How do the kids like it here? Part 2

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby... that's all I can say about her. She's been a tough one for me. Don't get me wrong, she loves it here. The whole time we were in Europe, she wanted to get home - so she could see her friends! Sheesh! What is this? High school?!

Roo is in a full time preschool at the elementary school. Five days a week, 3 hrs 45 mins a day. She is the only native English speaker, and she runs that place. Her teacher grew up here on our camp, a Greek American, she's 58 years old now. And the assistant is from Scotland. But other than that, the other 12 kids are all learning English as they come to school each day. Let me tell you, it's been hard on me to see this. She is so ready for Kindergarten, but didn't make the cut off. She is reading, but at school they are still learning their letters. See? She runs the joint! Plus, she's totally outspoken and bossy. I will say though, that at all three of their parent teacher conferences, their teachers each told us how thankful they are for our children in their classes. That they add so much and really help the other kids, that they are a huge help to the teachers. If nothing else, I love that they are learning to help and being so appreciated.

Roo has many friends as well. She has play dates and takes ballet two days a week. She has a very busy social schedule, which she likes and I don't. While she likes her new life, I prefer our quieter little life at home. I am trying to pull the reigns in on her though, and keep her little for a least a bit longer.

As far as church goes, I am missing our primary music leaders from home. This is my hardest thing for me in our little branch. We had fantastic music leaders in our ward, and my kids know far more than any of the kids here, but I hate missing out on all of their music growth they had at home. I am making a small effort at home, but let's be honest - music is NOT my strong point. I especially miss this for Ruby, as she LOVES to sing. But I don't think she's noticing it, just me.

Sol has been, let's face it, a total STINKER. I really think this move has been h arder on him than anyone. It breaks my heart. I think Peter leaving in February, the new baby, the move, leaving his grandparents and life in the states, was REALLY hard on him. He's just barely coming around. Things like cutting Simon's ear, are just par for the course. Nothing surprises me about him these days. I'm not sure I have prayed so much for a child of mine yet in their lives. I pray all the time that he'll adjust and be happy.

Recently my good friend here, was home in the states. She was at the temple with a friend when she stopped to add a name to the prayer role. It was my little Sol. (makes me cry just thinking about it - I didn't know any of this, she told me about it when she got back) She knows what a hard time he's having, and she remembered that he needed a little extra help from heaven right now. Her friend that was with her, another angel apparently, inquired of Sol. Chris told her about his hard time. This other gal is a mother of six, five girls and three year old boy. She went home and told her little Jaxon about Sol, and how he thought they could make him feel better. When Chris came back last week, a little present and card arrived for Sol.

"Solomon,

My name is Jaxon and I am a friend of Chris's. I heard you were sad in your new home and I wanted to do something to make you happy. I have a picture of Jesus in my room. When I am sad my mom reminds we that Jesus love me and Heavenly Father loves me too. I know they love you too. I wanted to send you my very most favorite movie and Mator truck. I hope they help you feel better.

Love, Jaxon"

Yeah. I cried reading it again. Are these they nicest people? I swear. They sent Mator's Tall Tales, which really did make Chach feel better. He LOVES the movie and the car, like REALLY loves. Like, five times a day, loves. (Thank you, thank you, thank you!) And thank you for being such an amazing example. I don't even know this family, and they sent their love and a little gift to the other side of the world for my little Sol. Please remind me to be this kind and aware of others, would you? I get so wrapped up in my own life, I forget that little acts of kindness, such as this, sure can bless a person.

So far, Chach hasn't found a buddy. Or should I say, I haven't found one for him. He LOVES his big boys and adores Gideon. But who doesn't? He's a very popular baby. We're not used to living in a land of few babies, so he gets A LOT of attention. People argue over who gets to hold him at church. What a help this is to me! Giddy hasn't missed a beat. He's happy and easy going. A wonderful gift to our family. None of us can get enough of him, especially his mama.

So there you go. It's kind of like the Christmas letter I didn't send this year. Only with a whole lot more info, more than you want, I'm sure. But that's how the kids are doing here. Thanks for asking. :)