Some Vacation Time with Garrett....

Well Garrett and I made it back safely. This past week Garrett and I struck out on a little adventure to La Cumbre, Argentina. We were invited to go with about 48 Uruguayans to participate in a 75 kilometer challenge. This challenge was an mountain bike race across some of the toughest down hills with one that descended about 5oo meters (1600 feet) in 5 kilometers. We continued through very arid conditions with water crossings along the way but that, was not the challenge. After we arrived at kilometer 45, the challenge started. Climbing over 3000 feet in 10 kilometers. Then traveling through rolling hills to the finish. In total it was approximately 75 kilometers.
The results were not what we were hoping for but the key word was that we all finished safely. Garrett had two flats, which did not allow him to finish on the podium. We are guessing if he had not flattened he would probably have finished in the top three. he finished 13th out of 49.
As for me, I finished. I wasn't sure how would do coming off of 4 weeks of racing then trying to do this. I went into the race to just finish and see what it was that drew over 3000 racers to participate. My finish was 172 out of 450. I was pleased considering that I did not train specifically for this race.
It was impressive how they started all the categories and just a few mishaps. I saw many cramping and many crashes but to what I understand there were no major crashes that required hospitalization.
Garrett and I was able to share our faith with many people along our way and touch people that we wouldn't have touched if had not gone.
I was blessed with the time that I got to spend with my son. And on that note, I have talked a lot about how things went but I forgot the biggest blessing of the whole trip. The morning of the race as we were making final preparations. Garrett came out of the bathroom and asked to pray with me. I was overcome with joy and pride as I had spent an hour or so prior praying for us both and that God would protect him from harm. I am proud of Garrett as he is taking the steps to becoming a man (spiritually). Garrett is not perfect, nor are any of us, but thank God we have a perfect Saviour.

Garrett's Sixteenth!!!

Well we didn't have a big party. He doesn't have plans to go down to the court house and get his driving license. But he does dream of that day when we get back to the states.
Teresa says she remembers the day when she said after his 8th birthday that just in 8 years that he would be turning 16. I bet she didn't see him turning 16 in Uruguay. I sure didn't .
We have been really blessed with Garrett. Yes we have had some valleys but I wouldn't trade them for nothing. We all learned from those down times. We have had some good times that we will always remember. And I look forward to the times to come. Each day I'm amazed at Garrett's ability to make friends. Never meet a stranger and always wanting to help. I'm his biggest fan and proud to be his father.
Happy Birthday Garrett!!!
Your Dad.

I have just a thoughtful Wife!!!

I had commented yesterday that my 40th birthday was pretty much uneventful. Not complaining by no means. I didn't ask for any specific present. That is my norm. I admit that is hard to buy for me because, normally if I need or want something I get it. I'm not the waiting type. Anyway a movie came out last year I think, maybe earlier in the states. The name was "Cinderella Man". It shows just a small part on how the American culture has been shaped. Also I like the fact of how you can see how even the older generation can still endure. Anyway, it was on and I commented to my wife on how I really enjoyed the movie. She said, that is why I got it for your birthday...and I said, "Well where is it?"...she started laughing and stated she had forgot to give it to me until I said what I said. Well I'm thankful she started having senior moments and she hasn't reached 40 yet!!! October 3rd and I get my September 30th present. Better late than never. I'm so thankful for my wife. She keeps me laughing even when she doesn't feel like laughing. She is truly my soul mate. If she ever leaves me I'm going with her!!! I love you babe...
CAUTION...The movie has language in it that is not appropriate for young children...

CoraBeth Info

CoraBeth has started playing basketball. Her and two others are the only girls playing. She is always up to the challenge. Sports here are really still left up to the boys. He are some pixs of a sports saturday they had.

Some of our Easter Drama!

Use which ever way you want to view the pixs.

Easter

Garrett...

I thought I would throw in a family shot. This Garrett getting to race. The guy next to him is probably one of the top 20 best in the country. That day Garrett's brakes where touching bad and he could not keep up with the peloton. I'll try to keep you updated on Garrett's races as the year goes on.

CoraBeth and Deborah.

This a little late. But this is my daughter and the pastor's daughter singing. I didn't get it all and not sure why. Anyway, it was big deal for her.

A Taste of Home!!

What a surprise day before yesterday when I found cilantro on the counter of our fruit stand. It was the only pack. You rarely see fresh herbs here like cilantro. I bought it and guess what we did with it. you guessed it. Salsa... I went today and bought tomatoes, onion and garlic. We had some jalapenos that we bought by the gallon at the Brazilian border and whala.. Salsa. We don't have any type of corn chip so we are going to attempt to make some chips after lunch. The smell just flooded the house and what a tasty odor it was. The kids where besides themselves with excitement. Especially CoraBeth, who likes to eat jalapenos with popcorn. Anyway just something I thought I would share.
A friend from the states was asking about Carnival here in Uruguay. I tried to explain a little, but to be honest I don't know the origin and why it is still celebrated in detail. So I'm trying to put together something that will explain it better than I did.

My Little Girl in Double Digits!

Test 1

Another First.

I know that this might be a regular for some in different parts of the world. Even here, it is pretty common occurance with others but for us it is the first of I’m sure many. You asking all right already what is it? "Lice" Teresa found the critters last night in Cora Beth’s hair. It was pretty large, you could see its legs. Well Teresa entered the living room with her finger on it and asked me, "What is this thing?". I shrugged as any good husband would do and said not sure. Why not go over to our neighbors, who I’m sure have had experience with this and ask her. Well Teresa returned and it was confirmed. Cora has lice but they didn't see any more so we felt confident that a good medicine wash and treatment we would be safe. So off we went to do the first treatment. After the treatment you take a fine tooth comb and pull out any that may be dead and also to locate eggs. Well... guess what, I'm figuring she might have had them for while. We found or the comb rather found many more. Needless to say Teresa and I started itching pretty good at this point. Well after all and all, we treated Teresa's hair and what little of my hair and we didn't find any. The directions say to wait another 10 days and treat again. I'm surprised that it took this long for any of us to get them. Oh... you might be asking what about Garrett. Well he keeps his hair cut down to his scalp that he is not a good candidate for the littler critters. I apologize for not having pictures. Our camera was damaged we waiting on a few things. If any more spawn in the future I will attach pictures. Hope you enjoy. Oh yeh, if anyone has some home remedies on killing the buggers please let us know. We using some expired stuff we brought back in 2004. Thanks again.

Please Don't hold this against me :o)

Things I learnt in Alabama

Possums sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air.

There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 live in Alabama. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Alabama, plus a couple no one's seen before.

If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls, it bites.

Onced and Twiced are words.

It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy.

It's not a garden hose or simply a hose, it's a "hosepipe" (one word). Knowed is a word too! (I knowed I wasnt supposed to do that; but I did)

Fire ants consider your flesh as a picnic.

People actually grow and eat okra. (and like it!)

Mama-nem means the whole family. ("Are mamanem comin?")

There ain't no such thing as "lunch". There's only dinner and then there's supper.

Backards and foreards means I know everything about you.

Jeet? is actually a phrase meaning "Did you eat yet?"

You know you're from Alabama if:

1. You measure distance in minutes.

2. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

3. Stores don't have bags; they have sacks.

4. You see a car running in the parking lot at the store with no one in it, no matter what time of the year.

5. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: I am fixing to go to the store.

6. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.

7. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

8. You carry jumper cables in your car…for your OWN car.

9. You know what "cow tipping" is.

10. You only own four spices: salt, pepper, chili powder, and ketchup. Let’s not forget pepper sauce for the turnip greens!

11. The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages…for sports.

12. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

13. You find 90 degrees Fahrenheit "a little warm."

14. You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

15. You know whether another Alabamian is from east, west, or middle Alabama as soon as they open their mouth.

16. Visiting Wal-Mart is a favorite pastime known as "going to Wal-Marts."

17. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chili weather.

18. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola, or pop... it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example "What kinna coke you want?"

19. Fried Catfish is the other white meat.

20. You understand these jokes.