Dia de la Bandera

For those who believe that the US is the most nationalistic country in the world, you should definitely visit Argentina. June 20 was National Flag Day and everyone displayed the flag in many forms. I even saw taxis drive by with signs displayed prominently in the rear window warning potential commuters that you would not be picked up if were not sporting National colors. Dia de la Bandera is the anniversary of the death of Miguel Belgrano, who created the current flag.

The kids each had "performances" at school. It was a great opportunity to experience the Argentine National pride. Teachers and parents also displayed pins and flags on their clothing and flying from their cars.




This is the Kindergarten. The 3's wore National Soccer Jerseys, the 4's wore panchos to represent the campo (traditional Argentine apparel) and the 5's wore fabric creating the pattern of the flag.

Our Blogging Vacation

A combination of pregnancy, moving, and waiting for Photoshop have kept us from blogging, in hopes of having more time later when I can I make up for my lack of natural photography skills. I still don't have Photoshop on our new computer, but I have decided that it has been far too long since I have kept up with my attempt to have a decent family journal. If I don't do it now, I will also have a new baby in the mix and yet another excuse for not posting. I will wait for Photoshop before I post our Mexican vacation photos, but here is everything since then...

Naming Our Angel

What is it about naming a baby that makes me so nervous and frustrated? I want her to have the perfect name and one that will fit her personality. Scientists have been debating for years as to whether or not it is the person that defines the name of the name that defines the person. Study after study has been conducted and many conclude that your name determines success.

What is a mom to do? There is so little time left and we just can't seem to find a perfect name that we can agree on. And the worst part is that you'd think this wouldn't be as difficult because we have previous experience, but it just seems to makes it more complicated.

Please, oh please, I pray that we settle on one sooner than later....

Our Newest Blazer Dancer

"A packed Wonder Ballroom was the setting for the final round of auditions to determine which 16 ladies would grace the Rose Garden floor as BlazersDancers during the 2008-2009 NBA season. The 32 finalists shook, spun and jumped their hearts out in front of panel of eight judges and hundreds of fans in hopes of earning a spot on one of the best dance teams in the NBA. Eleven BlazerDancers from last season participated in the tryouts, as no spaces on the team are reserved for former members. They did, however, get a bye into the finals.

Comcast was also on hand to record the auditions for a reality TV show set to air later this year, adding to the excitement for both the dancers and their fans.

After three rounds of cuts two weeks prior and interviews with Trail Blazers front office staff, the final 32 dancers were put through a grueling four routine final, testing their ability to perform various styles of dance, both in a group and as individuals. Finalists danced to Satisfaction, Beyonce's "This One Thing", Solo's Hot Time Out and Twilight Zone. Along with the provided routines, each dancer had to create their own solo routine.

One routine, set to Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction,” tested the dancer’s ability to share the stage with up to two other performers. The most frenetic and technical of the two team choreographed routines, each dancer had to be watchful of the other dancers on the stage while executing a wide array of athletic moves ranging from contemporary to hip-hop.

Another routine, solos choreographed by the dancers themselves, allowed each contestant to display their creativity through the dance itself and their costume. Most of the finalists chose a routine befitting the kind of performance typical during a timeout at a Trail Blazers game, though some dancers chose to display their skills by performing more artistic and adventurous dances.

The finalists rejoined their previous groups for the last dance, a typical BlazerDancer pom-pom timeout routine common during the later stages of a game at the Rose Garden. Along with performing a set routine, each dancer had to freestyle for two eight-count measures, testing their ability to play to the crowd while falling back into place in time to sync up with their fellow dancers. The former BlazersDancers, already having the benefit of previously going through the tryout, looked particularly comfortable performing a routine they had already perfected during the 2007-2008 season.

After a brief break, the judges conversed among themselves, eventually asking for 16 of the dancers to perform the “Satisfaction” routine again. Those dancers were scored one more time before the judges were comfortable with turning in their scores.'

Taken from www.nba.com

Our Anniversary

When we were first married and for the 3 years that followed, we studied for finals together, stayed up late playing games and talking all summer long, made crazy trips home (22 hours) without sleeping longer than our car would stay warm at a truck stop, dreamed of all of the things that we would one day be able to accomplish, and managed a checkbook that rarely went over a few thousands dollars (and only after a long summer) and sometimes managed to carry no more than few cents. I cheered from the sidelines for years as Steve pursued the coveted sac from the defensive line. It put us through college. All the while, with special permission, I took more credits each semester than normally permitted in order to graduate in three and half years so that we would finish together.

Now, 8 years later, these are but faint memories as we live on the other side of the world raising two children and preparing for a third in a few short weeks. We are living the life that we so often dreamed of and discussed. We are where we have always wanted to be at this stage in our life. Traveling, making a difference, and raising happy, healthy children, while still enjoying staying up too late together.

Steve, thank you for a wonderful 8 years filled with lots of love, laughter, and growth. Thank you for working so hard for your family and for your country. I love you.

Moving Day Has Arrived

I can stop holding my breath now because my house is filled with boxes and packing paper! We really are moving.

As a note: The same guys are here to pack the boxes as those who delivered our boxes and car 8 months ago. Immediately, when I started explaining to them what would go first and what was staying, they stopped and looked at me as they commented on my vastly improved spanish and expanded vocabulary. I have to admit that it is still rather pathetic, it is just that I can get my point across now. Who knows if I will ever really be able to conjugate anything properly... Poco y poco.

After 8 months...

...in temporary housing, we are MOVING!!!

On Saturday, Steve and I moved and assembled the kids bunkbeds.

The surveyor just inventoried our belongings and determined how much time it will take them to move us. We are moving on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

We will just keep praying. We can't believe anything until we see it! There is actually a possibility that I might get the house together before the baby arrives. WooHoo!!!

A Lasting Impression

Me: Did you have fun in Mexico?
P: You know it... Uncle Bic get big owies on his showders. On dis one and dis showders. (As she points to each one)
Me: Oh, was it red?
P: No, it was white.
Me: Did you give it a kiss to make it feel better?
P: No, Shelly do it. He trying to cleaning it already. He getting a napkin for it.
Me: Did he clean it to make it feel better?
P: No, he not clean it. It bad.
Me: How did he hurt his shoulders?
P: I don't know. (pause) From the sun. It was sunburned.
Me: Why did the sun hurt him?
P: He just playing on the beach one time.
Me: Is Uncle Vic so fun?
P: "He says, 'Hi P'" (In almost identical intonation in her voice)
Me: Did you play with Uncle Vic in the pool?
P: No. I sit on his lap. (pause) I sit on Shelly's lap. I want to sit on her lap one time and Uncle Bic's lap too, k? He is wearing his own hat. I just sit in da middle.
Me: Did Uncle Vic take you down the water slide?
P: Yeah, he pushed me.
Me; Did you have fun?
Me: Yeah, you go down the slide with him too, k? And Abe too. And Daddy too, k?


From sand castles to Wii... thanks Uncle Vic and Aunt Shelly for making such a lasting impression on my children and going out of your way to spend time with them. Vic, I am sorry that you had to suffer the consequences of the most lasting impression of them all...

In 100 Days...

I will fall in love again with a beautiful, innocent, perfect angel sent from heaven.

La Plata - Day Two

After a traditional Argentine breakfast of medialunas, juice and drinkable yogurt, we headed to the Natural History Museum and Paseo del Bosque (the Forest Promenade) and the Magical Caves. It was so cold that the kids didn't last long in the Forest Promenade before heading to see the wide array of dinosaur skeletons that the Natural History Museum had to offer. They were both highly anticipating the Saber-Toothed Tigers that they knew were waiting for them at the entrance. Peyton hasn't quite determined the difference between statue and reality (which we discovered in Puerto Vallarta), so it took a bit of coaxing to get her to sit within inches of the "guards at the gate".

We look forward to going back when it warms up! Brrr... we are cold!

La Plata - Day One

For Father's Day, (which happened to fall on an Argentine holiday weekend), we headed to La Plata. La Plata is a city of 550,000 people about an hour south of Buenos Aires. It was a planned city which is home to a large number of Federal Government offices. Besides the government work, the city relies on tourism.

Here is the hotel that we stayed in. I do NOT recommend staying here. The lobby is nice, but the rooms were in desperate need of renovation, which might be an understatement. However in front of the hotel, in yet another small park, there was a small children's carousel. Although it was absolutely freezing, as evidenced by the photo of Peyton on the horse, they rode it over and over and over.




After our time on the carousel, we headed to see the Cathedral and City Hall, which large located on the opposites end of a large plaza..In the plaza, there is a small trains than circle the outer perimeter. There are many vendors selling bubbles and other knick knacks, as well as mini toddler go carts for rent.

Airline Fees

I just stumbled on a small article about airline fees. A friend had mentioned that American Airlines has instituted a new charge for your first bag of $15, as well as a second bag for $25. I was surprised by this new cost-saving strategy by the airline, considering that there are few trips (with or without children) that can be made without luggage. I suppose that is the point. 150 seats times $15 is about the equivalent as adding 8-10 more payed passengers to each flight without the overhead.

However, I was taken back a little by the following article. We all knew that it was a matter of time, but now it looks as though they (at least US Airways and Spirit Air, for now) are going to charge us $2 for soft drinks, juice and water. Maybe this means that they will be more willing to relinquish the entire can, I mean we did pay for it. Some additional fees seem reasonable, considering that not everyone uses all of the services, however this seems unfair considering that you can not bring liquids through security. We are usually well stocked with snacks, knowing that food service is limited and that we are traveling with toddlers. We have the opportunity to pack lunch outside of the ridiculously over-priced terminal.

Other fees include: Seat assignment (no, not class preference - we all know that we pay too much for this upgrade), lap infants, headphones, "comfort kits" for a pillow and blanket, snack boxes and over-the-phone booking.

So here is my question... Would you rather pay the additional "amenity" charges for each flight or have the fees bundled into the fare?

P.S. We will be posting our Mexico photos soon...

Nighttime Rituals

Each night, the kids go to bed in their own beds in their respective rooms. I spend time with each to help them get in the mood to fall asleep quickly. Once I leave, I often hear chatter between them as they call out to talk to the other. Then there is silence. I expect that they are each soundly sleeping alone and yet more than 50% of the time, I find them like this...


When I ask Abe why he is sleeping with Peyton or vice versa, he replies, "I just needed someone to cuddle."

Disclaimer: No, Peyton is not taller than Abe... yet.

Class of '08

Congratulations to our newest college graduate! My sister, Cristi, is one of the hardest working, talented people that I know. She is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out.

We are SO proud of you! You have many wonderful years ahead of you and we can't wait to see where life takes you.

Puerto Vallarta 2008

Biannually, all of the Barlows head to Mexico for a activity-packed week at Paradise Village in Puerto Vallarta. We played games, took pictures, swam with the dolphins (some of us even swam with sea lions), dove for candy beneath the pinatas, built a sand castle, spent hours on water slides, played more games, took more pictures, ate, laughed, danced and enjoyed spending quality time together as an extended family.

This year we totaled 21. We were 12 adults and 9 children, of whom the oldest is 7 with 3 more on the way. In our attempt to document the vacation, we managed to take hundreds (if not a thousand, literally) of pictures combined between families. We will continue to post our favorites throughout the week.

Fire

On another adventure, a friend and I were driving down a major road when we were cutoff by a fire truck, who proceeded to pull in front of us and stop. I happened to have my camera to capture what we saw.

Antiques

Last week, my friend took me downtown to an area of Buenos Aires filled with antiques. She found a shop that sold hundreds of antique chandeliers and was headed to pick up her newly refurbished gem. It was an wonderful area and a place that I will definitely go back to. There was an area filled with the works of local artists and many shops with perfectly aged furniture. There were plenty of deals to be had if I really had an idea of their value.

This is just one aisle of the store. This woman was selling some of the most beautiful chandeliers, but I am afraid that she really needs a display manager and a marketing specialist. It really was hard to decipher one from another. With a good eye, you really can find a steal. Her prices were a little more than half of the neighboring shops, but they only displayed a few at a time, already rewired with the lights on.


I found these paintings and have been thinking about them since we left. I prefer the 19th century tango men to the right.



This is a quick picture of the cafe we stopped in for a "must have food" pregnancy stop, where I found a fantastic pastry-like pie filled with mozzarella, tomato and basil.

We are patiently awaiting...

... another girl!

Our Own American Gladiator

Japanese Train Loaders

Although it is not quite this rough and formalized, sometimes the trains here in Buenos Aires feel pretty close to this.

Dia del Trabajador

May 1st is Dia del Trabajador in Latin America. The US Embassy was closed, so we took advantage of the day and headed to San Antonio de Areco which is about a hour and a half north of where we live. Many of the shops and restaurants were closed, but we enjoyed the park, ate at an authentic Argentine restaurant and convinced Steve to ride a horse for the very first time!

Our Bikes

We have had quite a few "colder-than-you'd-expect" kind of days, but all in all it has been really nice.

Steve bought this bike from a friend who recently moved back to the States for $50 pesos. It was originally owned by someone who was tall and came with a bike seat for the kids. I then took my bike into a local shop and had a seat installed, as well as a basket on the front for carrying a few extra things. I couldn't look more like a mom on my comfort Schwinn, adored with "Mom Gear", but I LOVE it. Steve and I have been able to take the kids out on quite a few weekend rides around the neighborhood. It is also easier to run an errand or two in the area on a bike rather than navigate the one-way roads. As I continue to get more and more pregnant, I am grateful that the weather will also be less permitting of this fun outdoor family activity, however I have a feeling that the boys will be out riding well into the mild winter.

Kraft Mac and Cheese

Having lived in Argentina just slightly shy of 6 months, we have finally run out of the Costco 12 pack of Mac and Cheese that we had packed with our household goods. Now, I know that this does not sound like such a travesty to the majority of you, however this was the final source of cheddar (or the flavor that is) cheese. I have often said that of all of the foods that I miss, Cheddar Cheese ranks #1. I love cheddar alone, but I really love Mexican food. Good 'ole Tex Mex just isn't the same topped with a mozzarella-like variation. This however brings up a very controversial question in the Foreign Service circles. It could probably be debated for hours...

Should you hold on to American customs or embrace the country that you live in? Or can you have a little bit of both?

This is fun...

81

and Steve...

126

Just a Teaser...

Don't forget that you also have a great place to stay!

Without Meat Once More?

Again, we are headed to the supermarkets and preparing our food storage because it appears that after a 30 day "peace period" between Argentine Farmers and the President, no progress has been made. For 3 weeks in March, Farmers protested and went on strike by not allowing delivery trucks from the provinces into the city with food. Major grocery stores were barren and meat was something to be pulled from your freezer. Many restaurants, including well-known grills, did not have meat to serve to its guests. The farmers were well organized when they cut off these truck routes, but the government is hoping that the farmers will not be as successful at mobilizing this time. She has cancelled scheduled meetings with grain farmers and will not budge on her stand with the meat farmers after making promises of compromise in order to get the farmers to back down for the past month. Kirchner is losing major public support.

Inflation here is out-of-control and is affecting us greatly. Caps are held on prices of items monitored by foreign investment banks, however independent organizations speculate that inflation is somewhere between 20-35%. Just since our arrival in November, prices have soared. The kids are in local Argentine schools where the year begins in March. Both school have increased prices (the more expensive one by 12.5%) since school began to make up for increased operating costs. The only thing that softens the blow is the increasing value of the dollar to the peso.

Here is an interesting article with further explanation from the New York Times:

In Argentina’s Grain Belt, Farmers Revolt Over Taxes

Halloween 2007

Steve has finished cutting and editing our home videos from the past year. This was our last night with friends before we moved and the only one small enough to actually post. Thanks for a fun night and way too much candy!



For those of you bored by 4 minutes of trick or treating, skip through about halfway to the Dancing Pumpkin. :)

The Mormon Truths

My friend Laura had this link to The Truth About Mormons on her blog, which she found on Tiffany's blog. (I don't know Tiffany, but man would I like to know Gabriele, the author of the noted post!)

For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

Newsroom: The Official Resource for News Media, Opinion Leaders, and the Public

Mormon.org

Family Day with Our Tiger

We spent the afternoon at Abe's school, getting our faces painted, jumping on inflatables, eating chorizo, fishing, doing the army crawl and supporting the PTO. It was a beautiful day and a great excuse to be outside!

Abasto Mall Children's Museum

This is one of, if the the most, beautiful children's museum that I have ever been to. It is jam packed with so many fun interactive activities for the kids. There is a mini-Mcdonalds, mini-grocery store and mini gas station for the kids to make sandwiches and use fake money to buy items from the store. On the other side of the mall, there is also an indoor carnival and amusement park rides. The rides are well-done, but not as impressive as the amount of rides that they have been able to fit into a small space. The mall also boasts the only Kosher McDonalds outside of Israel. I wish that I had more photos to share, but we were too busy playing and running after the kids to have much time for the camera. Therefore, the pictures without the kids are ones that I found on flickr and have linked back to the photographer as not to take credit for their work.


At the entrance

Playing in the Gas Station

Riding on the Ferris Wheel

Friends

Yerba Mate

Mate is not just a warm soothing tea-like drink, it is a national pastime for Argentines. I have heard it referred to as the drink of "Health and Friendship". In Buenos Aires, the gourds are carved from wood or made of leather with a special silver straw which contains a filter and are carried around for use throughout the day. Public trash cans are often lined with the leftover herbs. Although local members and Argentines reassure me that there are far more health benefits than that of coffee and tea, I do not see this as one of our new daily indulgences.

The first time that I heard of Mate Cocido was when Steve went to Youth Conference with our church the weekend of Semana Santa. Mate Cocido is made in large batches with "tea-bag" like packs and hot water and is not as concentrated as it is in the other form.

I give you this short cultural background as to explain the following conversation I had with Peyton today when I picked her up from school.

M: How was school today, sweetheart?
P: I don't want the hot juice.
M: Was it yummy?
P: No, I don't like it.
M: Did you have water instead?
P: No, I just want it warm. (a.k.a. I don't like it)

Today was first day of Mate for the class of 2 year olds. This is what they will have for snack most days, coupled with crackers or cookies. Apparently, they begin helping them to acquire the taste when they are young. I still am not sure how I feel about a toddlers daily consumption of the mate, but we are in Argentina.

Updated: Here is a brief video from the Today Show.

Shift in the wind

The wind has changed directions (which is extremely unfortunate for Rosario). The smoke is no longer billowing down our streets (causing the majority of us painful headaches) and all of my windows are open! I don't know how long it will stay away as the fires are still out-of-control, but for today, I count my blessings.

Wild Fires

Brush fires north of Buenos Aires have created a hazy, smoke filled city. Some speculate that it may have been the Farm Protesters who set the fires, but no one knows how they were caused. The city continues to send more fireman to the Northern Province. Don't let me give you the wrong idea, they are not in our backyard, but the southernly winds are blowing right in our direction.

We just received this warning from the Embassy:

Land fires generate a complex mixture of many pollutants which have acutely irritating health effects which can exacerbate existing health conditions and/or bring on symptoms in healthy people. The pollutants generated by fires, unlike normal everyday activities, are particularly difficult to remove from the air stream due to their chemical and physical properties (extremely small sizes, gaseous) and concentration in the outdoor air. Because of this they are permeating into occupied spaces like housing units and office buildings. A very important step in dealing with this is to minimize exposure to the outdoor air and minimize infiltration of the outdoor air into the indoor environment.

All post personnel are advised of the following methods to minimize exposure to air pollution during this event, those with respiratory problems such as asthma should take particular care:

Limiting time and activity outdoors;
Reducing the air exchange rate between the indoor and outdoor environment by closing windows and implementing weatherizing techniques such as taping up windows, doors, and any openings to the outside, limiting the use of household exhaust fans in the bathroom and the kitchen range hood;
Staying in air conditioning spaces with the unit set on recirculation;
Refraining from exercise - exercise leads to increased respiration, bypasses the effective filtering of the nose and results in increased lung exposure;
Reducing use of tobacco products and other smokeable items;
Minimize children's outdoor play;
Driving with the air conditioning on in automobiles with the air supply set on recirculation.

You should also drink plenty of liquids and use eye drops for eye irritation. Those with respiratory problems should ensure they have an adequate supply of medications on hand. The use of disposable dust masks is not recommended due to their inability to adequaltely provide protection in this type of event.

Where Is He?

... there is a trail of clothes through the house - underwear, pants, socks, shirt, and a sweatshirt, but no Abe.

She continues to call his name, but no awswer. She pretends that she is playing his game, hoping that he is hiding under the bed or in a closet. He won't be able to contain his laughter which will give away his location. Finally, she looks in the backyard to find the gates locked and then, her stomach sinks and she can hardly control her own laughter because she knows that he is in the only place she hasn't checked... the front yard. He is stark naked climbing on the rod iron fence in 60 degree weather.

As if the neighbors don't think that we were the crazy Americans already...

Abe's Latest Sandwich

Danbo Cheese
Mustard
Honey

It could makes sense, but somehow it just doesn't...

Toddler Adaptation

I am ceasingly intrigued by human interaction and the why's and how's of why we act the way that we do. What is even more interesting is watching the interactions of children in large group and their tendencies of gravitation. Living as a foreigner in a non-english speaking country brings this issue to light weekly, if not daily.

Abe is in a class of 24 children which is taught in English (instruction is more often than not bilingual because 21 of the children are learning English for the first time and speak spanish at home), yet all of the play is in spanish including recess, physical education and music class. We are impressed with Abe's ability and interest in learning spanish. However, back to my original point, it is incredible to see how he has gravitated to the two other children he can communicate with. Now I know that this is not surprising, but what is surprising is that he has become really good friends with a little British girl who is ALL girl. I might add that she is one of the cutest little girls that I have ever seen. For the two of them, it is the language that has brought them together and requires them to find other common interests such as books and make believe.

In Peyton's class, there are 11 children all within 6 months of age. All of her instruction and play is in spanish. As a matter of fact, the teachers speak such limited english that I am forced to really work when trying to get a 'childhood development' point across. It is a good opportunity for me as well to really express what I am thinking because I need to communicate effectively. There is one other American boy in her class. Everyday when I ask her about her morning, I get a report about the other boy and according to her teachers, they always play together. His mom made an interesting comment as well about the fact that he finally was willing to part with her in morning since Peyton began. These children communicate in spanish better than the older ones as the learning is easier for them and yet, they still 'stick' together.

Language and human interaction really are incredibly fascinating...

What To Buy On Amazon...

I have rediscovered fictional novels. In college, we read hundreds of pages a week for classes which left little desire to read "for fun." After college, I had children, a house to take care of, a traveling husband, church obligations and a business to run. Obviously, this did not leave me with leisurely time to read. For the most part, I was limited to TIME magazine and online articles.

Now... I have time. Actually, it has been quite an adjustment. Granted, I still have children which occupy the greater part of my day, but I no longer have housework or a business. This means that there is time for me... and for books. I no longer have access to a public library, and am forced to buy them online. Are amazon book reviews reliable? I do not want to shop blindly.

What do you suggest? Are there any novels that you could not put down or consider a 'must read'? I am really looking forward to your responses.

Update: Thanks for your responses. I have now joined GoodReads. I have just ordered: The Secret Life of Bees, These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901, Outlander, The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Book of a Thousand Days based on reviews by friends that I trust. Maybe this will keep me busy for a while...

Guerra de Malvinas

Today is a National Argentine Holiday in commemoration of the Malvinas War (a.k.a Falklands War). This was a war between Argentina and the United Kingdom where 655 Argentine soldiers lost their lives trying to defend a group of islands that they believe is part of their country, yet ultimately lost. If you are interested in a deeper history, you can read about it here. Argentina has recently made a plea to the UK return the islands.

Our Little Chef

Today was the first day of Peyton's one-hour weekly Cooking Workshop at school. Peyton loves to cook and wants to help whenever she sees anyone in the kitchen. She occasionally even tries to add "ingredients" together that are either 1)non-consummable or 2)should never be eaten together!

Here is a picture from Sunday afternoon. Peyton and I made a chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting. I think that she ate/wore more than made it into the pan. :) Then Nina called to say hi...