So much stuff going on - I haven't had time to blog! But, I'm coming out of my hiatus to post this important information.
Global Orphan Team is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. I went with them in March on a mission trip - and had an amazing time!
They are currently holding a raffle to raise money for the organization. Raffle tickets are ONLY $5.00!! There are some great prizes. Please click here for details.
But wait - there's more!!
I will match every donation that my friends make. That's right - you can double your money. Just post a comment here, or send me an email at kimhartz@hotmail.com and let me know how much you donated and I'll match it.
Thanks in advance for helping the orphans in Guatemala!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Guilt
After coming back from Guatemala in July and again in March (I went to Guatemala for a week on a mission trip with Global Orphan Team ) I vowed to come back and make a difference. The poverty I saw - the need - the waste that we have in the US - and how it could be put to good use down there. I was determined to change my ways.
And then - life sets back in.
On Friday, I went and got a full body massage. It was wonderful - I hadn't had one in about a year. I then bought some product (some great foot relief lotion from Aveda and makes my feet happy and smells heavenly!). I spent about $100. That $100 could have fed baby Alex's family for about 2 weeks.
GUILT
Jay and I are planning a mini-vacation in July to Detroit (yes, I know, you are all VERY jealous). We've decided to go ahead and spend the money and stay at the MGM Grand. It's more expensive then the other places we were looking at, but it just works out better for our trip. The extra money we are spending could help pay for a month of support for all of the kids at Los Gozosos
GUILT
Jay and I went to IKEA on Saturday to pick out new furniture for our basement that we are finishing off. We picked out a couch (sleeper), ottoman, storage unit for Alex's toys (with baskets), desk, and shelving unit for the wall. We spent about $3,500 on paper. Do you have any idea what that money could do in Guatemala????
GUILT
I'm trying to figure out how I live my life - this is all I think about.
I think it was easier when I didn't know.
And then - life sets back in.
On Friday, I went and got a full body massage. It was wonderful - I hadn't had one in about a year. I then bought some product (some great foot relief lotion from Aveda and makes my feet happy and smells heavenly!). I spent about $100. That $100 could have fed baby Alex's family for about 2 weeks.
GUILT
Jay and I are planning a mini-vacation in July to Detroit (yes, I know, you are all VERY jealous). We've decided to go ahead and spend the money and stay at the MGM Grand. It's more expensive then the other places we were looking at, but it just works out better for our trip. The extra money we are spending could help pay for a month of support for all of the kids at Los Gozosos
GUILT
Jay and I went to IKEA on Saturday to pick out new furniture for our basement that we are finishing off. We picked out a couch (sleeper), ottoman, storage unit for Alex's toys (with baskets), desk, and shelving unit for the wall. We spent about $3,500 on paper. Do you have any idea what that money could do in Guatemala????
GUILT
I'm trying to figure out how I live my life - this is all I think about.
I think it was easier when I didn't know.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Easter 2009
I finally got all of the pictures downloaded off of my camera from March - May. I'm going to try to get caught back up. (hope this makes you happy, Mom!)
My grandmother had a tradition of making Easter Bread every year. It's a yeast bread with icing decorated to look like eggs in a nest. I LOVED Easter Bread and have missed it since her death.
Every year I tell myself I'm going to try to make it and every year I don't attempt it. This year was going to be different.
I got the recipe from my mom - called her AT LEAST 100 times during the process.
BUT - I DID IT!!!!! It turned out - it rose - it looked good - and it tasted pretty good as well. I think I overbaked it just a bit, but I was so pleased with my first attempt at yeast bread.
Here's what the final product looked like.
My grandmother had a tradition of making Easter Bread every year. It's a yeast bread with icing decorated to look like eggs in a nest. I LOVED Easter Bread and have missed it since her death.
Every year I tell myself I'm going to try to make it and every year I don't attempt it. This year was going to be different.
I got the recipe from my mom - called her AT LEAST 100 times during the process.
BUT - I DID IT!!!!! It turned out - it rose - it looked good - and it tasted pretty good as well. I think I overbaked it just a bit, but I was so pleased with my first attempt at yeast bread.
Here's what the final product looked like.
I had the cutest outfit for Alex for Easter. And, in true Alex fashion - he wouldn't wear it. The best Jay could do was the shoes and pants. He refused to wear the shirt, tie or jacket. So, if anyone wants a 3T madras jacket from Children's Place, let me know, since I don't think I'll ever get him in it.
Here are some pictures from the Easter Egg hunt at our church. I realized that most of the pictures I have I can't post as there are too many other kids in them.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Picture Catch Up
These are pictures that were on my camera from late December-March.
Alex decorating his first Christmas cookies.
Opening presents on Christmas morning. I LOVE these pjs!!!!!
Just some of his loot. I think I went overboard....just a little. :)
Alex was begging me to take pictures of him this day.
He wanted a picture of the cat.
He then went through a period of time where he wanted me to take pictures of him making faces. These pictures just crack me up.
Seriously.....could he be any more cute??????
Alex decorating his first Christmas cookies.
Opening presents on Christmas morning. I LOVE these pjs!!!!!
Just some of his loot. I think I went overboard....just a little. :)
Alex was begging me to take pictures of him this day.
He wanted a picture of the cat.
He then went through a period of time where he wanted me to take pictures of him making faces. These pictures just crack me up.
Seriously.....could he be any more cute??????
Pictures Soon...I Promise
I finally got a new cord to my camera, so I'm working on a picture post right now. I have a lot of catching up to do.
In the meantime:
1. Baby Alex's great-grandfather (yes, it ended up being his great grandfather) was able to get surgery and he is doing really good!! I got pictures which I will post soon.
2. My Alex celebrated his 3rd birthday a week ago. I still can't believe that he is 3. How is that possible??????
3. My friend, Melissa, sent home with me some puzzles that her daughter M. had outgrown. M. has given Alex a lot of things over the years so he knows who she is. When I told him that M. gave him these puzzles he said, "Is M. brown?" I said, "No, she isn't." He said, "Is she white?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Oh, ok!" He's really starting to notice skin color. I just pray that I continue to answer his questions appropriately!!
In the meantime:
1. Baby Alex's great-grandfather (yes, it ended up being his great grandfather) was able to get surgery and he is doing really good!! I got pictures which I will post soon.
2. My Alex celebrated his 3rd birthday a week ago. I still can't believe that he is 3. How is that possible??????
3. My friend, Melissa, sent home with me some puzzles that her daughter M. had outgrown. M. has given Alex a lot of things over the years so he knows who she is. When I told him that M. gave him these puzzles he said, "Is M. brown?" I said, "No, she isn't." He said, "Is she white?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Oh, ok!" He's really starting to notice skin color. I just pray that I continue to answer his questions appropriately!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I Need Your Help
One of the things I haven't blogged about yet is my recent trip to Guatemala. While I was there, I got to go see Baby Alex again. It was wonderful! But, I found out that his whole family had been very sick.
I just got this email from Sharon with Mayan Families:
Alex's grandmother is very , very ill. She is urinating and defecating blood. Apparently, she went to some healer, I am not sure if it was a real doctor or not and he inserted something inside her, I really can't understand what exactly it was but it has really exacerbated the problem that she was already having.
Juan Pablo says that it cannot be cured with medication, she is in urgent need of an operation as quickly as possible. It will have to be done by a specialist and the cost is $1,000 US.
This is obviously a lot of money.
I just got this email from Sharon with Mayan Families:
Alex's grandmother is very , very ill. She is urinating and defecating blood. Apparently, she went to some healer, I am not sure if it was a real doctor or not and he inserted something inside her, I really can't understand what exactly it was but it has really exacerbated the problem that she was already having.
Juan Pablo says that it cannot be cured with medication, she is in urgent need of an operation as quickly as possible. It will have to be done by a specialist and the cost is $1,000 US.
This is obviously a lot of money.
Juan Pablo is the doctor that Mayan Families uses. I don't have $1,000 that I can send - as much as I want to. But, I am going to send some money.
I know that times are tough right now for everyone - but - do you think you could give just a little to Mayan Families to help cover this operation? Even $5.00 would help get us to raising enough money to help this family.
You can donate directly to Mayan Families through PayPal and all donations are 100% tax deductible.
To donate - click on this link - Donate to Mayan Families Put your dollar amount under Healthy Families and then make a note in the Extra Notes section that this is for Baby Alex's grandma's surgery.
Please don't feel obligated to give - but I feel the need to do something.
UPDATED: Information was incorrect - it's actually Baby Alex's GRANDFATHER that is having the problems. He needs to have his prostate removed and it may be cancer. Thanks so much to everyone that has helped so far!!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Anyone Still Here?
I hope everyone has had a great couple of months.
I think I've gotten past my funk and am about ready to start blogging again.
I have so much to catch everyone up on - from Christmas - to how much Alex has grown up - to my trip to Guatemala that I was on last week with Global Orphan Team - to my thoughts on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. (I know - you guys probably can't wait to hear about that!!)
In the meantime I would like to wish you and your families a very Blessed Easter.
He Is Risen!!!!
I think I've gotten past my funk and am about ready to start blogging again.
I have so much to catch everyone up on - from Christmas - to how much Alex has grown up - to my trip to Guatemala that I was on last week with Global Orphan Team - to my thoughts on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. (I know - you guys probably can't wait to hear about that!!)
In the meantime I would like to wish you and your families a very Blessed Easter.
He Is Risen!!!!
Friday, January 09, 2009
I think I'm going to take an official blogging break. (even though it sure has seemed like I've been on an unofficial one)
I've been having a rough couple of weeks - and really a rough six months.
I don't know what it is - maybe a mid-life crisis - but I'm really trying to figure out where I am and where I want to go.
Poor Jay has been having to deal with my mood swings, breakdowns, and general moodiness.
I'll still be reading blogs and commenting when I can.
I'll still be on Facebook.
And, I will be back. I'm just not ready to write about what I'm feeling and what I'm going through.
Love you all!!!
I've been having a rough couple of weeks - and really a rough six months.
I don't know what it is - maybe a mid-life crisis - but I'm really trying to figure out where I am and where I want to go.
Poor Jay has been having to deal with my mood swings, breakdowns, and general moodiness.
I'll still be reading blogs and commenting when I can.
I'll still be on Facebook.
And, I will be back. I'm just not ready to write about what I'm feeling and what I'm going through.
Love you all!!!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2008 Recap
I'm going to steal an idea from Sarah and do a 2008 recap post.
Unlike some of my friends, 2008 was a very good year for my family. Nothing too exciting, but nothing horrible either. 2008 also marked a year that I got to know my blogger friends even better. I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that I have been able to "meet" so many of you. I don't consider myself to be a very good writer - I'm a much better talker (just ask anyone who knows me in real life!!) but I can't imagine what my life would be like without all of you in it.
January
January continued my bout with being sick constantly. This was also the month that we decided that I would have surgery. Alex went pee pee on the potty for the first time and he started his love of all things pink and princess.
February
February was practically consumed with getting ready for surgery - having surgery - and recovering from surgery. This is the month that Alex's language EXPLODED as well as his imaginative play. I also started my new job as our church's music director.
March
This had to be the most pivotal month of the year for us. March was when Jay and I learned about Baby Alex and decided to be his foster parents. What a month!!! We also got a big, late snow storm and had a fun Latin Family Connection event.
April
April brought on some complications with getting Baby Alex to the United States. I also got my new car and enjoyed a visit from my parents as they were one their way back to Ohio from their three month stay in Florida. Alex said his second and third full sentences (Mama, I like Dora and Mama, I like Geigo). We took a long weekend trip to St. Louis where we were going to buy a horse but ended up just bringing one home for Jay to train. I also got to spend some time with my former boss who now lives in St. Louis. We also discovered that Alex could count to 11 and was starting to learn his colors.
May
What a BIG month!!! Alex turned two. His language, play and independence started to blossom. This is also the month that Baby Alex came to our house. What a life changing month for us.
June
June brought Baby Alex's surgery being delayed because of his illness and then finally happening on my 13th wedding anniversary. Big Alex really blossomed as a "big" brother. And I discovered that I don't handle little sleep and high stress very well.
July
We had fun with both boys this month. Jay took them both to a Day out with Thomas, I took Big Alex to my aunt and uncle's Fourth of July party and we took the boys to a petting zoo. Baby Alex also started healing really well and crawling. We also started getting more and more attached to this little guy. This is also the month that I traveled back to Guatemala to take Baby Alex back to his parents. Words can not express how much I changed during June and July. What a lucky person I am to have experienced everything I did this summer. Life changing - never the same again - and so grateful for it.
August
August was a hard month and mostly a blur. Looking back on it now, I think I may have been in a slight depression for most of the month. Jay and I also took a mini-vacation with just the two of us. Alex got to spend a few days with my parents and it was the first time that we left him overnight like that. Jay and I had a great time in Chicago, and it was a much needed trip for both of us. (I actually just spend some time re-reading my trip posts from August.)
September
Still a blur. Alex was going through a stage in August and September. I now see it was a stage - but I was worried at the time. He was just horrible most of the time - but I think he was just trying out more of his independence. I was also changing blood pressure medicine - and not successfully, so I wasn't feeling well for much of September
October
What a great month - Guatoberfest, 2nd Forever Family Day, Jay's Birthday, hayrides and Halloween. Alex was still a handful this month, but it was getting better. He also went pee pee on the potty for the first time in a LONG time.
November
We had a great November. Alex's behavior started improving and we had our annual vacation to Sanibel Island. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it there, and I'm already looking forward to next year's (or I guess this year's!!) trip.
December
Christmas was so much fun with Alex this year (and yes, I know I haven't blogged about it yet). Potty training really started taking off this month, and Alex is becoming more and more like a little man.
Unlike some of my friends, 2008 was a very good year for my family. Nothing too exciting, but nothing horrible either. 2008 also marked a year that I got to know my blogger friends even better. I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that I have been able to "meet" so many of you. I don't consider myself to be a very good writer - I'm a much better talker (just ask anyone who knows me in real life!!) but I can't imagine what my life would be like without all of you in it.
January
January continued my bout with being sick constantly. This was also the month that we decided that I would have surgery. Alex went pee pee on the potty for the first time and he started his love of all things pink and princess.
February
February was practically consumed with getting ready for surgery - having surgery - and recovering from surgery. This is the month that Alex's language EXPLODED as well as his imaginative play. I also started my new job as our church's music director.
March
This had to be the most pivotal month of the year for us. March was when Jay and I learned about Baby Alex and decided to be his foster parents. What a month!!! We also got a big, late snow storm and had a fun Latin Family Connection event.
April
April brought on some complications with getting Baby Alex to the United States. I also got my new car and enjoyed a visit from my parents as they were one their way back to Ohio from their three month stay in Florida. Alex said his second and third full sentences (Mama, I like Dora and Mama, I like Geigo). We took a long weekend trip to St. Louis where we were going to buy a horse but ended up just bringing one home for Jay to train. I also got to spend some time with my former boss who now lives in St. Louis. We also discovered that Alex could count to 11 and was starting to learn his colors.
May
What a BIG month!!! Alex turned two. His language, play and independence started to blossom. This is also the month that Baby Alex came to our house. What a life changing month for us.
June
June brought Baby Alex's surgery being delayed because of his illness and then finally happening on my 13th wedding anniversary. Big Alex really blossomed as a "big" brother. And I discovered that I don't handle little sleep and high stress very well.
July
We had fun with both boys this month. Jay took them both to a Day out with Thomas, I took Big Alex to my aunt and uncle's Fourth of July party and we took the boys to a petting zoo. Baby Alex also started healing really well and crawling. We also started getting more and more attached to this little guy. This is also the month that I traveled back to Guatemala to take Baby Alex back to his parents. Words can not express how much I changed during June and July. What a lucky person I am to have experienced everything I did this summer. Life changing - never the same again - and so grateful for it.
August
August was a hard month and mostly a blur. Looking back on it now, I think I may have been in a slight depression for most of the month. Jay and I also took a mini-vacation with just the two of us. Alex got to spend a few days with my parents and it was the first time that we left him overnight like that. Jay and I had a great time in Chicago, and it was a much needed trip for both of us. (I actually just spend some time re-reading my trip posts from August.)
September
Still a blur. Alex was going through a stage in August and September. I now see it was a stage - but I was worried at the time. He was just horrible most of the time - but I think he was just trying out more of his independence. I was also changing blood pressure medicine - and not successfully, so I wasn't feeling well for much of September
October
What a great month - Guatoberfest, 2nd Forever Family Day, Jay's Birthday, hayrides and Halloween. Alex was still a handful this month, but it was getting better. He also went pee pee on the potty for the first time in a LONG time.
November
We had a great November. Alex's behavior started improving and we had our annual vacation to Sanibel Island. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it there, and I'm already looking forward to next year's (or I guess this year's!!) trip.
December
Christmas was so much fun with Alex this year (and yes, I know I haven't blogged about it yet). Potty training really started taking off this month, and Alex is becoming more and more like a little man.
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