Thank you so much everyone for the sweet birthday messages to Xela. She had so much fun reading them and they made me cry because I miss you all so much. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

I took some pictures of Brigham, Xela and Gabby playing in the rain. They get so excited when they see it raining. They run and grab their umbrellas and head out. Nathan still goes out every night to watch the rain. It is so amazing. It rains so hard and the thunder and lightning is so loud. I have never seen anything like it and it happens night after night. During the day we have light rains but plenty of sunshine. It as at night that the downpours come.

I also included pics from the girls combined B-day party. We had a great time. Gabby got play-doh stuff - her favorite, puzzles, and a Barney matching game. Xela got tons of art supplies, a movie and some shoes. I made the cake but it was so hot that day that it melted. UMMM - I think someone was supposed to give me cake decorating lessons as part of a b-day present!!!! I could have really used them!

One day Gabby said "Mom take my picture." and started striking poses on the countertop no less! It was so cute I couldn't help but give in and include the photos. She has started to sing all the time with a pretend microphone and immitate Hannah Montana. It has started early. She dances and strikes poses. She reminds me of Courtney at this age.

We went again on Saturday to the Hotspring Waterfalls and Lake Izabal. We took Temio's kids. They are having a hard time right now because their Mom deserted them again for like the third time. Temio is so sad and the kids are so young. It breaks my heart, so please include them in your prayers. They are such good kids and Temio is such a good guy! I didn't take pics at the waterfalls because we already posted some in April. The day at the Lake was a little cloudy this time and the water wasn't as clear because it was a little rough. The waterfalls are so cool. The falls are hotwater and the stream is cold. We climbed to the top of the falls and followed the stream to a pool of hot water. It was surrounded by jungle and felt like heaven.

Nathan and I have been thinking lately about the fact that we have seen no public libraries in Guatemala everywhere. When we visited Monkey last week he mentioned that he believes the reason Guatemala is in such poverty is because they don't read. I believe this is true also. If you are never exposed to the greats how can you find your own greatness and expand your thought process. All they get is Hollywood's version of the world through TV and then think they have to go there to be happy. They don't realize that here in Guatemala they can become great and make an impact in the lives of their friends and families here. Guatemala is a beautiful wonderful country with so much potential. Anyway a book I read recently also discussed this fact and I posted it in my classics book club online. Someone in my bookclub actually helps people start libraries in 3rd world countries and offered to help us. He gave me tips on how to find a location and then his ministry helps you build the building. I am sure the books will have to be donated also but they would need to be Spanish. We would need to figure out a way to get people here to donate unused books but I think once they get a book they treasure it. It is a luxury to own one. Anyway we are just starting to think on how it would work out. I feel that too many things happened at just the right time. It is definately something we are supposed to do. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

The boys earned a day with Dad by doing good in school so they are gone with him today. We are going to have a girl day. Movie and brownies (thanks Grandma). We have to break out a Jane Austen Classic movie!

Until next time!

Mel