God Bless the USA!

Here is me casting my vote. I wonder if it was legal for me to take this photo. Hopefully so. I just wanted to record my vote in this historic election. I bet the stock market soars tomorrow.

Just because...

Nothing particularly special was happening when I took these pictures this weekend. I just thought I would post them just because I like 'em.

Showered with Love

We celebrated ELLE on Sunday afternoon with a girly girls shower. It was the first time I have ever thrown a party and felt great at the end! I think it was because I had so much help. Everyone pitched in to make this a fabulous event! Much thanks especially to Laurie with all of her ideas and efforts to keep me on track. Above is Mindy and Wynter opening gifts. Below is the table spread. Isn't that delightful? I loved how Laurie decorated with limes... very clever and cost efficient too!

Here is Marcie's legendary champagen punch. She and her mom Linda just came on in and set up shop like they are pros at throwing a great get together (which that is actually true, Linda's been throwing tea parties since I was 5)! Wynter came up with a brilliant idea to flavor the water with limes and lemons. And it is sooo pretty!! Great thinking Wynter!

Here is my beautiful Granny who looked as elegant as ever on this occasion! This is who Ellyn ("Elle") Claire will be named after. My grandmother has been a role model of patience, optimism and maternal love for as many years as I have known her (and more!). All the women in my family strive to be like her. I love you Granny!

Mother Nature is fall's fairy

Today, our neighbor, Mother Nature, handed Georgia several beautiful gifts (see above). This woman's garden amazes and inspires me. There is always something lovely in bloom. She first gave Gigi a melon colored azalea blossom (from her come again azaleas, apparently they bloom repeatedly, I'm going to have to get me some of these). Then she handed Gigi two gorgeous jewel-toned leaves from her pin oaks. Next she handed Gigi those little yellow flowers, I don't know what they are called. She then took us to her backyard and showed us what she has growing in her garage. Lime trees!!!!! She over-winters them in the garage and presently has limes growing on them. She handed me the lime. Its scent was citrusy and oh so fresh! Finally, as we were leaving she plucked that pink rose and handed it to Georgia, whose hands were too full and I carried it home. What a wonderful way to show love! With blooms from your garden. Thank you Mother Nature!
P.S. The lavender leaf is from my own garden. I just threw it in there because I'm so proud that my lavender actually grew this year!!!!!!!!!!!!